Introduction: Modelling Growth (#bondsnvoids)

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We want to understand what are the hidden rules that makes something grow.

I believe that by bringing together design and science we can produce a rigorous but flexible approach that will allow us to explore, understand and contribute to science in an antidisciplinary way. — Joi Ito

Joi Ito, director of the MIT Media Lab talking about the connection between design and science The aim is to construct understanding through collective learning of the complexity and simplicity in form and matter. Models are perhaps one of the most effective ways we can understand and communicate this.

The process is empirical design research and we welcome anyone who wants to contribute to build a model, critique it, hack it and tell us about the process and the outcome. What were the moments that surprised you? What patterns did you find, in the way you thought, in the way you assembled, or in the final model itself? What are you using the model for?

This instructable provides steps to help you arrive at the starting point we got to in our explorations.

The model consists of 1) a line(s) 2) some bonds

Step 1: Overview of Materials to Make the Model

To make one model of about 30cm * 30cm (base) * 20cm (height) you will need about 80 magnets and bonds, and ⅓ of a spool of 3mm nylon filament

Step 2: Materials to Make the Line

We used a 3mm diameter nylon wire normally used for 3d printing, which you can order online for about $25 euro. We treat the wire in boiling water to remove some of the tension inherent in the rolled cable.

Step 3: ​Materials to Make a the Bond Piece

2 sheets of A3 PP (Polypropylene) 0.5 mm thickness, colour not important, will allow you to make 108 bond pieces

100 Magnets Disc magnet Ø 5 mm, height 3 mm Neodymium, N42, nickel-plated

Step 4: ​How to Make the Bond Piece

1) Cut out the bond piece from the PP sheet using a ‘laser cutter’ or scalpel, although a scalpel will be hard work. Laser cutter settings for Epilog Laser Mini (speed 50, power 90 and 2500 mhtz)

2) Place the magnet in between the cut out bond piece and push the bond piece onto the wire Repeat until all bond pieces on the wire(s) Build models

Step 5: Sharing the Results

In the building process what patterns did you repeat? When were a craftsperson making adjustments as you went, and when was the process about planning?

Save videos, gifs, photos

Take photos of napkin sketches, formulas used etc

upload to instructables with #bondsnvoids