bradford_thesis

Proposition :  Drawing a lineage from the mastered techniques of the double curved surface within Gaudi’s famous masterpiece La Sagrada Familia, the design and manufacture of a large-scale physical artifact that makes use of the double curved surface will be thoroughly scrutinized and explored. Manufacturing of the object will revolve around the use of the plastic extrusion head as a way to mitigate the historical precedent of Gaudi’s techniques within the refinement of 21^stcentury technologies and software. The procedure of computational instruments for design and production will employ and engage the issue of scalability and construction within the modeling processes.

Precedent: By studying and scrutinizing the masterful employment of double curved surfaces (hyperboloids, helicoids, rotated hyperboloids) within the specific lens of La Sagrada Familia, the design evolution is allowed to engage the associated performative qualities, with a specific focus on aesthetics and culture.

Architectural Problem : The manufacture of the double curved surface within the realm of computational instruments is an ongoing issue in construction outside of the basic stereotomic production explored originally by Gaudi, and furthered by Mark Burry. This architectural problem will be explored and exposed through the [very] large scale method of production.

Tools/Materials :

-- KUKA KR120 (large robot) with plastic extruder tool head [inputs: sMT + kukaPRC]

-- PPR (Premier Plastic Resins) Local supplier for plastic for use with the extruder

-- PP (Polypropylene) $3.75 per pound

Advantages : good processability, good stiffness, high flow, high impact resistance

Disadvantages : degraded by UV, flammable, low temp poor impact

-- PC/ABS $4.25 per pound

Advantages : toughness/rigidity, lightweight

Disadvantages : poor solvent resistance, low dielectric strength, low continuous service temp

-- Carbon Reinforced PE $25 per pound

Advantages : highest available quality in terms of performance and constructability; ultra rigid

Disadvantages : way too  expensive

-- HDPE (High Density Polyethylene) $3.50 per pound

Advantages : low cost, impact resistant, moisture resistant, chemical resistant, readily processed

Disadvantages : high thermal expansion, subject to stress cracking, difficult to bond, poor temp capability

Time table:

Nov 12 – Nov 16: continue initial material testing with plastic extruder

Nov 18 – Nov 29: Barcelona

Nov 30 – Jan 7: finalize material testing process; experimentation and decision making through winter break

Winter semester: Design evolution and manufacture of large-scale physical object