Simulated design
Assignment for 2D project
Last updated
Assignment for 2D project
Last updated
Simulation, in the sense of evaluating complex systemic relationships overtime, is one of the earliest and still forefront application of computing, ranging from scientific and engineering predictive models to video games and social network simulations.
Computer simulations are today a critical aspect of both academic and professional design activities. Those include the study of physical phenomena such as for example mechanical, lighting, thermodynamics and environmental; as well as socioeconomic including financial and urban, that is human-made systems.
Design is fundamentally about predicting the future. Nevertheless, instead of the descriptive or observational nature of sciences, in design we aim to prescribe or shape the future in the normative sense of what it shall become. Simulated design modelling is one of the most important tools at our disposal in this sense.
Simulation in design nevertheless is not merely a predictive analytical tool. We can use the ability to model complex relationships and observe their interactions as means of experimenting with ideas and derive design concepts in a playful manner.
Create a simulated design using the techniques developed, incorporating the notion of time and resolution of interacting particles forces, as well as AI image generation methods. The theme of this assignment is “form-finding” a parachute system.
The overall scenario for this 2D project is the delivery of emergency supplies via airdrop to flood victims in Myanmar who have been devastated by this climate change induced disaster. However, in this war-torn region, airdrops have a troubling history which complicate this humanitarian mission. In the past, indiscriminate airdrops have caused civilian casualties and destruction of property. Moreover they have been used to deliver bombs and other military supplies.
Working as a team, your task is to explore the design of the parachute delivery system from primarily a communicative perspective. How can you overcome the perception of danger and negative associations with airdrops? How do you capture the attention of the flood victims and draw them to the location of the intended delivery instead of deterring them? Can you communicate the non-military, humanitarian nature of the supplies with designs that are sensitive to the local cultural context?
We recommend that you explore two key aspects of the delivery system that have a communicative dimension.
The form of the parachute when it is airborne. The distant silhouette of the parachute against the sky is usually the first image people have of the delivery. While its inflated form is determined by physical forces (pressure exerted by air resistance), can it be manipulated to appear less like military parachute systems? For example, you may explore how different membrane shapes, number/locations of anchor points affect the inflated form.
The graphics printed on the parachute membrane. These graphics are a form of visual language that can help to communicate the humanitarian nature of the supplies. The designs can incorporate culturally familiar motifs or universally recognisable signs to reassure the intended recipients that the airdrop is not dangerous. Avoid primarily text-based designs as literacy may not be widespread.
You will be provided with a reference Rhino/Grasshopper programs for this assignment that allows you to simulate the parachute inflation and apply graphics to the membrane surface. It extends the ‘Soap Film’ example from session 6A. You are expected to first, learn how to use this programs and second, modify it in order to carry out your specific design explorations. There is no need to create a new program from scratch.
You are also required to use AI image generation methods introduced in session 6B to first, aid in the process of creating the membrane graphics and second, to visualise the parachute system as it is being dropped.
This exercise recapitulates concepts and techniques introduced in the course: i) develop a parametric model for the parachute system and lid, ii) map and document design variations and iii) apply AI image generation methods for visualisation
In the event that you encounter an error message "Could not load file or assembly 'Plankton'" while trying to open the Grasshopper file, type Package Manager command in Rhino, search online for the plug-in Plankton and install it.
As part of an overall 2D project, this CTD task relates to other courses’ tasks. For the Social Science module, you will be studying the local and cultural context of the region. The knowledge gained should inform your design e.g. choice of motifs/colours/symbols.
Submit a deck of 5 slides documenting the design process and outcomes achieved. Refer to the sample report linked below. Additional information about content is contained in the report.
If you wish to add video and/or animations, please keep the file size within 20MB per submission. You may link videos from online sources instead of embedding but make sure the original source link is accessible and downloadable.
You will work in groups to complete this assignment given the larger scope. The deadline of this assignment is on December 11th Wednesday.
