3DD - Day 2

Day 5 (10/09/13)

Today, we were told that we will be working in groups to build a structure. However, we first on our own create 4 bridges using paper and masking tape. This would be used as a model or inspiration for when we get to discuss in our groups. I took too much time, so I only manage to create 2 bridges. The first one I folded 2 chatter boxes and stuck them next to each other. This made me think about the things I like during my childhood, which is what inspired my next design. The second bridge, I rolled up a strip of paper and scrunched both ends to make it look like Christmas crackers, but it ended looking like sweets. I made more of them and stuck them at random together to create an arch. 

Each group was only allowed to use 10 cardboard's and a batch of bamboo sticks. Others equipments include rubber bands and brown tape. The length of our bridge starts from the table on one side to the table across the room, which is around about 2-3 metres apart. In our bridge we are only allowed two points that could touch the ground. Also, the height of our structure should be enough for a closed up table to go pass under. At the end, our tutor would drive a remote control car through the bridge to test its stability. 

 My group came together with our models to discuss a plan for our big structure. We came to the decision of creating a new design for our structure. I thought we worked well as a group. When we had a brief idea of what we were going to do, we decided to divide ourselves into two teams, so we don’t have to waste time. There was half of us continue on with designing and making a model, whilst the other team start creating the stands for the structure. My job was mostly helping with creating the actual structure. We communicated a lot with each other, so everyone knows what is going on and what they are doing. 

 Later, we had one group of us working on one side of the bridge whilst the others are working on the other side, and another member was cutting out the cardboards. By splitting up the jobs helped saved a lot of time, so by the end we had extra time spare for us to check for faults in our bridge. We added more sticks beneath the cardboard to create a stronger base, for the car to go by. 

The good points in our bridge is the structure, especially the stands which looks simple but visually pleasing. There were only two bamboo sticks touching ground. It creates excitement and curiosity as to how safe the structure is. This is what makes our structure interesting that you just cannot pin point what’s going to happen.  

 

 We could of used the spare time we had at the end to add things to the structure to make it look more eye-catching. However, we prioritised and made sure that the structure was stable for the car to go across, without having the bridge breaking apart.  The effort wasn’t wasted as the remote control car did go across our bridge safely. Our tutor decided to put a heavy block on top of every structure, which surprising myself our bridge was able to stand the heavy weight of the block.  This shows that we did used our spare wisely and successfully.