Haresh Lalvani 2023-2024

School of Architecture, Center for Experimental Structures

3D HYPER SURFACE: Phase 3

In the final stage of this continuing proj- ect constructing a 3D one-sided minimal surface, we are completing the last 2 layers (Layers 1 and 2) of this laminated contoured alucobond structure. The lessons learned from previous layers are incorporated here resulting in the most accurately constructed portion of the structure. This brings it closest to the promise of formwork-free assembly of curved asymmetric shell structure built from small parts assembled to make larger parts. We expect all parts of the structure will be ready for installation after this stage.

A large, curvilinear structure under assembly, consisting of layered materials forming fluid, organic shapes. Multiple clamps, wooden supports, and straps secure the structure in place. The form features undulating curves with orange markings highlighting key construction points, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and engineering.

A detailed view of a multi-layered curved assembly being clamped together. Metal beams and red-handled clamps are securing the layered sections, with a yellow strap providing additional tension. The structure features precise markings and measurements, indicating alignment points and careful assembly.

Close-up view of a clamping setup on a segmented assembly. Various clamps with wooden and metal handles hold together the layers, including a prominent yellow Stanley strap in the center. The metal sections are precisely aligned with visible markings, and black zip ties are used to hold parts in place.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Interns: Matthew Mitchell, Quinten Oxender

UG Research Assistants: Tron Le, Dillon Marlow

Consultant: Mohamad Fahan

Industrial Support: Milgo-Bufkin

BAMBOO X-POD: PHASE II

Bamboo X-POD, an expandable structure for rapid deployment of an emergency shelter (e.g. for climate refugees), was scaled up to a 4 ft diameter prototype using split bamboo. A method for fabricating nearly uniform thin bamboo elements was developed. Starting flat, it deploys from a 2D to a 3D spatial structure. An expedient scalable solution of insert- ing two arched bamboo elements which rise from the ground to hoist the structure was the minimum required for deployment. Bam- boo X-POD is part of the broader X-Bamboo

A close-up view of a structure made of interwoven thin wooden strips, held together by white ties. Below the structure, small fabric bags are suspended with hooks, adding a dynamic element to the installation. The image highlights the delicate balance and tension created by the arrangement of the wooden strips and the hanging objects.

A circular object with radiating spokes emanating from a central point. The spokes appear to be metallic and evenly spaced, forming a pattern that resembles the spokes of a wheel. Behind the spokes, a ring of reddish and black material is visible, adding depth and contrast to the design. The background is dark, which accentuates the geometric and structural elements of the object.

A radial structure viewed from above, featuring alternating gold and black spokes emanating from a central core. The gold spokes have slightly uneven, rugged tips with red markings, while the black spokes are thinner and fan out evenly in between. The entire structure is mounted on a textured, wooden background, and tools or clamps are visible at the edges of the image, adding an industrial or workshop feel.

A dome-like wooden structure under construction, viewed from a low angle. The frame consists of thin, curved bamboo-like beams bound together with white ties, forming a grid pattern across the surface. The base is mounted on a sturdy, rectangular wooden platform, and the open underside reveals the interior, which is supported by vertical wooden posts. The overall shape resembles a skeletal framework of a shelter or architectural model.

A dome-like frame constructed from thin bamboo-like beams, bound together by white ties, forming a curved, grid-like structure. The framework sits atop a wooden platform with triangular corners. The image is taken from a low perspective, showcasing the gradual slope of the dome as it rises from the base. The beams crisscross, providing a skeletal form reminiscent of architectural models or artistic installations.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

UG Research Assistants: Tron Le, Dillon Marlow, Rithika Vedapuri, Emma Xu

FRACTAL RULED SURFACES

Robotically wire-cut 3D curved surfaces are ruled sur- faces which mimic minimal surfaces. The latter use least material to cover space and are also stronger, permitting large areas to be covered with less material. Conservation of resources is built-in. We introduce a class of corrugated ruled surfaces and extend these to fractal ruled surfaces as part of our ongoing work on hypersurfaces. These structural surfaces add further to the economy of material with some functional advantages as well. Examples of wire-cut hex saddle modules are shown which, combined with related modules, can be configured in periodic and non-periodic spatial configurations as one of many architectonic possibilities.

Abstract geometric pattern composed of repeating, layered, hexagonal shapes that give the illusion of depth and curvature. The shapes form a complex, three-dimensional texture with sharp edges and lines, creating a dynamic interplay between light and shadow. The monochromatic color scheme highlights the intricate folds and bends, making the surface appear to undulate across the image in a hypnotic, wave-like manner.

A digital rendering of an abstract, folded surface that features alternating smooth and ribbed patterns. The form appears as a continuous, undulating sheet that twists and bends with flowing curves, evoking a sense of movement. On the left, the structure fans outward in a ribbed, accordion-like formation, while on the right, the shapes form semi-circular, wave-like folds. The central portion features a flat, smooth plane, bridging the two dynamic ends. The minimalist color palette and geometric precision suggest a concept focused on material flexibility and structural balance.

A 3D digital rendering depicting a twisted, helical form made from an array of cylindrical segments. The object consists of uniformly aligned, tube-like shapes that bend and twist along a central axis. On the left, the cylinders are tightly fanned out, creating a ribbed or accordion-like effect. As the structure extends to the right, it tapers and curves into a more compact arrangement, maintaining the circular cross-sections. The geometry suggests a balance between fluidity and rigidity, with a minimalistic color scheme that highlights the form's clean, precise lines.

A 3D digital model presenting a fluid, twisted structure made up of multiple elongated segments arranged radially. The segments are scalloped, adding a wave-like texture to the form, especially prominent in the center of the structure. The design curves smoothly from left to right, with the left side showing tighter folds and the right side opening up into wider scallops. The alternating concave and convex curves suggest motion and flow, while maintaining an organized geometric pattern. The light neutral tone highlights the intricate detailing along the edges of the structure.

A grayscale image depicting a twisted, geometric architectural form. The object has a fan-like, ribbed texture along its curved edges, with a pattern of repeating undulating ridges. It twists in a dynamic form with sharp angular planes, creating shadows and highlights under directional lighting. The texture on the surface appears slightly grainy or porous, giving it a tactile quality. The backdrop is dark, enhancing the contrast between the object and its surroundings, emphasizing the sharpness and elegance of the twisted design.

A monochrome image showcasing a sculptural form with a distinctive ribbed texture. The object is composed of cylindrical elements arranged in a fan-like, stepped pattern, creating sharp angular folds. The form features smooth, repeating ridges with a porous surface texture. The lighting emphasizes the shadows between the grooves, enhancing the depth and dimensionality of the structure. The backdrop is dark, adding contrast to the light-colored object, which stands out with its geometric precision and tactile quality.

A monochromatic image displaying a sculptural object characterized by intricate ribbed textures. The form consists of sharply angled, fan-like folds that create a sense of movement and depth, with layers of cylindrical ridges arranged in geometric patterns. The surface is finely textured, with subtle shadows cast between the grooves, enhancing the three-dimensional quality of the piece. The sculpture is lit to emphasize its contours against a dark backdrop, drawing attention to its detailed craftsmanship and dynamic structure.

A black-and-white image featuring a sculptural form that spirals upward in a twisting motion. The sculpture is composed of layered, scalloped edges that fan out in a dynamic wave-like pattern, creating an interplay of light and shadow along the ridged surfaces. The texture is slightly rough, adding a tactile quality to the piece, while its sharp curves and sweeping arcs provide a sense of movement. Set against a dark backdrop, the sculpture's complex geometry is further accentuated by its delicate balance between softness and structure.

A close-up black-and-white image capturing the intricate texture and pattern of a sculptural form made of foam-like material. The surface has a hexagonal, beaded texture, reminiscent of a polystyrene material, which adds depth and dimension to the piece. The layers of the structure fan out and overlap in a fluid, sweeping motion, creating a dynamic interplay of light and shadow across the folds. The delicate curves of the ridged form produce a sense of movement, while the sharp angles emphasize its geometric design. The dark background enhances the visual contrast of the sculpture.

A digital rendering showcasing a complex, geometric structure composed of repeating, ribbed surfaces. The form is made up of many layered and folded shapes, which twist and intersect with each other to create a dynamic, almost architectural space. The material appears smooth and uniform, with each ribbed line casting subtle shadows, emphasizing the depth and curvature of the structure. The repeated angular patterns create a sense of movement and fluidity within the rigid geometry, leading the eye through the intricacies of the design. The overall visual effect is futuristic and organic, blending precision with a sense of flowing form.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

UG Research Assistants: Jungbin Park, Ahan Patil, Tyler Haas

Robotics Lab: Greg Sheward

FRACTAL POLYOMINO SURFACE

We introduce fractal polyomino surface structures and show one example using self-similar scalable triominoes as part of our continuing work on HyperSurfaces. Polyominoes are cellular structures composed of cells (like a square) which are fused to make modules (tiles) that fit. For a square cell, a triomino has 3 fused cells, a pentomino has 5 fused cells, and so on. Two L-shaped triominoes can be folded into a cube, 4 to build the shell of a hypercube and 10 for the 6D cube. We used the 72-degree rhombus as the cell to derive tilted alphabet shapes which are tiled recursively to build fractal triomino surfaces. Images show a fractal triomino cube (3D), its tilted versions, and the outer shell of a 6D cube.

A highly intricate wooden cube with a labyrinthine design carved into its surface. The cube is constructed from interlocking wooden pieces, forming a complex, three-dimensional maze. Each face of the cube features a pattern of interwoven geometric lines, creating an effect of depth and layered intricacies. The light wood grain contrasts with the darker interior, highlighting the sharp, angular cuts that define the maze-like paths. The overall effect is a striking, architectural structure that blends precision craftsmanship with an abstract, puzzle-like aesthetic.

A geometric wooden sculpture, resembling a multifaceted polygonal shape. Each face of the shape is intricately carved with maze-like patterns that interconnect across the surface. The piece is crafted from layers of wood, giving depth to the labyrinthine designs. The fine, angular lines and interlocking patterns create a complex visual effect, blending the art of woodworking with mathematical precision. The warm tones of the wood contrast with the shadows created by the deep cuts, emphasizing the dimensionality of the artwork. This sculpture stands as an architectural and decorative masterpiece, balancing symmetry with complexity.

A geometric white 3D-printed cube featuring an intricate, maze-like grid pattern. The structure, composed of interlocking rectangular shapes, creates a lattice of intersecting planes. The cube appears lightweight and delicate, with evenly spaced grid lines providing depth and transparency. The design showcases precise and clean edges, creating a visual play of light and shadow as the negative spaces form intricate pathways. The white material of the 3D print enhances the minimalistic aesthetic, highlighting the complexity of the design against the clean, smooth surfaces. The cube floats in the image, standing out against a plain background.

A geometric white 3D-printed object with a complex grid pattern. This piece has a pyramid-like structure with latticework that extends across its surfaces, creating an intricate, interconnected framework. The design features a series of interlocking squares and rectangles, forming a web-like mesh. The open spaces between the shapes allow light to pass through, casting subtle shadows and adding depth to the design. The object’s sharp angles and clean lines stand out against a plain white background, emphasizing the precision and clarity of the 3D-printed model.

A detailed close-up of a white 3D-printed geometric structure, showcasing a complex labyrinth-like design of interlocking shapes. The image highlights the intricate network of pathways and negative space within the object. The inner surfaces feature repeating patterns that resemble a maze, adding another layer of visual complexity. The perspective emphasizes depth, as the viewer looks into the dense arrangement of angular forms. The overall aesthetic is modern, minimalist, and highly precise, with clean lines and sharp angles that play with light and shadow.

A symmetrical view inside a white geometric 3D structure, showcasing intricate, interwoven patterns. The perspective looks upward into a pentagonal, maze-like configuration, with angular, repetitive designs etched into the surfaces of the walls. The clean, white material accentuates the precision of the latticework, creating a sense of infinite complexity and depth. The patterns are continuous and seamless, giving the illusion of an endless labyrinth within a polygonal space. The image draws the viewer's eye toward the center, where the lines converge into a central point, creating a captivating visual effect.

[Credits:]

Principal Investigator: Haresh Lalvani

Research Associate: Robinson Strong

UG Research Assistants: Natalia Rossi, Ethan Peng, Sara Su, Bell Wang