Ellen Larson

Journal Entry For
Module 3 - Give Me Shelter
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Larson, Ellen Catherine
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Stage 1: Initial structure given parametric outputs
Stage 1: Initial structure given parametric outputs
Stage 2: Limits of Geometry (here, height of middle curve was set to negative, created an inverted structure with a depth below the plan of reference)
Stage 2: Limits of Geometry (here, height of middle curve was set to negative, created an inverted structure with a depth below the plan of reference)
Stage 3: Medium Scale (Covering for seating in sports arena or stands in a pavillion)
Stage 3: Medium Scale (Covering for seating in sports arena or stands in a pavillion)
Stage 3: Small Scale Structure (bench covering or bus stop covering)
Stage 3: Small Scale Structure (bench covering or bus stop covering)
Stage 3: Large Scale Structure (Concert or orchestra venue like Grant Park/Millenium Park Auditorium in Chicago)
Stage 3: Large Scale Structure (Concert or orchestra venue like Grant Park/Millenium Park Auditorium in Chicago)

To model a parametric shading structure, I first defined three curves that would serve as the boundaries for the overall structural framework. Initially, these were three arched curves, with the center curve being straight up and down, and the outside two having both lateral and curvature offsets to allow for changing angles given shading conditions and needs. These curves were then subdivided to allow for beams to be swept between the structural formwork. The merged curves were then lofted and classified as a surface before being subdivided into triangular panels set above the beams to complete the finished design. With further iterations, sinusoidal functions were added to the three defining curves to give the structure a more interesting and fluid shape.

Input parameters include: the ability to change the longitudinal length of the curve, and thus the length of the structure, the ability to change the height of each curve independently to adjust for shading angles or needs, the ability to collectively change amplitude and number of oscillations of sinusoidal wave across all three curves to ensure consistency and fluidity, the ability to change the radial size of the circular beams, the ability to change the number of panels in each direction of the structure.

Originally, I had imagined this structure on the small scale. I pictured the shading device being used to cover benches or seating areas in beachside areas, hence the choice of the oscillating pattern meant to emulate waves. On the larger scale, the flexible input parameters allow for the structure to take many forms, including an almost cornucopia shape, which I thought would be interesting to serve as shelter for a concert venue or orchestral space such as the steel artistic structure around the music venue in Grant Park in Chicago.