Part b1 by Ariel Ye

PART B

CRITERIAL DESIGN

YUANYUAN YE 613901 TUTOR: BRAD ELIAS TUTORIAL TIME: FRIDAY 12pm

CONTENTS B.1 RESEARCH FIELD B.2 CASE STUDY 1.0 B.3 CASE STUDY 2.0 B.4 TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT B.5 TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPE B.6 TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL B.7 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES B.8 appendix - algorithmic sketches Reference list

1-2 3-10 11-14 15-20 21-28 29-32 33-34 35-36 37

B.1 RESEARCH FIELD:

GEOMETRY Through the studying of computational design and the knowledge of algorithm so far, we are asked to learn a specific algorithmic working process within Grasshoper. It requires choosing a field which based on our interest and the relevance of later project. The tasks aim to find out more possibilities through using the original definitions of grasshooper and try to create more innovations behind the logical algorithm.

Fig 1: geometry forms

The field I chose is geometry. The form under this field have a similarity of irregularity, flexibility and smoothness, in which conveys a perception of fluency. It also provides many opportunities for the later project in Part C.

The architectural composition under the field of geometry used to be a fluent unit without saparate parts. This character gives viewers a straightforward sensation in terms of the clear structure. It makes people get an intuitive imagination to think about how the architecture forms.

Geometry highlights the expression of overall form either blended or strench out to create some abstract patterns. Thus, these architecture used to be designed by computational techniques and fabricated in workshop. It allows us to explore more abstract structure and increase the complexity within the form.

Another thing which I think also interesting is that the geometry is able to show a sense of softness, which apart from what architecture used to show to audience about its feature of massfulness.

The project of Taichung Metropolitan Opera House designed by Toyo Ito illustrates the concept of freeform geometry in rational and efficient manner1. It is commonly utilized for tunnel construction and suitable for curved surface which could be shot horizontally or vertically. Fig 2:

Taichung Metropolitan Opera House

The Biosphere is a museum in Montreal dedicated to the environment. The building originally formed an enclosed structure of steel and acrylic cells. The dome's steel skeleton was fitted with a clear acrylic covering, making the icosahedron look like a massive, glittering jewel2. Fig 3: Montreal BiosphĂ¨re

The design concept under the field of geometry presents much more possibilities to design technique and gives people a wider space of imagination.

1. Ethel Baraona Pohl. Green Void / LAVA (December 16, 2008). <http://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/green-void/> [accessed 25 Apr 2015]. 2. John Hill. Coming in 2015 (November 20, 2014). <http://www.world-architects.com/architecture-news/headlines/Coming_in_2015_2286> [accessed 25 Apr 2015].

B.2 CASE STUDY 1.0

The case study I chose is Green Void Project. Through continually adjusting the parameter of original definitions within grasshopper, more possibilities of forms could be explored behind a logical process. LAVA designed the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Green Voidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; installation specifically for the Customs House central atrium which spans through all five levels. This project is a digital design program which derived from nature. It's realized in lightweight fabric, using the latest digital fabrication and engineering techniques, to create more with less. The appearance looks like a three-dimensional spider web

or a coral reef which gives audience a strong visual impact. The concept was achieved with a flexible material that follows the forces of gravity, tension and growth which contains the latest 3D screen technology. It highlights the idea of fluency, lightweight and flexibility under this irregular geometry. Therefore, incorporating the design idea with grasshopper, the objectives are to identify how the geometry forms. Through adjusting the parametric value, it's able to gain the knowledge of logic algorithm process.

Fig 4 & 5: Green Void

These matrices shows some attempts which away from the original definition and includes different outcomes of own designed geometry. The form I aim to achieve is the one which able to show the flexibility and fluency in the geometry.

The first two matrices use simple curve inputs to generate the geometry. Through adjusting parametric value in Exoskeleton component, various structures could be achieved. The percentage of goal length controls the plasticity of structure. Within these two kinds of iterations, the 1d and 2e are the forms which I think are successful as the smooth outline convey a sense of fluency. And the geometry of 2e also similar with a web structure whose 4 sides could be stretched out to hang on somewhere. It more or less inspires me to think about later project.

2e 7

In the trial of the third matrix, a more complex curve geometry is used. In this case, the mesh arrangement and boundary smoothness could be identified more clearly.

The 3d and 3e are successful as it we could find that the mesh lines are regularly connecting to each other and create suitable spacing distance. The boundry of circular shapes are also bending in a fluent way. However, the structure of 3f might be too slender to sustain something. For the consideration of design criteria, 3f is easy to break up.

Therefore, the thickness is also one of the important factors should be recognized that affects the design quality.

For next Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m still trying to find out more possibilities and inspiration within the grasshopper definitions, therefore, I attempt to make pyramid geometry. For this case, I discover that no matter the height of the original object is, the geometry would turn to flat if goal length is less than 0.80 within kangaroo.

In this matrix, the change of boundary shape and thickness is apparent. The 4b is an interesting form. When I use kangaroo to adjust the plasticity of geometry, the boundary of pyramid becames smoothly and the height gets reducing. The 4d is sucessful that clearly shows the inflection forms that adjusted by kangaroo. However, this case lacks of some design possibilities because the original geometry has a spatial limitation and limits the tension of boundary.

For the last matrix, what I want to do is to take away from the single curve inputs and turned to see the effects of mesh geometry. The mesh surface turns softer gradually when the goal length getting smaller within kangaroo. However, the outcomes are not obvious as the geometries created by curves.

B.3 CASE STUDY 2.0

Fig 6: Gridshell Project

The Gridshell The Gridshell Project is fabricated at SmartGeometry 2012 which focused on the design and construction of a wooden structure. The geometry is a web form and creates an open space where able to let people walk through. I choose this project is because its flow of curve express fluency and its crossing web structure inspires me on the later project. Although the project does not fit the brief that sit on the ground, this problem could be sloved through using kangaroo to adjust it in the forms as required. Kangaroo is able to soften the surface and stretch the outline, in which could let the side be able to hook on trees or something. The project uses only straight wood members bent along geodesic lines on a relaxed surface. A feedback loop was designed between the parametric geometric model and a structural model allowing for a smooth workflow that integrated geometry, structures, and material performance.3 The construction of each wood member uses the method of one by one stack on each other, and then fastened by screws in the cross position. Using parametric tools, the design was developed and analyzed to minimize material waste while maximizing its architectural presence in the space4. This project engages with computational modelling design techniques to analyze the bending radii of curve structure.

3. Karamba3d. Parametric Engineering Grid Shell Digital Tectonics - SG2012 (July 29 2012). <http://www.karamba3d.com/gridshell-digital-tectonics-sg2012/> [accessed Apr 27 2015]. 4. Karamba3d. Parametric Engineering Grid Shell Digital Tectonics - SG2012 (July 29 2012). <http://www.karamba3d.com/gridshell-digital-tectonics-sg2012/> [accessed Apr 27 2015].

In the reverse-engineer process of Gridshell, the first approach is to divide the point of original curves. And then to use arc component to create the cross web form between each curve. Then loft the curves into surface and connect to geodesic component, therefore, the gridshell geometry is created. It is necessary to rebuild the crossing arc to make the arc correctly. In trying to make the form smoothly and adapted it into later project, several components of kangaroo were used. Kangaroo could make the form with better elasticity which relevant to later project. Through setting the geometry into brep and convert it into mesh, the plasticity could be adjusted by the percentage of goal length. CURVE

BREP

DIVIDE CURVE

DECONSTRUCT BREP

ARC

REBUILD

SURFACE

LOFT

GEODESIC

MESH SURFACE

MESH

CURVE

KANGAROO

B.4 TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT a

In the development of techniques such as arc, mesh and kangaroo, different iterations were produced to reach multiple outcomes. The targets of my outputs were to embody the qualities of plasticity between various forms of geometry. Each iteration aims to show the different strength and softness of each form.

Multiple iterations shows various outcomes through adjusting parametric value within grasshopper. For the selection criteria, I would prefer matrices a, b, f and i.

Matrix a

The reason why I prefer matrices a and f is because they display a clear change in from the first stage to the final stage. In the process of adjusting the geometry by kangaroo, a higher quality of plasticity is obtained.

Matrix f

Matrix b

The last matrix b and i also shows a series of geometry that contain different level of smoothness. We could discover that if the crossing arc getting denser, more inflected the form is. It also could be considered to the design of later project.

Matrix i

B.5 PROTOTYPE 1. Balsa In the trial of fabricating balsa wood, it shows a good composition quality which could be easily cut and installed. Balsa creates good effect in terms of its neat surface. To stop the balsa strips getting apart from each other, the screws are used to fasten the interfaces. However, because of the texture of balsa wood, a bit crack would happen when installing screws. And balsa is hard to make inflection. This prototype is inspired by the Gridshell project which consists of crossing web structure. However, in trying to make some forms which are elastic, blasa is difficult to achieve. As the later project highlights flexibility, I need to explore more on the material property. The forms could be able to fold up and has high quality of tension force.

2. Wire

To continually develop the crossing web structure, I test the material of wire. As the further objective is to explore some structure could fulfill the idea of simply folding. Wire is a good material that to make any kinds of distorted forms. It does not need further connecting installation as wire is able to twine itself which fabricates quickly and conveniently. Although wire has a high capacity in making inflection, it is difficult to be straightened. In addition, the effect created by wires does not fit the form what I want to build. What I want to make is the form has good tensile quality. Therefore, wire could not be chosed.

5. String

In order to achieve a soft and flexible form under the concept of crossing web structure which inspired by Gridshell. I found that the string is good to embody what I want to achieve in later project in terms of its high quality of elasticity. It also has good tension force which able to be streched out or squeezed. For this case, it could solve the problem of blasa and wire which more or less lack of design possibilities. In relation to the later project, this material could also improve the limitation of Gridshell that sitting on ground. The four sides could be able to hook on trees. I prefer this material The installation and connection is convenient which could easily tie up on something to sustain the structure.

B.6 TECHNIQUE PROPOSOAL Site plan: clifton hill

SITE AREA

PRIMARY SCHOOL

SITE JUSTIFICATION 1. Access convenience The site located in the Darlin Garden where sits in the center of housing area and easy accessed by surrounded pedestrians. In addition, the site area close to Clifton Hill train station as well. 2. Local condition The trees condition in this area are strong enough to hook the project and able to provide shades. It creates an ease lighting effect when sitting under the place. The site area is able to see a small kiosk in the center of garden which creates a good horizon. The local atmosphere is comfortable and relaxed. 3. Users Most of the users are the residents who live around. Some primary schools such as Clifton Hill Primary school near Darlin Garden, therefore, to place the project here is good to attract children. It is a good opportunity for both children and adults to engage with the project. 4. Design flexibility As there are numbers of trees sitting randomly in this site and they create a big area for spacing distance, it allows to design some flexible and complex shape of our project. It potentially reduce some possible design limitations. 5. Function The residents here used to taking some sports or social acitivities in this area, thus itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good place for setting the project in which offers opportunities for people to take temporary break. Furthermore, it plays as an infrastructure that improve the site environment and enhance the interaction between people and nature.

Technique development For the later project, its design idea is inspired by something beyond the conventions which attempts to explore more possibilities out of the veneer of appearances. The implementation of parametric software has paved a way for the development of this concept. Through continually changing the geometry and adjusting the parametric value within Grasshopper, more interesting forms could be achieved in terms of using multiple digital techniques. My technique is able to create an effect that presents a sensation of elasticity, flexibility and mobility. With the use of the developed techniques such as kangaroo, the sketch model could be continually evaluated in its performance and adapted according to site conditions during process.

Kangaroo provides benefits of enabling the physical property like plasticity of objects which could be experimented before arrive the final outcome. This technique is suitable for the project which helps explore more possible forms with flexibility and fluency. As inspired by net structure that created by Gridshell project, some weaving forms is what I intend to engage with. For the material I would like to use string which offers the advantages of high quality of tension and elasticity. It is also flexible to be moved or stretched over.

In relation to the force when people standing or siting on the web structure, it is able to fold to create a form like a corridor which convey a sensation of plasticity. Incorporating to the site conditions, the fabrication of rope could be easily accomplished.

Forces on the structure

B.7

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

31 32

The learning objectives of Part B asks us to develop own skills through studying existing computational working practices. During the early steps, the definition of grasshopper gives a clear idea of logical algorithmic process. It better helps the formation of conceptual ideas of digital design which could be utilized it into further developed techniques. And for later steps, we are asked to discover more ways to generate possibilities and innovations. Multiple techniques of Grasshopper such as the kangaroo components requires further developed skill. It needs continual experimentation to achieve various and better outcomes. This process enables me to gain great understanding of not only the computational knowledge but also becomes familiar with the techniques so far. The process of prototype fabrication will be to think about the material performance and plasticity level. This embodies our conceptual ideas and encourages us to understand digital fabrication. However, my learning techniques still needs more exploration to investigate different techniques of producing the design form.

B.8 appendix - algorithmic sketches ARANDA LASTCH - THE MORNING LINE

Through adjusting the parametric value, multiple forms could be achieved. Insert different brep into grasshoper could obtain various outcomes.

Curve - Loft - Hexagon

Exploration

Through trying multiple curve input to obtain different geometry. To make the surface into hexagon and set numbers of circle over the surface, a 3d forms could be achieved.

REFERENCE LIST 1. Ethel Baraona Pohl. Green Void / LAVA (2008). <http://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/green-void/> [accessed 25 Apr 2015]. 2. John Hill. Coming in 2015 (November 20, 2014). <http://www.world-architects.com/architecture-news/ headlines/Coming_in_2015_2286> [accessed 25 Apr 2015]. 3. Karamba3d. Parametric Engineering Grid Shell Digital Tectonics - SG2012 (July 29 2012). <http:// www.karamba3d.com/gridshell-digital-tectonics-sg2012/> [accessed Apr 27 2015]. 4. Karamba3d. Parametric Engineering Grid Shell Digital Tectonics - SG2012 (July 29 2012). <http:// www.karamba3d.com/gridshell-digital-tectonics-sg2012/> [accessed Apr 27 2015].

IMAGE CREDITS: Fig 1: Geometry froms. From Research Field Lecture. Fig 2: Green Void. Retreived from: http://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/green-void/ 25 Apr 2015 Fig 3: Taichung Metropolitan Opera House. Retreived from http://www.world-architects.com/architecture-news/

headlines/Coming_in_2015_2286 25 Apr 2015.

Fig 4: Gridshell Project. Retreived from http://www.karamba3d.com/gridshell-digital-tectonics-sg2012/ 27 Apr 2015.