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CES Projects 2017-18

This banner illustrates a range of CES Projects completed between 2017-2018, showcasing different forms of structural exploration and material manipulation. 1. On the left side, a sequence of images demonstrates a flexible, ribbed structure. The top-left and bottom-left images show hands manipulating the material, suggesting a focus on the study of movement, flexibility, and how mechanical joints behave under stress or deformation. The middle image appears to be the same structure but is shown in a more stable configuration, perhaps emphasizing its potential for both mobility and rigidity. 2. In the center, a wooden and white modular structure shows intricate joint construction, appearing as a study in assembly or modularity in design. The smooth, organic curvature contrasts with the mechanical, segmented look of the other components, reflecting a merging of natural and fabricated aesthetics. 3. The right side displays a geodesic-like structure with metal rods connected by tension cables, alongside close-ups of its joints. The focus is likely on the tension systems, a hallmark of tensegrity design principles, and exploring how dynamic movement or forces distribute through interconnected structures. In sum, these projects reflect an emphasis on exploring material flexibility, modular architecture, and structural integrity in a computationally-driven design process.

AMOEBOID SPHERE (PHASE 2)

We continue the next phase of our actuated morphing amoeboid sphere building on results from Phase 1. In this phase, we have constructed an icosahedron with improved joints, and are currently building a portion of the second spherical layer as part of a double-layered spherical truss. We continue to test the physical connections, software, hardware and electronics using linear actuators and a custom screen-based control interface.

schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object
schematic of wireframe spherical object

[Credits]:

Principals: Haresh Lalvani, CheWei Wang
CES Researcher: David Franck,
Student Research Assistant: Abhishek Thakkar

SELF-LOCK PAVILION (PHASE 2)

We continue the development of the Self-Lock Pavilion, a structure built of 5 inter-locking parts that are joined to make a continuously smooth minimal surface without using external connecting devices. The inter-digitation we have developed was successfully tested with a scaled 3D print. The five components are being cnc milled and combined with 3D prints to construct a hybridized maquette of the structure. We are also beginning to digitally develop 6-axis tooling to fabricate the inter-digitating geometry, inspired by cranial sutures, from continuous monolithic material.

object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts
object, resembling armor, with interlocking parts

[Credits]:

Principal: Haresh Lalvani
CES Researcher: Robinson Strong
Student Research Assistants: Ahmad Tabbakh, Kevin Harris