garisiu

The Multiverse

Inspired by the hypothesis of parallel universes, The Multiverse is a timber pavilion that ultilises curved crease folding system to create a fluid-like body that loops infinitely, aiming to evoke a myriad of moral conundrums. The research first looked into curved crease folding, where by introducing concentric fold lines to a flat surface would allow the surface to bend freely and flexibly. Experiments are done by testing with semi-circular modules, where a closed end loop is introduced to create different resultant forms.

In cosmology, parallel universe describes the hypothetical set of infinite possible universes that exist as we make decisions in our lives – with each choice spawning a multitude of universes. In life, we are often met with these choices where we must make our own decisions in order to move on, and over time we have grown to regret and rejoice. Although it is important to realize that the present times only exist the way it does because of the choices we have made, what is more curative to the mind is that we stay true to these decisions – for it matter not what choice we made, but that we made one. We were in control of our own paths, we are, and will always be.

The Multiverse questions the nature of reality. Burners are encouraged to interact with the pavilion by writing on the surface moments of regrets and joy, leaving a piece of themselves together with others; thus they are encouraged to contemplate on their past and present, questioning their beliefs and morality, and gradually fall into a complete moral maze.

The Multiverse is constructed of a segments of 4mm plywood components which, when bolted together, forms a series of semi circular surfaces. By applying the principals of curved crease origami, where the fold angles are proportional to the curvature of the resultant surface, the semi-circular surfaces are able to bend into various forms as desired. Consequently, by fixing the hinge angles between the segmented faces, a resultant form can be established.

The pavilion appears to loop infinitely, symbolizing the hypothesis of infinite universes as generated by our decisions in life. Within the pavilion, burners are encouraged to interact with the pavilion by writing on the surface moments of regrets and joy, leaving a piece of themselves. Overtime the pavilion will be a home to emotions, where burners can sympathize one another and at the same time reflect on the self and one’s morality.

At night, the pavilion will be lit by a series of EL wires placed at the fold of the structure, thus further emphasizing the pavilion’s curvatures.

Curved Crease Folding

The history of curved crease folding goes back to as early as the Bauhaus, where a student had scored circular creases onto a paper in order to study its materiality. When a circular surface is folded along concentric rings, the resultant form bends on itself and forms a paraboloid in order to make up for the loss in circumference. Initial investigation involved the replication of such system and multiplying the modules which are then interlocked into each other to create various origami sculptures.

The system is then digitally simulated in order to extract the parameters which may affect the resultant geometry of the surface. With a combination of Kangaroo Physics, Hinge Forces and Springs, the digital simulation is created which allows anchor points to be placed, thus dragging for surface into various forms. Tests are carried out on different surfaces, including a closed circle of equal concentric rings, a closed circle of increasing concentric rings as well as an open circular strip with concentric rings. With an increasing fold angle, the bend angle increases.

Upon cutting the closed circle, the surface becomes an open ended circular strip. The constraints that follow a closed surface no longer presents itself, thus allowing the strip to bend freely – although the principles of the system still applies. With increasing fold angles, the strip bends at greater angle. Having this revelation, different open ended strips are then tested against different parameters to extract the system further.

In parallel to the research of curved crease folding is the investigation into the probability of transferring the system onto a more rigid, larger material, such as plywood. Here lattice hinge / kerf folds are employed, allowing the plywood to bend in a similar manner to card and paper. The final patterns for the hinges are a result of rigorous testing through trial and error. By repeating the modules we begin to see that, due to the folds, plywood can be as flexible as card.

Field of Vibrations

Field of Vibrations is a temporary structure and a sacred locus for the Burning Man festival that aims to provoke self discovery and self expression, principals that are integral to the foundations of being a burner.

The proposed structure consists of a radial array of timber frameworks, which form an onion dome-like structure, symbolising a burning candle and creating a space that is both welcoming and cohesive.

A bell is placed in the centre that acts as a focal point, adding a deep level of interactivity – combining sound, visual and human activity. The ringing of the bell would animate the waves that surround the participants, with its sound spreading across the playa reaching each and individual burners, as it had reached the pilgrims along the Silk Road.

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The pulleys are activated through the act of bell ringing, where the rotational force is transferred, through a series of mechanical fittings, to the pulleys.

The weight of the bell causes the wheel to continuously rotate in an alternating pattern due to gravity, while the strings are driven to display the same alternating behaviour.

When standing within the space, one is surrounded by temporal walls of oscillating strings, promoting the concept of dematerialisation. Light is filtered through the illusory waveforms into the sacred space.

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