by Daniel Morales-Garcia
Project Reflection
Design Journey
Navigating through the realm of parametric design, combined with the powers of coding and 3D fabrication, felt like exploring uncharted waters for me. Unlike the more conventional design methods, where manual tasks and tangible limitations often dictate the outcome, this method provides an expansive playground. Through software I can envision and bring to life intricate shapes, which would be exceedingly challenging using traditional techniques. There’s a freedom in being able to tweak and adapt in real time, witnessing immediate results. However, this freedom isn’t without its hurdles. Learning these tools are essential, and there’s a nuanced learning curve between the digital prototype and the physical counterpart. A design might resonate on the digital canvas but might not echo the same sentiment when 3D printed.
Creative Process
My journey into crafting the vessels was a blend of planning and discovery. I was anchored by the concept of manipulating polygons along the x and y coordinates, layering this atop our foundational work on the z-coordinate that we had done in class. Once I got employed this concept in the Grasshopper ecosystem, I expanded the polygonal repertoire and began to experiment and refine. Rather than being confined to a pre-set vision of physical design, I experimented by altering parameters, shifting spaces, and introducing new angles to each polygon. This dynamic approach meant that each vessel was a product of both deliberate design choices and spontaneous decisions. The vessels felt like a joint creation – both from my foundational idea but shaped equally by the software’s possibilities. This duality in design contrasts with the conventional approach to design, where outcomes will often mirror their inception closely.
Vessel #1
For the first vessel, I chose to remain rooted in simplicity. The design process was focused on maintaining a consistent geometric shape that didn’t deviate along the x or y-axis of the polygons. I wanted to start with a simple vessel before experimenting with more complex designs.
Vessel #2
Moving on to the second vessel, I felt inspired to explore beyond the basics. For this one I integrated a singular transformation, this time along the y-axis. The idea was to craft a vessel that transitioned smoothly, keeping the polygons closely stacked in the z-axis, especially towards the base. This design concept emerged as I pondered over the potential of integrating variations along the x and y axes, and it became a stepping stone to greater experimentation.
Vessel #3
The third vessel is where I experimented a bit more. I delved deep into the world of asymmetry, introducing unconventional angles, playing with both the x and y axes, and varying the sizes of the polygons. The creative process for this vessel was less about a preconceived notion and more about letting intuition guide the way.
Printing problems:
I am not completely sure what caused this problem when printing, but I learned the importance of previewing your design after slicing in Cura. I re-downloaded the .stl file and tried again successfully!
Code:
https://handandmachine.org/classes/computational_fabrication/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/DanielMoralesLA2.gh
Hello Daniel,
It is a very beautiful design. There is a swan-like appearance to it. Almost like a souvenir from a gift shop.
Jingbo
Thanks Jingbo! It’s funny you mention the swan-like resemblance in the design, because now I can’t unsee it. It’s fascinating how different perspectives can interpret a design in unique ways.
Best,
Daniel
Hello Daniel, I really appreciate how you printed such dynamic vessels with large overhang angles. When I brought my models into Cura, I saw all the red spots where my overhang angles were too big so I repeatedly went back and altered my models to eliminate large overhangs, effectively changing my models in very significant ways, sometimes unrecognizable to the initial design which I was both sad about (because I really liked some of the forms and asymmetry achieved intially) and happy about, because change is fun. I was nervous about printing large overhang angles, so I tried not to risk anything, but I’m really inspired with the forms that you went for. I’m now very tempted to test what kind of angles I can really print. I remember on one of your pieces, the PLA looked kind of drippy on the bottom of one of the overhangs, but I actually thought that was a really cool effect. I like that sometimes we get unexpected artifacts through the printing process:) I also really like that you let your intuition guide you a lot especially on your last piece, I think that can open super unexpected doors in the creative process.
Thank you for your feedback! It’s true that the unpredictability of 3D printing can lead to some unique and unexpected results. I’m glad my designs have inspired you to test the boundaries of overhang angles.
Best,
Daniel
Hi Daniel!
I’m very impressed by the extreme angles you were able to achieve in your forms, the shapes are very interesting. And I know that it was technically unintended, but your printed vessel with the inner fill exposed was actually pretty cool looking!