09.03 Inflatable Modeling and Fabrication Plan

Assignment Deliverables

1. Model of the inflatable in physical or digital form
2. Inflatable Fabrication Plan with sketches and written explanation
   • Label file YYYY-MM-DD Lastname Firstname Inflatable Fabrication Plan (.docx, .pdf, .pptx)

Assignment Overview

Large inflatable forms can be difficult to plan all at once because there are many parts that are dependent on the placement or size of other components. Instead of trying to get everything right from the start, often, a better plan is to begin to make simple mock-ups of known components. Components. Breaking the complex form into smaller parts can help understand how some of it will fit together and then once that understanding is achieved, other components usually become more apparent and obvious.

While imagining three-dimensional forms and working out fabrication processes in one’s head is an important skill set, often nothing beats a physical representation of what one is planning. Digital representations can also be just as useful but require fluency in 3D software.

For this assignment you will create a model of your intended inflatable design and draft an initial fabrication plan. Your model can be physical or digital, but it should clearly communicate the overall form you want to build. The goal is not to produce a finished technical solution yet. The goal is to make the form visible and workable so that you can begin making informed decisions about how it might actually be fabricated

Planning the Model

If your inflatable is organic, the model will help you understand the exterior volume and how its curved surfaces might be broken into pattern pieces. Those pattern pieces can later be developed through analog or digital patterning methods and then enlarged for cutting in inflatable fabric.

If your inflatable is geometric, your model may be built from flat planes such as paper or cardboard. In that case, pay particular attention to how the structure will hold its shape. Think about what internal supports or baffles may be needed to control air volume and prevent the form from ballooning outward in unwanted ways.

Fabrication Plan

In addition to the 3D model write up a detailed description of your fabrication plan.

Don’t worry if your fabrication plan is correct or incorrect, the important part is that you draft a plan and then we can review it and make adjustments. Making adjustments to something is much better than making adjustments to nothing.

Fabrication Plan Prompts

• What materials do you plan to use for the inflatable skin?
• How will you create or derive the pattern pieces?
• What interior baffles or structural supports might be needed?
• In what order do you think the pieces will be assembled?
• Will the inflatable need openings, zippers, or access points?
• Will it be installed on the floor, suspended, or anchored?
• Will you need webbing, tie-downs, or hanging points?
• Where will the inflation tube go?
• Will the fan be located inside or outside the inflatable?
• Are there any parts of the design that seem difficult or still unresolved?

Grading Rubric