Linked Frames

In 2009, Nicholas Desbiens was approached by the artist Nils Folke Anderson to work with him to digitally explore a range of ideas that he had been investigating through physical models and large scale sculptural work. Many of the artist’s larger sculptural works feature a series of interlocking geometric frames that can be pushed and pulled into different configurations. One aspect of the collaboration between Desbiens and Anderson entailed digitally simulating the geometric conditions of the interlocking frames in order to explore potential formations in the computer. A separate, but related, area of investigation looked into how geometrical information could be transferred from small-scale styrofoam maquettes produced by the artist to create accurate three-dimensional digital models suitable for structural analysis.
Configuration 1 rendering
Configuration 1 rendering

Nicholas Desbiens worked closely with the artist to produce presentation renderings for a series of sculptural configurations.

Digital gravity study

This simulation was made to digitally explore the interaction of the linked frame elements. The frames are allowed to fall under their own weight from an arbitrary start position.

Random motion study

In this exploration, developed in RhinoScript, the frames are allowed to rotate or move in a given random direction until they hit at another frame. While this behavior does not mimic the way one would interact with the frames physically, it does offer another way of understanding the range of motion and configurations allowed by the system.

Frame interaction study

In this exploration, the frames are pushed and pulled on screen to explore physical interactions within the system.

Maquette - facing east, Y Axis
Maquette – facing east, Y Axis

Images like this (taken and annotated by the artist) served as an early way to communicate geometric information for translation from physical to digital models.

Geometry diagram
Geometry diagram

Screen shots like this were used as a communication tool to deal with inaccuracies that are part of the process of converting a rough study model into a more precise digital configuration.

Excel geometry input template
Excel geometry input template

This Excel template was created by Nicholas Desbiens as a tool for automated translation of geometric information embodied in the artist's physical maquettes into digital three-dimensional models. By codifying x, y and z coordinates in a standard form, the information could be read as input data to create an accurate digital model of the configuration conceived in the artist's studio.

Nine frames
Nine frames

Digital model showing 16 registration points on each of the nine frames. Where possible, the x, y and z coordinates of these locations would be measured on the physical model and transferred via Excel to the digital model.

Configuration 3 rendering