Fiberglass: Schematic Process

The arrangement of the four module types is defined by a designed height field, which was inserted into Grasshopper to strategize the gradient of the aperture pattern. These inform where the collective form is angled, introducing the folded curvature.

The individual module is a composition of three layers of fiberglass, with a metal washer inserted into six fiberglassed tabs. These composite tabs allow the insertion of a machine screw and nut, which secure a metal connection that subsequently connects to another module. These connections allow the modules to form a rigid grid, further stabilized by rubber washers at each connection.

Fiberglass: Digital Process

The process began with the pursuit to develop a module with openings that varied in size from module to module, creating variation culminating in a gradient pattern. These apertures are dome/cone-shaped, allowing a multi-directional rigidity. The modules themselves are triangular, allowing the creation of a grid that allows infinite expansion and axes through which the collective form is angled.

The modules are divided into four different variations [SM, MED, LRG2, LRG1] created using the generative modeling tool, Grasshopper, to orchestrate the forms and dimensions of the apertures. The height of the modules is defined the maximum cut depth of the CNC mill, being limited to a maximum four inches.

fiberglass 03: additional precedents

Here is a look at different aperture shapes as well as patterns of gradation. We are trying to understand the efficiency of these shapes as they pertain to our material.

Project 1: Origami

Thomas Shorey, Joel Piazza and Kegan Flanderka