1 September 2011 Amber Luscombe WSA2
DIGITAL PORTFOLIO
Fluvial Erosion | House-Scapes
2
3
FLUVIAL EROSION Introduction
This portfolio showcases the work produced and the processes taken throughout the duration of the Digital Practices and Methodology module, beginning September 2011 and ending December 2011. The portfolio begins with showing the process taken from a single ‘inspiration word’, through to a final concept which eventually informs studio work. Each piece of work has been set as a submission throughout the 11 weeks in addition to my own developmental work, eventually leading into the studio project of this term – Urban Conditions.
4
5
FLUVIAL EROSION Formfinding
With the word ‘water’ we could explore almost any geological process we desired. Our first exploration of water was a simple search for relevant images to provide inspiration, we settled on five images which were loosely based on different effects that water can create. From these five key images, we settled on erosion, and more specifically river erosion. Water is the most powerful element on earth and erosion happens from the smallest scale, water flowing over a rock to the grandest scale where whole coastlines can be lost; we then focused our experiments on how water can shape a riverbed. The primary image which was a constant throughout the whole project was the first image – shale eroded by water. This image evokes the beauty that can be created by the process of erosion.
6
7 PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
Formfinding Digital Model
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
To further expand our exploration on our geological process, we were required to build a 3DS Max digital model to show how river erosion can manipulate a solid mass to create an eroded form. The final model represents a solid cylindrical mass which has been eroded by the constant flow of water and therefore creating the smooth contoured form; the concept being that by applying different parameters representing lighter or stronger water flow – the form can be manipulated. Other digital experiments involved showing the running of water as particles over the form, and representing how particles of material may be removed via the eroding flow of water.
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
8
9
Formfinding Physical Experiments To explore how water may run over an already contoured surface, physical experiments using plaster and dye were conducted. Whilst conducting the experiment, we observed that the water takes the easiest route to the exit, and where there is no obvious exit or release, the water collects and forms a pool of water. We took this as our main analogy to inform studio, where the flow of water represents people flow and the contours of the rock represent contours of the site.
Foam moulds
Plaster cast taken from foam mould
10
11
FLUVIAL EROSION Digital Image Processing
Conceptual Perspective across site, looking towards the town centre
12
13
FLUVIAL EROSION Praxis/Drafting
Laser Cut Model
Praxis/Drafting Laser Cut Model The laser cut model has been taken from the bottom East corner of the proposed building where there is a large profiled public entrance. This was modelled so that the angles and geometries of this complex plane could be understood and inform design. It is composed of thin corrugated card, laser cut then stacked, creating a beautifully contoured surface which bends in two directions.
Location of laser model
3DS Max model
2d planar sections taken from model
14
15
FLUVIAL EROSION
Comparative Board/ Tectonic Board
16
17
HOUSE-SCAPES Introduction
This studio project was informed heavily by the previous fluvial erosion project, therefore there was already a direction and theme of water. The site was heavily influenced by the proximity of the River Taff, the Cardiff Central Railway Station, the surrounding large scale buildings, the Millennium Stadium and the main road running alongside, therefore influencing design decisions made. The brief required a social housing unit with 1:2 residential to public and minimum twenty housing units. This portfolio shows how the final proposal was reached and the components which were involved within it.
18
19
HOUSE SCAPES Final Proposal
20
21
22
23
Site layout/Landscaping
24
Site Section
25
26
HOUSE SCAPES Plug-in Model