THE SEED

Passive Folder Project

PassiveFolder_Folding Sequence from Skylar Tibbits on Vimeo.

The Passive Folder is a recent development in the line of programmable matter, 1D folding chain, systems. The Passive Folder maintains the full functionality of its previous ancestors i.e. 3 locking positions of rotation, full programmability/functionality at every node, the ability to construct any given 1D, 2D or 3D geometry from a single 1D input string. However, the Passive Folder aimes at scalability for large-scale assembly and thus attempts to save construction time and cost while eliminating its reliance on electromechanical systems. The Passive Folder relies on human constructability and on-site physical programming (pull & rotate mechanism) to transform between any given geometries. This removes the cost for electronics and high torque motors that struggle to fight excessive moment forces that can lead to unit failure at any point along the chain. The simple pull & rotate mechanism allows anyone to simply program each unit by separating each female-to-female unit, then rotating to any of the 3 locking positions and releasing. Any desired geometry can be written as a string of angles or instructions for the user. By starting at one end and walking along the chain, programming each node, angle sequences are locked in-place, resulting in the overall desired geometry.

The Passive Folder was constructed using:

-Waterjet cut (30) 2′x3′ sheets of white powder coated aluminum

-1800 black rivets

-Each connected with a 4″x4″ black turntable bearing

The Passive Folder was built under the Milli-Biology project in Neil Gershenfeld’s Center for Bits and Atoms, MIT.

Project Team: Neil Gershenfeld, Skylar Tibbits, Erik Demaine, Kenny Cheung, Max Lobovsky, Veronica Emig

http://sjet.wordpress.com/2010/01/11/passive-folder/

Time is on My Side

Cold mailman - Time is of the essence from André Chocron on Vimeo.

A group of unassuming residential towers in Oslo’s Grorud Valley neighborhood have been transformed into the stars of Cold Mailman’s music video “Time is of the essence” directed by André Chocron.

Taking full advantage of the density of the towers, Chocron set up multiple cameras at various angles in order to shoot a sequence of time lapse videos from sundown to sunup. What looks like an intricately choreographed light show, is cleverly composited in post-production. Predictably, in the evening residents turned their lights on, and as the evening progressed turned them off. In order to create the dance of lights in similar effect to that of an equalizer, Chocron switches between the illuminated and darkened states in concert with the choreography of the song. The end result is an intriguing audiovisual composition.

http://www.archdaily.com/166889/oslo-towers-dance-for-music-video/

digital architecture laboratory: aggregated porosity









echnical diagram of construction detail
customized joint, laser cut panels, tensile cable net
technical diagram of the joint and panels
1 - u clamp
2 - 0.2mm washer
3 - nut for securing cables
4 - 9mm MDF spacer
5 - nut for securing panels
6 - customized joint plate
7 - bolt for securing panels
8 - laser-cut plywood panel
9 - panel numbering to assist in assembly







the canopy's foundation is a 40x40mm L-section steel frame anchored to a wall, to which a grid of laser-cut plywood pieces
are secured. steel cable mesh is attached to this grid, and custom joints are used to affix the individual wooden hexagonal panels
(also laser-cut) to the mesh, where they can be adjusted by hand and gravity into their desired position.

reappropriating off-the-shelf hardware components, the custom joints designed for the project allow flexibility on all three axes,
when attached via slots cut into the plywood that lie perpendicular to slots on the joint's stainless steel plate.

the design of the canopy itself involved manipulation and refinement in modeling programs. using an orthogonal grid,
the basic L-shape of a structure that could provide shade was curved to build in a bench for seating and then modified
to offer an organic-like form. this original surface grid is then used to generate a hexagonal array of panels,
each diverse in form as determined by the computer model, and each constrained at three of their points but open at three others,
permitting the creation of opening and curves. the largest panels are inset with triangular holes to preserve the continuity of the wooden mesh.

reblogged from Design Boom
(source http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/16324/digital-architecture-laboratory-aggregated-porosity.htm)

"All fixed set patterns are incapable of adaptability or pliability. The truth is outside of all fixed patterns"
Bruce Lee

An architecture as landscape

The Capital Hill complex as a landscape which provides for the ecology of parliament.

This landscapes with its amorphic superstructure will adapt and flex to cater for the shifts in spatial and functional demands and provide for both short and long term carrying capacity growth.

Functions +

Replacement and extension of existing functions

The superstructure, when applied to just the flanking functions of the House of Repre­sentatives and the Senate Chamber can ex­tend their capacity and number of functions.

The addition of flexibility must also incor­porate ideals of transparency and of public interaction with the Parliamentary process. It should provide facilities for the public to voice their opinions and be heard without fear of persecution and allow for civil disobedience while maintaining security and order

Architecture as Icon

"Noble life demands a noble architecture for noble uses of noble men. Lack of culture means what it has always meant: ignoble civilization and therefore imminent downfall."

Frank Lloyd Wright

Iconic Silhouette
The Sydney Opera House and Uluru are significant cultural signifiers of Australia, their iconic silhouettes are readily identifiable and defy context and scale.

“the building (Parliament House) was a ‘very appropriate solution for the site’, but it doesn’t touch the heart as much as say the Sydney Opera House.”
— Lindsey Clare

The Capital Hill complex’s adaptive superstructure will develop a unique iconic silhouette and presence that becomes a symbol for the Australian Parliament, for the city of Canberra and as an international signifier of the Australian people on a global stage.

An amalgamation of the Capital Hill complex’s amorphic superstructure with Australian embassies allowing for adaptation and growth of these international functions and serves and as a means of cultural branding and demarcation.

cultural identity

"Architecture has to be greater than just architecture. It has to address social values, as well as technical and aesthetic values. On top of that, the one true gift that an architect has is his or her imagination. We take something ordinary and elevate it to something extraordinary. "

Samuel Mockbee, Professor of Architecture, Auburn University

Within its short national history, Australia has out grown several notions of cultural identity. The expanding multicultural milieu of contemporary Australia creates an ever evolving national identity of multiplicities.

In order to create meaningful lasting Identity and presence the Capital Hill complex must reflect and address current and future cultural values and needs.

The Existing rigidity of structure and form is addressed through an amorphic superstructure allowing for adaptation and flexibility,

This hybridisation allows for the adaptation and growth of political and cultural functions and services, and ensures that the Capital Hill complex remains a cultural relevant institution

"Design is a response to social change."
George Nelson

Adapt or Die

Architectural Narrative

Vision for Australian Capital & Architectural Investigation
Journey to the hill

The children rush over to the windows and point to the figures working on the farms and the lake. In the distance, fields of power infrastructure overlook the Capital. The children squeal with excitement, unknown dialects heard on the voice over and hum of the train blend into one sound as we draw closer to our much anticipated destination—a must see for all Australians, a national pilgrimage.
The iconic silhouette of Capital Hill’s morphic superstructure appears on the horizon, internationally recognisable as Australian and utilised throughout all its embassies.
Soon enough, the train comes to a stop and with the parting of its doors, the immediate sound of protest and excitement is heard.
As I follow the sound of voices, its source is suddenly visible as the ground below me starts to elevate. Walking along a raised platform towards the space of debate and discussion, I can see the superstructure adapting itself for the growing listeners. In an instant, my proposed questions appear on the projection screens. I can see different members of parliament busily answering the public, and momentarily an answer to my question appears on the interface.
As day transitions into night, the architecture’s circadian rhythm continues. The spatial qualities created by the superstructure continue to adapt with the change in time, in sync with the different users and evolving functions. Tiny lights start to emerge from within the superstructure to counter the fall of night. Elements above me begin to part revealing the night sky. The once used spaces of the day slowly disappear as they compress and retract.
The feeling of the building has changed.


Cameron Anderson, Julie Hoang, Alex Dickinson

A flexible infrastructure
strategy allows for system
growth and adaptive service
delivery




Technology infrastructure integrated in the Capital Hill complex can promote greater public interaction and transparency of Government.
Sustainable integration of energy, water and other utilities within the Capital Hill com­plex removes reliance on external sources.

Existing transportation infrastructure enhanced with mass transit and encouraging pedestrian and bicycle access. Capital Hill complex acting as a transportation hub.

“the building (Parliament House) was a ‘very appropriate solution for the site’, but it doesn’t touch the heart as much as say the Sydney Opera House.”
— Lindsey Clare

TIME > ARCHITECTURE

"Architecture should speak of its time and place, but yearn for timelessness."

Frank Gehry

adaptive skin

Adaptive skin superstructure conceptualisation

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change”

Charles Darwin

Thresholds hold a key role within an architecture of flexible form and function, creating significant way-finding and maintain a continuum of architectural language and presence.

GREEN is the NEW BLACK

Retrofit Urban Areas With Ecologically Positive Development

"A system of development that does not pay its own way over its life cycle is no longer morally acceptable. We have already exceeded the Earth’s ecological, not to mention carbon, carrying capacity. Therefore, cities need to increase ecological carrying capacity just to support existing bio-regions and populations equitably. "

Architecture professor Janis Birkeland

(source http://abccarbon.com/retrofit-urban-areas-with-ecologically-positive-development/)

A flexible strategy would adapt to changing ecological conditions.