2 | Research and design exploration¶

First mockup¶

Here is a first idea of my final project. It is a general idea, the shape will be not exactly like that.

I will create a 3D modular surface to create a modular construction with an interactive light system. A modular surface allows to build circular constructions adaptable and reusable. As you can see with this gif. This modular surface will be create with an attachment system to join it with other modular surfaces to create a construction in a space.

Moodboard and aesthetic charte¶

Nature and biological inspirations

By biomimetics, this modular construction will be inspired of nature and environnement.

Inpired by wave and reflection water, tree rings and leaf venations, I did some researches on these topics. These researches allow me to create links, to defind a moodboard and different shape and material ideas.

** Moodboard**

My research on these topics show me too, the importance to look at the nature from another angle : top view, bottom view, macro or satelite view. It's like that my storytelling began to take shape.

Keywords & Topic

Shape research¶

Shadow : Day and night

This construction will communicate with its environment and will be in two reading : day and night or dark space.

It will be transparent or perforated to allow the light to go through it and to create random shadows. Day, thanks to the sun and night tanks to the light system witch will be integrate. Therefore, for the viewer, different points of view will be possible.

via GIPHY

To do : Shadow research

3D Research¶

Gyroid minimal surface - Tutorial¶

In panel :

sin(x) * cos(y) + sin (y) * cos(z) + sin(z) * cos (x)

Random wave pattern¶

Construction test¶

Surface research¶

Laser cutting - Engraving test¶

I engraved different pattern on plexiglass.

Laser cutting files:

Generative algorithm : Line Distortion - Engraved
To reproduce this generative algorithm > Line distortion
Generative algorithm : Meander trace
To reproduce this generative algorithm > Meander space colonization
Engraved line #1
Engraved line #2

Generative algorithms¶

➜ Floraform project - Nervous system

Floraform from Nervous System on Vimeo.

via GIPHY

"Differential growth"
"L-systems"

Useful links :

➜ Differential Growth with Anemone plugin
➜ Organic Modeling Techniques Part 2: Differential Growth - Math/Art Blog
➜ Inconvergent
➜ Code plastic
➜ Morphocode
➜ Generative landscapes

Electronic system¶

Inspiring project :

Parallel circuit¶

A simple parallel circuit with several LEDS :

In my module, there will be an interactive electronic system with a led circuit.
When I will addition my modules one after the other to create a construction, at the same time, my leds should be connected one after the other. I extend my circuit.

For that, I have to create a parallel circuit and think a connection system, maybe with magnet.

Problem : More far is my LED in a parallel circuit, more its intensity is low.

The resistors create a voltage drop that will not allow enough current through the Leds with this parallel circuit. Change the circuit connection (see the sketch below)

The alligator clips and any material has some instrinsic resistance so they generate a Voltage drop, higher is the resistance, higher will be the voltage drop, lower will be the current

Explications and advices :

"If the wires were perfect (ideal with resistance zero), you wouldn't have any problems, each module "resistor+led" would have 9V (green) and your calculation would be correct/perfect.
In reality, the wires (threads) have resistance so you will still have a Voltage drop along the power line (red)(the red numbers are just to explain what happens, you can make the real calculation, knowing the specification of your case). You should work to minimize the red voltage drop.
How? using a thread with low resistance, placing threads in parallel, but you will face a physical limit because we don't live in the ideal world. Maybe you can consider to create a module with the power source (maybe with solar panel+battery?) and you should evaluate how many "resistor+Led" modules you can supply with it."

➜ More information : Powering Your Project