Ben's Blog NOW in 3D: [OBDF 110] Thinking Outside of the Box

After a brief research on the papercraft medium, we have been assigned to make and unfold 10 different objects that have impacted/inspired us. In order to make 3D objects with paper, we are instructed to unfold 3D models using Rhino to create 2D layouts. I have faced numerous challenges and a few successful moments while working in Rhino. Overall, this has been a very interactive learning experience.

Some of the challenges include:

At first, I was not used to pressing "enter" or right-clicking to re-enter a command and confirm an action. As well as using "ctrl + left click" to deselect the previous surface when unfolding multiple surfaces at once along with other shortcuts to increase work flow
I tend to rely on "Grid Snap"
Coming up with ideas of significant objects unique to me
Having overlapping tabs
Adjusting curve points in perspective view
I have realized as the object gets more complex, breaking it down to different components with tabs become necessary to maintain the integrity of the design
I kept hitting "esc" before confirming action when I was drawing polylines.
Hollowed out surfaces/holes were difficult to unfold
Angled surfaces took more time to unfold

Some of the things I found simple and effective for me were:

Planning in top view before extrusion in perspective view, right click and drag to pan
Polyline + grid snap = pixel art
Using the command "NonmanifoldMerge" followed by "CreateRegions" to hollow out surfaces

The most challenging part of this assignment was writing this blog.

Here are the screenshots of my forms:

1) Fidget Spinner

I want to make my papercraft object interactive but being naturally curvilinear in shape, a paper fidget spinner might not be that good of an idea afterall. I'm learning how to unfold spheres in the next class and maybe that will help me refine this concept. Fidget spinners are actually so relaxing.

2) Torii Gate

I have mentioned how I love Japan in my previous blog so here is something that symbolizes the Land of the Rising Sun. I have utilized the command, "ChamferEdge" to bevel the top beam.

3) Headphones

Music play such a significant part in my life. In fact, I'm listening to music as I'm writing this blog. I think I have to listen to music when I'm working on something creative. This is the first design in which I have used the "Loft" command. I think the unfolded ear pads look like turtles and it's appropriate because I'm wearing Turtle Beach headphones.

4) Pistol

Ok, I know how basic and crappy this gun looks but I would totally spend more time on this if I didn't have other assignments due this week. I have always liked firearm designs as I have played a lot of first person shooters. However, I have only shot real firearms once at a shooting range. Anyway, if I had more time, I would be interested in designing all the various attachments, components and parts.

5) Bridge

I literally had this idea during my morning commute when I was passing a bridge. I have also been inspired by some of the examples from last year that had repeating patterns.

6) Teardrop

This could also be a lava lamp or an upside down diamond, but I'd like to think of this as a geometric teardrop in honour of all the tears I shed in my life. I used "UnrollSrf" because I was lazy.

7) Sushi

Ok, I know what you're thinking but let me explain. This is not laziness, this is purely art. The simple form represents how sushi is simply my favourite food in the world.

8) WALLLLLL-EEEE