( MAKING + THINKING ) x TESTING = ARCHITECTURE

August 17, 2019

Assignment 3 – Documentation

Abstract:
A finished model (as an outcome) is always able to show the best quality of a design, but it does not tell the story of how it was considered, developed and fabricated along the journey. Taking this model fabrication course is not only about strengthening the skill of making a good model, but also about learning from constant testings and failures when fabricating.

A. SITE MODEL FOR GRADUATION STUDIO

SITE LOCATION:
Waterloo, NSW 2017

SCALE:
1:500

MATERIALS:
1. OAK benchtop panel 18mm
2. Cold white filament (for 3D print)
3. Neon yellow acrylic sheet 3mm
4. Walnut timber sheet

TECHNIQUES:
1. CNC
2. 3D Print
3. Laser cut

1. 3D PRINT

I decided to 3D print my site buildings because some of them are of weird shapes and having details such as pitched roof. I was actually thinking to laser cut them or hand cut them, but since the time was quite limited, I gave up... Now I'm just so glad I chose to 3D print them, which saved me bunch of time!

Preparing file for 3D print

3D printing

Site buildings were initially printed in two different colours - cold white and warm white, which I did not know until I started to place them together on site. Then I decided to talk to the workshop because I was not told about it before printing. I eventually got the warm white ones reprinted for free :D #happy

2. CNC

I always wanted to try CNC before and now I finally got a chance!

Timber hunting at Bunnings

Transport...

CNC in progress

Sanding...

3. MODEL ASSEMBLING

Gluing all the building pieces on CNC base

I think I chose the wrong timber panel, as the texture of it is way too strong such that the final quality of the model loses its hierarchy... (but thanks to Photoshop which makes my final submission look stunning!)

4. LASER CUT

Laser cutting acrylic board to make many modules which would be formed as different design options.

And then... when everything comes together... (of course plus Photoshop)

B. WATERLOO CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

BUILDING LOCATION:
Waterloo, NSW 2017

SCALE:
1:200 & 1:500

MATERIALS:
1. Cold white filament (3D print)
2. Silver colour paper

TECHNIQUES:
1. 3D Print
2. Laser cut

1. 3D PRINT

The model that I initially tested is in sclae 1:500 which the 3D printer could not print out the details on church's facades.Then I was thinking if I should just 3D print a basic building form and sticked the facades on it. I think i was right and the outcome turns out good to me.

2. LASER CUT

I decided to laser cut the church's facades on paper in terms of its very thin thickness and easy-to-stick feature. Quill 285g silver paper has been selected because of its nice quality and texture, and especially the thickness (which is thicker than normal paper, but thinner than card or board).

Modifying laser cutter's power setting for paper... (This setting is the best one that I have been testing so far)

Laser cutting in process...

Done!

I tested three laser cutting ways on church's windows - engraving, scoring and fully cut out, and I eventually decided to lay the fully cut-out one on the engraving one which is able to give my model some depth and hierarchy.

3. MODEL ASSEMBLING

I have been always using PVA glue for my model making, but sometimes I find it annoying because of its leftover that makes my model look dirty. One day when I was doing stationery hunting at Officeworks, I found this glue tape. It is absolutely amazing to use and makes everything so clean. Of course I used it this time for making my church :D

And then again... when everything comes together...

C. NEW MUSEUM BY SANAA

BUILDING LOCATION:
NEW YORK, NY USA

SCALE:
1:200

MATERIALS:
1. BASSWOOD 2MM
2. RUST-OLEUM GREY PRIMER

TECHNIQUES:
1. Laser cut
2. Spray paint

1. FILE PREPARING