Morphology Studios 2023-2024

By Ajmal Aqtash, David Burke, Molly Mason, and Robinson Strong

A collage showcasing various structural models and sculptural pieces, labeled

SAND BOX_3D PRINTING ARCHITECTURE WITH PEOPLE, NOT JUST ROBOTS

This semester explored the relationship between form, force, and time by examining geometry at the macro, meso, and micro scale. Additive manufacturing provides the opportunity to imbue materials with new performative qualities, such as bending, stretching, or bouncing. Students explored this through the design of tool paths for 3D printing (micro scale) in order to create dynamic structures capable of movement and partial self-assembly.

A grid of six images shows a hand holding various delicate, lattice-like 3D printed structures. Each structure has a unique texture, with the thickness dimensions marked in black boxes in the corner of each image. The top row displays three pieces labeled as 0.1mm, 0.08mm, and 0.14mm respectively. The bottom row includes textures with measurements of 0.05mm, 0.14mm, and 0.2mm. Each piece varies in shape and flexibility, with some held flat and others slightly curved.

A close-up photo of a set of white 3D-printed truss-like structures arranged on a gray background. Each piece has a triangular form with a hollow, geometric framework of hexagons, circles, squares, and rectangles, providing a lightweight, airy appearance. The pieces appear interlocked, creating a symmetrical, modular configuration.

A white, paper-folded geometric structure with a starburst-like appearance against a gray background. The piece consists of interconnected triangular shapes, forming a dome-like surface with pointed, angular extensions around the edges, creating a complex, tessellated pattern. The crisp folds and sharp vertices add to its three-dimensional, architectural quality.

A geometric assembly of interconnected, white, star-like structures with open centers, arranged in a clustered formation on a gray background. Each individual shape resembles a fan or a petal, with alternating solid and perforated sections along the edges, creating a visually intricate, layered pattern. The sharp, angular folds add a three-dimensional quality to the structure.

A 3D-printed white structure composed of interconnected geometric shapes resembling folded stars or petals. The structure's facets and crisp edges form a cohesive, modular design, emphasizing symmetry and repetition.

A geometric line drawing featuring interlocking circular and curved shapes. The design includes overlapping arcs and lines forming symmetrical patterns, with a highlighted area in red that emphasizes a central section. The use of solid and dashed lines suggests depth and dimension within the layout.

A minimalist line and shape composition with thin geometric outlines and soft, translucent pink and purple gradient fills. Various triangular and diamond-shaped elements are displayed, some interconnected by curved or straight lines, creating a sense of spatial arrangement and lightness. The design focuses on abstract symmetry and clean lines.

A wooden frame structure with a translucent, flexible, mesh-like material stretched diagonally across two vertical sides. The material has a geometric pattern that resembles interconnected star shapes or hexagons, creating a semi-transparent effect. The structure is placed on a wooden base, giving it an open, architectural appearance.

Close-up view of a translucent, mesh-like material stretched within a wooden frame. The material has a geometric pattern, resembling interconnected triangular shapes, giving it a textured and semi-transparent appearance. The intricate design allows light to pass through, emphasizing the layered depth of the pattern.

Three iterations of a hexagonal robotic pattern composed of interlocking triangular shapes, displayed in a row. Each pattern layer progressively increases from left to right: the first is a single layer, the second is two layers, and the third is three layers. Below each pattern is labeled text specifying "Robotic Pattern (Seven Module)," followed by details like the layer count, nozzle size of 1.4mm, and the ABB IRB 140 with IRC5 Compact Controller used.

[Credits:]

Faculty: Ajmal Aqtash, Molly Mason

Students: Emma Xu (1-5), Team: Sara Su, Bell Wang, Kam Zhang, Yijun Liu, Catherine Moreno, Graciella Campuzano, Cole Bernstein, Jung Oh “Alice” Lee, Yoon Seok Kang (6-10)

MORPHOLOGY IN PRACTICE

Emily Guan’s research of the Schwarz P surface resulted in various digital and physical model building techniques resulting in mapping the surface to create an innovative structure and folding mechanism.

Wei Wang developed a paper “A Kinetic Workflow: Designing and Fabricating Hoberman-type Double-Curved Kinetic Structures” that proposes a workflow for modeling and prototyping complex shapes and surfaces that can easily expand and contract. The work includes methodologies for prototyping these new kinetic structures which are capable of preserving fundamental geometries during development.

A sequential illustration showing the transformation of mesh shapes. Starting with flat, colorful, grid-like forms, the image progresses to indicate "tension" being applied, resulting in a curving mesh. The final shape depicts a complex, rounded structure formed by multiple interconnected, tensioned meshes.

Two views of a sculptural structure made from translucent, rose-colored material. The left view shows a cluster of stacked, curved panels arranged in a wave-like formation, while the right view presents an arch-like shape formed by the same stacked panels, revealing an open passage underneath.

Two views of a bright, neon-colored sculptural form made from stacked, translucent panels in shades of pink and orange. The left view showcases the intricate layered curves creating a U-shaped structure, while the right view emphasizes the vibrant, intertwined pattern of vertical and horizontal panels, giving a sense of depth and complexity.

A wooden and metal kinetic structure with multiple interlocking triangular sections arranged in an arc. The design appears modular, with each section connected by hinges and screws, allowing movement and flexibility within the assembly. The neutral wood tones contrast with the dark metal connectors, highlighting the structure's mechanical elements.

An arched, modular structure made of interconnected wooden and metal components. The wooden segments form a sequence of triangular shapes joined by dark metal hinges, creating a flexible, kinetic design. The arch is raised on both sides, showcasing the intricate assembly and mechanical articulation of each triangular section.

A complex kinetic structure featuring multiple interconnected wooden and metal triangular frames arranged in a zigzag formation. The wooden segments are joined by dark metal hinges, creating a flexible, accordion-like mechanism. The structure is positioned on a white background, emphasizing the modular articulation and dynamic movement potential of each connected segment.

[Credits:]

Faculty: David Burk

Students: Emily Guan (11-14), Wei Wang (15-17)

POLYHEDRAL MINIMAL SURFACES

Over the course of two semesters, this Morphology studio studied discreet planar panelization techniques on triply periodic minimal surface topologies. Students first explored the fundamental symmetries of these negatively curved surfaces that could be leveraged to develop planar tessellations. Computational tools were used to explore multiple patterns and shape optimization strategies. The panelization studies were the basis for physical prototyping that utilized the planarized geometry for effective rapid fabrication: laser- cutting, thin sheet cnc-ing, 3D-printing with minimal scaffolding, and other novel assemblies.

An intricate architectural model showcasing a circular, layered structure made from interlocking wood and cardboard pieces. The design features repeating geometric patterns with cross-shaped cutouts, connected in a complex, woven arrangement. The model's form creates a sense of depth and movement, with layers twisting and overlapping, adding to the visual complexity. Set against a black background, the details of the construction stand out, emphasizing its architectural and sculptural qualities.

A close-up view of a complex, interlocking wooden structure with a modular, geometric design. The layers are intricately cut and assembled, showcasing various interwoven shapes and connections that create a dynamic, arching form. The structure's textures and joints are visible, highlighting the precise craftsmanship and laser-cut detailing.

An abstract geometric pattern featuring layered gray shapes with triangular elements. The composition has a transparent, grid-like structure, and one distinct turquoise triangle stands out against the grayscale background. The design has a three-dimensional quality, with intersecting planes and circular openings, creating depth and a sense of movement within the form.

A geometric structure composed of interconnected gray shapes, with an overlay of transparent grid lines. A prominent turquoise triangle sits on the top right, contrasting with the gray background. The design includes cut-out sections and layered triangles, creating a sense of depth and dimensionality within the abstract form.

An intricate, multi-layered geometric structure featuring interwoven patterns in pastel shades of pink, green, and orange, set against a black background. The design has large, oval cutouts near the center, creating an open, lattice-like appearance with undulating, twisting elements that flow outward. The structure’s layered appearance adds depth and complexity, resembling a digitally rendered, abstract sculpture.

A close-up of a hand lifting a cut-out piece from a laser-cut wooden board. The board has intricate geometric patterns etched and cut into it, with the piece being removed having angled edges and cut-out shapes. The background shows an industrial workshop setting with shelves and tools.

[Credits:]

Faculty: Robinson Strong

Students: Emerald Liang + Ivy Jiahui Yu (18-23)