Week 05: 500 Word text

I chose to explore the theme of the animal scales. Scales are plates attached the skin of an animal; it forms an amour to protect against predators. The function and structure differs for each animal, which has evolved over time.

For Snakes, rows of scales help movement and aid to retain moisture through the body. The arrangement of scales is important and differs through the species and their typical environments. The scales follow a complex pattern, which can create interesting geometry, which inspired me to explore complex geometries and surfaces to create a parametric system similar.

By experimenting with surfaces and polylines drawn in rhino I established a base façade. By copying the curve vertically to get the height of the facade, the loft connects the two to become a vertical surface; the height can be controlled through the slider. The subsurface will then break up the surface into segments that are also controlled by a slider. Then creating a surface in rhino to a shape desired for the paneling. By connecting the surface to Box morph and bounding box it maps onto the surface. Controlling the shape of the surfaces by number sliders will evolve the geometry into complex shapes.

I have created a series of images that manipulate geometries to replicate this pattern. I experimented with manipulating the elements and applying textures to construct a rich material palette as well as the parametric design. The eccentric structures almost symbolize an organism and whilst looking at them you can almost visualize their next movements.

The first image reflects a typical scale pattern one of which would be found on a reptile. The curving spline wraps around itself. For the second iteration by increasing the number sliders allow the scales to be transformed into long pin-like structures forming a similar texture to a porcupine’s spines. As I experimented further with grasshopper the shapes resembled living organisms the more I manipulated the shapes. Three and four iterations apply a sense of fluid interaction. Iteration six and seven replicates a vertebrae also with this link to movement and living.  A parametric view through the iteration creates a complex angle to emphasize the super surfaces of the design. Views eight to thirteen create visual patterns that are aesthetically pleasing and compliment scales relating to anatomy.

The overall geometry has achieved complex surfaces and geometries that resemble the form of scales with a reference to the movement of organisms.