01 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
The wind veil project comprise of 80,000 small aluminium panels that are hinged to move freely in the wind. The interactive facade veils a 6-storey tall parking garage in Charlotte, North Carolina through ripples of metallic waves which produce intricate patterns of light and shadow in the interior walls and floors as sunlight passes through this kinetic membrane.
MATERIALITY AND PERCEPTION
The design exploration of transforming materiality of aluminium into a seemingly transparent, organic and lightweight material advances the visual culture of architecture as an expression of art, symbol and space. Digital architecture used in this project completely transforms public conception of space through a heightened visual interaction. A deep meaning lies in its conversation with the surrounding context of wind generated by both the train and natural forces and also with the individual viewers. A unification of arts and science chorreographs into a social landmark that enables the public to experience it even from afar. Kahn’s work is incredibly legible and provides insight into the contemporary society, acting as a tool of communication which sparks and unite the interest within different social layers. This state of the art project is succcesful in reflecting architecture’s social and political impact and responsibility, an approach which can bring Wyndham’s vision of advancing its society in a manner of unity through the use of architecture as a communicative link between different individuals.
01 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
TRANSREGIONAL LANDMARK
Tiger and Turtle functions as a public art which reflects the situation of change in the region and its turn towards renaturation and restructuring. It challenges and defies logic in its spatial experience, acting as a potential transregional landmark that unites different social groups through an alternate interaction with the familiar portrayal of a roller coaster, inviting an open interpretation of the underlying message. The piece of architecture celebrated as art also conveys the advancement in construction technology and a collaboration between various disciplines of engineering, landscape architects and parametric stairs planner. Its trademark feature of continuous stairs harbours a never before accomplished challenge. As a result of its advanced engineering and an artistic fresh perspective in representing the social and political context within the site, the Tiger and Turtle succesfully transforms into a transregional landmark which invites the interest of the local and international communities. An approach of representing the local context of Wyndham through firstly, a communicative piece of architecture as art and secondly, a statement in technological advancement can combine to form an architectural gateway which is distinctive to the Wyndham community, generating international interest.
01 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
PHOTOGRAPHER CENTER
A proposed photographer center was to be positioned along Gopeng road which cuts through two rows of dilapidated colonial shophouses within the heart of Kepayang village in Perak, Malaysia. Initially, the local government seeks to demolish the two rows of heritage shophouses and redevelop the area into a commercial zone but this was put on hold due to media attention. The local community seeks to preserve the two remaining rows of shophouses. The aim of designing the photographer center is to preserve the heritage value of the site and attract tourism to revive the former glory of Kepayang village.
CONCEPT
The concept; embracing the past, paving the future aims to link the historical shophouse to a new extension. An interaction between these two blocks form a dialogue of regionalism through the abstraction of scale, roof pitch, natural lighting, natural ventilation and space planning from its contextual buildings. It embraces the role of architecture as a bridge between the past, present and the future, reviving the historical site of its former glory and catapulting the site into relevance with the contemporary society. The use of frosted glass and aluminium frames as an outer facade skin blends the use of contemporary materials with the contrasting texture of old bricks and aging timber revealed underneath it. The conversation between materiality and massing links the original shophouse to a new extension. The design approach abstracts rich regional characteristics which visually represents a community, undergoing a reinterpretation into a contemporary sense through the use of digital architecture. Building upon layers of significant history but at the same time, relating it to the contemporary context enriches a sense of place, an approach which is in line with Wyndham’s vision of inspiring and enriching the municipality
DIALOGUE BETWEEN WHAT WAS. AND WHAT IS TO BE. ALLEYWAY
The alleyway acts as the main axis of circulation, connecting all parts of the photographer center. This idea is inspired from the use of alley way spaces in colonial shop houses within the site context.
EXTENSION
A new extension is added to the existing shophouse. The extension utilises the same scale of a long and narrow interior space, to unite the interior of the extension with that of the shop house. Towards the end of the extension, the experimental theatre space is rotated to symbolise a breakaway movement towards the future.
DIALOGUE
Two volumes enclose the original structures within in a contemporary artistic sense. The volumes create a harmonious dialogue through lines which adopts the roof pitches of the shop houses. Vibrant lines derived from the angle of the roof pitches form the skeletal frames of the two volumes. Frosted glass form the transparent volumes, framing the structure underneath.
02 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
INTEGRATION :CONSTRUCTION AND DESIGN The Spencer Dock Bridge by Amanda Levete Architects is a public landmark noted for contribution of innovation in construction. In 2009, the architectural marvel was awarded the Best Structural Design prize at a Leaf (Leading European Architects Forum). Computational design enabled structural accuracy, time-efficiency and costefficiency by deriving all formwork directly from 3D parametric models. Innovative use of CNC cut polystrene also enabled accurate construction of the form. An integration of engineering and construction disciplines in the early design stage also reduced the risk of structural failure. It also monitored fabrication methods and cost to ensure a succesfsul outcome.
02 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
CUSTOMISED MODULARISATION
The research pavillion was designed using computer bionic principles to produce modular panels which consist of three plate edges. The panels always meet together at just one point, a principle which enables the transmission of normal and shear forces but no bending moments between the joints, thus resulting in a bending bearing but yet deformable structure. Computational principles of joints allowed easy fabrication using robotic manufacturing, forming individual panels that can be assembled easily on site. A similar approach of customized massproduction of modular units can be achieved through parametric software and fabrication, allowing lower cost, ease in logistics and fast assembly within site. This approach is useful in the construction of Wyndham gateway project, where site conditions are hard to access.
03 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
ANDRE DE GOUVEIA RESIDENCE
Paris, France ; Vincent Parreira of AAVP Architecture, and Antonio Virga Architecte The Andre de Gouveia Residence (1967) serve as an accomodation for Portugese students and researches to complement the work of the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation’s support of education through scholarships. The residence was renovated and restored in 2007, boasting a unique facade which comprises of perforated aluminium panels reminiscent of calcada patterns , a traditional Portugese paving pattern which invokes the richness in ornament and texture of the ancient Portugese palaces and residences.
DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
The use of parametric design in the Andre de Gouveia residence contained a social purpose of creating a sense of place according to contemporary context. The abstraction of familiar concepts within the Portugese culture was done in a sophisicated manner, taking into consideration its relevance to contemporary context through the exploration and discovery of materiality and productivity in construction and mass production. The parametric designed facade therefore clearly reflects the architect’s intention of scripting for productivity and a voyage of discovery. The residence is a clear example of the potential of parametric design as a powerful tool; and its contribution to society.
SCRIPTING AND SOCIETY : ABSTRACTION OF CULTURE
The architect’s intent in representing a sense of place according to the modern context resulted in their abstraction of concepts from cultural elements of the Portugese society. The concept of positive and negative combined with the interlocking, infinity repetition of cascada geometry were abstracted and reinterpreted into parametric principles. The gilded aluminium screens further dissect this concept by breaking down the patterns into repetitive perforation units of two sizes, combining through a positive and negative arrangement to form patterns as a whole. .
VISUAL EFFECTS Light and shadow.
Reflection and filtration of light. Warped movement
VISUAL EFFECTS / POSSIBILITIES / ENGAGING. WYNDHAM’S DIRECTION.
The solid materiality of the aluminium is manipulated to produce a translucent wallpaper effect which allows light to filter through the perforated screens. The repetitive perforation adopt a series of combination between positive and negative openings to induce the play of light and shadow, controlling the amount of light which filters through. A duo-tone effect is also achieved, despite the aluminium panel being monotone. As one visually engages the panel while moving, moire optical illusions form, giving a sense of warping movement. Overall, this contemporary reinterpretation behind the concept of calcada tiling produces explorative visual effects which evoke reminiscence of patterns directly relating to the Portugese residents. The sophisication of the facade is a statement of the possibilities in parametric architecture which adopts a socially responsive and innovative scripting culture. This potential in parametric architecture can further strengthen Wyndham’s vision of representing the community while moving forward.
03 EOI : CASE FOR INNOVATION :
“ARCHITECTURE’S MATERIALITY IS THEREFORE A COMPOSITE ONE, MADE UP OF VISIBLE AS WELL AS INVISIBLE FORCES” (MOUSSAVI, 2008)
In conjunction with University of Tokyo and Columbia University GSAPP, a joint workshop named Digital Tea House was conducted with the aim of designing and building three pavilions for hosting tea ceremony. The design intent seeked to represent society through parametric architecture, linking the bridge between architecture, tradition and culture. Through contemporary decoding of traditional elements and reinterpretation using parametric design, the pavilions materialized the elements of Japanese art and architecture. A traditional tea house was first analysed in terms of function and spacial qualities. Physical and non-physical elements were then reinterpreted such as the path of natural light which streams into the interior, the controlled imperfection in the form of spinning pottery, the composition of tatami mats and the openings within walls to induce certain views. In this study, parametric architecture seeked inspiration from existing forms and qualities which form the daily life of the people, producing an architectural piece which grew out of a community rather than being imposed. The contemporary reinterpretation however, if conducted with sophisication,is able to bring a society rich in heritage into the future, by creating new architecture that moves the people forward. This potential in parametric architecture can represent Wyndham’s spirit of community and communicate a message of moving into the future.
PAVILION “NAMI-NO-MA”
Reinterpretation of views from a teahouse and the controlled imperfection of tea bowl’s surface, inspired the irregular layers of plywood facade within the pavillion Parametric software allowed the rationalization of these plywood structures, creating a series of groove pattern densities which allow different degree of bending.Cartesian points derived from the parametric model were then linked to the CNC router for cutting, easing fabrication.
PAVILION “130008252010”
Inspired by the controlled imperfection of tea leaves and the light in Japanese teahouse architecture, the pavillion was designed for the precise moment of 13:00 on Aug. 25, 2010, when the teaceremony took place. Specific lighting is incoporated in the interior space, having fragmented shadows and lighting to align with the cut-out straw mat pattern. The play of light and shadow produces ever-changing ornamentation but also indicates where host and guests may sit. Precise mathematical calculations achieved a perfect geometry in response to light at that particular location. Again, the use of CNC routing and modularisation allowed faster and cheaper fabrication.
04 EOI: RESEARCH PROJECT: CUT: DEVELOP
BOOLEAN PATTERNING +IMAGE SAMPLER + ROTATION BOOLEAN : TRUE,FALSE,TRUE
BOOLEAN PATTERNING + POINT ATTRACTOR + ROTATION
BOOLEAN : FALSE,TRUE,FALSE. INCREASE IN PORE SIZE
ROTATION
POINT ATTRACTOR AT BOTTOM
BOOLEAN : FALSE,FALSE,TRUE
ROTATION
BOOLEAN : TRUE,TRUE,TRUE
BOOLEAN :TRUE,FALSE,TRUE
RECTANGULAR OUTPUT
EXPLICIT GRIDS : HEXAGON + BOOLEAN PATTERNING
IMAGE SAMPLER + SETS
IMAGE SAMPLER, NUMBER OF TYPES : 2
IMAGE SAMPLER, NUMBER OF TYPES : 3
RECTANGLE RADIUS 0
DOMAIN RADIUS 0.0-10.00_HEXGRID RADIUS 3.04
NO IMAGE SAMPLER, NUMBER OF TYPES : 3
EXPLICIT GRIDS +CURVE ATTRACTOR DOMAIN RADIUS 0.41-5.08
Precedent based design was generated in reference to the Andre de Gouveia residence (see E03- Case fo Innovation). It was observed that the parametric perforation altered the perception of a surface. The matrix generated aimed to capture the different effects of perception that can be achieved within a surface, altering its materiality . Visually attractive effects that challenges the normal perception of a surface holds the potential in providing an element of surprise in the gateway design. Use of modilar panels were also considered in this exploration, through a single controlled surface. Composition of positive and negative perforations, size and density were then manipulated to explore different perceptions.
BOOLEAN PATTERNING +MULTIPLE MATH
(SIN x COSY)(Z)
(SINY x COSZ)(X)
BOOLEAN : FALSE,FALSE,FALSE
EXPLICIT GRIDS +POINT ATTRACTOR +ROTATION
ROTATION OFFSET 2.00
ROTATION OFFSET 7.33
ROTATION OFFSET 14.00
CURVE INTERSECTION +MATH FUNCTION +ROTATION
SIN (X)Y TO SIN(Y)X
SIN (Y)X TO SIN(X) Y
DOMAIN RANGE INCREASED (0-10), INCREASED ROTATION OFFSET
OVERLAPPING PATTERN +MATH FUNCTION LAYER 1 : SIN(X)Y, LAYER 2 : SIN(X)Y
PERFORATION ALONG SURFACE NORMAL
LAYER 1 : SIN(X)Y, LAYER 2 : SIN(Y\X
ROTATION IN Z DIRECTION, 30 ROW X 30 COLUMN
LAYER 1 : BOOLEAN : FALSE,TRUE, LAYER 2 : TRUE, FALSE
20 ROW X 50 COLUMN
SURFACE NORMAL +BOOLEAN PATTERNING + ROTATION
05 EOI: RESEARCH PROJECT: CUT: DEVELOP
ANDRE DE GOUVEIA RESIDENCE
The gilded aluminium facade was achieved using parametric perforation of two rectangular sizes. In the case study, aluminium panels of 1.15 x 2.5m dimensions were mechanically stamped with two different sizes of slotted perforations (20 x 4mm and 25 x 7mm). Modularisation of panels and mechanical stamping allowed cost and time saving benefits in the manufacturing stage. Benefits in construction andmaintenance stages, enable panel to be easily fixed and reassembled. The amount of light passing through/reflected will influence the visual perception. A duotone effect achieved. More light reflected = brighter tone Effects of light source against vs behind panel.
Intensity of shadows : duotone
REVERSE ENGINEERING
In an attempt to reproduce the rectangular perforations, parametric modelling techniques were used. The Grasshopper plug-in for Rhino software allowed the control of geometry in relation to parameters within a virtual space. In achieving the final result, a combination a matrix were used : surface grids
boolean patterning
output : rectangle image sampler
Constraints were imposed into the reverse engineering. Firstly, the surface was to match the actual dimensions of the gilded panels (1.15m x 2.5m). Secondly, the rectangular pores were to be limited to two sizes only. The use of a duo tone (black and white) image would result in two respective sizes. Therefore, the case study patterns were retraced in autoCAD and coloured black and white. As a result, a maximum of two pore sizes in the cascada pattern was achieved.
1. Width of perforation in the x direction corresponded to the image and was adjusted using the number slider in image sampler.
2. Width of perforation in y direction was adjusted using the number slider in the rectangle output.
3. Density of pores were increased by using the number sliders in surfacegrids to increase the number of rows and columns.
It was observed that the greater the density of pores on the surface, the clearer the image generated. Greater void spaces also resulted in a lighter, delicate surface.
06 EOI: RESEARCH PROJECT: CUT: DEVELOP The reverse case engineering was fabricated into a 300mm x 600mm panel made out of box board. Parametric perforations produced an expected positive result. Certain modifications are to be made for the consequent model to incorporate factors of logistics, installation and mass production by breaking down the large panel into small modules and designing a frame and joint construction system.
DAY LIGHT
The first prototype model was tested under two different lighting conditions; natural daylight and artificial lighting during the night. In daylight, it is observed the translucent effect and interesting fragmentation of objects contained within the perforations. An obvious moire effect is also produced as one look through the panel in motion. In artificial light, beautiful effects of shadow and light were achieved. The nearer the lightsource, the more contrasted the shadows. Another interesting effect was the diffraction of shadows produced when two panels were overlaid, one stationary while the other in motion.
ARTIFICIAL LIGHT
07 EOI: RESEARCH PROJECT: CUT: DEVELOP The panel surface was broken down into modular units that can be assembled easily using the c-frame cladding technique. The prototype model consist of two layers, one which is fixed while the other as a mobile sliding panel, producing interesting moire shadow diffractions. The structure can be constructed off-site and then assembled on-site within a shorter period of time. This addresses the challenging site surrounded by highways. innovative exploration of parametric perforations can be used to create a gateway design which visually symbolises the community of and municipality of Wyndham. Through the use of parametric design, significant visual and/or symbolic elements such as the long coastline and/or spirit of community in Wyndham can be decoded and formed into perforations, creating a gateway that relates to the community. The possibilities of parametric perforations are endless, pushing for more innovative outcomes that can bring artistic and scientific recognition to the gateway of Wyndham.
08 EOI: COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES
Architecture holds a great responsibility to the society, a vision that my team seeks to realize in every new project. Our passion and determination in creating a sense of place sensitive towards the community’s aspirations are a driving motivation behind our design approaches towards socially responsible architecture. In creating the gateway design for Wyndham, the municipality’s aspiration for a design that is inspiring, enriching and innovative is in line with our vision of creating a sense of place in the contemporary world. Through our innovative approach in parametric architecture, inspirations from within a society can be reinterpreted into a contemporary context. The forming of a new architecture in line with the people of Wyndham will open windows of scientific and artistic knowledge that establishes a shared world view in the line of arts and science, moving this city forward into the future.
08 EOI: LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES OBJECTIVES
OUTCOMES
IDENTIFYING ARCHITECTURE DISCOURSE COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE : ADVANTAGES PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE : ADVANTAGES CRITICAL READING SKILLS : THEORIES AND DEBATES CRITICAL WRITING SKILLS : OPINIONS AND SYNTHESIS TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE : GRASSHOPPER AND FABRICATION FORMING ARGUMENTS : EOI
CONTRIBUTING TO A DISCOURSE KNOWLEDGE ON CONTEMPORARY BUILDING INDUSTRY DISCOVERING THE POTENTIAL IN PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE EXPAND KNOWLEDGE ON ARCHITECTURE FORMING A MORE MATURE VIEW IN ARCHITECTURE SKILLS: DESIGNING TOOLS AND ADVANTAGE IN FUTURE CAREER MAKING A PERSONAL STAND IN ARCHITECTURE
The current studio AIR course structure has been a huge challenge but at the same time a beneficial one. I now have a deeper knowledge on architecture in the contemporary context. Being exposed to the breakthrough of parametric architecture has given me a greater understanding behind the potential and significance of this architectural movement. Lectures and guest speakers have also made me aware of the importance in considering architecture in a broader context; from fulfilling the clients brief to realising the budget through efficient fabrication and construction methods, which parametric architecture significantly contributes to. The brief in applying parametric architecture is further enhanced by the EOI. This opportunity to be involved in forming an EOI has been a new experience for me, which has proven beneficial in forming the skills of making arguments in architecture. In this case, it encouraged me to research both the advantages and disadvantages of parametric architecture, forming a more receptive response towards architecture which moves forward with the contemporary context. In relation to this, provided reading and research resources not only significantly shaped my critical reading skills, but also formed a good pattern in backing up opinions and decisions with facts, precedent studies and theories. I am now exposed to and aware of the current movements within the architecture realm in a more personal level.
REFERENCES Damian Holmes, ‘‘Tiger and Turtle – Magic Mountain’ | Duisburg Germany | Heike Mutter and Ulrich Genth’, in World Lanscape Architecture <http://worldlandscapearchitect.com/tiger-turtle-magic-mountain-duisburg-germany-heike-mutter-ulrich-genth/#. T6KAmauP-5i> [accessed 17th April 2012] David Mather, ‘An Aesthetic of Turbulence: The Works of Ned Kahn’, in Ned Kahn official website <http://nedkahn.com/biography.html> [accessed 17th April 2012] Ned Kahn, ‘Portfolio : Wind : Wind Veil’, in Ned Kahn official website <http://nedkahn.com/wind.html> [accessed 17th April 2012] Richard Williams, ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture : Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005), pp. 102 - 16 Patrik Schumacher, ‘Introduction : Architecture as Autopoietic System’, in The Autopoiesis of Architecture (Chichester: J. Wiley, 2011), pp. 1 - 28 Patrik Schumacher, ‘5. The Societal Function of Architecture’, in The Autopoiesis of Architecture (Chichester: J. Wiley, 2011), pp. 363-371
Kelly Minner, ‘Spencer Dock Bridge / Amanda Levete Architects’, in Arch Daily <http://www.archdaily.com/96400/spencer-dock-bridge-amanda-levete-architects/> [accessed 1st May 2012] Stylepark AG, ‘Computational Design and Robotic Manufacturing’, in Stylepark <http://www.stylepark.com/en/architecture/computational-design-and-robotic-manufacturing/330016> [accessed 1st May 2012] Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media : Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5 - 25
Ben Pell, ‘Andre de Gouveia Residence’, in The Articulate Surface : Ornament and Technology in Contemporary Architecture (Basel, London: Birkhäuser ; Springer distributor, 2010), pp. 68 - 73 Burry, Mark (2011). Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming (Chichester: Wiley), pp. 8 - 71 Kaon K, Salvator-John Liotta, ‘Decoding Culture Parametrically: Digital Tea House Case Studies’, International journal of Architectural Computing, issue 04, volume 09 (2011) 325-338 (pp. 331-334) Patrik Schumacher, ‘5. The Societal Function of Architecture’, in The Autopoiesis of Architecture (Chichester: J. Wiley, 2011), pp. 363-371
Ben Pell, ‘Andre de Gouveia Residence’, in The Articulate Surface : Ornament and Technology in Contemporary Architecture (Basel, London: Birkhäuser ; Springer distributor, 2010), pp. 68 - 73 Moussavi, Farshid and Michael Kubo, eds (2006). The Function of Ornament (Barcelona: Actar), pp. 5-14