Module 2 Formstorming

Weekly Activity Template

Zixin Zhang

Project 2

Module 2

In this project, I explored several digital and physical tools before creating my final projection mapping. I first experimented with Mapbox by testing different map styles, colours, and data layers. I eventually stopped working on the map idea because the Mapbox interface felt quite different from the tutorials I found, which made the process confusing and frustrating for me.

I also tried laser cutting and designed a small wooden phone stand in Illustrator. I prepared the cutting lines and an engraved dragon logo, then watched the machine cut the wood. The burnt smell was very strong and uncomfortable, and this experience made me realize that physical fabrication is not something I enjoy.

In class, I followed TouchDesigner and After Effects tutorials, which helped me understand the basic steps of projection mapping. I learned how to place textures on a 3D model of the building and experiment with different effects. I chose projection mapping because I find it interesting to use abstract visuals on architecture and transform a simple building into something more dynamic.

Activity 1

Mapbox exploration 1 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 2 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 3 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 4 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 5 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 6 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 7 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 8 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 9 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 10 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 11 using cartogram

Mapbox exploration 12 using cartogram

Tutorial exploration 1 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and fonts

Tutorial exploration 2 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and fonts

Tutorial exploration 3 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and fonts

Tutorial exploration 4 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and fonts

Tutorial exploration 5 – Experimenting with mapbox satellite style and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 6 – Experimenting with mapbox satellite style and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 6 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 7 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 8 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 9 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 10 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 11 – Experimenting with mapbox colours and road & transit network

Tutorial exploration 10 – Experimenting with mapbox colours, fonts, and road & transit network

Activity 2

Laser cutting exploration 1 – First, I Designed the phone stand in Adobe Illustrator and preparing it for laser cutting

Laser cutting exploration 2 – After designing, I adjusted the lines and shapes for cutting and engraving with the laser machine.

Laser cutting exploration 2 – Then, I removed each piece from the wooden board by hand and noticed the small differences in how the material reacted to heat and the burnt smell of the wood.

AE tutorial 1 – Exploring the shatter effect

AE tutorial 2 – Exploring the drizzle effect

AE tutorial 3 – Exploring the ball action effect

AE tutorial 4 – Exploring the particle effect

AE tutorial 5 – Exploring the ball action effect

TouchDesigner tutorial 1 – Exploring the noise effect

Mapbox tutorial 1 – Experimenting the bivariate line styles on the map using cycling routes data

Mapbox tutorial 2 – Experimenting the bivariate line styles on the map using cycling routes data

Mapbox tutorial 3 – Experimenting the bivariate circle styles on the map using coyote encounters data

Mapbox tutorial 4 – Experimenting the bivariate circle styles on the map using coyote encounters data

Mapbox tutorial 5 – Experimenting the heatmap styles on the map using cycling routes data

I experimented with the CC Ball Action effect to create a particle effect, then adjusted the colours with gradient to make in After Effects.

Then, I applied the particle effect across all sides of the building and added an additional blurred layer using Gaussian Blur to create a soft glowing effect.

I tried adding solid colours with low opacity onto the building behind the particles to enhance the atmosphere, but the result felt too flat.

To break the flatness, I experimented by overlaying a sea texture video on top of the particles.

Finally, I combined all previous layers, like the particles, the blurred glow, the colour adjustments, and the natural texture overlay. This version best represented the water element I wanted for the projection mapping.

I started by creating small rising fire particles using CC Particle World in After Effects. To support the warm tone, I added a low-opacity brown background layer to show burnt atmosphere.

Building on what I learned from the water element, I added a fire texture video on top of the building.

I combined the particles with the fire texture, but the small particle size made the effect look unclear and visually weak.

To make it more dynamic, I created larger fire particles with CC Particle World and added Gaussian Blur to make them glow more like real flame. I also applied Turbulent Displacement to twist and bend the movement, making the flames rise in a more natural way.

Finally, I combined all the previous elements, glowing particles, blurred highlights, and the fire texture overlay. This version shows the fire element onto the building surface.

I started by using Fractal Noise to create a cloudy texture, and applied Turbulent Displacement to add wobbling motion.

I then added a texture video of grass moving in the wind. I kept the opacity low so the texture blended with the Fractal Noise layer..

Since this projection represents the plant element, I added a low-opacity green solid layer and applied a four-colour gradient. I changed the gradient colours at each keyframe to create a shifting, evolving colour effect.

I experimented with Mr. Mercury to generate bubbling, fluid shapes. The effect added a vibrant quality that fits well with the idea of plant life expanding.

In the final stage, I added a texture mask on top of the Mr. Mercury effect to enhance visuals. I then combined all previous layers, the gradients, textures, Fractal Noise to form the plant element.

Spatial Workshop 1

Spatial workshop 1 – Image of the exterior of the S-wing – The big blue “S” in front feels like a symbol of the school. It stands out clearly on the grey and white ground and in front of the dark red building. The building itself uses a lot of glass and windows, which makes the space feel bright and open, but still separate from the outside. I think this design shows a concept between openness and privacy, and how materials can make people feel connected to the space.

Image of the interior of the H-wing – This hallway contrasts colourful diagonal columns on the left with a clean and structured design on the right. The use colours adds emotional warmth , while the geometric architecture expresses clarity. Together, these two design languages balance emotion and structure.

Spatial workshop 1 – Image of the student art wall – This wall feels full of energy and interaction. The bright blue color catches attention. The drawings made by different students show a mix of chaos, expressing creativity in many voices. The wall also works as a visual transition. The colourful and busy surface leads the eyes through the window into the quiet and organized library inside.

Spatial Workshop 2

The pink circular elements create a strong contrast with the straight, rigid structure of the bridge. Their playful, bouncing appearance draws attention to the railings, making the bridge feel energetic.

The yellow lines feel like wind moving across the bridge. Their flow brings a light sense of movement, making the space feel more open and alive.

The wooden railing uses softer, more neutral colours that don't compete with the rainbow walkway, so the bridge still feels visually balanced. The small plant elements add a bit of life to the space while keeping the design simple and natural.

Project 2

Final Project 2 Design

My final design is a projection mapping piece that transforms the SSU building through three nature scenes: water, fire, and plants. I wanted to see how digital motion and sound could change the feeling of a static building and explore the relationship between nature and architecture.

The water scene uses soft gradients and flowing particles to create a calm feeling. The fire scene is more intense, with warm colours, larger particles, show heat and movement. For the plant scene, I combined fractal noise, green overlays, and texture videos to represent growth.

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