International Journal of Small Craft Technology
THE ROLE OF AMBIGUITY IN THE ART AND SCIENCE OF YACHT DESIGN B Woods, Massey University, New Zealand SUMMARY
In Marine Design and Naval Architecture, we investigate the power of ambiguity its use in conceptual design with the objective of moving imagination towards a deeper awareness of convergence and commonalities. “Unlike writing, drawing makes up its own syntax as it goes along. The line can’t be reasoned in the mind. It can only be reasoned on paper”. [1]. Recent developments in CAD, CFD, and the speculative possibilities which flow from the automation of mathematical hull modelling are briefly discussed
Ambiguity is discussed in the context of the marine designer’s initial sketches, and the coefficients and ratio’s used for the initial estimates and designs of the naval architect.
It is argued that ambiguity is an attribute that is an essential instrument in the development of creative ideas, as that which ambiguity leaves undefined acts as a powerful stimulant to the imagination.
There is considered to be a common link between the coefficients and ratios used in technological design (naval architecture) and conceptual sketches used in the artistic design (marine design) of vessels. Both sets of attributes can act as precursors to design in the quest for shape and form [2] each do so in entirely different ways with different categories and placements [3] bound together by ambiguity.
We investigate what these attributes have in common and where their power lies [4].
NOMENCLATURE Avatar [13] noun 1 Hinduism, the appearance of a God, especially
Vishnu in human form, or a
visual
manifestation of something abstract. We use the word in the context of a visual manifestation of something abstract or, the embodiment, incarnation, or precursor of an idea or principle. [2]
1. AN EXAMPLE OF AMBIGUITY CONCEPTUAL DRAWINGS
IN
To illustrate the visual context of the paper it begins with examples of conceptual sketches Fig1. is a composite drawing of various types of traditional Dhow’s from which partially developed ideas begin to be formed (these sketches are a small selection from the substantial number produced)
“What kind of reasoning does sketching represent?” the question arises because the sketching does not consist simply of representing images held in the designers mind; it consists rather of a dialectic process, “the oscillation of arguments which brings about gradual transformation of
images ending when the designer judges that sufficient coherence has been achieved”. [5]
There is a progression in the ideas illustrated, from the historical
forms being investigated, towards a more
contemporary set of forms. The objective was to design a mega-yacht with Arabic influences encouraging the
© 2008: Royal Institution of Naval Architects
Figure 2. Major design elements have emerged: the rig and sail concept, masts that slide and pivot, bowsprit. The need for public and private spaces. Raised poop deck, deck superstructure, bow shape, transom and sheerline. Overall the proportions are awkward and the flying bridge visually disruptive.
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client towards a design expressive of his own culture and history, rather than developing a conventional European style Mega-Yacht. What cannot be seen is the substantial research undertaken before embarking on sketching, and previous
experience in another design field, which
showed that the separation between private and public spaces was an essential consideration for an Islamic client. This was achieved by using a raised poop deck to provide private spaces aft and in the hull forr’d, with “public” spaces in a large wheelhouse like structure. The design is also heavily symbolic (of wealth and power) The actual Dhow that served as a primary source is one investigated but not illustrated on the sheet, a “Baghala” (Characterised by 5 ports across the transom) There is a substantial difference illustrated.
between the various ideas
These ideas were then moved onwards using, relatively loose but controlled sketches, which were still far from being resolved or cohesive enough to progress towards a full
rendering, allowing further exploration with
approximately scaled sketches of the rig, hull-form, exterior form and interior configuration.
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