Project 86

[Course] Dynamic Fields | Responsive Architecture [Web] www.dynamicfields.ro title] Project 86 [Objective] Windmapping, structural deformation analysis [Function] Abstract [Materials] Bamboo sticks, thermocontractable cable, polistiren,, nylon thread [Technology] Rhinoceros+ Grasshopper [Team] Andrei Ducu Predescu, Razvan Ichim, Laura Ratoi, Lidia Ratoi, Lina Rutkauskaite, Ana Baciu, Gabriela Ciuchete, Ileana Cristina Balan, Alexandru Oprita, Victor Placinta, Oana Bacu [DESCRIPTION] A dynamic structure formed by diamond shaped modules that have flexibile joints which allow the interconnected parts to react at an individual level or as an integrative system. The final project was the result of an intensive testing of various iterations. The most successful one being selected to be part of the system.Our research was based in the real world as opposed to theother projects which were routed in the digital environment. [PROJECT GOAL] This structure explores the flexibility of a parametric system developed from a single section typology. Its beauty consists in the mastery of using a module with a common shape and an unitary pattern to still create a dynamic shape and motion. By integrating systems thinking to the design process, in which the rules and relationship among system elements are defined at the beginning of the design process, the most efficient solutions are generated by the system itself. Modelling: The virtual modelling was a challenge : there are different types of materials, various motion scenarios, flexible joints, stiff sticks and more than one wind source. In addition, the structure and shape kept changing throughout the workshop, sometimes firstly virtually, sometimes in the model, so we had to be very efficient time wise. [FUNCTION] The idea was to create a structure that has moving parts which allow it to constantly adapt and change to its surrounding environment and in particular, to the airflow created by the industrial fans strategically placed to create a pleasant movement. With this in mind, we wondered how a structure adapting continuously can influence the purposes and functions it will serve, and the materials can be changed to suit different sizes and functionalities. [STRUCTURE] Initially, we were uncertain whether to use all the modules of the same size, or to alternate the sizes of them, but we realized that alternating the sizes will only introduce additional problems. We considered that it will not affect the complexity of the structure and eventually decided to have identical modules, so we could create a more controlled and balanced structure and movement, even though the structure is not symmetrical. [SYSTEM] The system acts as a structural membrane which mediated the airflow, becoming a synergy between the mechanical forces and the structure itself, thus the modules undergo translation and axis variation, each of them being independently dynamic, but within the structure being interdependent. The system works at its full potential when there are two opposite and alternative wind sources – in this case, industrial fans [MATERIALS] Modules and joints: The very simple diamond shaped module, formed through joined bamboo sticks, is very permissive due to the electrical protective cable used to keep sticks together ( the cable has a rubber texture and shrinks at heat ), this results in a variety of shapes that the module can produce.