Corner Study

"RESEARCH BACKGROUND<br />Triply-Periodic minimal surfaces are mathematical objects that form a continuous partitioning of three-dimensional space with a surface of zero gaussian curvature (cylinder). Through the soap-film models and the work of such architects as Frei Otto, minimal surfaces have a history as architectural structures. This project is one of a series that explores the architectural properties of the Triply-Periodic family of minimal surfaces.<br /><br />RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION <br />This project by Paul Minifie examines the property of a Triply-Periodic minimal surface that partitions space in two. By applying the architectural dialectic of public/private space to this abstract figure, an architectural object is created that continually interleaves the space of the city with private residential space over a number of levels. This architectural proposition tests the traditional architectural debate between these two types of space with a novel formal arrangement. This is the first time such research has been attempted in architectural design and represents pioneering digital design.<br /><br />RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE<br />Corner Study was exhibited at Archilab 2001: the 3rd International Architecture Convention and Exhibition held at the FRAC Centre, France, curated by Marie-Ange Brayer and Beatrice Simonot. The project featured in the catalogue accompanying the exhibition and has also been published by Thames and Hudson in Archilab's Future House: Radical Experiment in Living Space edited by Marie-Ange Brayer and Beatrice Simonot and in 10 x 10_2 100 Architects 10 Critics by Phaidon Press. It was also exhibited in Convergence: Hotspots Melbourne at the 2004 Architectural Biennale Beijing."<br /&gt

Harbour Study

"RESEARCH BACKGROUND<br />Triply-Periodic minimal surfaces are mathematical objects that form a continuous partitioning of three-dimensional space with a surface of zero gaussian curvature (cylinder). Through the soap-film models and the work of such architects as Frei Otto, minimal surfaces have a history as architectural structures. This project is one of a series that explores the architectural properties of the Triply-Periodic family of minimal surfaces.<br /><br />RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION <br />Paul Minifie's Harbour Study examines how an abstract, scaleless, infinitely thin abstract shape can be introduced into a realm that can be considered as architectural. A real scale is established by giving the surface thickness, while urban relationships are arranged through the sampling of an abstract space. Sequins, which are analogous to fish scales, are referenced in the continually curving, topologically complex surface that is covered by regular construction elements. This is the first time such research has been attempted in architectural design and represents pioneering digital design.<br /><br />RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE<br />Harbour Study was exhibited at Archilab 2001: the 3rd International Architecture Convention and Exhibition held at the FRAC Centre, France, curated by Marie-Ange Brayer and Beatrice Simonot. The project featured in the catalogue accompanying the exhibition and has also been published by Thames and Hudson in Archilab's Future House: Radical Experiment in Living Space edited by Marie-Ange Brayer and Beatrice Simonot and in 10 x 10_2 100 Architects 10 Critics by Phaidon Press. It was also exhibited in Convergence: Hotspots Melbourne at the 2004 Architectural Biennale Beijing."<br /&gt

Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) Centre For Ideas

"RESEARCH BACKGROUND <br />New digital design methodologies have the ability to describe forms that exceed the current construction abilities of the building industry. Geometric and relational systems, such as Voronoi tessellations, are used in computer science and other fields and have the potential to be reinterpreted as novel techniques with which architectural design can be achieved.<br /><br />RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION <br />This physically realised project by Paul Minifie (MNA) uses a technique derived from a significant body of research into Voronoi tessellations. The design for the VCA Centre For Ideas employs a technique where the intersections of adjacent cones, the facade and certain interior features, are organised through a means of Voronoi spatial partitioning. An innovative construction technique to creating curved, laser-cut, stainless steel panels was developed for the project. Through this research, the project provides a contemporary architectural expression, derived from digital methodologies applied in both design and construction phases.<br /><br />RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE <br />The Centre For Ideas toured as part of Convergence: Hotspot Melbourne in the 1st Architecture Biennale Beijing. It won the RAIA VIC Institutional Award, 2003 and has received extensive publication, including: a chapter by Karen Burns in Surface: Architecture's Expanded Field in Architectural Design: Surface Consciousness, Issue 73; a chapter on Minifie Nixon in Design City Melbourne and in The Individual in Mastery: The Natural History of the Creative Practitioner, both by Leon van Schaik; two chapters of Architectural Design Research: Project-based research and discourse on design, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2005 and also features in 10 x 10_2 100 Architects 10 Critics by Phaidon Press. Journal coverage includes: Melbourne Magazine, Monument and Zoo."<br /&gt

Contribution to the modelling of chocolate tempering process

The chocolate tempering process based on seeding the melted chocolate with the solid chocolate grains is studied. A model is developed to enhance the understanding and the control of the process. This model aims to predict temperature field during melting and crystallization of the product. The heat transfer problem is simplified by using an effective thermal conductivity for modeling the mixing obtained with a newly designed stirrer. The parameter value is fitted on the experimental results. The heat conduction equation is solved using Comsol. The melting of cocoa butter particles serving as seeds is added to the model using a sink term having the form of a kinetic reaction whose parameters are identified from an adiabatic melting experiment. The resulting model gives an accurate prediction of the cooling rate and the temperature field within the melted chocolate seeded with small solid grains.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishe