07/04/22
Background
The goal of this project was to create a 3D physical model out of paper using up to three geometric primitives. This project thus involved creating these shapes in Rhino3D, unfolding these shapes into flat 2D surfaces that could then be tabulated and lasercut onto physical paper, and finally folding these cut pieces of paper into the final 3D model.
Ideation and Iteration
I started by researching what possible geometric primitives there were and how to avoid creating double curved surfaces. I then tried sketching some possible combinations of these shapes and eventually settled upon some shapes that I liked: a cone (serving as a base) and two thin cylinders (extruding from the cone). My sketches are shown in the image below:
I liked the second-last sketch in the above image, so I decided to iterate upon it in Rhino. I started by modelling as follows, using the 3D geometric primitives mentioned above (cone and two cylinders):
I liked this concept but felt it could make better use of the full cone surface, so I iterated upon the idea to produce the following final concept:
To create this design, I adjusted the cylinders to form them into ellipses and placed them on the cone so that they completely encircled it.
Constructing the Model
To create the 3D physical model, I first had to prep the digital model for printing on paper. I used the UnrollSrf command to extract the surfaces of the shape. I then took a screenshot of the resulting surfaces and began sketching tags onto their edges. The tags would help me assemble the paper model by providing surfaces for the shapes to attach to each other. A sketched plan of these tags is shown below:
Once I had formulated this plan for the tags and had decided on the Rhino tools to create them, I began adding curves to the surfaces as follows:
Throughout this process, I learned new tools for constructing and manipulating curves in Rhino, such as the SubCrv tool and the ArrayCrv tool. I used these tools to create and pattern the tags along the edges of the surfaces, especially for the ellipses. Finally, I used DupBorder to extract curves from the surfaces themselves, deleted unnecessary curves and exported the resulting lines to Adobe Illustrator for printing.
To construct the model, I chose to lasercut the shape onto black construction paper so that the shape would stand out against a white background in the final photos. I then used a combination of hot glue and roll-on tape to attach the tags to the necessary surfaces and create the final model.
Final Photographs and Concept Ideation
The final photographs I took of my model are shown below:
I then ideated 10 different concepts that this model could represent, taking into account the cone's function as a base as well as the possible scale of such concepts:
1. Jewellery stand
The model could be used as a jewellery stand/holder through how the cone tip could hold rings/bracelets/necklaces and the ellipses could serve as stands for other jewellery items, such as earrings. The ellipses could also have hooks underneath for jewellery to dangle from as well. For this concept, the model could be made of a thin, light metal such as aluminium.
2. Cat bed
The model could be used as a cat bed, since the ellipses could serve as surfaces for cats to lay on and the cone a tower for them to climb up. The cone could then be made of a rope-like textile that cats' claws could easily grip, allowing them to climb up its surface. The ellipses could be covered in a softer, rug-like fabric to make napping more comfortable for its feline users.
3. Food platter
The model could also be used as a food platter, where dishes could be laid out on the ellipses and bottles could extrude from holes in the side of the cone. The model could be made out of a type of durable wood in this case.
4. Playground
The model could serve as a public playground for kids to play on. The ellipses could have ladders and/or ropes hanging underneath them, allowing kids to climb up to the tops of the ellipses. Slides and/or poles could also serve as paths for kids to take to get down from the tops of the ellipses.
5. Shoe rack
The model could act as a shoe rack, where the ellipses allow for clear display and ease of access (eg. the open storage concept would make it easy for shoes to be seen and quickly grabbed). The cone could also contain drawers for storage of other shoe-related items such as socks.
6. Public bench
The model could be placed in a public setting, such as a park, and be used as a public bench. The ellipses could be used as seats and the cone could have steps and/or a ladder leading up to the top ellipse. Additionally, the top ellipse could provide an undercover area in the event of a rainstorm. The model should then be made out of a durable, waterproof material to increase its lifespan while being used outdoors.
7. Building/Public outdoor space
If the model were enlarged to the size of a building, the ellipses could serve as outdoor spaces/plazas for people to gather for community events, dining, etc. The cone could contain an indoor elevator and/or stairs to lead up to the top ellipse, and could also feature shops and restaurants at the bottom.
8. Birdfeeder
The model could also be used as a birdfeeder, where the ellipses serve as perches for incoming birds and the cone serves as storage for birdseed. Small holes could cover the outer surface of the cone to allow different birds to access the seed. The model could then be hung up or placed on a flat surface outside for birds to come and access.
9. Drinking fountain
The model could serve as a drinking fountain, where each ellipse has a tap on it to drink out of. The two different heights of the ellipses could provide different levels for people to drink at depending on how tall they are and/or if they're in a wheelchair. The cone itself could contain a waterbottle-filling station as well.
10. Desk unit
Finally, the model could be used as a desk unit, where a laptop/keyboard could be placed on the lower ellipse and other devices/files/etc. placed on the higher ellipse. Cords and chargers could feed through the main body of the cone to help declutter the desk the unit is placed on.
Reflection
Looking back on my process, from ideation to the final model, I recognised a few areas of strength as well as places where I feel I could improve. I was quite happy with the skills I developed in Rhino during the construction phase of this project: I feel that I've gained more knowledge of how to construct and manipulate curves which should serve me well on future projects involving 3D modelling. However, I'm not as happy with the final model I created, since the process of gluing the tabs to ensure the model stayed together ended up making a mess and reducing the quality of the model in my eyes. If I were to repeat this project, I would improve it by using a different method to attach the tabs to the surfaces, such as a different type of glue or tape. Alternatively, I would try using a different colour paper so that the glue wouldn't stand out so much.
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