Design Journal Entry - Module 3

Stage 1: Modeling the Structure

I wanted to create a one-sided structure and modeled the design on a truss bridge, with the beams creating a truss-like structure on the sides of the structure to also optimize the amount of open space. The biggest challenge was correctly creating the list of points for the tubes used as beams.

The parameters that could be changed are the following:

Size (length and width) of shelter

Curvature of shelter

Number of panels

Number of Beams

The angle of the beams

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Stage 2: Transforming the Geometry

The biggest challenge here was creating a structure with the sine curve that still made sense from a real-world perspective, this included making sure that the base still remained flat on the ground.

Here, additional parameters can be changed, along with the ones described above:

Amplitude of curves

Frequency of curves

Number of defining points (how smooth the curve is)

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Stage 3: Different Scales

For the 30 foot structure, I wanted to give it an interesting look, by reducing the frequency of the waves, and also reduced the number of beams because the smaller structure wouldn’t need as much structural support.The length and width of the structure was reduced as well, but the curvature was increased to ensure that the structure was still usable and provided shading.

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For the 150 foot structure, I increased the length, height and curvature of the structure. I also added back the secondary beam for structural support. I increased amplitude and frequency, and then found I needed to increased number of defining points to create a smoother curve. I also kept the shorter beam more upright, and created more of an angle for the secondary beam, for structural support.

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For the 400 foot structure, I moved the base of the beams further from the base of the panel because it would need more stability at the center of gravity. I also increased amplitude and frequency again, and also changed the curvature by changing the y and z coordinates of the curves that are used to loft the surface. This gave it more of a concert venue or arena look.

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