January 2020
Phase 2: Design
2.1 Building Blocks
Objective: Integrate findings from Phase 1 into a cohesive concept for passive seaweed growth.
The model created in section 1.3 demonstrates the features of the basic bobbin lace weave model.
Weaving direction
Start
Top & bottom rows: Strands are secured at regular intervals (rigid piece not necessary)
Weave area: can cover any area subdivided into a quadrilateral grid
Weave edge: Strands twist together and form a clean edge
Excess rope length stored in knot chains (end-side only)
Ropefication
A note-able feature of this model is that it is both at both start and end side it is tied around a rigid rod. One of the stated goals of this project is to have the structure as much as possible made entirely from rope. This non-rope element can be replaced with a woven rope element, eliminating the need for another material.
Rigid geometry
Rope path
Knot chain
I found knot-tying to be extremely useful for creating creating interwoven fastening features. In this instance, a single snake knot (with inserted thimble to hold loop open) accomplishes the same function of providing a secure hold and regular spacing to the strands, while remaining an entirely-rope component.
Non-Rectilinear Areas
I'm finding that while rectangular grids are necessary to use the bobbin lace pattern, there is no need for the overall structure to be rectangular. A quadrilateral (UV) grid can be applied to any surface shape via subdividing, and a polar radial grid also uses quadrilateral cells, allowing for circular configurations. Because I've set up the digital model to accept skewed quadrilateral meshes as grids, we can visualize what non-square configurations would look like.
Circular Model
There are several apparent advantages to a circular configuration model.
-
A circular model would have the same sloping geometry from every angle, reducing drag on the structure equally from all lateral directions.
-
This radial symmetry also means there are no "sides" on this model, and therefore no lateral weave edges.
-
By anchoring the outer ring and applying floatation features to the inner ring, the entire footprint of the structure functions both as a growing surface for seaweed and also as a protected inner area that wildlife seek for shelter.
-
The inner circle is a loop in relative tension, making that element prime for ropefication.
Fabrication process:
The pattern I used as the blueprint for this model was take from the digital model above. The blueprint lines were transferred onto wood, then the intersections were used as locations for the nails to weave around. I 3d printed small inserts to fit inside the loops to help hold their shape during the weaving process.
Closing Notes:
While the pattern blueprint of the circular model was more complicated than a rectangular grid model, the weaving process for the radial model was identical to the basic square bobbin lace stitch, and requires no additional tooling to create. To bring this circular configuration model to life and better demonstrate my vision for the concept in action, in section 2.2 I will create a living display of this structure in a miniature aquarium.