Rice Architecture
21EM_X04
PHYSICAL MODEL
DIGITAL MODEL
PROCESS
EQUILIBRIUM MODEL / EXPERIMENT FOUR
Our equilibrium model experiments with the design of a teepee as a structural basis and alters the internal and external forces by repositioning four poles to slowly form an inverted teepee and further asymmetrical variations. The base of the structure contains engraved concentric circles used as a base for the supporting poles to modulate in position and angle. The four poles lean on each other, evenly distributing the compression forces. However, as we drastically alter the teepee position and orientation, the evenly distributed compression forces on the poles are no longer enough to properly balance the central spherical mass. To solve this problem and rebalance to structure we added necessary internal and external tensile forces to equalize for the uneven forces.
The outside of the teepee contains an orbital ring surrounding the structure to counterbalance the internal mass, which is placed on a dilated ring strung at the center of the poles. The length of the string connecting the internal weight (small ring and sphere) and the length of the string connecting the external weight (outer ring) is also adjusted to redistribute weight and tensile forces to either structure based on the proximities of the poles. In the asymmetrical variations the length of string is also adjusted depending on weight placement of structure to rebalance the model.
Joushua Chiang
Rafe Hessikiel
Van Pham
Emily Ryan