1/17

Folding × Shimz DDE

Fold up to take anywhere

Folding Block

This folding block is based on the concept of folding something to carry with you. We explored the possibility of making it move by combining the hard material of wood with the soft material of string. We simulated the folding operation using the Crane plug-in for Grasshopper and have put together an integrated algorithm from 3D modeling to drawing production. The key point is the clean and compact design when folded. It can also be carried around like a bag. It is made completely from scrap lumbers and excess wood from Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings. Using data from Rhino, we put boards processed using an NC router together like patchwork and attached them to each other with string.

2/17

Traditional Skilled Techniques +
Cutting-edge Technology × Shimz DDE

Supplementing traditional skilled techniques with digital technology

Joint Block

Another work presented by the team that created the Folding Block is the Joint Block, which was based on traditional skilled techniques that has been cultivated by Shimizu since its founding. We tried to apply the skilled techniques of Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings craftsmen to the irregular shapes of Voronoi structures. We created a tool with the Grasshopper plug-in capable of intuitively modeling eight types of joint, and we used physics engine to search for the placement of the joint. Observing the process of jointing fabrication by craftsmen, we put together an algorithm for automatically writing the required information. By using this, we carved the wood using the technique of craftsmen. This is a prime example of digital technology supplementing traditional skilled techniques.

3/17

Robot processing × Shimz DDE

Wooden frame with carved appearance + metal joint

Block Made from Wood + Metal Joint

This block is made from wood and a metal joint. It was formed by a wood processing robot to highlight both the strength and the softness of the wood material. This has a bold presence of which a large chunk of wood was carved out. The piece also explores the possibilities of extension and reinforcement by adding a metal joint.

4/17

Use of scrap material × Shimz DDE

Scrap lumber containers from Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings become treasure troves

Upcycled Block

This upcycled block was made from scrap lumbers involved during the producing process at Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings. The pieces were 3D scanned to acquire model data on the spot. After examining how to combine the pieces including textures, the complicated parts are handled by a robot. The creators said, “There is a history and a story behind each piece, so coming across them is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As we go for many scrap-gatherings, we began to think of the scrap lumber containers are treasure troves.”

5/17

Use of natural wood × Shimz DDE

Polyhedron with mysteriously balanced floating wood

Natural Wood Tensegrity

This wooden polyhedron is a tensegrity structure comprised of wood, which is the compression material, and nylon string, which is the tension material. The natural wood (red pine) and scrap material are mysteriously balanced which appear to be floating in the air. Combining a tensegrity tool and physics simulator kangaroo2, we checked the balance between compressive and tensile forces while modeling. The Institute of Technology is researching the use of natural wood to architectural structures. In the near future, we may see buildings utilizing these mysterious structures.

6/17

Curved glass × Shimz DDE

Prototype for exploring the possibilities of curved glass

Curved Glass Sashimono Block

One side of this polyhedral block is curved glass, which is attached using sashimono (traditional wood crafts using no nails) technique and thus removable. It was made leveraging programming and manual work. Our Institute of Technology is developing technology to build specially shaped exteriors through the use of digital technology. We are working on design feedback for curved glass through environmental analysis and evaluation of light, sound, air, and other elements using Shimz DDE, our computational design platform. We created it as a showcase for our 3D curved glass technology. It is also considered as a prototype for application in actual projects, and going forward, we will conduct various experiments using the interior of the polyhedron as a stand-in for the interior space of a building.

7/17

Moire × Shimz DDE

Pattern changes depending on angle of viewing.

Graphical Voronoi

This is an acrylic block made by projecting a pattern onto a Voronoi shape to use a moire effect to control the pattern that appears. The pattern varies depending on where the block is viewed from. When you look from a certain direction, you see a three-dimensional Eye Mark, which is the symbol of Shimizu.

8/17

Floating × Shimz DDE

Metal block floating in space (?)

Floating Block

We created an ultra-lightweight metal block by laser welding 0.3 mm-thick stainless-steel sheets. One of the two blocks is placed on the floor while the other is suspended using an ultra-thin wire. We used the computational design method to determine the position for suspending the 3 kg metal to give it the impression of floating. Our aim was to make it look both light and heavy at the same time. This mysterious contrast between the different apparent weight of the objects draws the visitor’s attention through the glass facade of the venue. It is a work that reveals new possibilities for metalworking technology.

9/17

Density × Shimz DDE

Controlling the center of gravity through the denseness of holes

Seemingly Unstable, Yet Stable

By changing the size of the holes in the perforated metal and the plate thickness as well as controlling the surface area of each side of the Voronoi structure, we created an object that can maintain its balance even when placed in a way that would normally cause it to fall over. We created an algorithm to calculate the Voronoi structure’s center of gravity by setting the hole density as a parameter. We then simulated where to punch the holes so that it would not fall over. Our aim was, through simple form manipulation, to create an object that gives off a sense of mysteriousness when viewed, exploring the line between stability and instability.

10/17

Acoustics × Shimz DDE

Acoustic Voronoi capable of adjusting how sounds are heard

Acoustic Contour

With this speaker, sounds can be heard through the gaps when the contour is slid. Changing the location and size of the gap changes the volume and directivity of the sound. We also visually analyzed how sound resonates and escapes.

11/17

Acoustics × Shimz DDE

Directivity and resonance of sounds changes with opening and closing of lid

Acoustic Pod

This is an acoustic Voronoi made by the team that created “Acoustic Contour.” Using an acoustics analysis tool, we selected a shape that we felt would make interesting sounds. Placing a speaker inside, we control the directivity and resonance by opening and closing the lid. As with “Acoustic Contour,” we visually analyzed how sound resonates and escapes.

12/17

LACTM × Shimz DDE

Complex shapes in an instant. Highly durable formwork

High-speed + High Durability LACTM Block

This was the first completed Voronoi structure in the project. Internally, it is also referred to as “Voronoi No. 1.” LACTM is a fiber-reinforced mortar for 3D printing. It can print shapes in an instant, even complex ones, as long as there is a 3D model and a path derived from it. What characterizes LACTM apart is its speed from prototyping to production. Furthermore, using LACTM as a formwork, it is possible to create reinforced concrete columns. This allows the building of highly durable structures.

13/17

Origami × Shimz DDE

Polyhedron made by folding single sheet of paper

Origami + Polyhedral Block

This polyhedral block was made based on the motif of folding a single sheet of paper. Normally, there are 102 bonding points for a 93-sided block, but we were able to reduce it to 16 by designing a shape from folding a single sheet of paper. Based on origami theory, the sum of the angles around each interior vertex equals 360°. We came up with this form through heuristic optimization methods using Galapagos, an optimization plugin for Grasshopper. The concept is “strong, despite its thin appearance.”

14/17

Pattern × Shimz DDE

Complex design created by bringing together simple elements

Block with Punched Traditional Japanese Pattern

Clusters of circles create a traditional Japanese pattern. Using parametric methods allows us to express complex designs by bringing together simple elements. Depending on the angle from where you view it and the way the light hits, it may look like a cluster of circles or a Japanese pattern. These two aspects will prove useful when studying building exteriors.

15/17

3D printer × Shimz DDE

Gathering familiar materials to create an exclusive base

Block Made from Recycled Wood and 3D Printed Joints

We combined recycled wood with 3D printed joints to create a polyhedral block. Using a digital tool to create the joints allows for the smooth creation of 3D printer output according to the desired shape. The way children play may change in the near future if 3D printers become more accessible.

16/17

3D printer × Shimz DDE

Extending existing grid system design

Block Made from Wood and 3D Printed Joints

This extension part can be connected to the furniture which is designed by using the grid system made at Tokyo Mokkoujou Arts & Crafts Furnishings. Spherical joints with diameters of 60 mm were 3D printed to go with a 60 mm cubed wooden joint. To ensure strength, acrylic resin (PRO BLK10) was used as the material in the rapid prototyping 3D printer (Figure 4). One of the team members said, “I was surprised by the strength which could not be expected from my image of plastic 3D printers.” Combining parts to make movable joints would likely allow for even more flexible when designing joints.

17/17

XR × Shimz DDE

New Experience in Block Interaction

MR VR MOKU DIGI Block

We developed and implemented an application that allows 27 MOKU DIGI blocks stacked into the shape of a cube to be grabbed and moved in a virtual space. As an experimental effort, we prepared models for both virtual reality (VR) and mixed reality (MR). We believe that the different ways of block combination will provide a new experience that can be used as the feedback for design, construction, and operations. This includes inspiring new ideas, considering the steps for stacking them while seeing how they are balanced, and planning layouts juxtaposed on actual spaces.