STUDIO AIR Journal
LIM BENG HEE, 376062
CONTENT WEEK 1: State of Arts & Personal Project ARCHITECTURAL DISCOURSE PERSONAL PROJECT (Headspace) WATER CUBE TREEPOD
Architecture As a Discourse
WEEK 2: Contemporary Computation techniques
DIGITAL FABRICATION- CNC & LASER CUTTING CASE PRECEDENT: Water Cube
WEEK 3: Scripting Culture
PARAMETRIC DESIGNCASE PRECEDENT: NATURE INSPIRED APPROACH CASE PRECEDENT: EVOLUTIONARY ARCHITECTURE
WEEK 4: Matrix of Combinations
PROJECT CUT & DEVELOP: explorations & reflections Group Matrix & Review
WEEK 5: Reverse Engineering CASE STUDY: Gantenbein Vineyard Facade [ Gramazio &
Kohler ] CASE STUDY: BANQ Restaurant [ Office DA ] TECHNIQUES REVIEW
WEEK 6: Physical Model Built up & Explorations CASE STUDY PROJECT: model making
MODEL EXPLORATIONS REFLECTIONS
WEEK 7: MODEL MAKING TO WHYNDHAM PROJECT GROUP PRESENTATION- DEVELOP & FABRICATE
SITE SPECIFICATION
WEEK 8: Learning Outcomes
In two years of studying architecture, I come to an understanding that the intake of philosophy, social understanding as well as materials and technical requirements into architectural practice and built environment as a amalgamation of architectural movement is common and considered to be traditional and conventional tool of design throughout the evolution of architecture. With emergence of new building technology and construction methods, particularly in this new century of IT age, the interest in rethinking the fundamental basis of architecture, that pursues architecture as a discourse – a reaction and NEW design approach in offering new solutions to problem, is growing. Undoubtedly, the debate and discourse surrounding the discipline of architecture with the contribution of computational design have been multiple and prominent. Particularly, in Western Gateway installation project, architectural discourse can be stimulated by challenging the perception of the viewers and encouraging further reflection beyond first impression among community and designers. Then with the aid of computation and parametric modeling and programming, a better designing outcome would be formulated. Therefore, architecture as a response to field of study, needs to be challenged and analyzed as a discourse (Richard Williams, Architecture and Visual Culture). As part of Architectural Design Studio: AIR, this journal will dccument weekly explorations ideas and personal thinking on contemporary architectural ideas, statements, philosophies as a response to design specificity by prominent architects and designers and within lecture and Studio content which embrace the emergence of digital architecture.
“Studying the architecture discourse through precedents can offer insights into the knowledge-base of architecture: not as a rigid framework of abstract rules to be followed, but rather as a continually transforming culture of interaction between ideas, texts, drawings and buildings.” Lara Schrijver, 2010
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
WEEK 1: PERSONAL WORKS
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST WEEK 1: State of Art (1)
The Water Cube- National Aquatics Centre, Beijing (PTW Architects 2008)
Background information: The HEADSPACE project was my first year architectural studio project in which we were asked to translate ideas and inspirations from our past personal experience within spaces around our head in a physical model. The modelling of this project was made through the use of computational design (structuring complex organic forms through connecting pieces of triangular puzzles) and techniques (unfolding and fabricating) in Google Sketchup. Design approach: The dragonFLY concept developed as the core idea for this project was inspired from a theme, called Biomicmicry- the imitation of the elegance and structural stregth of dragonfly’s wings. Biomicmicry has been prominently used by many architects, designers and urban planners as the design solutions in term of both aesthetic and fuctional qualities as it is believed that nature always provide the best solutions. Micmic the structural form of dragonfly wing, this project seeks to be dynamic, aethetic and giving an exciting impression featuring on both aesthetic and functional quality of dragonfly’s wings. To achieve the actual realisation of design inspirations, technical tool through innovative use of computer aided design becomes the key communication tool that explores different desired possibilities, both expected and unexpected outcomes with paper as the only material. Besides benefiting the quality of design outcome and accelerating process of mdelling, The headspace model comes alive with better accuracy through the aid of computation. In short, the use of digital tool and technology allows modelling of complex forms and structure possible with satisfactory quality and precision. In this modern digital century, architecture doesn’t give impression of conventional architectural drawings, art and symbols of built environment only, but becoming a response to the changing needs of everyday lives. Serving as a response, biomicmicry with the aid of digital tool provides boundless opportunity in the industry of architecture, advancing a potential direction for architectural discourse that would generate a new interest s in the world of design.
“Computer will contribute their superb rational and search abilities and we humans will contribute all the creativity and intuition needed to solven design problems” (Architectures New Media) KALAY, 2004
The design of The Water cube, which had won 2009 RIBA international award was merely inspired by association and integration of water as a structural and thematic leitmotiv, with the square, to accomodate as an aquatic competition venue for games, public multi function leisure and fitness facilities. Viewed from the interior space, the spaces are modelled out of an underfined cluster of foam bubbles, that reflects celebration and imitation of a condition of nature that is transformed into a condition of culture and structural strength. This gigantic pavilion aesthetic is a pure expression idea that demonstrates a form of water, responsive to its physical and urban setting, depicting principles of chinese architecture, embodied with latest use of technological tool and process and materiality.The Water Cube appears as serene, energy engaging, ethereal and poetic, with changing moods that directly respond to people, events and changing seasons. This building design has shown its signifcant use of materiality and employment of advanced computer software technology. The building was built of visually striking, energy efficient and ecologically friendly materials. For instance, the exterior of the building was made of 4000 transparent dual ETFE (Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) cushion envelope, like water bubbles with great thermal efficiency and was based on unique lightweight-construction, derived of the water structure in the state of aggregation of foam. Behind the randomized facades, there is a strict geometry micmic from natural systems like cells and modular structures that was simplified into repetitive units, generating a highly rationalised design . These unique pattern of integrated structural steel with facades and interesting interior space was done through the use of digital fabrication- cnc cutting, stereolithography and use of digital blueprint in various stages of this design. This has clearly shown that new technological innovations and design with new inspiration of micmicry of nature as a reaction to changing environments and society had allowed the realisation of this iconic pavilion. Thus, digital modelling with improvement technology in architecture, without doubt, is current zeigest that is and will generate interests for future design.
(www.architectureinsights.com.au)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST WEEK 1: State of Art (2)
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST WEEK 2: Contemporary Computation techniques
The TREEPOD- Carbon-Scrubbing Artificial Trees for Boston City Streets (Influx Studio, 2011)
This urban project seeks to create, using biomimicry, an air cleaning and CO² catcher integrated urban device. Learning from nature, the Dragon Blood Tree (Dracaena cinnabari) is unique and naturally inspiring as solution responding to most problems found in cities around world- pollution. Its branches at maturity produce an umbrella shaped crown optimizing its form to create a canopy that provides a maximum of shading surface. The way that its canopy allows the wind flow demonstrates an intelligent design system. As the TREEPOD is inspired by that, the project takes the Dragon tree like form to create an important canopy surface that will provide shadow, and that will host a solar pv (sun tracker latest technology) to harvest the energy necessary to powered the air cleaning system and the urban lamp function. The canopy branching structure ends with a myriad of bulbs. They multiplies the contact points between air and the CO², serving as a filter. Working like as alveoli in a human lung, here is where the cleaning gaseous exchange takes place: an alkaline and environmentally friendly resin that reacts with air holding CO². When the CO² saturated resin reacts with water it release CO² for storage, and then it could be used again in the same process. the designs harnesses biomimicry to efficiently emulate the carbon filtration qualities of trees. The idea is creatively demonstrated with the aid of computation aided design. in the project stage, digital modelling makes a design on mind into reality and can be delivered through communication. Digital modeling are capable of providing accurate information and making complex geometric designs more easly. Digital design does not only ease the 3D modelling, it also gives vast opportunitues to discover and experinment with different possibilities that match with concepts and inspirations of biomicmicry. Architecture, nowadays, is no longer examined as a form of art, sign nor experience but defines more as architectural discourse, that serves as a design and technological reaction to solving problems. (www.archidaily.com)
Digital Fabrication in architecture and designs Innovative architecture can actively inform well engagement in architectural discourse. The use of computers for achieving actualization of concepts involving complex geometries and infinite outcomes of unique forms has been witnessed in the this industry, such as the watercube and TREEpod project, particularly CNC machine and lazer cutting used in digital fabrication of prototypes. Digital fabrication is an architectural technique that involves the translation of 3D digital modeling to physical model. The digital design in digital fabrication able to visualize the unique components of very detailing design and very complex geometries of imagination without much constraints, producing a prototype from vary types of materials such as laminated wood, plaster printing, wax printing, paper modeling through the use of advance technology and skills such as laser cutting, fabrication software and efficient medium printing machine which enhance the efficiency and accuracy of modeling, unfolding, constructing of models. This is very efficient and effective measure used by many model artist, architects and urban designers. Undoubtedly, digital fabrication techniques are efficient ways to enable the production of physical objects directly from digital models, allowing for new forms and aesthetics of space. However, regular 2D construction drawings of a project are still essential for the documentation of the more standard parts of the building that have not been modeled in digital fabrication. Physical modeling are useful for both general designing idea, presenting, and material testing but since building can’t be built from a physical model alone, computer modeling would help to detail the model, and to test the construction of model as well.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
WEEK 2: Contemporary Computation techniques
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
WEEK 3: Scripting/ Programming cultures- Design Philosophy
Case Study: THE WATER CUBE the architects and engineers created this structure by generating an infinite array of digital foam and then subtracting from it the building’s volumes. Computational procedures automatically created the building’s geometry, performed structural optimization and produced construction drawings.This highprofile example has interestingly demonstrated a successful implementation of a large-scale cellular structure in a project that is acclaimed for its visual impact as well as for its performance, using computation techniques that aid in producing sytems that generate and model the building. In short, digital architecture will be very useful when it works for cultural, social, ecological and economic concerns. As digital techniques become more and more sophisticated, and are not just realized, in more and more projects there will be new tendencies away from the abstraction and neutrality of earlier models towards a real-world rendering and the manipulation of the actual and the existing, producing more unique works, that will define the architectural zeigeist of this century modernism.
Stress points situated at many location of the fibres are being conducted according to the data interpreted from genes’ behavior (size, age, style etc.) at the self-
Case Study of Innovations: Parametric Design
Contemporary Scripting Cultures & Programmes: Nature Inspired Approach- Evolutionary Architecture- Scripting
“In contemporary architectural design, digital media is increasingly being used not as a representational tool for visualisation but as generative tool for derivation from and its transformation- the digital morphogenesis”
Morphogenetic aspects of fibres during evolution.
Kolarevic, Branko
In this case precedent, generating new form-finding methods in the light of traditional evolutionary design methodologies has clarified that architectural design has a great dynamic to open new design spaces. The studies applied to the design process, is determined by a sufficient amount of data to start a form-generation application. This is relevat architectural method of vital consideration taken from site analysis which inspires design to perform accordingly with site elements. In this case study example, the emergent idea, fluidity, can be used as a catalyst during the form-generation phase. Fluidity of fibres will generate astonishing design examples at the end. Owing to the characteristic of fibres, firbres carry the opportunity to act under several stresses coming from data gathered. With this cahracteristics, Local and global interactions happening between the fibres (curves) will positively affect the final surface of the design shell. Fibres behave as a DNA spiral, not only as carrying the genetic information that change according with time that give changing behavious at stage to the final design, but also as shaping the whole structure. This research demonstrates approach to consider architectural design as a whole organized process where different conceptual design systems can behave together for the purpose of generating a synergic relational space at the change of time. With the aid of with computer aided design, this idea inspires to be taken as consideration to Gateway project as it offers variety of possibilities of change range from forms finding to design performance and project behaviours andwhich is not possible with manual conventional architecture.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
WEEK 3: Scripting/ Programming cultures- Design Philosophy
PROJECT CUT & DEVELOP Matrix Explorations and reflections: In case study precedents of previous few week, we are interested in exploring our primary concern of forms finding that would adapt and change according to Wyndham city site data, such as provide solution to fast architecture that would draw attention of drivers to appreciate cultural difference between Wyndham city and dense and populated Melbourne city. Below matrices are outcomes of combination of a series of input, association and output that demonstrate a general idea of interesting contrast of change that could be easily spoted relevant with project scope such as change of heights, minimal use of colours that would produce optical illusion of motion of static object, planar change, dynamicor fluid theme, be it forms, materiality or ideas, etc. However, due to limited knowledge of grasshopper scripting, our designs are limited. But, this exploration of matrices is indeed bring our design idea to a level of testing and breaks away form conventional architecture manner which draw architects to do site analysis, before undergoing design process of solution finding to design brief and refinement. In this projject, interestngly, we are going through another method of design process- solution and inspirations finding before conduct site specification research. Arbitrary points+StreamText+Extrusion
Overlapping patterns+StreamText+Rotation
Boolean Patterning+StreamText+Extrusion Overlapping patterns+Using sets+Extrusion
Case Study of Innovations:
Reflections on Contemporary Scripting Cultures & Programmes: Nature Inspired Approach- Evolutionary Architecture- Reptile Structural system, interactive computer developments: John Frazer with Richard Parkins, machine-code programmer, and Franciso Guerra, research assistant, 1969 onwards.
Boolean Patterning+StreamText+Shaders
This research on seeding technique was carried out in Cmabridge University mathmematical laboratory. The ‘seed’ of the structural system was described in genetic computer code. A series of developmental instructions were then provided which allowed the seed to be automatically developed and manipulated in the computer to produce more complex structural forms. From this case study, it is clear that scripting research enables forms finding and development to change and mature with a series of mathematical codes defined at a constant changing time. This, interactive computer programming culture has allow design with programming to perform to give complicated yet organised forms, shape as solution responding to architects’ intent and work beyond human’s perceptual capacity, giving an insight on how parametric design with math scripting function aid in generating unique developed endless possibilities for design benefits Wyndham gateway project design process.
Overlapping patterns+Using sets+Rotation
Boolean Patterning+Using sets+Rotation Surface Grid+Using sets+Extrusion
Unique usefulness of Parametric Modeling aid in Gateway Project: Through the use of parametric design tools, by imputting external data like intensity of sunlight and wind velocity (for the Gateway project) as parameters into the design, the resultant geometry would be efficient, in terms of its energy generation, and use of energy. This leads to another important aspect of parametric design: its ability to maintain relationships by rules. In other words, since all the resultant forms are associated to the initial parameters, they all relate to each other. Thus, if one parameter is changed, the entire geometry will be updated. As dscourse advance in previous case precedents, interactivity as respond to change is the ultimate goal of this Gateway project. A two-way interaction between the built and natural environment is favourable. For instance, a high-tech solution should be avoided, ie floors that light up when you walk on them, color changing walls or hypersurfaces. These are all necessary innovations yet remain a one-way transfer of information. For an example of a two-way interaction in the nature, plants proved to be a perfect to look into. For example, photosynthesis, known as the process by which they produce energy, happens on the cellular level yet affects the pigmentation of the leaf. Also, we are interested to explore possibilities of producing changing form that lead to the change of experience just like case precedents, a knowledge known as evolutionary architecture or metamorphosis that implies performance and form changing.
Explicit Grid+Using sets+Rotation Surface normals+StreamText+Rotation
WEEK 4: Matrix of Combinations
ENGAGEMENT TO SITE:
input// surface grid association// image sampler output// rotation
image sampler
input// image sampler association// surface grid output// rotation`
image sampler
surface grid
As stated earlier, in Wyndham Gateway Project, our group are interested to design a form which can give ‘illusion in motion’ whilist motorists passby. With exploration of surface changes at this case study after going through everyone martrices, illusion could be developed with this marices as starting point. Though everyone of us has our own concept of involving themes such as metamorgenesis, varanoi changing pattern, biomicmicry, generative and emergent design, we reached a conclusion to produce design towards a direction- “CHANGE in meaningful art form, that generate illusion also could be towards Wyndham City. Further exploration would be done through fabrication of the model.
data driven rotation
data driven rotation
using surface grid
THEME (S) for Project: Scultpure through digital design- Emphasis in searching for the origins (characteristics, philosophy reflects the usage of a building as a tool of social communication) with computer aided design Sculpture in modernism- social engagement with urbanism –people, surroundings and anthropologic activity Relating to wyham project: visual impression that brings engagement with culture and art to drivers before reaching the city.
input// surface interaction association// using sets output// rotation
“Function of Ornamment” surface interaction
input// boolean patterning association// using sets output// rotation
using sets
using sets
data driven rotation
boolean patterning
data driven rotation
“Instead of searching for solution space for solution to a problem they look for solution to a problem. This can be accomplished by reducing the size of solution space by adding constraints until all but a few or perhaps only one remains, making the selection of satisfactory solution trivial.”
input// overlapping pattern assotiation// maths function tan(y) + sin (x)
Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media basic form
rotate unit z
rotate unit y + unit z
input// boolean patterning association// attractor point output// rotation + shader
basic form
WEEK 4: Group Matrix of Combinations
rotate
a few rotation + shader
boolean
curve intersect
surface grid
overlap patterns
explicit hexagonal
explicit circle
surface normal
maths function
image sampler
curve attractor
attractor point
arbitrary
WEEK 4: Group Matrix of Combinations
WEEK 5: Reverse Engineering
CASE STUDIES 1: Gantenbein Vineyard Facade [ Gramazio & Kohler ]
Approaches: Rhino (grasshopper TECHNIQUES ): stacking; rotation; image mapping
Architects: Gramazio & Kohler Architects in cooperation with Bearth & Deplazes Architects Location: Fläsch, Switzerland Year: Completed 2007 Group Review & Integration of EOI: The masonry buffers temperature and filters sunlight for the fermentation room behind it. The bricks are offset and rotated to allow light through the gaps, producing an amazing light pattern on the inside. The production method includes the use of a robotic arm which enabled each one of the 20,000 bricks to be places according to programmed parameters - at the desired angles and intervals allowing each wall to possess the optimal light and air permeability. There is a dramatic play between plasticity, depth and colour, which are dependent of the observer’s position and the angle of the sun. The three-dimensional depth of the facade forms the solidified dynamic form of the wall as well as encourages the eye to wander across the facade. The subtle deflection of the bricks further creates an appearance of plasticity that constantly changes, according to the movement of the viewer and the position of the sun. Likened to the similarity of pixels on a computer screen, the pattern also communicates a distinctive image and identity of the vineyard. The angle of rotation for each brick permits light to reflect differently and engage in different degree of lightness. The joints (gaps) between the bricks creates transparency, lessening the boundary between interior and exterior by allowing daylight to seep into the building. In order to make the pattern distinguishable from the interior, the bricks are laid close together as possible in order for the gap at full deflection are nearly closed. This generates a maximum contrast between the open and closed joint, allowing light to profoundly model the interior walls.
Exploration of Stacking Bricks: Interested in the effect of light and shadow distribution across the birck surface pattern and arrangement, we have research the effect of stacking bricks technique for this case, however, our approaches are limited by the constraint of gaps and rotation of the brick in grasshopper. However, our focus is still the same , that is to explore the different unique outcome that represent our idea of ‘change’ at this stage. But, we still havent decided on the way of iconic sculptural ‘change’ that best be represented in physical model in coming stage. Some would argue about abstract performance of change to sight through application of this case study- change in materiality; some argue on the mapping of relationship between Wyndham city and Melbourne city as the central idea of change- maps, urban sprawl, etc. But I am concern a bout relationship between human and natural environment- about routine and experience of Melbournian driver on site, Modular approach by Le Corbusier (Search of identity- Back to Basics)
The pictorial effect when seen from a distance is that of an enormous basket filled with grapes but at a closer view, the sensual, textile softness of the facade dissolves to portray rough materiality of the masonry; the gradual change from the soft, round forms to the composition of individual, hard bricks. The sense of ‘change’ extracted from this project was through the changes to the pattern on the facade relative to the viewer’s position. The gradual transformation that occured when an observer viewed the facade from different positions as well as from differing distances, shows the shift and transition of the materiality of the facade, being from one state to another. The interplay of light that occurs in the interior as a result of the changing position of the sun during the day also depicts the change and movement of light and shadow. On the exterior, the gradual variation of the depth and plasticity of the pattern (as a result of the placement of the bricks) depicts the motion and dynamic form of the facade.
Integration of Case Study with Gateway Project: In Wyndham Gateway Project, our group are interested to design a form which can give ‘illusion in motion’ whilist motorists passby. With exploration of surface changes in this case study, illusion could be developed as the angle of each brickwork is varied. The illusion also could be something meaningfull towards Wyndham City as image sampler was used to developed it. Further exploration of the case study was done through fabrication of the model.
WEEK 5: Reverse Engineering
CASE STUDIES 2: Gantenbein Vineyard Facade [ Gramazio & Kohler ] Approaches: Rhino (grasshopper TECHNIQUES ): Contouring Architects: Nader Tehrani, Monica Ponce de Leon, Office DA Location: BANQ restaurant/ 1375 Washington Street, Boston, MA Year: 2006-2008 Group Review & Integration of EOI: The design of the space, however, is conceptualized around another division, on the z axis, between the ceiling and the ground. If the ground needs to remain flexible as a result of fluctuating activities of the restaurant space-- two seaters, fours, and sixes, among a range of other organizations related to parties and other events-- then, the ceiling contains fixed programs that are part of the building’s infrastructure-- the structure, drainage, mechanical equipment, sprinkler system, lighting, and other the acoustic systems. The geometry of the wood slats conform to each equipment above, but are also radiused in order to smoothen the relationship between other adjoining equipment, creating a seamless landscape. The columns and the wine storage, in the middle of the hall, serve to uphold the fiction, and appear to be suspended from the ceiling. if the longitudinal axis emphasizes the seamless surface, then lateral views offer striated glimpses into the service space above, and demystify the illusion. To underline this strategy, certain areas of the ceiling “drip” and “slump”, acknowledging the location of to place exit signs, lighting features, and other details. Below the ceiling, the functional aspects of a dining space are fabricated with warm woods and relaminated bamboo amplifying the striping affect already at play throughout the space. Striations of the ground, the furnishings, and the ceiling all conspire to create a total effect, embedding the diners into the grain of the restaurant. Thus, we are interested in the efffect of the layering of countour along the ceiling and wall that forms an interesting undulating surfaces with materiality exploration on plywood. This is indeed becomes part of EOI to generate an interesting pattern (ornament) with functions and sign to our sculptural model that matches with the site project, becoming an iconic landmarks for the site. Technical Explorations: This case study is the suitable manisfestation of dynamic and fluid ideas as a response to the site which appears to be flat, wide and smooth. In this technical exploration, I have used the lofting of surfaces to make this cut model
Reflections of Model experinmentation: This was the first exploration of parametric model we have done that defines the idea of surface change in aspect of the dimension of circular holes that would cast a changing pattern of constant shadows upon the site. Now the problem is how we incorporated this surface of constant changing size to a sculpture or ornament that is functional to the site as sign, tool for communication (Kalay, 2004)
Reflections of Model Experimentation: This was also one of our first fabricated model with the same idea of surface change that affect the light distribution through holes of pattern. Though it would cast an interesting regular pattern of moving shadows, however, we discard this adoption of surface as swe are ambitious to produce a gradual change of surface which is meaningful and contain strong concept in integration of Melbournians (city)- suburbs relationship. This model can’t fulfil our design intent as with the gradual increase or decrease of numbers of holes would distort the overall aesthetic quality of the model .
“ For many problems, including some phases of the architectural design process, such knowledge cannot exist prior to the search itself, since the sought-after solution is unique and process of finding it is characterized by missing information and uncertainty.” Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media 2004 Reflections of Model Experimentation: At first we have produced and fabricated a series of model frame for pinkysil model modeling however, it turns out unsuccessful, thus, we have to produce a new model for case study of vineyard. The outcomes turns out to be quite interesting with rotation and orientation of each brick that cast a different light and shadow silhouted upon the surface with a general representation of Melbourne Heritage and modern city as most of melbourne suburbs and urban dwellings are constructed with brick masonry technology and we are searching for idea adoption proposed by Le Corbusier which is search of origin for ornamentation of our sculptural model development- primitve and vernacular architecture. The texture of the outcomes is promising and satisfying as the repetition and slight change in orientation of blocks give different visual and spatial experience for drivers that on a journey back and forth between Wyndham City and Melbourne City In this model explorations, the model appears to be cubic form thoroughly which is would be against our idea of change from apparently huge, to minor form and dissapear that we consider to be matcheable quality that best represent specific identity and culture of Melbourne city- Wyndham City and the people who live within these cities. Althought the model has a confronted some challenges and obstacles to our design outcomes for dynamic and fluid forms which aims for gradual change for model surface allowing the model to function as both aesthetic signpost that give direction and as a sign of integration culture between Wyndham City and Melbournians
Though facing some challenges (huge amount of bricks or block-like structure) against our group EOI in search of functional ornamented model that functions in both abstract and actual sense- symbol of culture through art forms and directional sign post that give direction expressed through the gradual changing pattern and forms and changing light and shadows that would give sign as a general undestanding of drivers and public, we as architects, would take problem solving appraoch to test and experiment model- puzzle making to achieve generally satisfied outcomes.
WEEK 6: Physical Model Built up & Explorations
LISTING OF IDEAS: exploration of ideas AND refining con-
MAN-MADE
NODE: Melbouurne City ANTI-NODE: Wyndham To represent the symbolic of a city, the driver will get a narrow view to nature because of the tiny gap between each panel when driving from Melbourne city, it is just like a semi-transparent screen. On the other edge (close to Wyndham), it provide wider view to nature by enlarging the gap between panels, that bring the message
Drawing concepts of humannature engagements through depiction of model with site in context
LESS-DENSE
EXISTING NATURAL SURROUNDINGS
DENSER
Making of Physical Model to test the model before frabricating the refined model.
INPUT: Using a simple plane rectangle form to be the basic geometry of panel FOOD WEALTH LIFE-
TRANSPORT NOISE
POPULATION BUSINESS SOCIAL HOUSING
WIND MOVEMENT
ASSOCIATION: Force from surrounding Melbourne: Many force/ pressure from the city (noise, housing density, lifestyle, money, communication, social relation...) Wyndham: Only one force stress from nature (wind) OUTPUT: Melbourne:Regular Wynham: Curvilinear
LOWEST: HIGHEST:
Melbouurne City Wyndham
Drivers can only view the first few panels if placing the lowest one are placed at the front, they couldn’t release how long the sculpture is before passing thought it. The shorter panels will create a feeling of pressure, on the other hand, higher one will give a feeling of freedom ORIENTATION Part of panels might be blocked when different panels get different set back, which means drivers will view different form from different time, location DAY & NIGHT Driver can see the scuplture clearly even at night because of reflection of headlight from car The material will change gradually vertically, the scuplture will seem to be dissapear to the sky HEIGHT Gradual changing height indicates idea of virtual representaion of general tracking of urban density in aspect of population, noise distribution and housing.
NON-REFLECTIVE REFLECTIVE
WEEK 7: MODEL MAKING TO WYNDHAM PROJECT Develop & Fabricate
CHANGE OF...
The sculpture act as a signpost which alarm the drivers that they are already leaved away city, and entering to the nature, Wyndham City.
WEEK 7: MODEL MAKING TO WYNDHAM PROJECT Develop & Fabricate
Site Analysis for Model Positioning: Location: Western Fridge of Melbourne city, which is approximately 542 square kilometre wide. The red coloured section is the chosen site by group which is the location between site A & B and along the princess driveway as the site is potential in matching the purpose of our group model functions as sign that provide guidance and welcome the drivers towards the city or vice versa. Besides, the sun orientation during day time is vital as the site model highly depend on the natural light for casting shadows that manipulate driver’s instantaneous emotional and visual sense towards the change of place from city to suburbs or vice versa- architecture as sign
Fabricated layout of latest model for digtal cutting (done by groupmates)
Perforated Test Model: Grasshopper test+ Fabricated model Approaches: Rhino (grasshopper + label) + Lazer Cutting + Manual set up
conclusion: Exploring numerous of experinments and researches, personally, we have seen the potential design outcomes of digital tools and computer aided design such as the use of Rhino, grasshopper, illustrator, photoshops and photography ourselves. At current stage, we are quite satisfied with the latest existing model which I would say have demonstrate all our ideas such as display of light and shadow through gaps between models (might have to consider to reduce distance between each curving poles), gradual change of rotation grips, density of nodes and height as symbolic representation of urban sprawl towards Wyndham city and dynamic and fluid form and appearance. However, some ideas might not demonstrated obviously , like the use of materiality of timber to express reflective qualities during the night as site study has informed absence of light during night while we wish to use our design model as iconic sculpture which is functional throughout the day.
WEEK 7: Photography of Physical models and Reflection
WEEK 8: LEARNING OUTCOMES Digital architecture design with the use of digital tools is introduced and place us in the position that we were forced to learn and use it for techniques learning. At first, I found it extremely difficult as I have never engage my design with the use of digital tool in my first and second year of study in Bachelor of Environment, major in architecture as I always fond of using technical and manual drawing to deliver my design and conceptual ideas. Thus, this has exposed me to my first engagement with use of basics of grasshopper (definitions scripting, forms finding, tasks of parameter which is difficult to achieve using rhino), rhino (basics structure and fabrication techniques and labelling), illustratior (exporting pictures), photoshop (editing pictures), indesign ( documenting and arrangement of working progress) and techniques to photography. Besides, with introduce of readings concerning the advance of digital architecture, functions and success of digital architecture in modern architecture, we have seen the controversies of digital tool achievement and approaches with case studies and lectures. Next, we have to learn to make arguments with readings and case study as support towards our arguments and design decisions, which might be one of the most difficult task in documentation. Innovations and different possibilities can be achieved by grasshopper, input, association and output techniques are indeed informative and pratical when we were trained to explore matrices and outcomes of matrices bring. Though I am still not good in using grasshopper to form the forms I imagine, I have begin to use computer aided design in which if I am not forced to, I believe I would still be using antique architectural approach to demonstrate my design in this semester studio. Also, I am glad to be put in group as I found group works are challenging and inspiring as we can learn from each other, giving each other info and helping one another with our own limited knowledge through sharing for design process and to fabricate model up to satisfying level. In short I would say the learning so far is interesting however extremely challenging as it would be extremely time consuming for tool explorations, idea refining, etc. I believe the design outcome for our group will be great if more time is given to accomplish weekly task as I think the studio is about technical learning (compulsory to make design works), readings (necessary for ideas, inspirations and insight on knowledge of modern architecture)