DES100-Unwrap

At the beginning of the project, I am going to combine two 3D geometric primitives to create a composite 3d shape in rhino. To obtain more inspiration, I have searched for considerable interesting 3D composite graphics on Pinterest.

After that, I used a hexagonal prism and a hexagonal cone to construct a composite 3D shape in rhino. This model will be made later on cardboard.

composite 3D shape

截屏2022-03-31 下午8.45_edited

composite 3D shape

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Third angle projection of the model

Next, I unwrapped the 3D shape into the 2D surface in rhino. Up to this point, the process had gone relatively smoothly. Then, I discovered an issue: the model needed to be made of paper, and some tabs to glue each edge were required. Therefore, I added some tabs on the 2D surface.

2D surface

2D surface with tabs

2D surface

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Then I printed the 2D surface into PDF format to construct my physical model. However, I realised that the regular A3 paper was too thin; thus, I put the printed paper under the cardboard, traced the design with a pencil and cut along the marks with my craft knife.

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To construct my physical model, I used glue sticks to adhere all the tabs together. And the joints were reinforced with paper tape to make them stronger.

I eventually ideated ten distinct designs using my physical model as a starting point.

To sum up, In the process of making the 3d model, I intended to glue all the cards through the tabs; However, I discovered that the tabs were too small to properly attach each card. As a result, I changed my mind and reinforced the whole structure with paper tape outside the model. This let me realise that I would need to consider the size next time.

Compared to the previous two Rhino projects, this assignment was relatively simple, and I found modelling more enjoyable. This project is more about divergent thinking, simple models through different directions, approaches and angles to explore a variety of answers. I improved my fluency, flexibility and novelty of thinking through this process; therefore, it will benefit my future design career. Even when I face challenges in life, I will analyze and think about problems from several perspectives.