FOLDING 2.0

by Qin Yin and Yanru Li

This project is called Folding 2.0 as it is developed from the first sculpture design idea. The concept is to use straight elements shape a curved space. A series of triangles are arranged in a liner sequence, with bottom vertexes following four straight lines and top vertexes following two space curves. Because the whole model is produced by grasshopper, every part can be controlled in the software, including its length, width and every piece’s width.

 

Three major functions are taken into account: storing kayaks, washing feet and storing life jackets. In winter, all kayaks can be stored on the façade of this building. Each one sticks into a hole at bottom and will be fixed by an elastic string in the middle part. In summer, when children go back from sea, they can wash their feet under the stopcocks which are designed at the other facade. All life jackets will be stored inside of the building, at a space of 1.5 meter’s height. Thus it’s convenient for kids to pick up them.

 

The whole project is made of repeated units. Every unit consists of two members and a joint. Since the longest piece is more than six meters, which is longer than ordinary wood materials, we considered to stack short pieces to assemble a long one. Every member need four short pieces while every joint need six short pieces. And the section would be like a zigzag. The joint is not only supporting two members, but also connecting another unit by ‘biting’ its members with screw spikes.

 

Every piece is different in shape and some of them have slope faces. It would be difficult and complexed to cut them manually. Thus they are designed to be cut with a robot. People just need to assemble those pieces and then a building is quickly constructed.