Ran Tao_668728_journal by 陶然

STUDIO AIR

2016 SEMSTER 1

RAN TAO ID: 668728 Tutorial Group: T 10 Tutor: Caitlyn Parry

Content Part A A.1 Design Futuring A.2 Design Computation A.3 Composition/Generation A.4 Conclusion A.5 Learning Outcomes A.6 Appendix-Algorithmic Sketches

Self - Introduction

My name is Ran Tao, you can call me Ran which represents happiness in Chinese. I am a third year architecture student who born and raised in China. This is my first time to study abroad. The issues on language speaking are the most disturbing obstruction during the study period. I love traveling and photographing the architecture and the landscape of different cities. These are the symbols that record the history and culture of the city. I believed that architecture is similar to the tale which also includes the beginning, climax and ending. That requires visitors to experience them at first, after that gradually achieve deep reflection for the city. My first time to touch on digital design was in the year one when I took the Visualising Environments. I learned about the basic knowledge of Rhino, CAD and Indesign that I can only use them to do some simple design. During year two, I almost did hand drawing and physical model making in Earth and Water studio that result in my digital design skill generally forgotten. I felt that I can come up with new and further designing ideas only by making physical models. During the making and drawing process, models could bring me the real reception and experience. Furthermore, I really enjoy the progress that the buildings were made step by step. The algorithmic modelling is interested to me, but it is also a challenge for me. I am eager to learn grasshopper and rhino to make my design more elegant and parametric and create more possibilities on design. Nothing is impossible, even if I did not know anything about the digital skill. I would put enough effort on the learning of grasshopper as soon as possible. Wishing my computational skills would be developed and boosted when finish the Studio Air.

A.1. Design Futuring

n current years, belonging with the rapid development on economy, technology and society, the earth is trapped in an unprecedented challenge. Human beings keep consuming the limited resources and destroy the environment which caused the damage on the natural environment and the unstainable development, such as global warming and water pollution.

Therefore, the importance of design was increased. Humans cannot wait for the chance to change the condition. Design is the only solution to the current urgently problem. 1Design futuring requires designers to create the most suitable things which beyond function and materials to promote against unsustainability in the future.

1 Tony Fry.Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Pratice (Oxford), p.4.

The Spanish Pavilion for the Expo 2010 EMBT

he pavilion was designed by the architectural firm EMBT and completed with MC2 Structural Engineers which located in the Shanghai Expo. The structure and materials utilized in the pavilion were amazing and unpredictable. The project attempted to use the universal language of material to connect the relationship between the Eastern and Western countries. The wicker, a natural material both traditional in Spain and China is used for covering the facade which make the pavilion liked a basket. The antiquated method to weave these wickers brings the historical elements into the future designing which lead to a new and unique weaving structure. The reference and improvement of historical elements also promotes the possibilities on designing.

he interior structure is made of steel and concrete. The highly irregular curved form is good at supporting loads which have ideal performance on deformation and seismic behaviour. The really complex form was also inspired by the traditional structural form. Designers used computation to extend the possibility of the traditional curve. By using the digital skills and communicate several times with structural engineers the free form of the pavilion was achieved. The building was destroyed now due to several reasons, but its concept and idea are good sources for learning. As the first weaving architecture, the usage of natural materials reflects the relationships between human and nature. Human beingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; future depends on the nature which is a sign to remainder people to pay attention to the natural environment. It is worthy to implementing. The concept on innovate radical things into traditional ideas is also can be utilize. I believed that designers should not abandon historical items. We should find an open minded approach to explore the potential advantages of design.

House R128 Werner Sobek

he house was designed by Werner Sobek which located in Stuttgart, Germany. The facade of the house was fully glazed which it was the first time to make the idea of transparency come true. It advanced the transparency into further development and practice. The glazed facade enlarges the ventilation, sunlight and sight views for the residents which provide different spatial experience inside and outside the building. The closer relationships between nature and human brought nature and architecture come together. That was the first building in which on the same sight line through all the storeys.

really like this design which not only achieve the sustainability, but also use the advanced technology in design as well. The design of the house supposed to tell other architects, sustainability will lead fundamental change in the design. Putting sustainability in design is the compulsory choice for architects. o make ecology breath takingly attractive and exciting.

A.2. Design Computation

n recent years, the rapid development of technology on computation can be found everywhere for solving problems in the world which brings variety of advantages. In particularly, the utilization in architectural design promotes tremendous changes and also provides more opportunities for designers to encourage them to fake creativity (reference from the lecture)1.

Lecture for week 2

Different from computerization, computation is a practice of architecture which is the form of calculation which follows the well-defined model1. The digital will provide algorithmic formulation to help us design architectural spaces. Although, some scholars considered that we should keep the older design methods and processes. However, an increasing number of precedents showed that the benefits of computation are more than the disadvantages. The application of computation affects the design process and methods particularly.

1 Oxman. Theories of the Digital in Architecture,p.1

efore the development of technology, the design process experienced special changes over fifty years. The design became more concentrate on the logic of the algorithm. Computers can save all the changes and tracks done by architects, they can provide all the information to assist designers. 1Under these function, architects can develop variety of new and better solutions to fit problems. On the one hand, design is the process to change current situation to new situation which should reflect better and suitable solution. In the past, the methods were limited by the current technology and strict rules which focus on the model and drawings. Computers can also make the report for designers to compare and analyse the distinction between solutions and former design2. On the other hand, the designer must have the alibility of predict and evaluate the expected performance and emerge solutions along the criteria established by goals.1 The computation method will help to give the results quickly and can provide the unpredicted models for designers. In addition, computation also adds another design method for architects. It supplies the searching function which contains finding, developing candidate solutions, and evaluating them against goals. That makes the design much better and close to the desirable goal. 1

1 2

Kalay .Architectures New Media,p.13

Kalay .Architectures New Media,p.1 Kalay .Architectures New Media,p.7

The application of computation also changes the relationship between architectural design and engineering. 1Due to the designing process communication, computation provides more opportunities for architects, structural engineers and more people to involve in the design process. It has established a collaborative design relationship between architect and engineer during design process which stimulates the energy and structural calculation. Along with the development of parametric design, a tectonic system has provided a powerful paradigm for material design in architecture as well as for the performative design of material system. This development makes material design be added to the past architectural design which enables architects to get involve in the design and usage of material. In another word, the design of material supplies more opportunities to achieved more and updated forms of buildings. Finally, I found that it is significant to have the ability of to frame the problem in a manner when use the computation and also important to be able to predict how and where computers can be useful in architectural design. I believed that computation make designers to break the limitation on presenting the design. They can achieve more complex and abstract design by using high level software.

1 Oxman. Theories of the Digital in Architecture,p.5

The Kuwait International Airport Foster +Partners

he Kuwait International Airport which also designed by Foster+Partners which reflects the application of geometrical computations. The whole shape of the airport utilizes the geometry of triangle. The symmetry of the shape can ensure the airport can provide enough capacity for users and airlines. The each part of the triangle was reached by the triple rotational symmetry around the origin. The usage of the digital tool make the symmetric representation becomes clearer, more compact and less prone to errors.

he huge roof covered the triangle which not only at the function of keep the rain off, but also can keep out the direct irradiation of the sunlight. The material on the roof also uses the advanced technology, which represents the future tendency of the development of the architecture, achieving the balance between nature and human beings. In this design, the innovations does computation present is that architects become possible to incorporate the topological considerations of a design. This new digital tool leads to the simple and convenient method that exploits symmetry and geometry opens up new design capabilities.

he three parts of the airport in the parametric design provides more and new opportunities for the future development of the airport. Architects can use the software to change the algorithm in order to achieve larger capacity or better solution of the current design. The computation application makes the design more flexible and has more possibilities for architects to search for the solutions.

The National Bank of Kuwait Headquarters Foster + Partners

he National Bank of Kuwait Headquarters was designed by the Foster+Partners which is an environmentally responsive building under a really complex geometrical form. It designed by the development on parametric models by relate to the geometric relationships between other elements. The groups used high level software to produce parametric models and achieve variety of models quickly. These models provided different algorithmic data designers to compare and come up with more innovations and better solutions to achieve desirable situation. Peters presented that the process to applicate computation allows architects to extend and explore new ideas which increase the capability to solve problems. Under the usage of scripting, the designers wrote the environmental, functional and operational requirements into the program in order to get the rational shape of the building.

ccording to the calculation for the solar, wind and acoustic analysis in the parametric software, the shape was almost decided. The vertical structural shading fins covered with the facade of eastern and western due to the local climate. The northern side was sealed off with glasses which provide sunlight and natural views. This concept of design considered the preceding architectural theory that try to bring design connect to the nature. The surrounding environment has significant influence on design. The computation provides more accurate information for designers to search for the better solution.

he fins on the eastern and western facade are not only used as shading, but also the loads supporting elements in the building which consultant with the structural engineers. This is due to the reason that parametric models provided specific data and predictable problem. It created the collaborative relationships between architects and engineers. Engineers can easily create suitable structure according to the digital data rather drawings and models. he parametric model contains a full geometric description of the construction build-up of the structural elements, and embeds engineering input through linking to a data spreadsheet. The elements can be adjusted for further development.

A.3. Composition/Generation

long with the development and the utilization of the computation technology, the old or traditional design methods have experienced a huge alteration. Hand drawing and model making are gradually replaced by the digital modelling and algorithmic. The digital design provides more opportunities for designing, fabricating and also creates the new relationships between architects and structural engineers. It probably increase and extend the possibilities and capacity for achieving more complex models.

he application of the digital modelling is the process that shifts the model making into digital modelling. Meanwhile, the method for achieving analysis drawings is converted to the algorithmic drawings. Both of methods have benefits and shortcomings as well. Since the time of Renaissance, the scaled drawings and models had been largely utilized. Drawings present designersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; concept clearly and vividly. They allowed architects can communicate with engineers and clients and supply a real feeling of natural environments which shows the experiment and test of design solution of the form and function at the same time1. However, drawings made by hands consume a plenty of time and there are always some inevitable mistakes. The computation is the solution to these problems. Designers can redo and modify the drawings or modellings in anytime for any part. Computation is redefining the practice of architecture, which already promoted the shift for architecture to digital and parametric technique as well as the shift from composition to generation.

omputation can be used as the virtual drafting board which it is easier to edit, copy and increase the precision of drawings.1Computation empower designers to extend their capability and intelligence for innovations.

t has the potential to supply the inspiration to architects and help them to make models which cannot be expected and forward before. Computation also provides more chance to explore in the design environments, ecosystem and economic spending, instead of coming out the physical models.

n respond to the shift from composition to generation, computation becomes essential when designs need to be completed. Computation allows designers to extend their abilities to deal with highly complex situation, especially benefit to larger scaled projects. They not only require to experiment and test the design by using algorithmic to write program and change the parametric data, but also create new environments to explore designs.1 The shift just provides more possibilities for designers to explore.

Brady Peters, Computation works: The building of Algorithmic Thought, The Building of Algorithmic Thought, 83, p13

Brady Peters, Computation works: The building of Algorithmic Thought, The Building of Algorithmic Thought, 83, p10

Fondation Louis Vuitton Gehry Partners

he parametric design is redefining the practice of architecture in the shift from composition to generation. In order to achieve best design outcomes, it should take a long period of time on designing, planning, constructing and structuring. Application of parametric design is the solution to overcome these difficulties. It can provide all information that is required during the design and construction process. For example, it can predict the architectural design results, presenting different possibilities by changing the data and sliders.

The Fondation Louis Vuitton designed by Gehry Partners developed the conceptual model to structural model throughout the parametric scripting which also use it to develop the fabricate and install all aspects. It not only the art, but of design and technology. The parametric methods brought the design to the nest level. The biggest problem designers met in the design process is the collaboration between engineers and architects. The team developed the design idea through digital software, tools that allowed the calculation of each panel on the model, and the control of joint distances between them which provides detail information for engineers and client to further achievement. A largescale prototype was constructed allowed the verification of the assembly of glass panels, and their effect in situation. Each iteration should be presented in specific structural model to find out the most suitable method. This project is the good example of application on technology in architecture.

Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center Foster + Partner

han Shatyr is a giant transparent tent located in Astana which designed by the Foster+Partners. The team started built the conceptual model and develop the further forms by using the parametric tools. It is very efficient that the design team can quickly achieve generate design options for the cable net structure. The computation facilitate sthe parametric model to be used to develop and define the building form. The three-layer envelops is designed to shelter the enclosed accommodation from weather extremes to allow sunlight to throughout the interior. The parametric tools created several forms. The computer program allows architect to simulate the structural forces of the cable net structure and generate the different form options. It also use the 3D printing method. Printing out the models to present for the clients. The geometry of this structure was developed in parallel with the cable net structure. It was ultimately rationalized to a series of four concentric arcs that step up in elevation in a linear fashion. This allowed for simple site set out and construction strategy.

A.4. Conclusion

ow to make the architecture become more sustainable which still reserve the importance of function and form is the most significant issue that require designers to solve in the future. Design is the process to frame the problem and find the solution to work it out. Along with the development of technology, computation became the significant method in design process, which provides more possibilities to solve problems and connect the context and building together. Architects could gradually understand the concepts of algorithmic, computation became a true method of design for architecture. In addition, computation makes the realization of design possible, computational approach and algorithmic thinking were push further by the development of digital technology. This new method extends the intellect of the designer and increases the capability to solve problems. Computation is redefining the practice of architecture which reacts to the shift from composition to generation.

Before I take studio air, I never used any digital software to achieve my design. I felt uncomfortable when I use software and even do not know where can start. This might result from the reason that I was not familiar with the application. Due to this reason, digital tools seemed like the barrier for me to extent the inspiration and increase the imagination. Therefore I prefer to do some sketches and make models which can bring me closely to attach to the design idea, even it quite consumes time.

When there were some mistakes, I required to redo the whole thing. Therefore, I am intended to combine computation and hand drawing approaches together in the future design process. Hand drawing can help me present my ideas directly and provides more inspiration. Computation will make my process more efficient which allow me explore more possibilities and increase the capability of creating more solutions to the complex problems. I believed that is the most suitable method for me to the future design. Along with the development of the technology, the algorithmic method will be promoted widely and the application of this technology will be developed as well. This almost depend on the effect from the largely usage of parametric design. An increasing number of architects will aware of the significant of computation. Stimulating the intelligence and helping achieve various solutions and changes. Architects can relatively intuitively adjust the variables through parametric design to achieve best state of projects

A.5. Learning outcomes

uring the learning process for these three weeks, I felt excited but also difficult to utilize the parametric software. When I practiced on grasshopper, I gradually realized that parametric design is not only the tool or software for model making in order to save time. It on its potential to extends the possibilities and creates various solutions to the complex problems. Actually, the application of the software influences the thinking method, it changes my previous method that work on papers to reflect the design ideas. In addition, the parametric tool always brings surprise. I can use it to achieve unpredictable and unbelievable forms of design. It widens the range of my imagination from some aspects. I used to create some buildings in very regular and common form. When I put them in the grasshopper, the complex parametric tool can change the form into very abstract and radical shapes. The experience to improve the past work makes me realize the most significant advantage of using digital software. It increases the possibilities on changing the form or solution which still depend on the same ideas. Moreover, it presents the results that I cannot predict and cannot achieve by hand drawing and model making.

I would like to facilitate my design by applying digital tools in the design stages. Throughout the learning process, I found that it is necessary to improve digital silks which can help me to obtain better understanding of mastersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; works and try to get the process how they achieve. In my opinion, parametric design will play an important role not only in the designing area, but also in construction and engineering area.

A.6. Appendix-Algorithmic Sketches

his is my first time to touch with rhino and grasshopper. The different type of inputs and outputs for various commands almost make me crazy and dizzy. It quite difficult to achieve one outcome in a short period of time. I was shocked about adjusting different variables to look at the incredible and dynamic shape that I never expect. During the practice, I believe that computation is capable to empower the imagination and inspiration of the designer and provides more chance for them to alter models. These three sketches were done by the triangulation from the mesh es which are in simple form. I will development my skill from part B. I have done some research that links to the computational techniques from Part A precedents. I will also explore through the new technology on materials in order to broaden the design opportunities. Improving the render and rhino skills immediately. The first sketch is set of blocks that achieve by triangulating the meshed surface. In order to make the height distinction, I use sliders to alter the height of the inside and outside of the individual columns. Each column aims in different form, the height different make them like to concentrate in the middle of the whole structure. The last one reflects the usage of the quad tree in the mesh. I used orient to make the different squares to overlap with each other and arrange in the regular arrangement.

Reference List Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg), pp. 1–16 Grand opening of Khan Shatyr Entertainment Center, Kazakhstan the world’s tallest tensile structure, http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/khanshatyr-entertainment-centre/ Julio Martínez Calzón,Carlos Castañón Jiménez(2010). ARCHITECTURE STRUCTURING THE SPANISH PAVILION, EXPO 2010, SHANGHAI,pp.52-59 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.(2013)Integrated Computational Design National Bank of Kuwait Headquarters, pp.34-35 John Wiley & Sons Ltd. (2013). Symmetry As Geometry Kuwait International Airport, PP.28-31 Kalay, Yehuda E. (2004). Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 5-25 Oxman, Rivka and Robert Oxman, eds (2014). Theories of the Digital in Architecture (London; New York: Routledge), pp. 1–10 Peters, Brady. (2013) ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, Architectural Design, 83, 2, pp. 08-15 Sobek, Werner. (2010) Radical sources of design engineer, pp.26-28

Part B. CRITERIA DESIGN

B.1. Research Field

or the part B the case study, these search field of geometry is chosen for my exploration. In particular, the commands for patterning which focus on perforating and transforming in a repetitive and predictable manner. Using different parametric to achieve different geometric structure, especially to achieve abstract facade and the structure. Geometry has its own fluidity, order and consistency characteristics are suitable for constructing an interactive space.

s geometry will be used as basis on the interpretation of architecture, I believe that its order and fluidity attribute could further link with a dynamic and well-ordered overview in our final design outcome. In addition, I also consider that give aesthetic manner alone to parametric design is not enough. Supported by Moussaviâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s argument in the paper of the Function of Ornament, a good outcome of architecture is supposed have great integration the concept of sustainability which combines with functional and representational features.

he approach in part B will be started from learning structural skyscraper explores the form of structural geodesics together with the installation of sustainable energy.

s Moussavi mentioned that these internal orders that architecture gains an ability to perform relative to culture. It is necessary to consider urban setting and culture into design to provide a function as interactive living space. That is, the design outcome would be favourable not only in terms of its aesthetic beauty but also being an interactive living space to create the concept of sustainability.

Aqua Tower Studio Gang Architects

he tower not only showed the features on the skyscrapers at that time, but also presented and highlighted the condition of the sculptural structure. Each level has different structure which creates the every level in the different geometric lines. The whole shape of the building seems more flexible and flowability. It emphasizes the usage of geometry and technology to create the strong impression on the appearance and structure. To highlight the design propose and the main idea of the architecture.

rying to arrest visitors’ attention by using rich colours and well defined graphics. The design was inspired by the striated limestone along the edge of the lake. Moreover, this kind of sinuous shape is not just a mere formal gesture, but it is also a considerable strategy to extend the views and maximize solar shading. In the plan, the whole building is in the rational and common structure, true to the Mies legacy in the city. Aqua Tower is one of few tall buildings to create a community on its facade. Combining a hotel offices, rental apartments, condominiums, and parking, along with one of Chicago’s largest green roofs, Aqua facilitates strong connections between people and to the city.

During the design process, Independent parameters combine to create Aqua’s architecture which contains the contours, terraces, pools and columns. ‘Pools’ of high performance glass and ‘hills’ of the floor plate extensions are visible from adjacent towers. Aqua’s distinctive form is achieved by varying the floor slabs across the height the tower based on criteria such as views, sunlight, and use. Strategically sculpting the shape of each floor slab offers comfortable outdoor terraces, where neighbours can casually and comfortably intricate.

AU Office and Exhibition Space Archi Union Architects

his old warehouse on Jungong Road, Shanghai was originally used to store fabrics. Abandoned and dilapidated, it has now been given a new life as an office and exhibition space. Located in a newly formed artistsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; complex, the area consists of three identical warehouse spaces totalling 1,200 sqm. The central warehouse has been converted into an outdoor recreational space and entrance lobby serving the exhibition hall and the studio. The external parametric wall of the warehouse encloses the building on three sides. Parametric processes have been used here to superimpose the contours and definition of silk undulating in the wind - a sign of its past. The wall consists of concrete blocks, angled to create an interesting texture and varying amounts of light. Inside there are two meeting rooms and exhibition areas. The roof of this space has been left intact, simply renovated. Large windows run along both walls flooding daylight into the large open space.

B.2. Case Study 1.0

rasshopper is able to create infinite possibilities for parametric design from one primary source. In this part , the given grasshopper definition I chose is the Portrait Building. I was trying to change its different parts into simple or more complicated form by changing existed parameters, replacing surface and adding new components in Grasshopper. The purpose of this approach is aimed to find more unexpected outcomes and possibilities.

he second s of connecti movement

t the first stage of experiment, the first iteration only altered the existing parameters without inputting new geometry or adding new definition. This allows me to get clear sense about how the primitive mechanism of curves influence on plans.

species was altered by transforming curves and changing the way ing two lines in order to explore different dynamic shape, amazing and continuity of well-ordered and parametric strips.

he third species was done by repositioning and rotating geometries. Interactive lines give me different feeling.

he fourth species explored more the structure. More possibilities of different outcomes are generated by Voronoi, gradient and weaverbird. When I put weaverbird component, it is generating a very interesting wavy surface.

A I I

fter experimenting and generating different species, I moved on to the selection criteria to pick up four iterations from 30 species. Basically, these selections will be helpful or enable me to process into further exploration and possibilities. believed that these four species that I would like to choose are able to use renewable and sustainable material (potential to be made of environmental-friendly material) and can be fabricated. They also need to have aesthetic characteristics and elegant shape in order to attract visitors to come. Lastly, it is supposed to have further exploration (potential to have possibilities of further development). n the case study, discovering many types of curves, layers and structure that could be formed by base geometries and various parameters are the main focus by base geometries and various parameters are the main focus to generate interesting outcomes. Therefore, playing around with different basic things will give me some new inspirations, I believe that further development of this iteration may result in surpassing the conventional understanding of the patterning.

B.3. Case Study 2.0

onstruction group Grocon has unveiled the design for its latest project for Melbourne: a 32-storey residential tower designed by local architects Ashton Raggatt McDougall, which will be built on the site of the former Carlton & United Brewery. The façade of the tower will feature a portrait of indigenous leader, William Barak. The image of Barak will be created using a striated balcony design, with undulations in the shape of the balconies outlining the features of the portrait so that, from a distance, the full portrait becomes visible. The design feature of the striated balcony has been explored by ARM previously, in their concept design for the Dupain Building in Sydneys Darling Harbour. The firms proposal for the harbourside commercial development featured a similar sequence of white balconies, cut away to reveal the image of Max Dupains photograph, Bondi. The building was designed and documented in 2005, but construction did not proceed. Portrait is the latest design to be revealed as part of Grocons large-scale redevelopment of the Carlton & United Brewery site in Melbournes CBD. The vacant site is set to be transformed into a mixed-use development, with buildings designed by firms including ARM, Denton Corker Marshall, Minifie Nixon, Sean Godsell, McBride Charles Ryan and NH Architecture. [“Studio505s Pixel Building”:http://australiandesignreview.com/news/17810-Pixel-Building-named-Australia-s-greenest-building] has recently been completed on the site.

B.3. Reverse Engineer