Model Progression

Interlocking- Switching the train

The train switching component is analogous to the tilt switching within my earlier device. The switching of current, to direct it to certain motors, to create a combination of movements that appear life like. The train switching speaks about interface as well. The trains destination is altered by an independent operator and computer now a days. Destination is altered through the network of switching, altering the position and side of the trains within the site as well. The act of switching could act as a structure for the space, responding to the behavior of the train. Where the device was a catalyst for pleasure fear in the audience, the structure becomes a response to the behavior of the train.

Trip to the hobby store

Before going back to studio, i took another visit to Toad Hall, a toy store in the exchange district that specializes in train hobby supplies. I spoke with Barry there about the use of O scale and how the mechanism with the engine works. Apparently the o track , using three rails vs the modern 2, was a creation in the earlier 1900's and has never died since. The use of three rails facilitated the power supplies used back then, and prevented short circuits when the track would loop onto itself. The middle rail acts as the positive of the electric circuit. Apparently the technology worked back then but the cars and rails were never changed for modern times. Barry showed me a old catalog of the lionel trains and it has these amazing drawings of the mechanics and assembly of these hobby trains. I figure i could use that as a starting point to explore my own creation of a train assembly, that interacts with the site.

I came across these part diagrams of the motors and wiring of the locomotives:
I am fascinated with a device they call an e-unit, which acts as a switch for reversing the motor direction. Generally its a solenoid activated switch, with a drum, which rotates when pushed by the solenoid pin, to switch an h bridge circuit. If only i knew of this 5 months ago. The unique thing about the o scale and the use of a third, middle rail, is the act of switching from forward to neutral to reverse, a three step process. Now a days the circuit boards take care of it, but the o scale still embraces this old technology. A physical switch rather than a digital one. Here are some pics

train enclosures

I came across this train designs from a bartlett project in 2005. An interesting treatment of transportation structures as architecture. Here is a brief of the project:

Ordinary
1. According to established order; methodical; settled; regular.
2. Common; customary; usual.
3. Of common rank, quality, or ability; not distinguished by superior excellence or beauty; hence, not distinguished in any way; commonplace; inferior; of little merit.

Extraordinary
1. Beyond or out of the common order or method; not usual, customary, or regular.
2. Exceeding the common degree, measure, or condition; hence, remarkable; uncommon; rare; wonderful.

An interrogation of the distinction between ‘ordinary’ and ‘extraordinary’ will form the central theme of the unit’s work this year.

Beginning with an exploration of the apparently dualistic nature of these terms in relation to one or more conditions, it is proposed to identify the boundaries that separate and define them and expose the territory which lies in-between. Possible strategies for achieving this may include but not be limited to juxtaposition, hybridisation, deformation, exaggeration and subversion. The resulting architecture will locate the extraordinary within the ordinary and the ordinary within the extraordinary.

The unit will encourage a plurality of different responses to the programme, both in the selection of initial conditions and the strategies adopted.
As part of its investigations, the unit will travel to either St. Petersburg or Venice.


This other image was within the same project, but reminded me of an Automata. The house treated as a clockwork device that responds to a cranking device controlled externally. This puppet analogy and the Automata similarities to my project seem like an interesting direction to pursue. The structure, suspended by strings like a marionette, is manipulated by the the train: the train becomes the puppet master but is also influenced by its own actions within the scheme.

abandon architecture precedents

The act of abandoning seems fitting to the act of the hobo: giving up control , not knowing his/her destination. Destination is an important aspect of this project. The destination of the current in strange automata can be controlled or appear to be controlled to result in an uncanny, life like device. The train, a network of infrastructure, behaves like electrical current, restricted to its conduit ( the railway) and controlled by a system of switches. If i can tap into this network of intelligence, i can understand the train much better. The interface between people and the train needs to be revitalized. The hobo is an example of someone who still interfacing with the train on a more intimate level. Though it may be dangerous, the hobo still survives within the trains moving space. The abandoned platform is presently used by homeless people, someone has made use of this forgotten space. Studying the behaviors of them and their traces could be informative to interfacing with the train.

The great divide

Lately, i have been working on the 'sky' of the model, drawing out the site, and starting to explore issues within the site: in search of some inspiration for further progression. The north side vs the south side of the platforms contrast: the north side seems accessible over and under, a bridge structure, were the south side is a mere extension of the cpr station building. The play between these two spaces could happen within the void in between. I noticed from old pics of the site that the south side is buried, the only access from within the platform of the Aboriginal building. Could be an interesting field trip, any one interested?

Model progress

The intent is to use fishing line to suspend the model, which will fall down from specific points on a drawing that will be suspended from the frame already in place. The drawing acts as a drawing board for ideas and placement of design development. The idea is that when a important element is suspended there will be a reference point on the reflected site plan. Some discussion with Patrick also alluded to the movement of the train on the line and perhaps the element of switching: either the train lines or the car themselves. The model starts to look at the site in a different respect, with the viewer observing under and over the structure. Suspension for the tracks is no longer the ground, but suspended from the sky. The intent is to explore this hidden infrastructure of the city.

The platform structure in progress

I have done some cad drawings,for laser cutting, of the cross section pieces to support the platform. I have decided to simplify the structure , while still taking into account the real thickness of the platform versus the thickness of the tracks. There are 16 cross pieces that make up the underground structure below: between the extents of the middle void in plan. The intent is to have doweling already inserted in the track structure and to be used like a book shelf pin to support the cross members. The cross members are 3 layers, the middle layer with slits to accommodate the doweling and to suspend of the tracks. The middle layer also has slits at the bottom of columns and top of structure to allow a friction fit for 1/8 inch screw. To help with further development downward and to fasten the platform layer onto the model. I am still figuring out a universal connection for wall inserts within the interior.

Building a frame for suspension

Here are some pics of the base of the model so far. I am trying to build a frame that will take the weight of this huge model. I have managed to get some hangers up on the suspended beam, just a plain 2 x4, still needs to be painted. I am thinking white. The design intent of the hanger is to support a grid that will hold a reflected site plan above the actually model. The plan can be used for referencing points in space along the model. Another concern of mine is the hooks i am anchored into within the ceiling. I noticed that the structure can take my wait but the thin wire starts to cut those hooks in the ceiling. I have secured safety cables to the nearest support and if something fails, because the model could be about 75 pounds, then the safety cables will be a fail safe.

I am in the process of sanding down the tracks, to get rid of any glue and ensure a smooth surface for the actual train rails. I was thinking of painting the tracks , Gregory suggested bright gloss red. I like it. I gives a clear ground reference to the model.

Second Skin Architecture

I came across this project through Art Brain:

Second Skin is a research project that suggests an architecture that emerges from the person. It is, however, hard to explain in a few words a project as extensive, both in time and implications, as is Second Skin, especially because it involves a new approach to architecture through psychology, which means trying to establish a new vision of a discipline that has existed through out history using another one which is relatively young...

Second Skin’s methodology begins with an inductive audio, where the in-trance volunteer elaborates a drawing of the visited space – his/her primal refuge-, followed by an interview. This information is translated into digital models that allowing us to graph the relationships between the different houses. The resulting houses may be grouped into families according to their formal characteristics, creating the need to generate a process which would allow us to store and work with the information. With the support of a group in the ITESM Campus Querétaro, we then developed a software that works following a genetic model. In principle, the generic algorithm orders the lines of the houses and generates a morphing. The digitalized houses are fed to the software according to their families, separating their elements and assigning them dominant or recessive values. During the execution, the program randomly selects pairs of houses and performs the morphing. This process is repeated in four generations, obtaining in as a result of the last generation a collective house, which varies every time that the program is ran. Being a summary of spatial qualities, this collective house, deliberately, is not dictatorial with regards to form.

Interior site photos

Some interesting shots of the spaces, that used to be a station 'midway' for train passengers. I will try to get more soon.

Interactive ecology

Was viewing Ruari's Interactive Architecture site, came across a project by Michael Wihart about small devices made of nanotechnolgy and biotechnology elements, used to create space and are able to reconfigure over time.

"The decadence and redundancy of the integrity of architectural thinking needs to be constantly questioned in order to reveal if architecture can be a source for the sentimental titillation. The embarrassing meanders of architecture into the challenge of the feasibility must be extended into the poetry of spatial mediation. the process of designing can no longer be solely functional and operational. The creation of an architecture which is embedded in the mythical knowledge of the future enables us to extend the sentiment of in-habitation into the realm of co-existence.”

The railway substrate

Preliminary design intended that the the rail lines would be paired together structurally to simplify the substrate. But after i started drawing more and more, i felt the need for the rail lines to be individualized. The rail lines should appear as a continuous mass through the site, but also retain structural integrity to branch of, for model development.

The issue of scale, and in relation to train scale also became an issue. Apparently 0 scale , which is 1:48 , is very hard to come by, especially in Winnipeg. Getting tracks for the model might be difficult, but i have set up the tracks beds, with a score line, to allow a rail to be inlaid after. I was hoping to create a set of box cars with acrylic, to help study the moving voids within these cars and there relationship to the spaces within the site.

Substrate

After discussions with class review today, now have a clearer direction. The intention is to create a base structure with the railway tracks and build from that: later adding the adjacent buildings. My intention is to layer the model along the envelope of spaces and in relation to the ground plane. The model will be suspended. The intent to explore the subterranean and terranean voids with the corridor of the train lines. More importantly, the potential to create a substrate that explores the relationship between the upper train movement and the lower spaces. When the train cars move along the ground plane , there is a manipulation of space below. Its a similar analogy to the ego/ id relationship within my device, speaking to the double relationship within the site. A study into the interface of the site. There is also potential to explore in more detail the train cars as moving voids, that are inhabited by the 'Hobo'.

Proposal for the model

Here are some sketches illustrating some of thoughts towards the substrate. the main intent is to explore the voids, the spaces within the site. I wanted to retain the layered approach to the site and the section itself, like the stratigraphy of an archaeological dig. The model is intended to be suspended and emphasize cross section characteristics of the site. The intent is to be able to view the lower and upper voids within the site, studying the relationship between the two. I suggest using MDF for the structural elements, and envelope, skin characteristics in an acrylic plastic.