Surface Operations

Landform Manipulation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station

Spring 2018 | Professor Michael Beaman

Software: Adobe Creative Cloud Suite, Rhino, Grasshopper, GH Plug-Ins

Hardware: ABS Plastic 3D Printer, Laser Cutter, Masonite, Paper

Project Conducted with Santiago Roca + Yao Chen

I. Landform Manipulation

Our initial task in this studio was to develop parametric surfaces with a focus on integrating Grasshopper manipulation of Images - creating customized landforms. This is individual work from the initial weeks in this studio. All modeling was done entirely in Grasshopper. After manipulation, landforms were made to be 3D-Print ready. 3D Prints were made out of ABS plastic using a Stratasys Dimension ABS 3D Printer. Plexi glass was also incorporated into these models - cut with a laser cutter. I led an introductory course in 3D Printing for this studio as a Fabrication Facilities Teaching Assistant.

II. Electric Vehicle Charging Station

The latter weeks of the semester were dedicated to developing an architectural project. Located in Santee, South Carolina, along Interstate-95, this project uses surface manipulations to create a rest stop for users in a changing world. Electric vehicles are only increasing in use and popularity, creating an opportunity to challenge traditional rest stop design that historically does not prioritize a consumer who wants to stay. A solution for users of multiple kinds was created through manipulation of an otherwise flat landscape.

*A spacio-time study of electric vehicle charging times in comparison with pastimes.*

Berm land-forms were created to direct foot traffic to a larger, enclosed space with permanent programs that provide the small town of Santee with destination spaces as well as a rest stop. In total, three structures were created, each with different programs in mind. The building viewable from the street acts as a sign, drawing in those driving along the interstate to the rest stop. It is separate from the electric vehicle charging space, however, with a cafe, and library, and restrooms.

The second structure is located within the newly created landforms, and serves as an art gallery, providing a destination for residents of the town, as well as those who must wait for their vehicle to charge. The third structure is an outdoor pavilion that serves as a recreational space for not only visitors, but residents of the town as well. These structures are not accessible by cars, intentionally, so as to foster a walkable and recreational destination.

These images are of a preliminary landscape model and of our final landscape model. A grasshopper script was used to determine laser cut paper held in section by a masonite base. The style of modelling allowed a closer focus of the effects of manipulating the landscape of Santee, SC.