Task 01 _ Aggregates

Parametric Collapse

This task involved exploring platonic solids, developing an understanding of historical, cultural, and biological patterns, designing surfaces with ornaments, modeling in Rhino 3D, producing the designs using laser cutting on cardboard, and constructing complex structures by assembling multiple solids.

My first sketches and ideas focused on breaking up the individual faces with complex structures or fold-out elements. I created several sketches featuring different patterns.

Then I worked in the CAD program Rhino 3D to better understand and digitally model platonic solids. I chose the icosahedron for my project.

While working in Rhino, I discovered the Grasshopper plugin and wanted to learn how to use it. Ultimately, I aimed to apply parametric modeling for my patterns. During trial and error, I liked the triangulated patterns best, but also Voronoi, since these were manageable for me as a first-time Grasshopper user.

Next, I started laser cutting prototypes. I realized that the struts between the triangles of my icosahedron were too large. It took several attempts and an iterative workflow between Rhino and laser cutting to solve this issue.

My final structure consists of several icosahedrons whose triangulated patterns almost resemble a broken-up cellular structure.

This result clearly illustrates the powerful design potential of working with Rhino and Grasshopper. Not only does it highlight how complex and precise forms can be generated through parametric modeling, but the object itself also stands out as a captivating and aesthetically engaging geometric structure. It invites further exploration both in terms of form-finding and potential application. nderes wort für final

Task 02 _ Elements

Radiant Interlock

This Task involved developing, designing, and producing a plug-in system made from two-dimensional elements that can be assembled into three-dimensional objects simply by interlocking. The goal was to leave the flat surface behind and create a transition into three-dimensionality.

My process began with some difficulties: I didn’t know where to start or how to approach the task, and for a while, I couldn’t find a clear entry point. Once I was forced to just begin, I started with analog studies. It was important to me to develop an orthogonal plug-in system. I kept thinking about the Platonic solids we had studied earlier.

Next, I began modeling my first drafts in Rhino 3D. My analog studies led to several variations of star-shaped elements. To test what would happen when these were plugged-in together, I started laser-cutting prototypes from MDF. That’s how my first six elements came about.

In the next phase, I defined the essential characteristics of the elements: size, the position of the plug-ins, angles, and depth. Within these fixed parameters, I developed the surfaces and spaces in between with more creative freedom. This led to ten more MDF prototypes. I kept the design intentionally minimal, as I already knew I wanted to create the final plug-in system using colored acrylic (Plexiglas).

After a careful evaluation, one shape stood out. It combined the sharp, aggressive look of the star form with a dynamic extension created by the slot connections. But there was one problem: the edges around the slots were very thin and prone to breaking. I solved this with two adjustments. First, I scaled the element slightly, which made the fragile areas thicker. Second, I switched from MDF to acrylic, which is more durable.

The final step before completing the system was getting to know the new material and doing some final tests. I laser-cut several elements from orange and blue acrylic. I chose these colors intentionally, as their contrast works well: the orange almost glows on its own, and the blue tones that intensity down a bit.

What makes my plug-in system interesting is its shape, the pointed star structures give it a certain sharpness or energy. But once light hits it, a new dimension opens up. Shadows appear in colors that go far beyond orange and blue. The result is a kind of magical effect that invites more, more dimension, more variation. And of course, assembling the pieces is simply fun.

Conclusion

This project was an intense exploration of materials, technology, and design processes. I enjoyed learning, doing, and even failing, both while working on aggregates and while developing the plug-in system. I gradually familiarized myself with tools like Rhino and Grasshopper, laser-cut prototypes, identified problems, and solved them through iterative work. This process led to forms that not only function structurally but also have strong visual and spatial presence.

I also really appreciated working in a group, supporting each other and growing together.

The combination of digital design tools, hands-on material understanding, and experimental curiosity opened up a personal approach to materiality and technology. It’s a process that feels direct, playful, and creative.