Assignment 5 - 2D to 3D translations

This assignment explored the transition from designing a luminaire in either a 3D program, converting it to a 2D graphic for the purpose of fabrication (by means of a laser cutter, then reassmbling into a physical 3D model; or simply designing a 2-dimensional figure and physically maneuvering it into a 3D object.

Assignment 4 (phase 2) - The Asplund Luminaire

This is more accurately a continuation of the third assignment, in that we took the luminaire design from that project, placed it in a setting digitally, printed the composition, then sketched over it.

To do this, I used the underlay feature in FormZ to import a background image. I then copied and pasted the luminaire over the underlay image. I used the visual rotation tool to position the luminaire, and the uniform scale tool to size it appropriately. Next, I exported the image as a jpeg. After printing the image, I used it again as an underlay for the rendered sketches you see here.

Assignment 4 - Emergent Forms

In this assignment, we were to experiment with all the possible options available with two specific tools. Shown here are examples of objects that can be created using the "Spherical Object" and "Star" tools in FormZ.




The first group of objects shows how a Geodesic Sphere (the default setting) can be modified by changing the number of subdivisions under the Spherical Objects Option menu. Shown here is the progression of 2, 4, 8, 10, and 20 subdivisions, demonstrating the increasing intricacy of the final objects gridded body. The second grouping of objects experimented with changing the shape of the Geodesic Sphere by changing the radius of the object in one or more directions (X, Y, or Z).

The third group of objects demonstrates what objects can be created by changing the Shape description from the dropdown menu in the Spherical Objects Option menu (see attached image). Shown in order of their creation are: a tetrathedron (4), a hexahedron (6), octahedron (8), dodecahedron (10), isocahedron (20), soccar ball, a revolved sphere, or a geodesic sphere (the default option).

The predefined forms only allow you to change their radius, impacting their overall size. The Revolved Sphere, however, allows you to alter the length and depth of its resolution as well, allowing you to make the final object something other than symmetrical, but elongated or squat depending on the settings you choose. (In the end, this was probably my favorite tool, because of the options available to alter its predefined form).




The last group of objects shows how Stars are created. The menu options for this tool start with the Base Type, which include tetrahedron, hexahedron, octahedron, dodecahedron, isocahedron, soccer ball, geodesic level 1, and geodesic level 2. In addion you can select "dynamic" sizing to manually determine the star's size as you are creating it, or you can predefine the star's radius in the menu settings. Lastly, you are able to alter the "Ray Radius" of the star. The examples shown here demonstrate all of the aforementioned Stars in order, with a varying ray radius (left to right) of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% respectively.

Assignment 3 - Materials & Texture Mapping

To give tangible meaning to FormZ as a modeling tool, this assignment had us create a luminaire. To start, we used the "basic" 2D and 3D modeling tools to created forms that were modified with various other tools (intersecting, subtracting, rotating, duplicating, etc.). Once the luminaire took shape, we applied textures and colors to the different objects and planes. Lastly, we used the "lights" feature, to position lights and see the effects of the cast shadows.

FormZ isn't always easy to use, and my first attempt at modeling this luminaire resulted in a great deal of frustration. For example, I was unable to enable the objects to be transparent, thereby allowing their colors and textures to be represented in shadow. The light was also difficult to control; for instance, I wanted to "wash" the backplate with light to give it a soft glow, and I have not been able to position a light to create that effect.

Following our in-class review, our course instructor Nancy Cheng demonstrated several additional techniques, enabling me to create some of the effects that I had envisioned for this luminaire. Shown here are my original layout (left), and the modified layout (right) with model and layout changes. The text has been modified as well.

The inspiration for this luminaire is found in the Stockholm Public Library in Stockholm, Sweden, designed by Erik Gunnar Asplund.

Assignment 3 - prelim sketches

This assignment involves creating a light fixture, creating three alternatives through the use of color, materials, and textures. I have not yet had a chance to create ideas in a computer format. However, shown here a concept sketches of potential schemes that I plain to explore.

Assignment 2 (round 2) - One Scene, Four Different Ways

This is the final version of the second assignment, "One Scene, Four Different Ways." You'll notice first, that I created a new object in FormZ on which to test different lighting conditions. In addition, I have included here the evolution of the changes to the presentation layout, based on suggestions made by the course instructor Nancy Cheng.

Assignment 2 - Lighting the Stage (a.k.a., One Scene, Three Different Ways)

The objective of this assignment is to develop control of digital lighting through views, colored lights, and materials. Following the initial understanding of these skills, a secondary objective is to adjust lighting to change the perception of space and form (using Photoshop).

The images shown here are preliminary experiments that will be refined. My goals for this first effort were to simply understand how to use the light rendering tools in Photoshop, and how to apply colored layers and colored lighting to the scenes.