FINAL COURSE DOCUMENT:

FABRICACIÓN DIGITAL
MARIA SOFIA JASSIR ACOSTA
201819963
1. POLYHEDRON DEVELOPMENT USING BASIC
CONNECTIONS:
What was designed and how: This exercise consisted in our learning of using
Rhino as a modeling tool. We were instructed in how to create shapes such as these
ones and how to then arrange and dismantle the pieces in such a way that would
allow use to fabricate the shapes using laser cut.

Concept: The first exercise served as preparation for all upcoming exercises, since
we initially began understanding and learning about the creation of basic geometric
shapes.

Fabrication technique: The pieces were designed in rhino and then laser cut. They
were assembled utilizing adhesives.

Material: Corrugated cardboard

Model: Pictures:
2. CONNECTION DEVELOPMENT USING MULTI-MATERIAL
AS A COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM.:
What was designed and how: Two different polyhedrons were modeled and
designed with two different manners of joints. The design process took place in rhino.

Concept: In the second exercise we were able to experiment more with the accuracy
of laser cut, the reactions elicited from it by each material and the composition of
complex shapes in rhino. Here we began actually designing formed objects, as we
would like for them to appear once they were laser cut. This allowed us to further
understand the necessary precautions while designing things digitally that are
intended to then be fabricated physically.

Fabrication technique: The pieces were first modeled in rhino and then laid out
flat on the server. They were later cut and assembled without the use of any
adhesives.

Material: MDF

Models:
2. CONNECTION DEVELOPMENT USING MULTI-MATERIAL
AS A COLLABORATIVE SYSTEM.:
Pictures:

Drawings:
3. SURFACE MODULATION USING PANELLING TOOLS TO
CREATE MULTI-ANGULAR CONNECTION SYSTEM:
What was designed and how: We designed in Rhino a surface utilizing triangular
modulation that would rise and fall depending on the angle ib which the joints were
made. This curvature was obtained by comparing models of real topography of
Bogota and emulating it with our objects.

Concept: In the third exercise, we experimented with different materials and

morphology. While our first attempt didn’t accurately portray what was intended for
the exercise, it allowed us to do further trials as far as using laser cut in out
fabrications. Our final result is a multi-angular panel with shapes inspired by
topography lines.

Fabrication technique: Our fabrication technique for this exercise consisted in two
different rhino files (one of them being the trial and the other the final result) that
were redners of what we wanted our surface to look like. Then we laid out the pieces
and used laser cutting to fabricate them.

Material: Corrugated cardboard, Sticks (balso)

First trial photos:

3. SURFACE MODULATION USING PANELLING TOOLS TO
CREATE MULTI-ANGULAR CONNECTION SYSTEM:
Second Trial Render: Second Trial Drawing:

Second trial photos:

4. COMPONENT IDENTIFICATION AND CUSTOM JOINTS
DESIGN:
What was designed and how: In the fourth exercise I designed a box which would
open and close using live hinges on its spine. The side pieces and the top flap would
remain in place by using incisions in the material that would create tension between
them.
Concept: The general idea of this exercise was to design and create a box that could
be utilized to keep small objects and would also serve as a decorative item, hence the
carvings made on the top and the sides.

Fabrication technique: The box was modeled in Rhino and was then deglossed and
laid out flat on the model. It was then laser cut and assembled without the use of
adhesives.

Material: MDF

Model: Drawings:
5. CONVERTING COMPLEX GEOMETRIES TO FUNCTIONAL
FURNITURE SUCH AS A DECORATIVE LIGHTING ELEMENT:
What was designed and how: A light was first designed by hand drawn sketches
and translated to Rhino. The idea was to create a shape from above that seemed
abstract and that when lit would create an interesting pattern of light and shadow in
the room.

Concept: In the fifth exercise I fabricated and designed a lamp with over sixty flaps
with a variation in size and shape. These flaps have gaps within them which allow the
light to travel in a repeated pattern. Additionally, all the flaps are held by tension
created by incisions in the material.

Fabrication technique: The lamp pieces were modeled in Rhino and then laser cut.

Material: MDF

Model: Drawing:
5. CONVERTING COMPLEX GEOMETRIES TO FUNCTIONAL
FURNITURE SUCH AS A DECORATIVE LIGHTING ELEMENT:
Drawing: Photos:

Photos:
5. CONVERTING COMPLEX GEOMETRIES TO FUNCTIONAL
FURNITURE SUCH AS A FUNCTIONAL CHAIR:
What was designed and how: A chair was designed using a ‘criss cross’ structure
that would create tension and resistance when weight is applied to the chair. The
chair was first modeled in Rhino and then fabricated using laser cut and 3d printing.

Concept: For out chair, we have designed a throne inspired by media depictions of
this type of furniture.

Fabrication technique: The model was designed on Rhino and there were several
trials to confirm that the pieces would join and sustain weight. The model was then
laid out and was laser cut. The PBC tubes were cut with a hand-saw and the corks
were modeled in Rhino and then 3d printed

Material: Corrugated cardboard, 3d printed corks, PBC tubes

Model: Picture:
5. CONVERTING COMPLEX GEOMETRIES TO FUNCTIONAL
FURNITURE SUCH AS A FUNCTIONAL CHAIR:
Picture: Drawing:

Drawing: