WEEK 33 - CNC CUTTING + 3D PRINTING
28 OCTOBER - 2 NOVEMBER 2018
CNC machine cutting final triangle elements
Demonstration of basic SMP print - square, 1mm thick
WEEK 33 - 34 - GEODESIC DOME CONSTRUCTION
31 OCTOBER - 9 NOVEMBER 2018
Geodesic dome construction process
The construction of the final dome segment was only possible with the use of jigs and temporary supports. By carefully placing each segment in alignment with the pre-designed layout, the dome segment took approximately one day to finalise. It was important that the printed SMP panels were are a comfortable height for people to be able to interact with them. I decided to only secure one side of the polymer to allow for extra give when the SMP was being manipulated. I found that throughout testing, the intended lights would need to be quite close to the polymer for it to become easily malleable. It was important that the lights were placed close enough to ensure a change in state but not so close that it interfered with the user's overall experience.
WEEK 35 - FINAL ARTEFACT + EXEGESIS
16 NOVEMBER 2018
'A' Type triangle used in final geo-dome with dimensions
My final moderation included a demonstration of the material in various forms (with the application of heat) and was delivered to a panel that included my two supervisors, two external University moderators, various staff from the Interior Architecture program, my course coordinator and my fellow Honours peers. This was a valuable experience as it was a chance for me to review the work I had achieved throughout the year and deliver my findings to a group of fellow designers. The feedback I received on the day was incredibly encouraging, with much engagement from my audience. Shape Memory Polymers still require much research and offer designers the opportunity to consider an alternative to common interior materials. I feel there is also great potential for this polymer to be used in fields outside of Interior Architecture, specifically Product Design and sculptural pieces, as it can be manipulated in such a unique way, customising or tailoring this material to specific users and their unique environments is a definite possibility.
Each page of my completed exegesis.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS + THANKS
My sincere thanks and appreciation to the following people, without whom I would not have been able to achieve all that I have this year (2018):
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Peter Walker and Darren Fong, Honours Supervisors (School of Art, Architecture and Design), The University of South Australia
Raphael Garcia, The New Venture Institute, Flinders University
Dave Gordon and technical staff, The University of South Australia
Patrick O'Sullivan, School of Engineering, The University of South Australia
My partner and family for all their support and encouragement.