STUDIO AIR 2014, SEMESTER 2, TUTOR: PHILIP BELESKY AARON LITTLE
Table of Contents Week 1
2
Week 2
4
Week 3
6
Week 1 This weeks algorthmic sketch introduced us to grasshopper and asked us to create a basic cube shape that would represent a very basic building by associating lines and lofting a surface to form the enclosed cube. We then experimented using slider parameters to manipulate the form of the building into interesting shapes.
Week 2 This week’s task allowed us to explore drawing curved lines on the ground plane and lofting an undulating surface between them. From this base, we created ‘pole’ forms which extrude upwards. We then used several manipulation parameters to adjust the height, width and number of extruding poles.
Week 3 This week’s task was ot mimic the complex curved facade of RMIT’s Building 80 on Swanston Street. This form is characterised by a curving wall frame and inset triangular shapeswhich infil this wall. Grasshopper was utilised to draw the curved wall outline, loft a surface in between, split the surface each way using sliders, create a uniform triangular line and colouring the triangles with specific parameters. A further extension was th eintroduction of the cull function which allowed more specific colouring of certain elements, as well as creating an opening in the wall.
CONCEPTUALISATION 9
Part B
10
CONCEPTUALISATION
Biomimicry Biomimicry stands out as one of the most interesting and potential filled phenomenon in modern arhcitecture, it is also uniquely placed to be a powerful tool in the sustainability cause. Biomimimry can be understood to be “Innovation inspired by Nature; Which studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems� (Biomimicry institute ). This movement is in some ways a paradox as it is a relatively new frontier in practical application, and yet it is based on millions of years of evolution. Therefore despite its application in the construction industry still developing, the principles on which it is based are stead fast in their efficiency and reliability. The idea of being able to harness already optimised systems is a great advantage to designers in quickly finding ideas without wasting time on trial and hypothesising. There is significant challenge involved however in successfully adapting these systems to the practical built form as they could never be perfectly replicated, rather their principles are interpreted into the built environment. This means that the structures have no need to aesthetically resemple those elements of nature, rather their functioning systems may be based on those found in nature. The great potential for biomimicry lies in helping find efficient ways of creating greater levels of sustainable structure, built processes and human behaviour. This is arguably the worlds most challenging problem across all scales of time and consequence, and it is incredibly exciting that bimomicry holds the potential it does to influence our built future in such a positive way.
CONCEPTUALISATION 11
Appendix of draft iterations for B1 For final version please refer to my journal.
CONCEPTUALISATION 13
I chose this example beacuse of the way its elements overlap and interesect provide an amazing geometry which could take the form of a large iconic building. Its curved facade gives it a softer feel and I see it allowing a more sympathetic relationship with its surrounds should it be placed on undulating topography.
This design I chose as I love the symbolism of floating. The shapes of the elements are curved and smooth which gives grace to the aestehtics. This form of cone is also common in nature for colelcting, transporting and protecting the elements.
This design is very individual and strikes me as representing blades of grass or a tall spikey plant. It would provide an engineering challenge if constructed depending on the scale however the way in which individual strands are reaching up provide potential for interaction with the wind or water funneling.
This final selection is beautiful due to its complexity and circular form. The way in which one shallow cone form has been mutiplied over and over with the elements absorbing each other provide a sense of bonding and adhesion. It would lend itself well to a sculptural form on the ground or a facade detail as well as funneling water or capturing solar energy with its multi-faceted form.
By coincidence when I was undertaking the iteration process for B1 I created what instantly reminded me of the amazing eroded desert landforms I saw when travelling in California.
“If you want to build a flotilla of ships, you don’t sit around talking about carpentry, you need to set people’s souls ablaze with vision of exploring distant shores” This is a favourite qoute of mine and I find it relevant to biomimicry in design as I feel strongly that it can provide so much potential in designing a more sustainable world. The qoute emphasises the need to inspire people with potential, ignite a vision, and let this insporation translate into action.
On my journey home from university recently I saw this instalation opposite Lincoln Square which looks to me to be designed using parametric tools. It also looks to take a cell like structure occuring naturally in the environment.
Using attractor points Week 5 Algorithmic sketch
Calculating solar output Week 6 Algorithmic sketch
Simulating solar radition on surfaces Week 7 Algorithmic sketch
In this algorithmic sketch I unfortunately had a lot of difficulty in installing the ladybug components which I will continue to try and resolve. However I did manage to devised some varied building shapes and I predicted how these surfaces may differ from one another in terms of their solar radiation. The first variation was to make the original building shorter in height, this would not change the solar exposure very much at all as the area ont he roof has not changed unless the design incorporates any solar functioning on the side walls. I then used both a sphere and a cone to speculate, the curved surfaces could benefit the solar exposure as the suns path is a curve, and therefore match the path of sun for longer periods than a geometric fascade. I believe the coen woudl perform marginally better than the sphere as the spheres edges begint o taper away underneath with almost no solar exposure to these areas.
Site experimentations