This week I got some good feedback about how to develop and finalize my idea. I began looking into material choices as well as attachment and construction details.
I decided that my best option to attach the panel was to a zipline cable as it would be able to withstand the weight of the panel and also would allow movement as it is a lot more flexible than a pole. I would attach the cable to the pergola on each side of the courtyard. Below is a sketch of how I would attach the panel to the cable.
Because the mirror effect is an important part of my design I begun to look into how I wanted to create this. I began with looking at different types of reflective materials. Because I want to hang the panel, the material I chose for it needs to be light weight. It also needs to be durable as the panel will be set up outside in the elements.
After looking into this variety of materials, I decided that polished anodized aluminium was probably the best option for me. The only issue is that it is easily scratch and although it is structurally durable, it is going to wear quickly outside in the weather and with people interacting with it. I then thought of chrome. It is a highly reflective finish that is used on many surfaces that have a lot of wear.
After looking into the different types of chrome finishes, I decided that a spray chrome would be a good option. Because the installation isn’t permanent, it will last long enough. Also, it doesn’t add a significant amount of weight onto the panel. Chrome plating, although thin, on a large panel can add a bit of weight and I want to ensure that I keep the panel light.
By using a chrome spray, I can manipulate the shape of the surface if I desire as well as the spray can be applied to almost any shape; it gives me more creative freedom. In terms of the material of the panel that the chrome will be sprayed onto, I want to keep it light weight and considered some form of plastic. This would not only be light weight, but also allow me to manipulate the shape of it. I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t be able to apply chrome spray onto plastic but after some research I found that there a very few limitations.
Information Sources:
https://www.appropedia.org/Reflecting_materials
https://pacdiecast.com/die-casting/types-of-chrome-based-surface-finishing-methods-for-metal-components/
https://pchrome.com/5-ways-can-turn-plastic-chrome/
Spatial Design by Ciara 