Variation Mapping

I based my studies off a furturist model designed to document variation and look for evolution probability.  For our application as a wind screen, the primary topic we will be addressing is surface area and how that effects deflection of the wind and snow.  The three factors I came to were height / angle / density.  By creating a grasshopper definition in rhino I was able to generate numerous itterations of these different variables in a short amount of time and plot them together for comparison.

Based on weather and site conditions, particular real variables [distance from road / wind speed / wind direction / etc.] can be associated with these buildable variances.  Furthermore, this allows for a direct control over conditions and the ability to begin designing with nature itself and how snow is deposited around the barrier.

The images below designate a single panel in the simplest form.  The grasshopper coding could be adapted to a more complex form and be repeated for a barrier of any desired length.  Rotation about the Z axis is shown horizontally, and tilting about the X axis are shown vertically, with combinations shown through the middle of the chart.  For simplicity sake, varying height was not shown as that would necessitate a third axis (and thus make it much harder to read) but it was incorportated into the grasshopper.

More Tile Options

Here’s a few more renditions of possible tile arrangements/treatments.

Fiberglass Tile Option 1

The tiles, I think, asthetically work better at a smaller size. When the tiles are larger they become a little cumbersome and can’t perform more intricate curves. Maybe if we softened the curve of the surface larger tiles would work well. This may be an option when we talk about real fabrication.

This model works on a ribbed structure concept. I replated the horizontal ribs with wire. The tiles could be clipped, bolted, etc into the wire. The ribs would create the language, the wires would connect them, and the tiles would create a cohesive sculpture.

I will plop this and some other modles onto the server. Please feel free to play with them or give imput.