ndanos

Hypar Infinity

Inspired by minimal surfaces, more specifically triply periodic minimal surfaces, Hypar Infinity is a component based pavilion constructed from plywood sheets. The first part of the research focused on triply periodic minimal surfaces, that are locally area-minimizing, have a zero mean curvature and repeat themselves in three directions. Many of these surfaces were discovered by Alan Schoen in the 1970s. The research into infinite minimal surfaces led to experiments with hyperbolic paraboloids or hypars. Hypars are saddle shaped doubly ruled surfaces but act as minimal surfaces. Hypars can be easily folded, attached together in variety of ways, and infinitely repeated. In my proposal I attached six hypars together creating a star-like shape that became the module, which is then mirrored along its edges to create the final design.

The pavilion aims to create a social environment and encourages self-exploration and social interaction among its visitors. The structure provides a place to relax, socialize, hide-away from the sun during the day and enjoy the beautiful lights of the playa during the night. The structure is made out of 240 components that are laser cut and fixed together by solid hinges. Each leg of the pavilion would be placed on a wooden base that would then be anchored to the ground.

Minimal Surface – Hyperbolic Paraboloid Folding

Triply Periodic Minimal Surfaces

Minimal surface is an area minimizing surface whose mean curvature at any point is zero, and is often represented by the shapes of soap bubbles that span wire frames. Some minimal surfaces have crystalline structures that repeat themselves periodically in three dimensions. Many of these surfaces were discovered by Alan Schoen who analysed them in his technical report, ‘Infinite Periodic Minimal Surfaces without Self-Intersection‘, written in 1970. I first started researching the different types of triply periodic minimal surfaces to understand the rules behind their structures.

Folded Hyperbolic Paraboloid

Parametric Kerf Bending

I have also been investigating different types of lattice hinges or cutting patterns that could help fold a hyperbolic paraboloid from a rigid single sheet material.

Science-Fiction Timeline

DS10 started the year researching sci-fi novels, movies, magazines and technological discoveries from the past two centuries. Here are the timelines showing the historical and political events,as well as the technological discoveries that greatly influenced Science Fiction from the 1800s until today.