Advanced Digital Design Technique - Atta Ahmed RIBA Part 2

The Concrete Lasagne;

Exploration of concrete shell structures in vertical thresholds

Atta-Ul-Karim Ahmed Advanced Digital Design Techniques Report London Metropolitan University 2020/21 Master of Architecture RIBA Part 2

Contents Page

Chapter Summaries

7

Introduction

8

Parametric Design

9

Thesis Abstract

10

Chapter 1 Rethinking a workspace post COVID

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Chapter 2 Shell Structures Precedent Study SANAA Rolex Centre Precedent Study Musmeci Bridge

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Chapter 3 Initial Diagrams Stacking the Rolex Centre Initial Concept Initial Exploration of warped surfaces Musmeci Bridge Replication Point Attractor Based Logic

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Chapter 4 Shell Structure and Programme Diagrams Elevations Programme Sections Slope Analysis Final Grasshopper Script

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Chapter 5 Final Renders

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Conclusion

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Chapter Summaries Introduction What are concrete shell structures their use and how can they be altered for the future?

Thesis Abstract Chapter 1 The modern day work place and the pandemic, how peoples habits are changing and what is the future of working from home?

Chapter 2 Different types of shell structures and configurations. Precedent Studies; SANAA Rolex Centre and the Musmeci Bridge.

Chapter 3 Initial exploration of grasshopper, shell structures and thresholds.

Chapter 4 Final thesis outcome and Grasshopper script analysis.

Conclusion

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Introduction

The module aims to use generative design using applications such as grasshopper or dynamo to produce a thesis that can push boundaries in our respective interests such as tackling issues of the built environment, sustainable construction systems or developing spatial proxy systems. The work aims to develop an understanding through form-making, experimentation and researching new techniques and technologies. Furthermore, the scope of the work aims to challenge our current ideas of material behaviour and construction.

Lady Bug

Rhino

Grasshopper

My interests lie in developing a system that operates using concrete shell structures, where their behaviour is tested in a vertically stacked environment. Furthermore, the thesis aims to present new ideas on how concrete shell structures behaviour by using additional plug-ins in grasshopper such as Kangaroo 2, Pufferfish and Weaverbird. By no means is this a conclusive report, but one that can be developed further at a later stage.

This research has been formulated under the Advanced Digital Design technology module at the CASS.

Weaverbird

Kangaroo 2

Puffer Fish

Computer generative designs have come a long way since the early constructions of concrete shell structures. Today we have a number of tools, plug-ins and software that enables us to develop designs under real world simulations. This is the main course of action to develop my thesis.

By combining the tools of today with the concepts of the past.

The main use of Grasshopper, Kangaroo 2, Pufferfish and Weaverbird will help enable the thesis to develop a further understanding on the behaviour stacked shell structures and their potential to create hyper efficient systems that have maximum strength (spans) minimum materials.

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Thesis Abstract

According to the Technology Strategy Board, the construction, operation and maintenance of the built environment accounts for 45% of total UK carbon emissions (27% from domestic buildings and 18% from non-domestic buildings).3 Nov 20201

The use of concrete in today’s construction industry has had an increasing impact on our environment whereby wasteful cement utilisation has directly contributed to increasing carbon emissions and climate change. This sector alone has one of the largest impacts around the world with the vast number of developing countries still lacking guidance to create a more sustainable.

However, a pragmatic approach today cement industry has been widely regarded negatively, with alternatives often being either too expensive or out of reach for the general consumer. Timber construction under this threshold has been growing in recent years, with the largest timber high-rise being erected in Norway. However concrete construction can be sustainable and can provide both architectural and adaptive qualities, with efficient form making.

However, concrete structure are not redundant nor are they a thing of the past, with cement use rapidly increasing. A solution is required to form sustainable and efficient use of cement and one such structure that can enable maximum efficiency and minimal material usage is the concrete shell.

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This thesis aims to develop a system whereby the use of concrete shell structures can be vertically arranged to create hyper efficient buildings, especially in a world where both concrete and high rises are being constructed exponentially. By utilising the large spans that are produced by concrete shell structures and create a column less generative design that can enable flexible layouts and provide optimum use of materials. Furthermore, the conceptualisation of a work space are also considered as part of a solution in providing optimal working conditions in a post COVID world, where people have started to abandoned the workspace. The lack of landscape, biophilic environments and sanitisation are and will be primary considerations for future employers. The organic forms of the shells will be echoing the conceptualisation of landscaping in the heart of the building, providing spaces with lots of lights, clean air and nature.

The use of concrete shells in architecture is well documented and there are numerous examples of concrete shell structures that illustrate those efficiencies, such as SANAA Rolex Centre (2010) and Viadotto dell’Industria by Sergio Musmeci (1975). However, there has yet to be a building where a concrete shell is present vertically.

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Carbon_dioxide_in_construction

Teshima Art Museum by Ryue Nishizawa, Kagawa, Japan

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Chapter 1 Rethinking Office Design Trends in a Post-COVID World

Co-working space in the last year has dramatically changed, with vast numbers of people wanting to work form home rather than in collective office space. In April 2020, 46.6%1 (statistic from the National Office of Statistics UK) of people worked form home at some point, with a third of those people wanting to continue practicing working from home after the initial lock down. Furthermore, up to 30.3%2 worked more hours from home during lock down. This trend is occurring across the world in places such as Norway or Denmark. However, with the rise in the number of people working from home, wanting or not has resulted in an increase of mental health issues. Many fear that the lack of clean environment failure to interoperate healthy practices for many employment has resulted in people wanting to work from home. This is further reiterated with majority of London being financial or business orientated works as seen in places such as WeWork.

Chapter 1 A Post COVID World

These situation are mirrored in regions across Europe. Therefore, this thesis aims to interoperate these issues of well-being by formulating an environment optimal to the working conditions of the individual.

Additionally, the change of pace in our working world has impacted what we can and cant do at a workplace. A solution is needed in enabling employees, workers and the public to still enjoy a workspace with additional services such as garden spaces, relaxation and secondary services; such as cafés, cabarets or boxing clubs.

These facilities can be paired with employment opportunities enabling workers to partake in their hobbies as well be part of the collective workforce.

1 https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/ coronavirusandhomeworkingintheuk/april2020 2 https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/ coronavirusandhomeworkingintheuk/april2020

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Chapter 2 Shell Structures

Concrete Shell structure by Block research Group ETH: Ultra thin prototype of a concrete roof system 14

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Concrete shell structure and natural shell structures

Concrete Shell structures and how they work

Concrete shell structures have been around since the early 1920’s though initially faced with a decline in their use and application they have recently started to become more visible with the erection of complex public pavilions or used in constructing column free spaces, as seen in SANAA Rolex Centre. This is also due to the vast abilities of computer generative designs that have not only enabled designers and engineers to make complex geometry but also push boundaries in their form, such as using composite structural membranes.

These forms of shell structures will be considered whilst I am developing my logic but more likely they will be a combination of different forms of shell structures such as: warped surfaces and transitional shells. These two should provide a free forming surface that is then developed through Kangaroo 2 to be physically accurate.

There are several different forms of shell structures that each have specific uses in the built environment. These shells are both capable of large spans and stand dynamically in tension and compression. There are numerous types of shells such as: - Folded Plates.

- Barrel Vaults.

- Short Shells.

- Domes (surfaces of revolution) - Folded Plate Domes.

- Translational Shells.

- Warped Surfaces.

- Combinations

There has been a vast amount of research done on concrete shell structures and therefore, this project will only be focusing on adding to the research and utilising the understanding of a variety reports issued by engineers and architect to sustain its constructibility in principal.

The Engineer’s Contribution to Contemporary Architecture HEINZ ISLER by John Chilton, Riba Publications]

Concrete shell structures have very specific construction techniques, and have limitations in their size. However, they do have the ability to take vast amount of loads and with the right configuration these shell could exhibit potential in vertical structures.

Technological advancement has enabled designers to strategically calculate load bearing not only shell structures but in whole buildings and this principle is what is played on in this thesis. Heinz Isler is the forefather of optimised structural designs, using free form simulations using fabrics, testing shapes, forms in compression, suspension and tension. These explorations have enabled engineers to further develop an understanding of what was once the golden era of thin concrete shell structure.

His exploration resulted in further adapting conventional construction techniques to adequately provide solutions for free formed geometry.

the mathematical concepts of gravity and natural shapes to achieve high efficiencies in their designs.

What parametric tools now enable us to do is to digital simulate what Candela or Isler had to do by using physical models. This thesis aims to continue to push the boundaries in from making under the pretence where shell structures are efficiently crated using plug-ins such as Kangaroo 2 and provide an understanding in developing a design.

This specific field rapidly grew through the works of both Felix Candela and Heinz Isler. Their works ushered in an era where parametric design software were non existent and solely relied on

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Double Curved Structure

Dome Structure

Warped Surface Structure

“Concrete shells are the most honest structures as shape and structure are identical. Concrete shells are natural and beautiful if they are made to work without or almost without bending.”

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Translational Shell Structure

Folded Plate Dome Structure

Folded Plate Dome Structure

Short Shell Structure

Barrel Vault Structure

Warped Surface Structure

Jörg Schlaich, Memoriam to Felix Candela

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SANAA Rolex Centre Precedent Study

SANAA Rolex Centre Lausanne, Switzerland.

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SANNA Rolex Centre

Built-in 2012, the building is well known for its organic shapes and cookie-cutter like voids. The building has a single concrete shell structure that is parallel offset with a steel structure for the roof, the idea was to create corridor free spaces and combine the functional user space through comfortable experiences. The building houses numerous internal programs that are transparent with “softening boundaries” to enforce the idea of a collective exchange between the users and activities. However, as a building, it doesn’t fully deal with disabled access and doesn’t necessarily resolve all issues as to standardisation. The 20,000sqm space has a variety of areas where podium/patios like structure intrude into or sit on top off the concrete shell slab, the curvature of the slopes do not integrate fully as the modern construction techniques do not enable easy construction of free-formed curves, especially as over 1400 custom form-work templates were designed to create the concrete shell.

went undertaken to construct the building was the use of laser-cut timber form-work that was positioned using GPS technology.

This creates an exceptional cost to the construction of the facade particularly as the natural structural movement needs to be accommodated by each piece of glass sheet which was cut separately each piece moves independently on jointed frames.

The complex building provides a great precedent as to how my thesis can tackle constructional operations and technological implementations.

The design is highly experimental, with a gently warped surface concrete shell was formed by numerous computer simulation which resulted in a geometry where the least bending stresses defined the form of the Rolex Centre. The sine curve-based façade creates a gentle opening that leads to pedestrian circulation both under and around the key spaces of the building.

However, the main problem lies with the accuracy of the project, whereby numerous calculations and precise engineering and construction had to be implemented to produce the form of the building in line with complex facade system that needed to absorb both the concrete shell deflection movement and the construction tolerances.

An example of the provisional task that

SANAA Rolex Centre Lausanne, Switzerland.

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Musmeci Bridge Precedent Study

“… I’ve always been convinced that a structure can be designed to give through their own form, comprehensive information about their own role and moreover I know no other way to load a structural form of communication with potential… “ Sergio Musmeci

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Musmeci Bridge

Sergio Musmeci, an Italian architect and engineer who well known for the Musmeci bridge located in Potenza, Italy. The bridge has been designed to embody of natural forces of compression and tension by forming a 30cm thick reinforced concrete membrane that loads lateral and vertical loads to its exceptionally small feet minimising the impact on the ground plane and maximising efficiency. This project highlights how the use of singular materiality in its structure and is not determined by the building but by the representation of 26

natural forces in action, and their impact in public space.

It may be an understatement if it is viewed more like a piece of sculpture rather than a bridge. The dynamic form that changes through the observation point, equipped with a highly expressive from every point of view is reminiscent of the crest of a rooster or a nun’s headdress.

The bridge is modelled through an alternation of concave and convex shapes that lightly interact with the ground to form four arches. Sergio Musmeci stated that the bridge uses a vault for a structural template rather than arcs, as seen in the elevation. How it was physically simulated as a membrane rather than a vault, as its evenly compressed with 30cm reinforced concrete. The form finds high levels of efficiency with the minimum amount of material and the maximum amounts of span.

The precedent provides a unique solution in developing an understanding in structural designs through organically vaulting membranes and could highlight a potential in tackling the thesis with its form and replication in Kangaroo 2.

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Chapter 3 Initial Diagrams

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Chapter 3 Stacking the Rolex Centre

The first exploration of my thesis was aimed at understanding how the Rolex Centre works, through not its simulation but also construction. The concept initially presents an idea where the building is stacked a number times, with slabs being either mirrored or translated. The concept lies with shell structures supporting another shell structures given that there are numerous points where the load is transferred from one to another. The concept specifically operates under the idea where shell structures can easily be designed and constructed to support another using a variety of construction techniques used by either Heinz Isles or Felix. The arrangement of the shells essentially creates a concave system, that free forms based on the tension of the form, creating a hyper efficient system where the use of materials is minimized with maximum spans.

By stacking the Rolex Centre, it can create a hyper efficient system where the lack of columns and secondary structures can greatly decrease the use raw materials.

Furthermore, the concept is more suited to mixed use buildings that operate with distinct engagements to social spaces and aims to create an atmosphere that enables users to live work in comfortably. The cookie-cutter effect also projects an interesting identity where the slabs interact and merge into each other and creating perhaps unusable spaces but enhancing the atmosphere and identity of the building.

The voids create interesting internal condition that will need to be defined by not only the circulation but also the programme of the building. These also provide an opportunity for light, vegetation and vertical circulation to be introduced into the voids, essentially bringing the landscape into the building through its form.

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Rolex Centre Stacked Section: Creating interesting slab edges and concave spaces.

Stacked Rolex Centre: Internal View of geometric transitions

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Chapter 3 Initial Concept

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Iteration 4

Iteration 5

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Iteration 4

Iteration 5

There are many forms of concrete shell structures that have been designed to create an organic space that interacts in numerous architectural qualities such as; the circulation of people, light and sustainable form finding.

These attributes have been portrayed for as long as shell structures have existed. However, a vertical aspiration of stacked shells has yet to be idealised, which is what this thesis aims to do. This is what this exercise explored,

SANAA Rolex centre utilises a concrete shell structure that has variety of spans, void sizes and heights that interacts which the ground plane.

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by formulating variations of how shell can be stacked in order to achieve a variation that is both structurally sufficient and efficient.

Iteration 1-5 illustrate a variation on how the shell can be stacked with iteration 5 being the most promising; however, it is to be noted that these do not depict a modular form; and they should interchange with the building programme.

The cookie-cutter effect that the void have from the overall shell structure have been achieved through the adjustment of the width of the floor slab, as the roof is simply a steel structure mimicking the floor.

Sergio Musmeci book illustrates the conceptualisation of static structures through manual prototyping, pre parametric design and their efficiency. This influenced some work aspect and formations in creating the concave forms for the thesis.

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Chapter 3 Initial Exploration of warped surfaces

The initial study of warped surface displacements came from developing a script that utilises points that distort a surface using a sine function, creating concave forms that can have an infinite variation through the placement, frequency, graph type and scale. This scrip can enable numerous points to distort the surface and use a variety of graph types that manipulates the overall shape of the peaks as seen below.

INPUT MD Slider, creating points on the surface that displaces the sine function. These inputs enable a the formation of the given surface to be distorted through its U and V values.

In regards to replicating the stacked Rolex Centre, this script provided me an insight in manipulating the surface edges. This could be taken further where the sine waves can create the concave opening on the facade of the building.

SURFACE ADJUSTMENT

SINE MANIPULATION Sine graph, distorting height, width, frequency and can be changed to a variety of graphs for different simulations.

SINE MAPPING

OUTPUT The output is the result of a deformed surface with numerous graph distortions.

Sine surface distortion script 34

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Chapter 3 Musmeci Bridge Replication

The Musmeci Bridge is constructed by replicating a concrete vaulted membrane that has 12 points connecting the upper field of the membrane and 6 points connecting the lower field: the feet of the structure. These points introduce a surface tension to the logic using Kangaroo. The edge length component provides the constrain to the original mesh faces, which can be edited to either constrain the face edges of the

original or shorten it provide a greater spring load. The script tackles a the physical arrangement of the thesis, by testing the Kangaroo plug-in, it enables me to develop a mesh that can either be relaxed or inflated: forming either a concave or convex system.

Musmeci Bridge Short Elevation 1:150

Musmeci Bridge Long Elevation 1:150

Musmeci Bridge Tessellation; an experimentation of Kangaroo 2

INPUT

INPUT

KANGAROO 2

MESH THICKENING

OUTPUT

The initial input were three designated geometry in Rhino, 1) the mesh 2) the points that hold down the structure and 3) points that hold up the structure.

Secondary Input for Kangaroo components.

The components are run through Kangaroo which then creates a mesh object that acts as a tensile membrane.

Using Weaverbird, a mesh based plug-in Grasshopper, that under this case Laplacian Smoothen the mesh from Kangaroo, which then is thickened to create a singular structure.

The output is the result of a thickened tensile mesh structure that is then mirrored and arrayed.

Musmeci Bridge Kangaroo tessellation 36

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Musmeci Array; Kangaroo Test

Musmeci Array; Kangaroo Test

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Chapter 3 Point Attractor Based Logic

Iteration 1

The next test was to develop a script that can tackle the issues of controlling the surface distortion for the load to be bared to the shell below. By utilising the initial tests to form a partial logic where the MD slider pulls the surface anywhere from the initial shape area (rectangle) it then is mirrored from the centre plane in the Z direction; creating a concave geometry. This is then stacked onto each other produce a rhythmic

Iteration 2

structure that comes repetitive. However, the problem with the logic was the lack of efficiency, as the it doesn’t rely on a tensile membrane through Kangaroo, therefore the structure would be limited by its scale. Though a positive outcome was the formation of the shells which creates usable area as opposed to the Musmeci test, and these dips as seen below act like column structures instead of shell.

Iteration 2 The stacked shells act to support one another however, a complexity is that each shell requires to be lighter than the one below, as the weight of the total structure sits at the very bottom/.

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The edges or rather the opening on the facade of the structure need to be customisable as opposed to be static.

However, this provides a useful application in creating spaces around the perimeter.

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Chapter 3 Point Attractor Shell Logic

INPUT

Delaunay MESH

INPUT

KANGAROO 2

The MD Slider creates singular points that are limited on the initial size of rectangle, enabling the points movement to correspond to areas where the surface is distorted or pulled down.

Using delaunay mesh component the original surface interoperates the points from the MD Slider and the rectangle to create a mesh plane.

Secondary Input for Kangaroo components.

The components are run through Kangaroo which then creates a mesh object that acts as a tensile membrane.

KANGAROO 2

MESH THICKENING

The components are run through Kangaroo which then creates a mesh object that acts as a tensile membrane.

The component here takes the mesh output from Kangaroo and the thickens it using the Mesh Thicken component from Weaverbird.

Intermediate Mesh Slab

OUTPUT

By using the Mesh Edges component, The surface boundary was extruded to set a slab between the shells, creating a additional floor area.

The output is the result of a thickened tensile mesh structure that is then mirrored and arrayed.

Stacked shell structure: point attractor 42

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Chapter 4 Final Logic Development

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Chapter 4 Shell Structure and Programme

Initial Surface from GH

SubD Optimised

Reflected Mesh Output from GH

Final Structural Output

Relaxed Mesh from Kangaroo 2

Variable Thickness Slab Output 46

Stacked Mesh (Test)

Slope Analysis

Stacked Mesh (Test)

Vertical Output (Analysis)

The structural output of the design has developed through numerous iterations and developments combining both the previous investigations and new knowledge of software. Furthermore, the overall structure still requires some more precision as to develop a more advanced logic that interoperates a structural analysis. This type of concept aims to be primary used for office/mixed use occupation. By taking inspiration

from my design module, with Tony Fretton Unit 2; I combined the programme provided by unit to integrate for this concept. The use of light industry spaces, offices and secondary programs such as cafés or cabaret could enable a more practical approach to the landscaping, such as food growth on the roof or creating a biophilic environment internally. The building can vary in sizes, but this concept provides a 140x80m footprint.

The chosen site for this development is set to be universal, therefore the system can be adapted anywhere. However, I imaged the site being in Copenhagen where its vernacular would contrast well against the scheme. Furthermore, the building could provide a utilisation in of greater public engagement in the area. The chosen site is the Israel Plads, located across a public park.

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RF: 37.50

Ground Floor

F.F: 30.00 T.F: 22.50 S.F: 15.00 F.F: 07.50 G.F: 00.00 North Elevation

First Floor RF: 37.50 F.F: 30.00 T.F: 22.50 S.F: 15.00 F.F: 07.50 G.F: 00.00 Second Floor

East Elevation

RF: 37.50 F.F: 30.00 T.F: 22.50 S.F: 15.00 F.F: 07.50 G.F: 00.00

Circulation and Services Public Gallery Exhibition Space Third Floor

Conference Space Cabaret Cafe/Restaurant Public Auditorium

West Elevation RF: 37.50 F.F: 30.00 T.F: 22.50 S.F: 15.00 F.F: 07.50 G.F: 00.00 *Grid does not represent Structural Grid but rather where the vertical elements (Cores and services) are located.

Public Library Boxing Club Carpet Emporium

Roof Plan

Light Industry Spaces Canteen Auditorium Offices/ Research

South Elevation

Vegetation/Park/Landscape Break Out Spaces

1:1000 Elevation

Planogram - 1:2000 Spatial Diagrams

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Chapter 4 Shell Structure

RF: 37.50 F.F: 30.00 T.F: 22.50 S.F: 15.00 F.F: 07.50 G.F: 00.00 Long Section Compression and tension diagram

The structure of the building is primarily made from concrete reinforced with rebar, similarly to the Bosjes Chapel, South Africa. The shell structure will need specific form-work to construct the convex/concave forms. The structure is theoretically self supporting as the weaving of concave and convex forms providing the structural stiffness in the building. However, cores will need to be introduced in areas where large overhangs occur within the structure.

The diagram (left) illustrates how the loads (red= compression and blue= tension) provide the structural stiffness to produce the shell structure. The study is not focusing on how it will be constructed but how the structure will work. Furthermore, the structure will need to decrease in weight, therefore the thickness of the shell on each floor with need to be 30 - 50% less as to the one below, as the entire weight rest on the bottom.

Compression and tension diagram RF: 37.50 F.F: 30.00 T.F: 22.50 S.F: 15.00 F.F: 07.50 G.F: 00.00

Structural variation: Facade manipulation

Short Section

Shell thickness reduction

*Grid does not represent Structural Grid but rather where the vertical elements (Cores and services) are located.

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Building Sections 1:1000

Bosjes Chapel; Shell Thickness Variation

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Fo

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<25%

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Th

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Se

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r

Flo

co

or

nd

Flo

or

<50% Fir

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Flo

Gr ou

or

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Flo

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>75% 54

Slope Gradients

Exploded Isometric

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Final Grasshopper Script 56

Chapter 4 Geometry Input + Sine Curve Manipulation

The primary input of the design is a rectangle where each segment of the rectangle is manipulated in the z-direction corresponding to the sine/Parabola/ Cosine/bezier graphs. The footprint of the building is also manipulated in the x and y directions. The initial input enables the shell structure to vary in sizes, shapes, and forms. The rectangle component is broken up into individual points (extracting the corner points) that are

Final Grasshopper Script 57

mapped through an MD slider, effectively enabling the shape to take on either a tapered form. These points are then isolated and plugged into the vertical distortion function, which enables the user to manipulate the facade as much as possible.

INPUT

SINE WAVE

OUTPUT

The inputs are determined by the rectangle components that enables the user to change the scale of the footprint and is then manipulated through the four Shattered Curves.

This manipulated the edge curves in the Z direction corresponding to the change of the graph types.

The output from the distortion are referenced into a surface component that creates a singular NURB geometry.

Chapter 4 Void Input

Floor Slab Array

After the distortion perimeter of the rectangle, the function is plugged into a surface generating component that creates an averaged surface using the four distorted curves. The surface output is plugged into a Surface Evaluation” component which generates points across the geometry at its normals. At this point, the function still produces a NURB object or poly-surface.

The points on the surface then are linked to circles at

The “Floor Slab Array” output enables the primary shape to arrayed in the Z direction at various heights with varying thickness. The variation is necessary in order for the loads at the bottom to be transferred effectively, making the bottom slab or rather the slab that interacts with the ground plane become the foundation, from the bottom being thickest and the top being the thinnest.

This is was initially proposed to enable additional usable areas to be added as mezzanines, to push for function. However, this part was removed in the final concept as the form enables a sufficient amount of usable area.

INPUT

VOIDS

BOOLEAN DIFFERENCE

OUTPUT

INPUT

VARIABLE MESH THICKENING

OUTPUT

The output from the initial surface is then referenced into surface evaluation component that then projects multiple points across the surface.

This then introduces circles onto the points.

Each point is then isolated which then creates a circle at its centre at varying radius.

The curves are then extruded and boolean out from the initial surface, enabling the suer to move and change the location of each point, size and number of points.

The result of that is a NURB surface that has numerous voids or cut-outs.

This input was originally used for the vertical array of the primary rectangle but was abandoned as further refinement of the original geometry was achieved.

Using weaverbird Mesh Thicken component, the rectangle was thickened from a range with 1m thickness at the bottom slab to 0.5m at the top to reduce loading to the primary shell.

The output resulted in a surface that was arrayed at varying distances (floor to floor levels) and thicknesseses.

Final Grasshopper Script 58

their centres, which then is “Boolened Differenced” out, creating voids varying radius’s. Furthermore, additional voids can be introduced into the primary surface, enabling the user to manipulate its form through the plans or use or spaces.

Chapter 4 Kangaroo Relaxation

Pufferfish: Mirror Cut Mesh

The surface is then optimized in Rhino 7 using the SubD Tools, enabling the user to manipulate, smooth, and fix any defects from the surface. This is then plugged into Kangaroo 2, a physics-based plug-in, that relaxes the initial surfaces producing a Mesh. The output mesh is optimized by either manipulating the length of the individual mesh faces or by increasing/decreasing the number of points that are subdivided along the

Pufferfish is an additional plug-in that works by reiterating, deforming, and developing complex forms through meshes. This component also has a very powerful component called “Mesh Mirror Cut” which enables the user to mirror and splice the mesh at an intersection plane. This initially was used to form provide the formation of the mesh before applying a mesh relaxation in Kangaroo. However, due to the

mesh distortions and invalid meshes being created I abandoned the method and chose to use Rhino 7 SubD components that enable a refined manipulation of the initial geometries. A bridge command in SubD tool set enables the formation of the geometries in areas where the voids are present.

INPUT

KANGAROO 2

OUTPUT

INPUT

MIRROR CUT MESH

OUTPUT

The primary input the mesh relaxation was the optimised SubD surface. This is then referenced into Kangaroo 2, to relax and smooth the mesh.

The components are run through Kangaroo which then creates a mesh object that acts as a tensile membrane.

The output resulted in a smooth and optimised mesh.

This component was supposed to replicate the SubD Refinement but was abandoned.

Using Pufferfish’s Mirror Cut Mesh component, it enabled the initial NURB Output pre-relaxation to create a convex and concave form. This component takes the geometry and mirrors, trims and bridges the intersection of the surface too create

The output results in a shell structure

Final Grasshopper Script 59

perimeter of the mesh (Mesh Edges).

Chapter 4 Facade

Facade Components

Once the mesh has been relaxed, it is then plugged into a script that does 3 things: one it thickens the mesh at a variable thickness (bottom being the thickest and the top being the thinnest of a singular slab) two, extracting the Mesh Edges to create a facade plane and three, adding details such as mullions, and balustrades.

This part of the function creates the window frames, the glass planes, and the individual mullions.

The script extracts the naked edges of the primary mesh after the Kangaroo Relaxation to configure the thickness of the individual elements. For the window frames, a curve and a point had to be introduced to the sweeping shape, which enables the user to create any type of window frames with varying thickness’s and designs.

Furthermore, the number of mullions and the height of the centre lines can be manipulated or further divided. This can create a very basic facade however with further development it could introduce new features such as external blinds specific to the geometry shape.

Furthermore, as the facade moves between concave and convex forms, the function has to be duplicated to accommodate the in between areas.

INPUT

CURVE SEGMENTATION

SWEEP

OUTPUT

The mesh is relaxed mesh form is then referenced into this script where the components extract the mesh edges to create multiple components for the facade.

The mesh edges are then shattered to produce four curves, however, this needed only to be done at the corner points so the singular curves are extracted rather than the whole closed poly line.

The individual curves are then referenced to a custom curve shape that reorientated at the planes across the curves. These curves are then lofted to produce a single window frame.

This resulted in a singular window frame on all façades.

Final Grasshopper Script 60

These functions enable the user to manipulate varying degrees of details and potentially adding more complexity to the overall building design.

Chapter 4 Slope Analysis

In order to understand the slope variation across the mesh, a script that breaks down the deformations in the Z direction and colours areas to present the usable areas and deformed areas. The accuracy is manipulated through the RGB component that extracts the colour to form the individual meshes. This determines the 25%, 50%, and 75% areas of slope.

Final Grasshopper Script 61

The next step would be to accurately extract the slope vectors to further visualise where exactly the areas of unusable are or if the gradient is too steep.

INPUT

GRADIENT

OUTPUT

To test the slope gradients across the primary thickened mesh, the mesh is broken down into points that are coloured based on their Z value.

The colours represent the segmentation in the Z Vector.

The output results in 3 meshes that each represent a colour with 25, 50 and >75% gradients on the primary mesh.

Chapter 4 Output

The final function arrays the structure in the Z direction, manipulating the heights, distances and the thickness of the slabs. Decreasing the thickness of the overall slab as it increases in the number of floors and height. These outputs are merged to enable the user to add custom materials, colours to Bake the geometries.

Final Grasshopper Script 62

INPUT

OUTPUT

INPUT

OUTPUT

The final step is to merge all corresponding component function into a custom preview to Bake the geometries with varying colours, materials and gradients.

Final output to all baked geometries.

Similar to the Slab Array function, this function arrays the shell structure with varying heights and thickness’s.

To shell tessellation in Z direction.

Chapter 4 Millipede

Millipede is a structural analysis plug-in for Grasshopper, it works by combing and extracting points that represent loading and other calculations. However, its been discontinued even though its still functional.

This scrip aimed to develop the initial mesh output by analysis displacements, showing a curve network that represent high and low stresses. This script was the start to the next phase in developing the function of the

The next step: structural analysis and stress test.

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script, and visualising how to structurally optimise the initial mesh from Kangaroo.

INPUT

LOAD INPUT

OUTPUT

Initial Mesh input from Kangaroo (post relaxation).

Load, support and mesh input to Millipede solver.

Visulisation of the defromation due to stresses and loads.

Chapter 5 Final Renders

64

Copenhagen Site Plan 1:5000

65

66

Internal View of Atrium Space

View from Green Roof

67

68

Looking out over Copenhagen

Facade Elevation

69

Isometric View of Overall Scheme

Central Atrium Junction

View Overlooking Copenhagen

Conclusion

Concrete shells structures have been around for decades; however, their construction and technology has been developing rapidly, enabling engineers and designers to produce some of the most complex forms in the recent times. However, concrete use around the world has created additional greenhouse emissions, and with the climate emergency in place this malpractice needs to be amended to form sustainable and long-lasting solutions. In addition, the pandemic has impacted our lives in such as way that the habits and changes that we have undergone has prompted the question if a workspace is necessary. Recent survey highlighted a shift in people wanting to work from home contrasting to increasing mental health issues. This thesis has combined these primary issues into producing a concept where mental health and the physical engagement in a workplace can provide an increase to the overall productivity, health, and wellbeing of individuals.

The thesis conceptualises the landscape into the building design and offers an opportunity to relax at a work space and be closer to not only nature but also hobbies of the individuals, whether its skating or going for runs the mixture of these functions is necessary in todays workspace.

The primary investigation of the thesis was to develop a concept where a concrete shell structure is stacked to achieve and hyper efficient form of structure, whereby its manipulated completely absent of columns or corridors. The concept would by ideal as Landscraper rather than Skyscraper. However, the combination with recent advancement in technology this will test this theory to produce a design that mimics the architectural thresholds achieved with the stacked SANNA study.

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The initial explorations of Grasshopper components, studies and concepts enabled the thesis to be refined when tackling the issues regarding the manipulation of the geometries.

However, there were some limitations with not only my knowledge but also capabilities of the script. Certain things need to be further introduced to develop the thesis such as a structural analysis model from additional plug-ins such as Kiwi3D, Karamba 3D or Millipede. Having tried all three, the geometries had numerous problems calculating the loads and points of structural anchors as the complexity of the geometry limited my approach combined with limited understanding. The structural analysis is the next step in producing a more coherent system that defines both the overall shape and programme.

In addition, a more detailed slope analysis should be conducted to estimate areas of sharp gradients to optimise circulation using ramps, stairs, or other features. The thesis outcome has set parameters where these features become unnecessary, though a more accurate estimate should enable the more active design developments. Other conceptualisation of further studies should involve the type and scale of foundations that are required for this type of construction.

Finally, I believe that the overall exploration of the thesis was successful, though there are areas that I would want the concept to be refined in and further elaborated on. The Concrete Lasagne provides one of many solutions that employers, engineers and architects can provide to encapsulate the issues of a workspace.

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