NOVA | 3D-Printing

Now with the final form of NOVA realized through renders, it is time to begin the construction phase. To test out the newly established structural layout, different scaled prototypes were created. Two 1:1 3D-printed node prototypes were made to explore the different connection strategies for fabric, piping, and hardware connections, as this is crucial component for the structure's success.

The first node prototype was printed at 3mm thickness and was used with the piping script to match the material.

The second node prototype was printed at 6mm thick, and was used to explore the connection between the bolts

and the fabric. The third node was also 6mm thick, and was more specifically for testing the threading performance

between the bolt and screw holes embedded in the node. 

Upon testing, the nodes were completed and in working condition. The process for printing and sandblasting all

final nodes has taken 3 weeks for the 30 prints.

To test with the scaled nodes, wood dowels and electrical conduit from the DAS shop were used. This was to gauge the structural integrity of the structure with the scaled configuration nodes

Render vs Reality for the node and conduit connections.

NOVA | Final Drawings, Model, and Renders

Final elevations and detail drawings were made for the established NOVA Winter Station design.

Footing & Node Detail Drawings

With the issues ironed out from the scaled model iterations, a final 1:6 scaled model has now been built. Constructed of wooden dowels, MDF, and nodes printed in the same filament as their final counterparts.

Final Model Perspective

Final Model Elevation

Before construction and assembly gets underway. A final render was made to create a point of reference for the remainder of the Winter Station project. Pictured below are the renders for day and night time. These will be compared to the final imagery collected in February of 2024.

Final Render (Daytime)

Final Render (Nighttime)

NOVA | Process Construction: Physical Models Iterations

Learning from the structural inadequacies of the initial designs, the team has decided to simplify. The aim is to remove all non-triangular forms from the structure's skeleton. Furthermore, the quantity of triangular modules will also be reduced. This results in the composition containing 15 different 3D-printed components, 3 unique module configurations, and over 35 different sizes of piping.

When evaluating the current design configuration, it was clear to the team that the structure needed further simplification to make construction realistic. So, to resolve its complexity, the design has been cut down in its intricacy. At this stage, the team has reduced the number of 3D-printed node types from 15 to 7. Additionally, rather than creating 3 unique module configurations, they minimized it to 2. Lastly, the piping was also lowered from 35 to 12 different types.

Ultimately, upon further consideration, the team has deduced that the design is still too complicated to make the construction and final assemblage pragmatic. Accordingly, the project has been further streamlined. As it stands, the structure is now composed of 7 different node varieties compared to 10, resulting in 30 nodes overall to be printed. Additionally, the degree of variability for the piping configuration has also been addressed. Now, the project relies on only 10 different pipe dimensions, a crucial change from the original 150. Lastly, the Station was reimagined to be more modular, formed using 1 repeated module rather than 2, resulting in a cleaner and more minimalistic design.

NOVA | Schematic Design: Prototypes

Moving forward, the team is currently in the development stage. They have begun creating more intricate scaled models. Through this process, they have created 3 models to understand the structural composition. Furthermore, these models are used to reify the abstract scheme that was reached in the first phase of the design.

Stemming from this exercise, the group ascertained that 2 of the iteration models were not feasible because they were not structurally sound even in scaled form. Specifically, the models suffered from splaying.

Models at the scale of 1:6

While exploring structure, students also experimented with textiles, achieving a bowing patterning to the canopy. 

NOVA | Winter Station Schematic Design

The team has begun work sketching out the framework and character for the upcoming 2024 Winter Station competition. Themed with Resonance, students were tasked with designing a winter pavilion that reflects the artistic legacy and lasting impact of TMU's past winter stations. Quoted directive from the competition organizers:

"Captures the echoes of our artistic legacy and the enduring impact of Winter Stations. It invites us to reflect on the moments that have left a lasting mark, the installations that have stirred our hearts, and the memories that have become part of our collective narrative."

While the aim was to resonate with the Winter Stations of the past, the team did not want to recycle past work, rather studying the fabrication methods and assembly techniques, while also refining, detailing and expediting the assembly time. The main Stations of inspiration were Snowcone, Lithoform, and S’winter Station. Certain features where carried through, such as triangular geometric patterning and the use of electrical conduit.

Initial Sketches

Students wanted to create a star to shed light and illuminate TMU's legacy. Incorporating prior materials and introducing 3D-printed elements allowed students to create a complete geometric structure. This was accomplished through a series of scaled models.

First "wing" Iteration

Without delay, students were faced with challenges. The problem with their initial design was having far too many 3D-printed nodes. This level of complication needs to be rectified. This iteration had close to 70 3D-printed parts; it was only feasible for the department to print 30.

Inhale | Exhale - Final Documentation

 Under the title "Inhale | Exhale", the students achieved success in their focus of installation and its purpose to provide a moment of mindfulness for individuals passing through the busy city streets. 

Inhale | Exhale - On Site

Dedicating an entire day on-site, the students orchestrated the assembly of the installation. By the end of the day, the team accomplished the completion of the window display. This included the base and wall modules, the intricately designed wheel and gear box mechanism, and the fins.

Inhale | Exhale - Assembly

 The fabrication team began constructing the installation to prepare for the on-site day. All components of the window installation including the bases and walls, wheels, fins, and gear box were put together. 

Traverse - Final Documentation

The students accomplished great success in bringing the installation "Traverse" to life. The very essence of the creation captures the sensation of embarking on a captivating journey through the city, allowing viewers to intimately experience its multifaceted charm and allure.