3D Design: 3D Triathlon (3)

Building spanning structures 

        (bridges)            

The brief was to create bridges that span from one page to another, I explored weaving and joining the paper in between the two pages. I liked the effect of this however I found that the sides were not as symmetrical as I aimed for them to be as I couldn't duplicate what I did on one side to the other. A sense of symmetry as a recurring element would've greatly improved that specific bridge in particular. I terms of the second bridge, I decided to explore doing something more continuos. I found that this worked better than the other bridge as it looked more interesting aesthetically.

Fig.1 Spanning Bridges (authors own, 2013)

Fig.2 Spanning Bridges (authors own, 2013)

Fig.3 Spanning Bridges (authors own, 2013)

Fig.4 Complete spanning bridges (authors own, 2013)

The next step of the brief was to create a bigger spanning structure made out of bamboo sticks and cardboard which the specific requirements of spanning from one table, over a folded table and unto another table. This was also a group activity therefore we all had to throw ideas around together and work together to achieve a common goal. The desired outcome was for a remote controlled car to be able to make its way over the bridge. 

After much deliberation on what approach to take as a group, we decided to attempt to create our bridge based on the concept of a see-saw. We planned for this to include a base in the centre in a prism like form for the lane which the car will drive up to balance on. The most successful aspect of our bridge in my opinion was the base made out of bamboo as it was the sturdiest. However, the most unsuccessful aspect was that the concept of the see-saw was a fail. I think It didn't work because although we thought it through we were too optimistic and didn't consider the weight of the car whilst making. 

Fig.4 Planning (authors own, 2013)

Fig.5 Bamboo sticks (authors own, 2013)

Fig.6 Creating base (authors own, 2013)

Fig.7 Making hexagons for base (authors own, 2013)

Fig.8 Trying to balance the base (authors own, 2013)

Fig. 9 Making the road/lane (authors own, 2013)

Fig.10 Making tunnel features (authors own, 2013)

Fig.11 Completed lane (authors own, 2013)

Fig.12 Completed base (authors own, 2013) 

Fig.13 Finished bridge (authors own, 2013)

Overall, the spanning structure was a success as it held up on it's own and the car was able to drive up and over it which met the requirements of the brief. If I was able to do this task again I would focus more on the design of the bridge by utilising the cardboard better.