Research-
For this project, my research was largely hands on trial and error.
Exercises:
Exercise 1a
Exercise 1b
Iterations-
A Sketched iteration of what would become my final form, on top of a picture of my second attempt.
Production-
I began by making a possible template for my sketched out form.
I put together this template largely through instinct, but also carefully measured every part. For example, I made my triangles by calculating the midpoint of my base lines, using that to draw a 1in perpendicular line, and then connected the remaining to edges after measuring them to make sure they were equal. There were multiple design flaws in my template, which I compensated for by cutting off parts as I was glueing then form together, and measuring out new ones to put on their place.
Top left: partially folded initial template. Top right: partially assembeled form with pieces cut off
Middle Left: partially assembled form from different angle. Middle Right: measurement and shape of a redrawn piece. Bottom Left: Measurements and outline of a reconstructed piece. Bottom Right: measurements and outline of a piece that was missing from the template.
After receiving feedback on my roughly taped form, I proceeded to draw a revised version of my template which I then traced on to tracing paper so that I would have a copy of my template.
After making my final template I proceeded to construct my final form.
Finished with my final shape, I chose to continue my exploration through the option of modularity and repeated the process of constructing my form three additional times. Then I began to tape them together in different ways.
After multiple arrangements I decided to finalize a pinwheel like form by attaching the shapes with tacky glue. In comparison to my other explorations, this one felt like it not only had movement, but actually fit together rather than feeling forced. The shapes all connect via the flat sides of their triangular protrusions. I believe that unlike my other constructions, this one achieves a sense of harmony, and visual as well as literal balance given it wad my only construction that could stand on it’s own. In multiple positions for prolonged periods if time.
Reflection:
throughout the duration of this project, I vastly improved upon my construction skills and added template making to my repitoire. I learned how to think differently about 2D forms and translate my 3D thoughts into a 2D template. In learning these things I have grown a greater appreciation for the math, time, and attention to detail involved in making a good 3D design.