Comparing and Contrasting
Exploring the torus within the Yamaha IT250 Tank
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| Final piece |
For this component of the course, I thought I would reflect on the construction of one of the pieces I created for the motorcycle tank in assignment 2, specifically the torus-like piece. I will admit, my work in assignment 1 was not up to my own standard, and a bit rushed. I was overseas for the first 2 weeks of class and I seemed to be always playing catchup. As a result, I do not think my techniques were displayed well in the first assignment. Due to those factors, I think it is best I review the last assignment, as I thought I gave it a good attempt to the best of my ability.
I think missing the in class demonstration of the torus is definitely one of the reasons why I took so much time on this piece.
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| Concept sketch of what the end result would look like. |
It was only until later into assignment 2 wear i realised that I had to always over correct the curve on the y-axis before beginning the curve on the x-axis, as it would naturally lessen the bend as I curved around the x-axis. This resulted in me getting close to the template, but always being warped on one of the sides of the piece without it lining up to the template correctly.
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| First impressions on how to approach the piece. |
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| My slightly mangled piece after frustratingly trying to get it to conform to the template. |
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| My approach to the piece. |
As seen in the above diagram, I began by stretching each corner down, as I believed it to be the more important factor in making the piece. I soon realised that I had it the wrong way around.
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| It became apparent if I wanted the curves shown in the section, I had to stretch the metal. |
Due to this, I toiled and obsessed in stretching the piece so that I could get the desired bend, resulting almost a paper thin piece of metal (I was lucky not to get any cracks). Furthermore, The piece was hammered a lot, and in the later stages using the english wheel was out of question, as it would completely distort the shape of the metal.
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| Trying and trying to get the curve, which would have been easier to over correct in the first place. |
It was about half way through the construction of my piece, going back and forth between the cycle of bending on the x-axis, y-axis, english wheeling and getting frustrated, someone else in the other group of 3 walked into the workshop and was about to begin the same piece of me (Amity).
With the help of Russell, I saw them make more progress with the curves and shape of the piece then I had in the hours of trying - and it was by first over shrinking the piece along the y-axis, and then on the x-axis. This did create a ridge along the metal's x-axis, however those were easily straightened out with the english wheel.
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Image taken from Amity's blog: Russel's approach to the piece
[http://amityleighyore.blogspot.com/2018/05/the-tank.html#more] |
This technique did however create small ridges as the metal bent sharply as it resisted the curve, however I saw that they were easily pinched out with the hammer, and then smoothed out on the english wheel.
Ultimately, I still am very happy with the end result of my piece. I think i was able to get a form which closely fit the template, and also fit the other piece's in the group to make up a complete tank. However, if I was to do it again, I would definitely follow the method I observed Russell use in making the piece.
Engaging Digital Making into my career
Through this course, It has shown me the complexity in forming sculptural and practical pieces of metal. It has also taught me a lot about the physical properties of aluminium sheet metal. As I touched on this in my previous assignment, there are two main ways in which I can translate this course into my discipline.
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| Neuer Zollhof, Dusseldorf, Frank Gehry, stainless steel skin |
Firstly, exploring and finding the physical properties in a hands-on and primary experience. I am now in my third year of architectural studies, and I can say that every building or structure I have designed has been on a 3D modelling software. When it came to the materiality of the structure, I would select, and click 'metal' or 'wood' with little consideration that if the material I have chosen could actually conform to the shape I have applied it to. Through digital making, I can now realise that that shape, or that form, or that end piece, can be built out of sheet metal, and needs to be joined or sliced here to ensure a proper fitting piece.
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| Walt Disney Concert Hall, LA, Frank Gehry, stainless steel skin |
Secondly, looking at the micro side of the course, the stages which went through creating the motorcycle tank taught me useful techniques which will definitely be useful in my industry. Whether it be the laser cutters, or the 3D software used to create the 3D model, or even programs such as Slicer. Especially I think in the next few years, where I will be looking at new and innovative ways to translate my designs into 3D models or projects, I now have a new set of skills which I can take with me. What also should not be undermined is the metal shaping itself! I can use these sculptural techniques to build contour models, roof forms, panels, or anything which could be derived from sheet metal. Thus, this course has showed me many techniques, both physically and digitally, which I can take and translate into my discipline of architecture as I progress my studies.
