The Design

Completed in 2020, this study takes an extremely in depth looking into the natural algorithm of packing. Through this study, various forms are studied, created and manipulated through Rhino 3D and Grasshopper in order to fully understand the constraints and limits of each design. This process is an individual project that spanned over 12 weeks and is a culmination of weekly deliverables condensed into a single book.

The process to achieve these forms consisted of exploration in Rhino 3D on how to create and manipulate forms within the program. This process used a variety of tools to achieve complex forms that show clear progression and adaptation. 

Through this process we were also challenged with exploration through Grasshopper with our Rhino models. This process consisted of learning new tools and skills in order to transfer a simple Rhino model into a Grasshopper form that could be changed and adapted using a series of dimensions and variables. 

Application

This sections displays some application of the chosen parametric model and how it can be transformed into tangible forms.

These forms were all created through and adapted with a combination of Rhino and Grasshopper. The original form was conceptualized in Rhino 3D in the form of a basic plain, which was then exported into Grasshopper. From there the forms were adapted to create 5 different product to explore the depth of the form. 

These products consist of outdoor pavilions, seating arrangements, jewelry and lighting. 

Fabrication

This section displays the fabrication method of the chosen instillation. The final rendered form was projected to be made from a 1/2 inch coloured plexiglass contoured with a chrome metal. This outdoor intimation serves no real purpose other than its display of beauty and how something natural such as a packing form, can be manipulated to the extent that it almost looks alien like. 

These three competencies were most accurately represented through the process of this project 

Firstly, This project encompassed my overall understanding and context of design by being the first project that revolved around nature. This helped me gain a deeper understanding of natures self regulating systems and how they can have a profound impact on design. This falls into the use of biometrics, and how this has the potential to make objects more efficient and effective while still maintaining its original strength. 

Secondly, my design process was extensive in this project. My research, development and implementation ranged over  13 weeks in order to arrive at the final product. This extensive process allowed time for a lot of exploration and failure, giving me the opportunity to create something that I was really proud of. 

Thirdly, some of my creative skills were put to work on this project. I had the opportunity to spend a lot of time Rhino modelling to create unique and complex forms, and then using grasshopper code to bring them to life and mimic nature. Creative skills were also put to use while doing the various physical experiments, using new materials and processes to extract packing as an algorithm in its simplest form.