Modeling and Unrolling Dymaxion

by Tuğrul Yazar | December 14, 2024 11:03

Buckminster Fuller[1] used the term “dymaxion” for a variety of his designs, and one of these was the dymaxion map. It was based on the geometry of a polyhedron[2]. While the dymaxion map is more directly related to the icosahedron[3], Fuller’s work often involved using other polyhedral shapes. One of them is the cuboctahedron. He used this term for various conceptual and practical designs, particularly in the context of his ideas on efficiency and structure. The cuboctahedron itself is notable for its dual relationship with the icosidodecahedron. It is considered a geometric shape with balanced symmetry. Fuller used these shapes to explore ideas about the structure of space and the design of efficient, modular systems. In this short tutorial video, I am modeling and unrolling dymaxion (cuboctahedron).

This video series showcases various in-class exercises I conducted in a freshman-year Architectural Geometry course. Using Rhinoceros software, we explore Euclidean constructions, basic drawing and transformation commands, fundamental fractals, regular and semi-regular tessellations, patterns, and modeling techniques, including unrolling polyhedra. These short drawing exercises are also beneficial for junior-level architects, interior designers, industrial designers, and enthusiasts from other disciplines. I will be publishing exercises each week on my blog and other platforms. Here is the modeling and unrolling of dymaxion, cuboctahedron.

The software used in this course is Rhinoceros 3d (www.rhino3d.com[4]). However, if you want to find out more and see the whole list of this video series, you can check my YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@designcodingnet[5] and my blog at: www.designcoding.net/[6]. You can also check my Instagram page at www.instagram.com/designcodingnet/[7]. The music of this video is ‘Chasing Daylight’ by Scott Buckley (CC-BY 4.0). www.scottbuckley.com.au[8]

Source URL: https://www.designcoding.net/modeling-and-unrolling-dymaxion/

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