Documentation: Model 2 Submission

Model idea

Water Cube/ Beijing National Aquatics Centre (Facade of the building) by PTW Architects

Technique(s) to use

CNC milling

Laser cutting

Vacuum Former

Processing

Water Cube is the precedent of my second model that the façade system is the selected element for the model. The façade and structure represent the nature of water which is constructed by the bubble form structure. The atmosphere of water nature can be enhanced by the building facade and lighting at night (Figure above).

For the Processing

1.      Design the 3D model first

For the 3D model, I use the SketchUp to similar the actual model and the moulds for the CNC milling.

To making the shape of bubble on the façade, I do the shape with the Soap Bubble plugin (perssure is 500)

 This is the mould designs (80mm x 175mm and 175mm x175mm) and simulation of final model.

2.     

Doing the mould (CNC milling) for the façade

After that, I use the CNC milling machine for my two moulds by the pinewood panels (240mm x 240mm). Both moulds are made within three hours.

However, there is an incident when I do my second mold that the pinewood cannot stick with the basement well because the double sides task one the wood is not enough. So I need to restart and redo the system (wrong cutting occurred on the panel by the figure below).

3.      Making the façade by the vacuum former
I use the 253mm x 253mm frame as a base to make the shape of model. In this processing, I redo the larger façade twice that the façade I made at first time cannot show the shape clear. It is because I did not press hard during putting down the frame.

4.      Cutting the structure (Laser cutting)

By doing the structure, laser cutting is the method for cutting the structure with the drawing of Autocad.

The 1mm screen board is the material for the frame of the model that can highlight the bubble shape of the façade.

5.      Gluing all elements together

For the outcome of finished model, I take some photo by using a lamp as simulation the night view of Water Cube.

Proposed Size: 8cm (height) x 17.5cm (wide) x 17.5cm (depth)
Material:  Polypropylene sheet, screen board, Pinewood panels
Technique: Vacuum Former, laser cutting, CNC milling

Time Commitment:
Design/ drawing time: ~10 hours
CNC milling: ~5.5 hours (3 hours + 2.5 hours )
Vacuum-Forming: 1.5 hours
Laser Cutting: 0.5 hour
Finishing (Cutting + Gluing): 2 hours

Total: ~19.5 hours


Cost/Budget:
Pinewood panels: $17
Screen board: $ 3.5
Polypropylene sheet: $8
Laser cutting booking: $5

Total: $33.5