Spatial Experiences
Exploration of Modular Structures
I began my exploration by looking at images of modular structures on Pinterest. I found that how regular the shape and slits are can drastically alter the structure. Both of these components are crucial for determining what the possibilities for configuration are.
Part One: 3 Structures
Creation of Modules:
Before I started cutting, I did some quick drawings of modules, with the slits being the thickness of a standard piece of corrugated cardboard.
I decided to make my modules in Adobe Illustrator so that I could easily replicate the shape and so that the slit would be the exact thickness of the material I was using. I chose two modules from my sketches and another that I created within Adobe Illustrator.
Module 1:
Structure 1:
The rule used for this structure was to create the same connections, but mirrored, and then build off of this. By this, I mean I made one string of modules and then copied this sequence of connections. I then added an overhand to create closure within my structure.
Structure 2:
The rule used to make this structure was similar to my previous model, however, I chose not to close off the end.
Module 2:
Structure 1:
The rule used to create this was connecting the bottom slot to the top-right slot of every piece, This created a portion of a circle that stood up on its own.
Structure 2:
My rule for this model was attaching pieces to every slot that faced outwards on the central piece.
Module 3:
Structure 1:
For this structure, I attached two modules together using the same slot on each piece. Once I ran out of pieces, I connected these pairs to each other, using the free slots on each piece.
Structure 2:
To make this, I had the idea to make a circular shape with these pieces. There was no rule regarding how I connected pieces other than trying to create this shape.
Part 2: One Large Structure
The next step of this project was to create one larger structure using pieces that are about 2" x 2". The minimum piece count was 25, and we were allowed to use up to three different modules. The other factor in this is that we have to choose a verb to drive the creation of this structure. This verb describes what people would do on or around the structure.
I first wrote a list of verbs with varying amounts of activity and chose REST. Before making anything I had the idea of a large curved/angled structure that would provide shade, and a possible seating area. So that I could accomplish this, I used an existing form that uses basic shapes to create a rounded structure — a soccer ball. By using Hexagons and pentagons, I could make the curved wall that would provide shade, and would not have to guess as to what my structure would look like if I were to use other shapes.
Before creating these shapes I went back to the material I used in my first structures (corrugated cardboard) as felt as though it were too thick and that it would become malleable with too much handling. Because of this, I switched to a different type of cardboard that I had which was still corrugated cardboard, but about a quarter of the thickness.
Both the pentagon and hexagon were regular shapes that had slits added for connecting. The third module I created was a connector that was a small rectangle with slits added for connecting, however, I angled each slit on the side ten degrees to create a curve when multiple hexagons/pentagons were connected. The single perpendicular slit was added for the possibility of creating seating at the base of my curved structure.
I was able to make a portion of a curved wall and added some form of a seating area, but did not fully create what I had in mind, but knowing that I will have more time to iterate, I have plans for what I would like to add. Due to a lack of pieces, I was forced to make the seating at an angle. This function still applied to Resting, but only allowed for a brief rest. The other issue I had was that the wall did not go as high as I would have liked, but if I create more pieces I will fix this problem.
Part 3: Putting Structure into Context
I did not choose a specific context, but new that I wanted my structure to be situated outside. I also did not want it to interfere with the colors and feeling of its location, so I wanted to color it in a light, pastel color taken from nature. To achieve this I painted all of my modules a peach/wood color. We were also asked to assign three adjectives to describe the vibe of our structure and I chose Relaxed, Comfortable, and Natural.
In-Class Crit:
The feedback I received was that I should add more modules to the side of the structure to continue the curve and make it asymmetrical. Since it is currently symmetrical it does not entirely fit the descriptor of natural. Another addition that was suggested was adding more to the top of the structure so that it covered more of the seats. A comment that I made was that I may want to paint the outside of the structure a shade darker than the inside, and this was liked by those in my crit group. My plan for the next class is to create and add more modules to the top and to one side of the structure.
Feedback:
We had to gain feedback from a few people not in design to see if our structure communicated the action that was associated with it. these are the responses I got:
Person 1: There should be more cover on the top, but the amount of curvature seems good.
Person 2: Interesting that there are only two seats, but since the shapes are very directional that can create a reason for conversation (or for ignoring someone).
Person 3: There should be more variation in color (Make the outside a darker shade than the inside)
Every person I talked to eventually understood that you could sit on the horizontal modules, but they were not immediately taken to this idea. I believe that the structure in context and at its appropriate scale will allow for others to understand how to interact with it.
The Final Structure:
I took everything that was brought up by others and myself and adjusted my structure accordingly. I added to the top of the structure and to one of the sides to make it asymmetrical. These additions allowed the structure to fit with the natural adjective tied to it. I also painted the exterior a shade darker than the interior, which is a subtle difference but allows for a clear distinction between the exterior and interior and infers that the action of resting should take place on one side of the structure.
Final Structure Poster:
Reflection:
When starting this project it was difficult to see how I would be able to create a structure with seemingly random parts. Working with a bottom-up approach was hard for me to wrap my head around and I kept expecting something to be created as I put modules together, but I was never satisfied.
As we started making our single structure, I transitioned into a top-down approach and attempted to reverse engineer the structure that I wanted to make. This process was much easier for me as I knew the general shape of the pieces I needed to make, and could adjust accordingly depending on if the pieces were a success or a failure.
While I ended up using a top-down approach, I see how beginning with a bottom-up approach can help for ideas, however, you have to be in the mindset to explore everything in front of you. I believe that since I did not know what our final deliverable would be when I was exploring my first six structures, I was not able to successfully use a bottom-up approach.
I am happy with my final structure and feel as though it successfully fits the interaction verb and mood adjectives I assigned. The only adjustments I would like to make are changing the sizes of the modules. For the large half-dome, the pieces are sized accordingly, however, when attempting to make a seating area, it was difficult to work with the large hexagons I had used. I think that by attempting to explore different modules that can create the same arching effect, I would be able to better transition into the seating area.
