[P4] Materialization + Finalization

Context + Siting

Site Plan, ca. 1:1000

Looking at the Aarhus Harbor, one is presented with a multitude of new development and design styles. It seems to offer an excellent opportunity for the site for the type of experimental architecture explored over the past few weeks. Additionally, placement on the open water without any nearby obstructions would provide the most opportune interactions with different varieties of wind on all levels of the kinetic facade.

Zooming In

Demonstrating the dynamic opacity of the facade, always changing between states of transparency and obstruction.

Elevation Perspective, ca. 1:100

The covering could be used to frame a moment of a passageway, acting as more of a temporary experience than a destination-pavilion.

Plan View, 1:100

Plan, Secition, detailed drawing and photos

“Open” Section, 1:50

“Closed” Section, 1:50

Diagrammatic sections describing the different degrees of opening and closure of the membrane. Keeping the plates static, a totally open membrane would allow in the fullforce of the present wind and rain conditions. A totally closed membrane would block out the majority of wind and rain, creating more of a shelter. When the plates are allowed to shift and rotate, however, the condition is ever-changing between open and closed, creating more of an experiential space rather than a static instance of shelter or exposure.

“Dynamic” Section, 1:50

Zooming In

Section Perspective, ca. 1:20 Section perspective examining the relationship between the human scale and the covering mechanism. Choosing a module size of 1m x 1m, occupants of the passage would be able to experience the technical aspects of the covering and see its moving parts. At this module scale, the relationship is stronger between human and covering. If they were smaller, they would be too easily manipulated by the phenomena and would seem too intricate and individually insignificant to passers-by. If they were larger, they seem intimidating, dangerous and disproportional to their intended use.

Connection Details

[1] Bearings

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[2] Bearing socket

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[3] Independent panel movement mechanism [4] Material panel + frame [5] Panel axel [6] 50mm steel cable [7] Cable clevis [8] Steel structural frame

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Aesthetic Program

Several aesthetic “consequences� of the covering mechanism are the variations and scattering of sunlight, the extra dimensionality added by the reflective surfaces of the polished concrete wall and the water pool, and the variation in materiality of the plates--most notably the moments created by the careful placement of mirror and glass panels. These consequences were all discovered through the construction process and, in some cases, intentionally enhanced with further development.

1. Critical Effect - Wind Speed

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Wind rose and potential site map demonstrating careful placement of the kinetic facade. During model studies, it was determined that strong winds (>7mps) caused the panels to spin too violently. With this placement, the reflective wall is placed to block the strongest seasonal winds out of the southwesterly direction. Occasional severe southeasterly winds would blow parallel to the facade. This type of interaction, however, was determined to not have as much of an effect on panel movement during wind tunnel testing. The facade is instead open to the fair northerly winds that should gently and smoothly tilt and turn the panels instead of a violent rotation. Of course, some winds will still make it around the wall and move the panels; however, the facade will ideally not be exposed to any direct extreme winds.

2. Critical Effect - Reflective Surfaces

When all surfaces are dry and the selected phenomena are not present, only the polished concrete wall reflects the interior of the facade. The pool in front is still and also creates a smooth, mirror image of the facade from the exterior.

When wind and/or rain are present, the site concrete begins to meld with the appearance of the concrete wall, creating a more uniform materiality.

The surface of the pool is blurred, creating a more distored image.

3. Critical Effect - Material Panels

Though the use of fabrics to affect the change in panel movement and water transport rate, investigations were also made into the effects of switching some fabric panels for mirror and glass materiality instead. These break up the monotony of a uniformly fabric facade, allowing for moments of differential light and reflection. Looking at the model, one can see the are placed in a careful sequence so as to set a system for their position.

Résumé

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[P4]: Studies on materials and context, and applying conclusions to a further development of the prototype created in [P3]. Investigations were made into human scale as well as revisiting the connections that were first selected as the structural parameter for the design.

[P1]: Investigations on the phenomena of wind and rain - their properties, their causes, their consequences and their opportunities for integration with architecture.

[P3]: Development of a time-scale and situation, as well as a variety of probes to test the effects of wind and rain on fabrics, structure and systems.

Additionally, investigations were made into scale and its effect on movement, as well as abstractions of the “rain chain.” To conclude, a prototype was made to model conclusions which included an early development of the kinetic facade as well as a mechanical roof, which was later replaced.

[P2]: Construction of a “case study archive,” examining a multitude of different structures and structural principles such as tension, compression, prestressed membranes, arches and trusses. Following the case studies, a selection was made on the Kildeskovhallen for its principles of structure and intricate connections, which seemed to provide the most opportunities for kinetic movement due to wind and rain.