'Lamellae' by Trevor Ryan Patt: Innovation in Multifunctional Shelving

Lamellae

Multifunctional Shelving for AHTEHHA

Lamellae uses a bespoke multi-agent computational model to generate a geometrically complex but refined and conceptually precise shelving system that can be endlessly customized to adapt to existing spaces and the display of unique objects. Although it has an almost baroque sculptural presence, awareness of fabrication and assembly constraints built into the generative design allow it to be realized through various efficiencies: swarf cutting reduces cnc machine time and allows flatpack delivery, assembly sequence is self-supporting, and precise joinery ensures accurate placement and fit..

Trevor Ryan Patt 2021 Academic Silver Press Kit № 112156

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Lamellae by Trevor Ryan Patt

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Multifunctional Shelving by Trevor Ryan Patt

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Trevor Ryan Patt Lamellae

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Trevor Ryan Patt Multifunctional Shelving

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Lamellae Multifunctional Shelving Press Releases

Press releases tailored for Lamellae are available in the languages: English.

Lamellae Multifunctional Shelving Media Articles

Leverage our ready-to-publish articles on Lamellae, offered in a range of languages: English, Korean, Italian, German, Portuguese, Turkish, Arabic (Standard), Spanish, French, Dutch, Hindi, Indonesian, Japanese, Russian and Chinese (Mandarin).

Unique Properties

Lamellae uses a bespoke multi-agent model to generate a geometrically complex but refined and conceptually precise shelving system that can be endlessly customized to adapt to existing spaces and the display of unique objects. Although it has an almost baroque sculptural presence, awareness of fabrication and assembly constraints coded into the design allow it to be efficiently realized: CNC swarf cutting optimizes fabrication and allows flatpack delivery; aggregation from small, discrete elements enables limitless scaling while dimensions simplifying installation.

Production Technology

The generative model was custom programmed as a multi-agent model in python. Each lamella unit is represented by an individual software agent that determines its position, adjusts its orientation, checks intersections, and generates the geometry for joining and surfacing. Customization can be controlled by the designer to adjust the pattern, to adapt to the context, and to introduce disruptions to the surface. At any point in the design process, all pieces can be automatically laid out and unrolled for fabrication. In the testing stage, a custom exporter for hotwire cutting was written for machining fullscale mockups directly from the model file. The final project was realized with 5-axis CNC routing using swarf cuts exclusively to minimize machine time and simplify flatpacking for delivery. Each piece is unique and cannot be assembled in the wrong position. The precision allows the wood structure to be assembled entirely by friction fit without fasteners or falsework. The complex geometry and lack of parallel joints is beneficial for structural stability of the assembly. The aluminum inserts are lasercut and hand-folded into place. They are fastened to the back face as a redundant protection against shear forces. Their geometry, especially the location of fastening tabs, is also generated by the multi-agent model.

Design Challenge

This project recognizes the fabrication potentials and efficiency of assembly in the Zollbau lamella structures pioneered in the 1920s. The reciprocal structure of the Zollbau system allowed for large forms to be built out of many, small elements. However, the forms that could be produced were quite limited because any adaptation of the shape had to be propagated through every piece. This research began by using multi-agent modeling to solve the problem of the lamella structure on a free-form shape, utilizing the discrete elements as an expressive element. They suggest a fluid and curvilinear transformation between different display dimensions despite possessing the fabrication efficiency of being milled from flat sheet of plywood. A challenge here was adapting the dynamic multi-agent model to ensure the repeatability and precision required for accurate CNC fabrication and the exact fit of joints.

Project Duration

This project is located in the foyer of the DManD Research Centre in Singapore. It is the culmination of a research track initiated 2014. Fabrication and installation were completed in October 2019.

Operation Flow

The shelving unit was designed to display diverse work in fabrication and 3d printing as well as to compile a library of technical research for the entrance lobby of a research centre. This motivated a design with shelves of many different dimensions and the inclusion of a seating alcove within the structure. The generative system behind the piece is much more flexible allowing freestanding spatial forms, even structural vaults.

Research

Lamellae develops research on utilizing agent-based modelling in fabrication of highly-refined design work. In this project, each element of the assembly was represented by a unique software object that ensure that piece is within fabrication limits of the CNC machine and the available material dimensions while also generating the complex geometry that gives the project its seamless appearance. This allows unlimited customization of the overall form, unique features like the reading bench here, and adaptation to its surroundings when placed in complex existing conditions.

Inspiration

The project was inspired by historical lamella structures that operate through small, discrete elements and a distilled tectonic system. Their geometry, however is limited. I wanted to apply my research into multi-agent systems to resolve the complex spatial interdependencies that such a system would require to adapt to any customized, free-form surfaces. Additionally, using CNC fabrication, seamless joints and continuity between parts could be built into the elements themselves.

Project Overview

Lamellae Multifunctional Shelving has been a Silver winner in the Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design award category in the year 2020 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Silver A' Design Award celebrates top-tier designs that embody excellence and innovation. This award acknowledges creations that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional, reflecting the designer's deep understanding and skill. Silver A' Design Award recipients are recognized for their contribution to raising industry standards and advancing the practice of design. Their work often incorporates original innovations and elicits a strong emotional response, making a notable impact on the improvement of everyday life.

Image Credits

For design images and photos please credit Trevor Ryan Patt.

Silver Recognition

Trevor Ryan Patt was recognized with the coveted Silver A' Design Award in 2021, a testament to excellence of their work Lamellae Multifunctional Shelving.

Trevor Ryan Patt Press Releases

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Lamellae: A Multifunctional Shelving System by Trevor Ryan Patt

Award-winning designer Trevor Ryan Patt unveils Lamellae, a bespoke shelving system that redefines spatial adaptability and fabrication efficiency

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