ex_03

In creating a surface from the posted polysurface (first image to the right), I used the following commands:
>Dup edge
>>Move (duplicated edges)
>>>Loft

In my first shot, I used 5 control points in the loft--this left a lot of unaccounted for space between the surface I created and the original edges duplicated. I repeated the process with 5, 10, and 20 control points, and found success in 20 control points.

ex_01

I experimented with joinery techniques that create subtle curves out of orthogonal surfaces.

Space Frames: The Water Cube

PTW Architects, Beijing
Called the Water Cube (even though it's a box 584 feet square and 102 feet high, not a cube), this building's skin is made of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (a transparent form of Teflon) cells with either 14 or 12 sides. A space frame assembled on site from 22,000 steel tubes welded to 12,000 nodes holds the cells in place and provides a column-free structure with spans of 396 feet in either direction.
http://images.businessweek.com/ss/08/07/0730_olympic_architecture/3.htm


The structural design is based on the natural formation of soap bubbles which give a random, organic appearance. To achieve this, research was undertaken by Weaire and Phelan (professors of physics) into how soap bubbles might be arranged into an infinite array.
http://www.arup.com/eastasia/project.cfm?pageid=1250

Speaking of Legos...

Hahaha, Allianz Bank in legos. How cool is that?!

http://solissf.stores.yahoo.net/1105.html

Space Frames: Allianz Arena

Herzog & de Meuron Munich, Germany

From a distance, the building’s skin resembles blown glass, but up close, the arena reveals itself to be covered in plastic cushions made of ethylenetetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil a mere 0.2 millimeters thick, inflated by a constant stream of warm air. No two of the 2,784 diamond-shaped cushions are alike—each fits in one spot and one spot only, a feat of mass customization made possible thanks to computer modeling—and their installation required the talents of 35 mountain climbers. The cushions are illuminated by 5,344 lamps that change depending on which team is playing.

http://archrecord.construction.com/projects/bts/archives/stadiums/06_allianz/overview.asp

Space Frames: Audi Dynamic Frame

Audi's Dynamic Space Frame combines thinking in aerodynamics, environmental responsibility and a holistic approach to prototyping and manufacturing.

The Dynamic Space Frame integrates all fluid and electrical channels within the frame, a hydraulic fluid drive in place of a traditional driveshaft and suspension/body components filled with fluid that responds to electrical current to control the ride. A new level of individualization is achieved by its dynamic space frame made of an "all-inclusive" single material used for both the interior and exterior.

To offset the resources used for this concept, Audi purchased domestic wind power from Renewable Energy Choice and planted trees through Trees for the Future's Global Cooling Program.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/jalopnik/278199094/