STUDIO AIR 2016, SEMESTER 2, Christopher Ferris #3 Chen Chaoming Design Journal
Table of Contents INTRODUCTION
PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION
A.1 Design Futuring A.2 Design Computation A.3 Composition/Generation A.4 Conclusion A.5 Learning Outcomes A.6 Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches A.7 Bibliography
PART B. CRITERIA DESIGN
B.1 Research Field B.2 Case Study 1.0
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INTRO H
ello my name is Chaoming or you can just call me Anna instead. I am currently a third year architecture student in The University of Melbourne, major in ARCHITECTURE. I was born and grew up in the fascinating, rapid developing country – China, as many international students do. Both my parents are professional engineer in civil domain, who probably gave birth to my passion of architecture during my childhood as they intentionally brought me sightseeing around the various places of China.
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DUCTION However, what might make me a little bit different from others and pursue me to a career in architecture field is the experience before starting my undergraduate degree. As the first place I have selected to study abroad, Singapore amazed me by its modernized and massive city environments. After one year foundation, I decided to step into the realm of Green building and sustainability as my diploma course. During the three years life in Singapore, different types of computer skill in software such as Revit, Autocad, Ecotect have been trained as well as gaining lots of theoretical knowledge of building sustainable design. Besides, I have also involved in various parttime jobs in my spare time as well as a worth mentioning half year internship in Honeywell Pte Ltd as a project manager assistant. Through those working experience, I was getting increasingly keened in architecture related design and starting realized that more practical design exercises were the things I lacked and looked forward.
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The University of Melbourne thereupon became the next stop for me to continue exploring my career path in architecture. In the past year, I have been able to tackle various types of design project such as the pavilion design in Design Environments and Studio Earth, as well as abstract topic of sleeping pod in Digital Design and Fabrication. All the exercises helped me gained deeper understanding in architectural design about materiality, functionality and aesthetic performance. Fortunately, Studio Air is going to lead us to explore a new field of parametric design although my modelling skill in Rhino and grasshopper is still in a foundation level. But I am indeed looking forward to examine rather organic forms and unusual geometries with these computational design tools.
// Designing Environments // Studio Air // Digital Design & Fabrication
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PART A.
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A.1 DESIGN FUTURING CONCEPTUALISATION 11
CORNWALL GARDEN
- Case Study one
Chang Architects // 2014 // Singapore
As Tony Fry mentioned in his book, one of the tasks that ‘design futuring’ has to confront against current environmental backdrop is ‘redirecting towards far more sustainable modes of planetary habitation’1. Conventionally, residential project is using solid wall structure to enclose the private area as well as defining its interior and exterior spaces. Differently, this precedent of residential landed house suggested another innovative definition of good class living in tropics, in the physical and spiritual sense – by living with and constantly in touch with nature. Not only taking into consideration of local climate and site resources, this project succeeded in response to the broader context of gathering plants and water bodies as part of the overall planning for the purposes of passive cooling as well as general wellness of the environment.
To residents, this project relooks at ways of enhancing the joy of tropical living, of enlivening communal living in a contemporary, tropical setting, where family members reside in a home of interconnected social spaces. To environment, the architecture demonstrates great cooperation between nature and manmade in terms of material used. Salvaged materials and objects from the old house form part of the new house’s schedule of finishes, and recycled wood were used for floorings and cabinetries. In person, I will rate the project as ‘a tropical paradise’ which demonstrates the future possibilities of designing a residential habitation with sustainable approaches, also serving differing needs and aspirations in a contemporary urban setting.
image source: http://www.archello.com/en/project/cornwall-gardens
1. Tony Fry, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 1-16.
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‘ECODUCT’ tHE BORKELD - Case Study Two Zwarts & Jansma Architects // 2005 // Netherland
As we know, wildlife animals take an important role as part of the ecosystem, but they are the one suffered the hugest impact from the aggressive and insatiable human activities as well. Aiming to help balancing and restoring out ecosystem, keep protecting the stable growth of nature life and minimizing the deconstruction of our mother nature are essential in current stage. Considering confronting our nemesis of ‘defuturing condition of unsustainability’, the bridge known as ’Ecoduct’ could be the response in the way of architecture1. The Borkeld is functioned as a wildlife overpass which designed for wildlife animals to get across highway A1 in the National Park called ‘Veluwe’. image source: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread. php?t=1468140&page=52 https://au.pinterest.com/pin/378443174914082641/
Through the project, the architect made their effort to help animals regain their natural habitat which irrupted by human being, and also intended to make the intervention for human to be as discreet as possible where the span of bridge was designed without a central pillar to create a calm image for drivers on the highway. Gradually, the idea of building such ecoduct bridge spreads around the country of Netherland. Such a precedent provides insight to how architecture can instigate change of the world and remind people to consider more of the lives surrounded. In addition, the design strategy of composing natural ecology into man-made ecology paves the way of rescuing current distressing situation and should be highly encouraged for further dissemination.
1. Tony Fry, ‘Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice’ (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 1-16.
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A.2 DESIGN COMPUTATION CONCEPTUALISATION 17
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Research Pavilion- Case 2013-14 Study one ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart // 2014 // Germany As through the contemporary computational design strategy and technology, the project ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 has been created and demonstrated the architectural potential of novel design, simulation and fabrication processes. According to Rivka Oxman and Robert Oxman, the development of digital architectural design should be accommodated by “emerge in the intersection between science, technology, design and architectural culture”1. As the project showing here, the project was planned and constructed within a multi-disciplinary team of biologist, palaeontologists, architects and engineers. image source: http://www.archdaily.com/522408/icd-itke-researchpavilion-2015-icd-itke-university-of-stuttgart
The project is focused on a parallel bottom-up design strategy with the help of novel robotic fabrication method to form the fibre reinforced polymer structures. In total 36 individual elements were fabricated, whose geometries are based on structural principles abstracted from the beetle elytra. Each of them has an individual fiber layout which results in a material efficient load-bearing system. Through the development of computational design and simulation tools, both the robotic fabrication characteristics and the abstracted biomimetic principles could be simultaneously integrated in the design process. Nowadays, without the help of various computational design strategies, such complex geometries are impossible to be conceivable and achievable. In conclusion, the pavilion precedent demonstrated the possibility of synthesis between material, form and robotic fabrication through computational strategies which can lead to the innovative generation of architectural design. Simultaneously, the tectonic feasibilities of architecture are also widened with the assistance of multidisciplinary research approach.
1. Rivka and Robert Oxman, ‘Theories of the Digital in Architecture’ (London; New York: Routledge, 2014), pp.1–10.
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BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM - Case Study Two Herzog & de Meuron, ArupSport // 2007 // China
The stunning landmark building of Beijing National Stadium located at the south of the centrepiece Olympic Green and staged the 2008 Olympic Games with a gross volume of three million cubic metres which was considered to be the world’s largest enclosed space and steel structure. Better known as the Bird’s Nest, the most impressive part of the project must be the unwrapped steel frame which functioned for aesthetic purpose but also the entirely structure. If just simply using traditional methods through countless calculations and drafting on the paper, this kind of feasible structure would neither be designed nor built, hence the computational design strategies took a very important place at this stage. image source: http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/national_ stadium/ http://w w w.detail - online.com/inspiration/national stadium-in-beijing-103349.html
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Besides, the engineering and construction of building are also heavily depended on computational design or parametric design. As an Olympic venue, there were many standards and requirements laid down which asked high level computational techniques and simulation tools to work out. For example, Computational fluid dynamics (CDF) simulation based on the Games-time situation has been used to calculate the temperature and airflow speed at each angle of the structure and optimise all ventilation facilities accordingly. As the era of rapid development of computational architecture, people are always trying to utilize various types of tools to examine more possibility while conceiving projects. On the other hand, it also gives impetus to people design better and more potent tools to take advantage in projects. Nowadays, the generative, computational design movement becomes an essential part in architectural design, as well as enhancing our ability to evolve the built environment.
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A.3
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3 COMPOSITION /GENERATION CONCEPTUALISATION 23
THE ESPLANADE - THEATRE ON THE BAY - Case Study One DP Architects, Russell Johnson // 2002 // Singapore
The eye-catching building in Singapore is a world-class performing arts centre made up of two rounded frames fitted with over 7,000 triangle glass sunshades. Locals have dubbed them “the Durian”, as the twin structures resemble the spiky tropical fruit that is unique to this part of the world. As Peters said in the ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, ‘the development of computational simulation tools can create more responsive designs, allowing architects to explore new design options and to analyse architectural decisions during the design process’1.
image source: https://w w w.esplanade.com/about-us/architectureand-building-design
This is a project occurred quite early in the modernist period which showing how the revolution in computational programs and the advancement in design from computerisation to computation. Such computer aided tool gave architects and engineers the ability to model buildings with simulating different solution to determine the best performance based on the analysis. However, to regulate and experiment various parameters to generate solutions, architect acquire adequate experience and knowledge of mastering the algorithmic design. A specific parameter example in this case is the adjustment of sun exposure level made to the shading system which the angles of ‘spikes’ should be defined accurately to made the building envelope efficient enough as well as ensuring the interior comfort level, what is all credited to the use of such computation generative approach during design process.
1. Brady Peters, ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, (Architectural Design, 83, 2, 2013) pp. 08-15.
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SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION - Case Study Two Foster & Partners, Brady Peters // 2007 // Washington DC
With the continuous development of computational design technologies and tools, the algorithmic thinking paves the way for architects to explore various design possibilities in different parts of the architecture such as the case showing in terms of roof construction. The structure consists of large span grid with varying nodes of height, which produced construction issues to the design team. Hence, a single computer program was written by one of the architect in the design team to generate the geometry of the roof. The computer code was used to explore design options and was constantly modified throughout the design process. It was also used to generate the final geometry and additional information needed to analyse structural and acoustic performance, to visualise the space, and to create fabrication data for physical models.
In this instant, computational design tool allows the architect to experiment different fabricated solutions on the digital model through modulating algorithmic script to ensure the accuracy during the design process. Considering the generative design critically, I start to wonder whether is the computational tool might make the architect or the design team over rely on them hence causing inconceivable design through process. Thus the architectural shift from composition to generation must be intertwined progressively as a steady evolution.
image source: h t t p : // w w w. f o s t e r a n d p a r t n e r s . c o m / p r o j e c t s / smithsonian-institution/
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The first part of studio air is about the idea of conceptualization which aimed to lay the foundation stone for the following parametric design processes. In the Design Futuring (a1) session, the topic is trying to point out our direction as an architectural designer, taking the consideration of building up our future design through sustainable approaches. In order to make my argument more convincing and comprehensive, I usually selected to analyse two precedent projects either form sharp contrast between or existing in different situations. As the cases I have selected in a1, the Cornwall Garden is to be a sustainable residential habitation while the Ecoduct is more focusing on the protection and restoration of ecosystem. Secondly, the Computational Design (a2) introduces the process of the computational evolution, as well as how it engaging into the design process. To discuss the benefits of the involvement of computational strategies, the case of ICD-ITKE Research Pavilion is talking about the exploration of materiality and robotic fabrication through computation, whereas the Beijing National Stadium utilized the computational technology in the structure and analytical calculation aspects.
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Get into the last chapter of Part A: Composition & Generation (a3), I started off looking into how architecture makes response to the shift from composition to generative design. There are various aspects that the generative design could be involved in such as the building performance of the Esplanade, and the structure construction analysis of the Smithsonian Institution. In response to the design brief of virtual museum, honestly there is no much preconceived idea in my mind as this is such an innovative and abstract theme to me. However, through the entire three weeks study, I would love to explore more in the field of creating a dynamic and fluent experience to the visitors by designing and programing with the parametric tools, as well as associating with sustainable design approaches. But considering it critically, the design of its rationality and functionality might become a rising problem to such a challenging project. I think the virtual architecture must become a popular future trend in the market and to become more proficient about the parametric design skill is essential to form integration between different fields, which I will keep on putting effort to it.
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A.4 CONCLUSION
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So far, besides gaining theoretical knowledge through every lecture and reading literature, the precedent study with specific topics became an eye-opener to help me gain deeper understanding of different architectural design approaches, as well as their significances to our built environment. And sharing the research tasks during the studio time is another impressive experience for me to exchange and absorb others’ opinion which could also become a resource of inspiration from. Furthermore, through the few weeks of practicing on the Rhino integrated with Grasshopper, the most enjoyable thing is these completely new and foreign design tools gradually reveal the charisma of parametric design to me. Not only my computational skill on software has been enhanced, my logical thinking was being experimenting and building up as well.
Viewing back to the past design project of my ‘Sleeping pod’ in the subject of Digital design and Fabrication, few points are founded with potential to be further improved. In terms of geometric form, grasshopper could be a potent tool in varying the shape became more dynamic and threatening instead of such pure sphere geometry as the original one. To the aspect of materiality, the original ivory card seems a little monotonous. With the help of various digital fabrication technologies, more types of materials could be experimented to provide more feasibility for conduction and fulfilment of design concept. I believe that the Part A paved the way for the following algorithmic-based design and ignited my passion of confronting more design tasks in the further.
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.5 LEARNING OUTCOMES CONCEPTUALISATION 31
A.6 A 32
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Appendix Algorithmic Sketches CONCEPTUALISATION 33
01 Lofting Parametric Vase
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Z Vector - Point - Circle - Radius - Surface - Loft I created the location and size of my vase’s base circle frames straight from grasshopper. Number sliders are connected to the vector and circle’s radius to control the positioning and size of each circles. After these, the ‘loft’ command is used to multi-connect the circles sequentially as well as the bottom circle is added a surface command to create the bottom of vase. Hence, 5 variations of vases are created by changing the radius and moving ‘z’ vector of each circle.
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02 VORONOI + POPULATE
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Populate 3D / Populate Geometry - Voronoi 3D - List Item - Index Inspired by the online tutorials. I experiment the Voronoi 3D command together with the populate 3D / populate Geo command to set the geometry. The images are showing the result from sphere and box with some parts of block deleted. One slider is connected to give value of point number within the box. Then, ‘list item’ command is used to check every voronoi block created by each point through sliding the index number. After baking, I randomly deleted some blocks to create different cut-out solid.
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03 curve menu Point / Curve / Surface
Curve
Surf
Point
Point- Curve - Divide Curve - Arc SED -
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face
Curve
Point
- Loft - Divide Length - Flip Matrix - Interpolate
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04 TRANSFORMATION menu Point / Curve / Surface
Point
Curve
Surfac
Curve - Divide Curve - Loft
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ace
Curve
Point
t - Contour - Move - Unit X
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Brady Peters, ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, (Architectural Design, 83, 2, 2013) pp. 08-15. Rivka and Robert Oxman, ‘Theories of the Digital in Architecture’ (London; New York: Routledge, 2014), pp.1–10. Tony Fry, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 1-16.
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BIBLIOGRAPHY
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PART B.
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CRITERIA DESIGN
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B.1 RESEARCH FIELD CONCEPTUALISATION 47
tESSELLATION In a general term, tessellation of a surface is an approach of applying repetitive geometrical elements to define the whole, without leaving overlaps or gaps in between. In the field of architecture, tessellations have been used to create decorative elements since ancient time which was known as mosaic tiling. However, with the emergence of the digital design and fabrication movement, tessellation starts to be embedded into various complex forms for not only the purpose of decoration, but also integrating or performing as the structure system. Hence, during the contemporary era, both architects and engineers keen to explore the unlimited potential of this research field as well as enhancing its existing performance.
Compare to the similar research field of ‘patterning’, tessellation demonstrates more possibilities of three-dimensional, dynamic and functional design. This field could also be further analysed in our part c task as designing the structure of visual museum through tessellated approaches, as well as utilizing the arrangement of panelization to direct visitors during the journey.
image source: http://www.iwamotoscott.com/VOUSSOIR-SHELL
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B.2 CASE STUDY ONE CONCEPTUALISATION 51
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VOUSSOIR - CLOUD Case Study One IwamotoScott Architecture // 2008 // San Francisco
The relevant project of tessellation is a landscape called ‘Voussoir Cloud’ which consisting of clusters of three dimensional petals. The structure is formed by five columns with several vaults above which extending from the bottom of each column. The petals expand and spread gradually until join with others to form the vaults at the top. Besides, the material performance of the case is also noticeable that each curvature of thin wood laminate is calculated through designate computational script and fabricated by laser cutting. Finally, these petal pieces are reconstituted by folded along the curved score lines and simply zip tied together.
Voussoir Cloud attempted to de-familiarize both structure and the wood material to create conflicted readings of normative architectural typologies. It is a light, porous surface made of compressive elements that creates atmosphere with these luminous wood pieces, and uses this to gain sensorial effects. image source: http://www.architectmagazine.com/photos/voussoircloud http://www.iwamotoscott.com/VOUSSOIR-CLOUD
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ITERNATIONS
Base Geometry
Anchor Point
Kangaroo Effect
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01 Varing Width:
02 Varing Depth:
Sliding the ‘scale’ of bottom geometries
Sliding the ‘unit z’ of bottom geometries
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03 Jitter Component: Sliding the ‘domain’ of range
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04 Varing Base shape: Replacing base geometry with different shapes
05 Varing Force: Sliding the ‘force’ applied to points
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B.3 CASE STUDY TWO CONCEPTUALISATION 59
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ZA11 PAVILION Dimitrie Stefanescu, Patrick Bedarf, Bogdan Hambasan // 2011 // Cluj, Romania
image source: http://w w w.archdaily.com/14794 8/za11- pavilion - dimitr ie stefanescu-patrick-bedarf-bogdan-hambasan
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REVERSE ENGINEERING METHOD 01
01 Base Curve
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02 Base Surface
03 Voronoi Pattern
04 Outer Skin
05 Inner Skin
06 Loft
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REVERSE ENGINEERING METHOD 02
01 Base Curve
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02 Loft Curve
03 Hexagon + Map to Surface
04 Extrude Points
05 Central Cylinder
06 Split Brep
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B.4 TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT CONCEPTUALISATION 67
50 iterations
01 SURFACE SHAPE
02 VORONOI
03 PATCH
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04 REBUILD + EXTRUDE
05 INTERPOLATE CURVE
06 OCTREE
07 PANELING TOOLS
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08 META BALL
09 LOFTING
10 MESH
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sUCCESSFUL OUTCOMES
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B.5 TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPE CONCEPTUALISATION 77
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B.6 TECHNIQUE: PROPROSAL CONCEPTUALISATION 83
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