FIXED AND FLEXIBLE

RING JOINTS

Fall 2014

Computer Aided Architectural Design Methods

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Advisor: Jason Carlow

Acknowledgements: Eagle Wu

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PROJECT STATEMENT

 

FIXED JOINTS

 

The final model aims to resolve the problems
of the previous attempts.
Firstly, one disc at the nodes is used, compared with
2 at the 2nd attempt and multiple stacked discs at
the 1st attempt. This reduces the material weight
significantly.
Secondly, the mechanical fixation is also resolved
and minimized visually at the connections. The
branch is combined with two separate ones which
overlap with each other fixed with bolts.
Thirdly, the overall design concept of the ‘ring’ is
still preserved with the form at the nodes and the
curvy form of the branches.

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FLESIBLE JOINTS

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The final model aims to resolve the problems of the previous attempts.
Firstly, the disc at the nodes is enlarged to provide three holes for the mechnaical fixation necessary for the thick stacks of plywood pieces.
Secondly, the independently produced plywood components are modified according to the shifted centers from the material thickness. Now all of the plywood pieces at a node share the same center, as scripted in the Grasshopper definition in later pages.
Thirdly, the fixation between the wood members and the plywood is strengthened by making a larger connection surface at the end of the plywood, which also resists tention better.

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