PATTERNS + MOVEMENT
Hi! My
name is Calvin. I love things about design.
And that is one reason why I study architecture. I like to make things beautiful and make things work, especially through new and creative ways.
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I enjoy designing with I love editing pictures with
computers. Photoshop and laying out with InDesign.
However, I would like to know how computers can aid in generating designs for architecture rather than just being a drafting tool like AutoCAD. 5
I first encoun
ntered digital architecture through Virtual Environments in first year of university. I designed a headpiece using Google SketchUp.
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The design concept
behind the headpie
This concept was relevant because a headpiece acts as a mediator between the head and the environment. For example, as a shading device from the sun or an symbolic expression of the wearer to the environment. I executed the concept by abstracting a form for the headpiece by capturing the movement of a dove landing on my head. I was interested in the graceful movements of the dove as an expression of the peaceful interaction between humans and the environment.
ece was to express an interaction between the wearer and the environment.
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The final result was highly expressive! The elegant curvilinear curves captured the graceful landing of the peaceful dove. During an accidental lighting arrangement, I captured the photograph on the left. It was highly expressive of the design intent. I wish to explore lighting effects further in this course. 11
I have not explored
much of d
digital architecture yet. I have learnt Rhino and Grasshopper. However, I have very limited understanding and technique in using it for design.
I think digital architecture, in the future, will be a major discourse in architecture. And so, I think it is worth exploring further. 13
Case for
Innovation
Architecture as a Discourse
“Architecture needs to be thought of less as a set of special material products and rather more as range of social and professional practices that sometimes, but by no means always, lead to buildings.” Williams, Richard (2005). ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press), pp. 102-116, p. 108) 17
Blur Building
“No walls, no roof, no purpose...” Swiss Expo 2.0, Yverdon-les-Bains, Switzerland Diller + Scofidio, 2002
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I like this architecture bec people's ideas of what is a
cause it challenges a building.
The Blur Building, a building if you could call it, has no dimensions, no scale, no form and no function. And it is also a building that you can drink! And these generate a conversation about what is architecture. 21
I find the building even it explores how we expe
The building is a reaction against exposition. It challenges our depe building "absolutely nothing to se
I believe this architecture pushes hard again what is architecture.
more interesting in how erience architecture.
the overwhelming visual simulation normally in an endence on vision and our want of activity. Here is a ee and nothing to do" as quoted from the architects.
s forward what architecture can be and makes us think 23
Computing in Architecture
“For the first time perhaps, architectural design might be aligned with neither formalism nor rationalism but with intelligent form and traceable creativity.� Terzidis, Kostas (2006). Algorithmic Architecture (Boston, MA: Elsevier), p. xi
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New technology has always been used to create new architecture. The advent of the computer brought about changes in the architectural design process. Kalay suggested there are three aspects of architectural design process: problem analysis, solution synthesis and evaluation. This is then brought together through various communication media, which includes now the computer. Idea 1: (quick and efficient) In view of these design processes, computers can bring about many benefits. In terms of problem analysis, the computer is a great tool for analysis and can work out tedious methods without getting bored like humans. Besides analysing, a variety of design solutions can be generated quicker and complex geometry that is difficult to be produced manually are much easier to be generated. Evaluation, just like problem analysis, can be done more thoroughly and quicker. Finally, computers facilitate communication as they are quick and easily transferrable in a virtual format. However, I think Ideas of artificial intelligence integrate conception + production Computerisation vs computation new architectonic possibilities
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Parametric Modelling
“Parametric design is such that it is the parameters of a design that are declared, not the shape... Equations are used to represent the relationships between objects. The ability to define, determine and reconfigure geometrical relationships is of particular value.” Mark Burry, ‘Paramorph’, 1999 29
Parametric Modelling Advantages: Allows for change allows for complexity previously might save cost on otherwise using conventional methods Disadvantages: Steep learning curve to define new relationships all at the start. Overwhelming work tend to be form-making rather than form finding currently what is parameters? two parametric projects: Toyo Ito Cecil Balmond’s Serpentine Pavillion 2002 Antonio Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia work
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Serpentine Pavillion “Structural Design” London, United Kingdom Toyo Ito and Cecil Balmond, 2002 33
Sagrada Familia “Continuing the rules” Barcelona, Spain Antonio Gaudi + RMIT SIAL, 1883-present 35
The Sagrada Familia was a huge project that the architect knew he could not complete in his lifetime and so he devised rules and made scaled models so that future architects can carried out his plans. Digital parametric techniques are now used to analyse these rules and models. Most of the models were destroyed during a civil uprising. So, parametric techniques were used to create digital models that are as close as possible to the original models. These techniques allowed for faster manipulation to find the original forms the architect intended. And also it allows better teamwork as this involved research teams from as far as Melbourne to Barcelona. Variations are able to be produced quickly and be discussed online to be checked. Finally, communication between the stonemasons were facilitated as the digital models provide more accuracy and had taken into account the real building scale. I think parametric modelling is highly useful in dealing with complex works like the Sagrada Familia. It allows faster design manipulation and building execution which would probably take way much longer using conventional software. Finally, it allows the architect to be able to return to role of medieval master builder - design and construction 37
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Case Studies
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Learning Experience I find digital architecture still rather alien, as in I feel I can’t design anything in it. However, I’m interested in how more efficiently complex systems can be dealt with. I like the idea that parameters are set up earlier and the flexibility of changing small parts and the whole design updates rather than starting from scratch. However, having to set up the parameters. Group Argument
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Expression of
Interest
We are inte
Patterns
that produ experie
and engage the viewer with th
The freeway is a uninterrupted space where the subjec The art project must therefore not only catch the su engaging at th
Our proposal is to use patterns in producing the vi repetitive nature, have the ability to represe
We add depth to this pattern with the use of multipl signage by providing glimpses of a common s
erested in
uce visual ence of
Movement
heir surrounding environment.
ct can only spend milli-seconds at a designated point. ubject’s attention but also be thought-provoking and he same time.
isual experience of movement. Patterns, with their ent movement by creating optical illusions.
le layers while also critiquing the typical freeway art sign instead of being obvious to the viewers. 55
John Lewis Departmen
nt Store Facade “layered transparency� Leicester, United Kingdom Foreign Office Architects, 2008
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Idea of panels Double skin to create different transparencies Pattern sensitive to context
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Arrangement of tiles to a larger pattern basing on needed shading function in store
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Galle
eria Centrecity Facade “Creating an optical illusion” Cheonan, South Korea UN Studio, 2008-10
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Moire effect produced by double skin and lines going at different angles. Interesting lighting effect
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Eastlink
Melbourne, Australia Wood Marsh Architects, 2009
“How to make the journey an engaging experience�
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Design language getting from the palette of things normally seen on a highway, the signs, the landscape, the trees
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Technique: Double skin, moire effect, signage Wall panel with multiple layers with varying materiality designed through a parametric model induced by a mathematical equation of the notion of movement, producing a pattern
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Initial Concept Matrix
Grid Surface Extrusion Attractor Point Attractor Curve Image Sampler Maths Function Multiple Maths Function
Rotati
e
ion
Overlapping Pattern Extrusion
Rotation
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Refining Concept Matrix
Equation
(sin(x))^y
sin(x*y) * cos(y*z)
cos(x) * cos(y)
sin(x) + y
sin(x) + sin(y)
Geometry
Signage
circle
blue
hexagon
brown
square
green
rectangle
grey
triangle
red
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Further Exploration Our group have a good concept, but we didn’t use Grasshopper to its full potential in our technique definition.. The resulting model was too simple and boring. I think we need to look more precedents that deal with the concept of movement and patterns. I think our current technique with sit well on the site as a wall. Site B is probably the best to continue as it is flatter. I think we need to develop the multiple screens idea further so that the effect will be stronger and will interest the drivers more as well as fulfilling the aspirations of Wyndham City Council on the gateway. Using parametric technique has become more interesting, if I had more time, rather just producing what is needed, I would love to explore more complex methods that can generate more interesting results
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