Week 9 - Project 2 - Presentation: Folie to Building

Week 9 indicated the submission date of the interim presentation. The digital file submission requirements enforced a particular kind of presentation. The group agreed that instead of utilising standard Power Point settings, a program called Prezi would be used to present the project. This program would showcase the submission in an unusual way and would allow the group to experiment with new digital methods and techniques. Each weekly task was included in the final presentation, and was discussed in further detail by all group members. 

TASK 1 PRESENATION SUMMARY

The simple task of sleeping was used as inspiration for Task 1. Our body grew a skin that extended from its wrists to ankles - limiting its movement. As the body extended their arms forward, they were restrained from the skin/material not allowing extensive movement, additionally making walking very difficult. This new identity requried a contemporary environment to live in, something which supported its unusual form. 

Task 1

TASK 2 PRESENTATION SUMMARY

6 cross sections were cut through the site to extend from the site analysis which was previously conducted for the folie project. The section cuts the group selected extended from one shed and stopped slighty before the next, identifying the slight differing natures of the Howard Smith Wharfs site. The sections would additionally help with development of the final project which we will begin to design next week. We also explored different access points to the site - both pedestrian and ferry. Although the area is no longer open to the public, for the purposes of the project it is assumed that it is.

Task 2

TASK 3 PRESENATION SUMMARY

Because our body was quite restricted with walking and the folie lacked any seating, it was decided to design a seat/opening which responded to the limitations of the body. The outer 'skin' made it very hard for the arms to extend forward, meaning that consideration had to be given when deciding how the opening could fold out from the wall (how it could be pulled) to form a seat.

The opening/seating was located on 1 of the 3 folie modules, so that when the body was seated it would have view towards the river. The seat extends 2m in width, designed to cater for more than one body, should there be more than 1 user. Again, this concept coincides with the nature of the original folie, which altered depending on requirements of user(s). As the body pulls the handle from the wall, the hinges allow the seat to flex open until a 90° angle is reached. The body's hands run down the handle until the seat is horizontal and rests on the handle which now serves as a support mechanism for the seat and the live load. Because the hands would be crushed once the handle was verticle, an additional horizontal bar was added in the centre of the handle to allow the hands to run up during the motion. The folie is designed with a complete steel framework, with additional timber supports between steel members - as shown in the drawings. Timber cladding emphasizes the natural and clean cut nature of the design. Natural vines that grown on the exposed steel module also demonstrate the relationship between natural movement (growth) and man-made movement. 

Task 3

TASK 4 PRESENATION SUMMARY

As our folie was already focused on concepts of transformation to suite the body's requirements, it was agreed that we would use the concept to our advantage and connect modules into place as they moved along the track system. We continued the idea of sitting, creating seats that could be pulled by handles, which eventually locked together with other seats forming a large communal space. As certain modules moved along the track system, diverse environments and configurations were created, forming both collaborative and seperate atmospheres within the folie at one given time. The handles attached to the seats addionally doubled as supports for both the seat and the weights applied to them, allowing multi-use per element. The animation of our model shows the realistic movement of modules and how differently the folie can be experienced.
 

Task 4

WEEK 9 INTERIM FINAL DIGITAL PRESENATION

 

Week 7 - Project 2 - Design Modelling

During week 7, the group was to create (whilst further developing the design) a physical operable model of the design. We looked at our current design and decided that even though we did create a seat for the body for task 01, the spaces in the folie were generally lacking defined areas for users to congregate. To help visualise the current design and extensively understand spacial relationships, we produced a rough physical model that would allow us to proceed. 

Rough scale model created to help visualise and understand design

Because our folie was already focused on the idea of transformation to suite user needs, it was decided that we would use the concept to our advantage and lock modules into place as modules moved. We continued the idea of sitting, creating seats that could be pulled by handles, which eventually locked together with other seats forming a large communal space. As certain modules moved up and down the track system, diverse environments and configurations were created, forming both collaborative and seperate atmospheres within the folie at one given time. The handles attached to the seats addionally doubled as supports for both the seat and the weights applied to them, allowing multi-use per element. 

Creating the final physical model also reinforced the importance of materiality regarding the project. The model was compiled using foamcore, covered with balsa wood sheets, and spray painted skewers representing steel. The steel framework which extended throughout the folie modules was also supported with timber beams sitting between steel members for additional support. The group decided to keep the light timber cladding which covered 2 of the 3 modules as it was agreed that the material created simplistic and clean-cut motions as modules moved back and forth.The 3rd module showcased its naked steel framework that allowed natural vines to grow on it. This element did not only allow users to sit amongst the environment and enjoy the aesthetic value, but also incorporate a sense of natural movement (growth) amongst man-made creation; strengthening the transformative concept furthermore. 

Task 04 - 'An Analogue Series Physical Model'

Different Configurations of the final Design/Model

Analogue Animation of Design

Explanation of Different (Selected) Configurations

1. Private enclosure

2. Expansion allowing more views and space users

3. Seat pulled open allowing user(s) to sit

4. 2nd elongated seat opened, connecting to 1st seat. Steel module between creates seperation of sides/spaces

5. Steel module moved creating communal sitting space

6. Steel module completely expanded creating 2 seperate environments

7. 2nd elongated seat pulled back up creating 3 seperate environments

8. Left module pushed next to right module creating intimate space

9. Steel module pushed next to remaining modules allowing user to walk amongst natural vines

10. 3rd seat pulled out creating another intimate space for users to sit and experience views/vines

Week 6 - Project 2 - Computing without Computers

This week we were required to design a room that reflected the ideas of the transformative body. To do this, we had to consider how the body would complete the task of either opening, sitting or walking up stairs - and mould our design around the restriction. The group ultimately decided to select The Key as the folie to further develop, because of its approriate relation to the operative topic.

Chosen Folie: 'The Key'

Because our body was quite restricted with walking and the folie lacked any seating, it was decided to design a seat/opening which responded to the limitations of the body and its movement. The outer 'skin' made it quite difficult for the arms to extend forward, meaning that consideration had to be given when deciding how the opening could fold out from the wall (how it could be pulled) to form a seat.

The restrictive movements of the body which had to be considered during design of the opening/seating

The opening/seating was located on 1 of the 3 folie modules, so that when the body was seated it would have view towards the river. The seat extends 2m in width, designed to cater for more than one body, should there be more than 1 user. Again, this concept coincides with the nature of the original folie, which altered depending on requirements of user(s). As the body pulls the handle from the wall, the hinges allow the seat to flex open until a 90° angle is reached. The body's hands run down the handle until the seat is horizontal and rests on the handle which now serves as a support mechanism for the seat and the live load. A rough physical model was produced to estimate how the body would realistically move with the opening/seating. This exercise outlined that the hands would be crushed once the handle was verticle, so an additional horizontal bar was added in the centre of the handle to allow the hands to run up during the motion.

Physical Model Exercise

Motion 1 of opening/seating being pulled by body

Motion 2 of opening/seating being pulled by body

Motion 3 of opening/seating being pulled by body

Horizontal bar added to centre of handle to allow hands to run up/down during motion

Horizontal bar added to centre of handle to allow hands to run up/down during motion

This transition of the original folie is focused on the ergonomical relationship between restricted body and architectural form. The body's restrictions have been considered, assuring the function of the opening/seating corresponds with the slight capabilites of the body - ensuring a person-environment fit. 

Task 3 - A Room for the Transformative Body

Operative Speculative Plan: Module Track System and Opening/Seating Design

Operative Speculative Section 1: Opening/Seating Design

Operative Speculative Section 2: Opening/Seating Design

Week 5 - Project 2 - Design Decision Support for Wicked Problems

This week we were introduced to our selected theme group topic, Volatile Bodies. The concept revolved around the idea of transformative bodies through abstraction. I found the introduction to be very unusual and intriguing and much unlike any design approaches I have experienced in the past. For the past thousands of years, the human body has formed the basis of both art and architecture as is demonstrated through Leonardo Da Vinci's most famous illustration; The Vitruvian Man. The drawing demonstrates the ideas and philosophies of Roman architect Marcus Vitruvius Pollio, who believed that architecture should conform to the proportions and measurements of the human body.

Vitruvian Man, Leonardo Da Vinci.

Since then, all architecture, interior design, industrial design and alike has been created to suit the "needs" of the human form. But then we ask ourselves, how can we design for something that is constantly changing? No two bodies are exactly the same, and nothing continues to live without slightly altering throughout its journey - this is where the idea of the transformative body (architecture) becomes alive. 

This weeks tasks involved completing an operational speculative plan and sectional drawings which document the volatile body. To complete the plans, we were required to either bind or attach in order to alter the human body, consequently restricting movement. It was vital to depict the new form as an abstraction, and not as literal body interpretation that it no longer was. Our group of 3 decided that we would individually brainstorm which mediums could be used to complete the tasks.  

Concepts arose such as binding particular body parts to each other to affect movement; neck to chin. This adjustment would alter everything, from how the body walks, sits, picks up something or even moves around. Other ideas involved looping loose strings around motion areas of the body, such as limbs and arms which could create interesting shapes and most importantly limit or influence the body performing everyday tasks. Another idea was to attach stilts or cones to only one half of the body, such as elbows, knees, calves, thinghs (asymmetry) and make the body move on its back, with half of itself "tainted." This could bring about unnatural movement of the human body.

Difference between motion: relax vs taught

Asymmetrical Attachment

Concepts about skin growth were also explored. Simple tasks such as sleeping were looked at, where the body extends its skin from hands to ankles, forming a limbless like product. Or walking through door frames with exaggerated shoulders which would force the body to turn in order to successfully pass through the exit. Ultimately, we decided that a task should be selected in order to decide how the body will be manipulated in order to perform it.

The task of sleeping was further established. We took inspiration from creatures that use shells as a means of protection or concealment. A large, red fabric sheet was placed over the back of a group member, and was tied to their wrists and ankles. As the member extended their arms forward, they were restrained from the material not allowing extensive movement, additionally making walking very difficult. Our 'body' was photographed from 3 different angles; side elevation, front elevation and plan. The new addition was used as a skin or shell that eventually covered the crouching position of the body, forming new contours and silhouettes which the body alone cannot create. 

SIDE ELEVATION

Side Elevation 1

Side Elevation 2

Side Elevation 3

Side Elevation 4

Side Elevation 5

FRONT ELEVATION

Front Elevation 1

Front Elevation 2

Front Elevation 3

Front Elevation 4

Front Elevation 5  

PLAN

Plan 1

Plan 2

Plan 3

Plan 4

Plan 5

 After the motion shots were taken, the group discussed possible mediums that could be used to portray the operational speculative plan and sectional drawings. The simple technique of pencil drawing was decided, adopting varying line weights to depict motion between the layers. The final drawings which were scaled at 1:20, are located below.

 Task 01 - 'Bodily States'

Operational Sectional Drawing 1

Operational Sectional Drawing 2

Operational Speculative Plan

Task 02 - 'The Cross Sections'

The Cross Sections of the Site

Diagram showing where the section cuts have been made

6 cross sections were cut through the site to extend from the site analysis which was previously conducted for the folie project. The section cuts the group selected extended from one shed to the next, identifying the slight changing nature of the site.

In terms of continuation from folie to the next project, we were starting to decide which of our 3 folie designs would best suit the transformation. I personally believed that 'The Key' folie would be an appropriate selection, as its concept revolved around alteration and movement depending on task and human requirements.