Wednesday, February 7, 2007
_Horizontal wall_ research agenda
Living Architecture: Responsive Kinetic Systems Lab
Instructor: David Benjamin (d@thelingnewyork.com)
HORIZONTAL WALL
Group:
Andrew Bloomfield (aebloomfield@gmail.com)
Jose Cruz (JCCpanthers@aol.com)
Zack Oslow (zjoslow@gmail.com)
Troy Zezula (tzezula@gmail.com)
RESEARCH AGENDA
Statement of Intent:
A wall (or any sufficiently large vertical surface) is typically utilized in the attachment of many other common architectural elements. Most of these attached elements are horizontal in character such as a stair tread, bench, table, bar or shelf. Typically the function of a given horizontal element is predetermined and then it is correspondingly fixed to the wall at a prescribed height above the floor. This reality is one in which a height is not easily customized to the needs of an individual user or a function is not easily changed based on the varying requirements of an owner. It is not possible to quickly return a wall to its original state prior to the attachment of any horizontal elements.
The goal of our group is to investigate and construct a mechanical assembly that can be located within a wall that attempts to address the concerns described above. We seek to maximize the flexibility and usage of a wall as both a surface and a functioning horizontal element and shift the wall from its current static state to a more dynamic and responsive one. The following list of objectives provides a rough timeline and prioritization of the goals of the group. The objectives proceed from general to user specific and from less to more technically complex. With a group size of four we have the flexibility to attempt to pursue multiple objectives simultaneously unless the integration/coordination of objectives proves too difficult.
Primary Objective:
We seek to construct a mechanical assembly that will transform a vertical surface into a horizontal element capable of supporting load. The function of the horizontal element will be defined by its elevation in relation to the floor plane.
Secondary Objective:
We seek to make the horizontal element changeable by allowing its function to be decided by the user.
Tertiary Objective:
We would like to investigate the implementation of a sensor based input strategy that would allow the assembly to be responsive to the specific parameters of an individual user.
Quaternary Objective:
We would like to investigate the feasibility of creating an array of assemblies that could be integrated together to create continuous a horizontal element at a constant or varying elevation.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Methodology:
The primary research focus of the group will be on the operation of output components configured around a mechanical assembly operated with Flexinol wires (Primary Objective). Once a basic assembly is operable it can be calibrated to work at predefined elevation settings (Secondary Objective). Further customization and responsiveness input components based on user specific parameters could then be integrated into the system as time permits (Tertiary Objective). Or, depending on the preference of the group, multiple assemblies could be constructed and made to operate concurrently to maintain a sole focus on output components (Quaternary Objective).
Precedents:
http://www.med.umich.edu/lrc/Hypermuscle/
http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/musrom.htm
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/chb/lectures/anatomy4.html
http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/sci_ed/grade10/manphys/joints.htm
http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/adapt/flap1.htm
http://www.aviary.org/curric/wings.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/snake3.htm
Preliminary Research:
-folding seat/table structures-
-vertical-to-horizontal mechanical armatures-
-Flexinol wires-
-lightweight yet stiff material-
(EVA foam)
-flexible stretchy materials-
(Nylon)
Applications:
Flexibility is a common desire within architecture. With cities growing and space being limited the use of transformational architecture helps minimize space consumption but maximize its use. Retail, commercial, personal, industrial program all can benefit from more fluid systems that relate more to the user than a standard rule of measurement.
Instructor: David Benjamin (d@thelingnewyork.com)
HORIZONTAL WALL
Group:
Andrew Bloomfield (aebloomfield@gmail.com)
Jose Cruz (JCCpanthers@aol.com)
Zack Oslow (zjoslow@gmail.com)
Troy Zezula (tzezula@gmail.com)
RESEARCH AGENDA
Statement of Intent:
A wall (or any sufficiently large vertical surface) is typically utilized in the attachment of many other common architectural elements. Most of these attached elements are horizontal in character such as a stair tread, bench, table, bar or shelf. Typically the function of a given horizontal element is predetermined and then it is correspondingly fixed to the wall at a prescribed height above the floor. This reality is one in which a height is not easily customized to the needs of an individual user or a function is not easily changed based on the varying requirements of an owner. It is not possible to quickly return a wall to its original state prior to the attachment of any horizontal elements.
The goal of our group is to investigate and construct a mechanical assembly that can be located within a wall that attempts to address the concerns described above. We seek to maximize the flexibility and usage of a wall as both a surface and a functioning horizontal element and shift the wall from its current static state to a more dynamic and responsive one. The following list of objectives provides a rough timeline and prioritization of the goals of the group. The objectives proceed from general to user specific and from less to more technically complex. With a group size of four we have the flexibility to attempt to pursue multiple objectives simultaneously unless the integration/coordination of objectives proves too difficult.
Primary Objective:
We seek to construct a mechanical assembly that will transform a vertical surface into a horizontal element capable of supporting load. The function of the horizontal element will be defined by its elevation in relation to the floor plane.
Secondary Objective:
We seek to make the horizontal element changeable by allowing its function to be decided by the user.
Tertiary Objective:
We would like to investigate the implementation of a sensor based input strategy that would allow the assembly to be responsive to the specific parameters of an individual user.
Quaternary Objective:
We would like to investigate the feasibility of creating an array of assemblies that could be integrated together to create continuous a horizontal element at a constant or varying elevation.
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Methodology:
The primary research focus of the group will be on the operation of output components configured around a mechanical assembly operated with Flexinol wires (Primary Objective). Once a basic assembly is operable it can be calibrated to work at predefined elevation settings (Secondary Objective). Further customization and responsiveness input components based on user specific parameters could then be integrated into the system as time permits (Tertiary Objective). Or, depending on the preference of the group, multiple assemblies could be constructed and made to operate concurrently to maintain a sole focus on output components (Quaternary Objective).
Precedents:
http://www.med.umich.edu/lrc/Hypermuscle/
http://www.brianmac.demon.co.uk/musrom.htm
http://www.leeds.ac.uk/chb/lectures/anatomy4.html
http://www.botany.uwc.ac.za/sci_ed/grade10/manphys/joints.htm
http://www.nurseminerva.co.uk/adapt/flap1.htm
http://www.aviary.org/curric/wings.htm
http://science.howstuffworks.com/snake3.htm
Preliminary Research:
-folding seat/table structures-
-vertical-to-horizontal mechanical armatures-
-Flexinol wires-
-lightweight yet stiff material-
(EVA foam)
-flexible stretchy materials-
(Nylon)
Applications:
Flexibility is a common desire within architecture. With cities growing and space being limited the use of transformational architecture helps minimize space consumption but maximize its use. Retail, commercial, personal, industrial program all can benefit from more fluid systems that relate more to the user than a standard rule of measurement.
# posted by Andrew Bloomfield : 5:51 AM
