2. Digital bodies¶
PERSONA
The human existence consists of three layers:
1. The layer of global quality of life (QOL), mental/physical health and ability
2. The layer of love, power/consciousness and sexuality
3. The layer of existential coherence, where life inside the human being coheres with the outside world.When the patient, or spiritually seeking person, goes still deeper towards the innermost core of existence (s)he will one day confront the most fundamental question in life: To be, or not to be. This is the birth of the suicidal crises, which can only be definitely terminated by the patient deciding unconditionally to live. This decision must be taken autonomously, that is without any kind of pressure of external motivation.
(Søren Ventegodtand Joav Merrick)
For further readings, you can download the paper through this Link
Concept¶
I asked myself What is a mannequin? and my answer was representative of you. Any of you. It could be me! It could be you! It could be anyone!
A faceless product in the shape of whoever you want. Still, somewhat human.
Well then what is a human? You can miss a leg and still be human. You can miss an arm, an eye, even a full torso. That leaves a heart and a brain. But what if you had it all and were the only human? Would you really be human! isn't what makes us, us, is how we interact with each other. The feeling we share. The energy we spread.
It's communication then. Could that be the answer?! But what is the peak of that? the ultimate communication?
Is it with God!
A shared hug between mother and child?
A good deed for the unfortunate?
Nobel attitude? Is it talking with your inner child?
Is it acceptance?
Is it love!
Whatever it is, it goes beyond us. beyond our body into another realm of energy. It's Coherence.
I am designing an abstract mannequin the three layers that represent us
- A bottom layer representing our physical attributes that transform from one type of energy to another represented by a mobius where the end is the opposite of the start. A plane that twist into infinity as our energy recyle through time.
- A top layer representing our mental and emotional attributes. A featureless head where all emotions, needs and fears are stored and expressed.
- The top of the head reaches up to the spiritual realm and connects to nature and surroundings as each of us are looking for their higher purpose.
Inspirations¶
1- Bonaveri
2- EUROSHOP 2014 - designer unknown
3- Metal lace by Nicolas Desbons
4- Girl Sculpture by Nyári Flóra
5- deep thinking sculpture - The Floy
6- Bruno Catalano
Work throughout the week¶
3D Scanning¶
I experimented with the Sense 1 machine to try and create a 3d miniature of my little daughter Sophie, let me say _it's not an experiment, I would recommend. I had high expectations for 3d scanning my daughter that even peppa pig couldn't get us through. I still managed to make this little memory for Baby Sophie to remember.
I also experimented with the team and ended up with a good result although at some point I couldn't believe how many trials it took to achieve it. The files were closed, enhanced and saved in obj and other formats.
As you can see it's a very simple process where after plugging the sense 1 in and connecting it to the computer and starting the software, CHoose the type of body you plan to scan, in my case a head. Now you can start scanning by pressing the scan icon and holding the device still and away from the body around 30 cm tilted slightly. Then you rotate the object at medium speed making sure the device is getting all areas and tilting at times to cover as much surface as possible. When satisfied you click finish and use the solidify icon to get rid of holes or missing areas.
I didn't use this for my final product but I was very glad I got to try this.
3D Modelling¶
Human maker¶
I enjoyed the wide variables and the amount of detailing that I have experienced using Make Human software. However my need for a more humanoid futuristic and abstract look was a good reason to try another approach.
MeshMixer¶
This is my first time using MeshMixer and It looks like it has an easy feel to it yet I only spend very little time to get familiarised with it. Although I tried a couple of design's approaches using it, I haven't used it in the final product.
Time spent learning is never a waste.
Rhino & Grasshopper¶
at the beginning, I was trying to create an infinity loop through a mobius plane Since a mobius plane is a mathematical equation I followed through this tutorial to create one and twist it into an infinity. It explains the equation and how it translates into grasshopper.
I succeeded to create it but not to twist and create my desired shape as I am new to rhino. Here is the result
I exported the plane to 3d Max and started manipulating it and ended with this result
Design Doll¶
I used Design Doll software to get a more humanoid character base for my abstract goal sculpture. As my initial thoughts were leading me to a more Mother - child or Human - Innerchild was leading me, I created this for an initial two mannequin relationship design.
3ds Max¶
I use 3ds Max regularly. Therefore, it was much easier to create I used the procreator , shell and turbo smooth modifiers along with editing mesh and poly to create the head abstract as you see in the picture. My reference was a model I created in Design Doll software.
I also used the twist, bend, turbosmooth and mirror modifiers on the, made using rhino, mobius plane to create the body part.
I proceeded to export the files to an obj format.
Slicer Maker¶
After downloading, it always crashed in the middle of the import phase. Turned out to be memory and file size problems.
After some trials and errors I managed to successfully import the obj file and that was the start of my laser cutting test.
Test - Laser Cutting¶
In order to get familiarised by the process, I managed to test a couple of layers on the rest of the cardboard I was about to use later on. With the help of the amazing team here in Techworks, I learned the process.
Using Trotec software I did the following:
- Calibrated the machine and connected the software to it.
- choosing cardboard I was planning on using from the material selection.
- Navigate the start benchmark.
- Changed colour settings across multiple trials to determine best speed and power to use.
Note
The software was not reading a group of coloured lines. Check that all lines are hairline.
the final settings area
Using the setting I laser cut my first trial in cardboard.
Slicer¶
AFter using Slicer to import the file, I choose the stacked slicing and direction. I also changed the settings to match the size of material.After that I exported the sheets to an FBX file for which I imported to Rhino.
Rhino¶
Using Rhino I fixed did the following:
1. Readjusted units, scale, direction and size.
2. Changed colours, line type, and chose Hairline option to match the Laser machine software settings.
3. Use join command
4. Print and send to Trotec Software
Fabrication¶
After designing and slicing I chose to save as much material as possible by nesting the slices and managed to turn 5 sheets into 2 and a half. I used this online free software which you can use through this link
In order to laser cut the 3 mm wood sheets, I had to prepare the wood sheets first by cutting a large board into 3 A1 pieces for which I drew with a pencil and proceed to use the wood saw we have at the lab while taking precautions and with some help from the amazing team at Techworks.
I didn't forget to clean the mess I made before turning into laser cutting.
The fabrication process was basically glueing the parts based on number. It was very tricky as the pieces were very thin and confusing to assemble. The head part and the body part were connected using used hanger's wires to shape a structure for the head to rest on.
A lot of mistakes were made and going. Kept going back and forth. This is the result
Final result¶
Downloads¶
You can download the nested laser cutting sheet here:
You can also download the 3d model through this Link