Reflection

Through this reflection, I wanted to critically review the torus I had made for Assignment 1, comparing a fellow class mates results, and then see how this skill could be applied within my discipline of architecture.

PART 1: CRITICAL REVIEW TORUS

Making this torus was easier than I thought and did not take a long time to create. About 3-4 hours? It was because I opted for a much subtler curve and wanted to focus on the finish surface of the skin. Comparing my results with a friend’s results, you can clearly see that he focused on getting a deep grade of curvature for his torus.

Li Chen's Torus: 

My Torus:

              

There were two differences. The depths of the cross sectional curves, and secondly the overall bend through the lengths of the torus. Li had stretched his metal deeper within the central length of the dip and had also created a greater rotating curve on the edges so that they were almost a circular shape. 

 

Li focused on using the planishing hammer and curved T-dolly to create the curves while I used different degree of wheels with the English wheel to create my shape.  

I guess during the process of making this torus, I was hesitant in ruining the surface of the metal to work the greater depth of curves into it. And a mistake I had done was not creating enough bend to the metal initially to create the transverse curve of the torus. Once I had started hammering with the timber mould to get the central dip, it had already been to late. 

If I were to have another go with this one, I would firstly create a deeper bend to the length of the metal, and then start the hammering process. Also I would spend more time working the depth of the curves to create a stronger wave like form. Not only this, but explore other ways the curves could be incorporated to create a eccentric shape and experiment with other metals.

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PART 2: APPLICATION WITHIN MY DISCIPLINE

This course has allowed me to open my horizons about metal and inspired me to think of ways metal can be incorporated more within my discipline of Architecture, as part of my designs and models. Seeing the form of metal change as I work it made me realise how endless the possibilities are with shaping metal. Unlike conventional materials such as timber, concrete, and brick; metal is malleable, yet strong and allows for endless opportunities to be explored within the architectural realm.

"Fragment No. 5" by Florian Claar

Maison Folie de Wazemmes, Lars Spuybroek 

At first, I thought this class was not going to be of any particular help to my studies and career afterwards. It was just hitting metal until it become an object. However, forming the shapes with my hands has allowed an understanding While working the metal, the process really helped me study form and shape. I realised that shaping form is about precision rather than just being random and I felt that this course actually taught me about the meaning and beauty of form (which is completely unexpected).