Jordan Parsons » Light Modulator

Light Modulator

Posted By: Jordan Parsons

Our latest IDM assignment was to create a light modulator. Working with my partner Aaron Chenault, we designed the following setup for our light modulator. We have yet to laser cut it, but when I do I will have pictures of the cut and assembly. So here are the details of the assignment along with some quick 3D stuff to get a feel for how it will look.

Edit:

It is now cut, with the renders and photos taken, pictures after the break.

Light Modulator

Assignment
Each team of two students is charged with developing a light modulator. This should be understood as a physical device that manipulates the flow of light from one face of the object to the other. The light modulator will be physically produced using laser-cutting processes of scoring and cutting to facilitate folding. The underlying geometric logic should be sympathetic to a process of unrolling and folding. Each team should expect to operate in virtual and physical worlds simultaneously.

Goals
Understand processes of unrolling and unfolding within Rhino
Understand basic Vray Rhino rendering techniques
Understand the distinctions between digital rendering and photography
Produce a compelling set of physical artifacts that respond to the project charge

Here is a comparison image of a render (left) and photograph (right).

The box was laser cut out of white process board in about 4 passes, and then Aaron assembled the box. The main goal of the project as outlined above was pretty successful, as a class we stacked all of our boxes up into a wall to study how they reacted. I was quite happy with the use of white material in comparison to chip board or another darker material that would not have the same light difusing properties.

Here is a link to the unfolded plan of the box,Light Modulator.