BIFURCATED
GLASS DOME
Other Materials with different dimensional constraints can be easily simulated.
base layer courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group
ICOSAHEDRAL
GLASS BALL
Type : Artwork
Patent : -
Year : 2016→
Status : R&D
Studio : VS-A.DESIGN
VS-A.HK likes to develop complex shapes, and to find mathematical rules to optimize geometries. By making them their form easier to fabricate, manufacturing can be significantly decreased.
In this example, we were looking for the best way to make a glass sphere, based on a repetition of identical parts. The size of each part varies according to the requirements for each glass panel: If tempering is required we can reach a diameter of 9.6m. Whereas if the panels only need to be annealed we can reach a diameter of almost 17m. Both cases require 60 identical annealed glass panels in order to achieve these maximum diameters. Still, only a few manufactures in the world can make them.
A design direction guided by material qualities may seem obvious, but it is entirely counter to the limitless 3D modelling tools we use today (Rhino, Max, Evolute, etc). Here incredibly complex geometries can be very easily tempted without pause for thought. Afterall the flexibility of such tools can be jaw dropping, and like everyone else we are keen to stretch manufacturing standards as much as possible.
However the ‘State of the Art’ has a tendency to eat away at budgets. And sometimes it helps to work within the limitations of existing manufacturing standards. This balance between innovation and constraint is a challenge we pride ourselves in and look forward to demonstrating this with our partners.
DYNAMIC BIFURCATIONS
This document is to determine the maximum possible diameter for a sphere which could be divided into Identical Glass panels.
To achieve this, our approach is to start from the biggest platonic solid; the Icosahedron, which is inscribed in a sphere, and further subdivided into identical elements in according to defining logics.
TYPE A:
The Glass panels are to be Laminated and are either heat-strenghened, or tempered with heat soak test (HST).
The maximum product on size for this type of glass is 2100mm x 3100mm for double curved surfaces.
TYPE B:
The Glass panels are to be Laminated and are annealed.
The maximum product on size for this type of glass is 3200mm x 6000mm for double curved surfaces.
3 options for dividing the sphere into spherical panels are presented in the chart