Activity Zero – Introduction
Download Activity Zero – Introduction
Alquimétricos is an open and collaborative project of design and production of geometric building blocks, with which it is possible to build geodesic structures and infinite other possibilities, flat and three-dimensional, simple or complex, static and mobile.
Alquimétricos is an interdisciplinary and international maker and community of collaborators focused on providing a powerful educational resource in diverse socio-economic contexts, especially where resources are more limited.
It is a collection of free knowledge, without patents or copyrights, that links education with technology, arts, and sciences, following the STEAM and Creative Learning principles.
In particular – but not only – it is designed for those interested in exploring the universe of geodesic structures, the invention of the genius Buckminster Fuller.
It is also a viral game that invites you and your friends to participate. Welcome to the Alchemetric community =).
Things we should know before we start
Necessary tools
- Nipper
- Cutting pliers or branch scissors
- Large scissors
- Pilot or pen
Materials that can be used
Cardboard or MDF for the templates
Bamboo sticks (barbecue skewers, kite sticks, raffia sticks for perfume diffuser, etc.).
A pack of 50 is left over for an icosahedron and a half if you use the total length, or 3 if you cut them in half.
Elastic bands, preferably those small silicone ones that are used to weave bracelets like Rainbow Loom or to tie the hair.
Alternatively, you can use conventional rubber bands
(*) Rubber bands are optional. It depends a lot on the type of material used, on the adjustment ratio between the diameter of the hole and the toothpick. There are cases in which it is shown to be unnecessary, and there are others where connections without them are weak.
For the connectors:
- EVA 5 to 10 mm thick*
- Truck / Car / Motorcycle / Bike Rubber
- Milk / juice box (tetrapack)
- Zine with assembly guide
(*) When using EVA think of a 1: 1 ratio between the thickness of the material and the hole diameter. For example, for 6 cm diameter connectors and 3-4 mm diameter toothpicks, use 3-6 mm thick EVA. For connectors 10-15 cm in diameter use toothpicks 8-10 mm in diameter and EVA 8-12 mm thick.
Treatment of materials
If you use recycled materials, they may need some treatment: rubber chambers or milk/juice boxes need to be opened, washed, and dried before starting.
All recycled material must be clean and dry, such as an advertising banner or truck tarpaulin. If you use jeans or denim fabric, they should be glued with white glue and left to dry at least 2 days in advance.
If you use EVA and cannot get 3mm or more, you can use 2 bonded layers, which also need to dry for a minimum of 2 days before they are available for use.
Security Considerations
If you are going to use a laser cutter, remember that some materials can be toxic, such as advertising banner (PVC vinyl) canvas and any other vinyl. Avoid laser cutting these materials!
Misuse of tools may cause accidents. Don’t do it without adult supervision.
Sticks cutting may create splinters or springing parts. Cut them aiming to the floor or ask somebody else to secure the opposite end. Always keep your fingers away from the cutting blades.