figure ii:
topographic 3-dimensional maps of table mountain (left) and signal hill (right) that shows overlays of wildfire frequency, vegetation types, population demographics, and geology alongside sun and wind data
figure iii:
small scale test mockups of columns that would expose different materials such as paper, fabric, plaster and wood (left to right) to melanin sourced from the cape peninsula bioregion in order to create emergent generative patterns through capillary action over time. the substrates have been scored, woven and cast with differentiated properties to facilitate patterned movement of the pigment through the material
figure iv:
full scale mockup of melanin column for suspending material and controlling exposure to melanin pigment through a series of stepper motors that control the position and draping of substrate, liquid pumps that control the flow rate to particular locations, and fans that can selectively dry areas along the length of the substrate
figure v:
array of mechanical components used to manipulate material and liquid with microcontrollers
figure v:
testing how different types of fabric and paper substrates absorb melanin pigments throgh capillary action controlled through air drying top layer using small fans
figure vi:
paper and fabric swatch tests showing patterning of substrate that vary acording to material composition and etching / cutting