MSArch Thesis Book by Chung-Kuang Chao

Adaptive Landscape By Chung-Kuang Chao

ÂŠ May 2012 Chung-Kuang Chao

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science, Architecture School of Architecture Pratt Institute May 2012

Adaptive Landscape By Chung-Kuang Chao

Received and Approved: Date Jason Vigneri-Beane, Instructor

Acknowledgments I would like to thank to my parents, Mei-Chen Liu and Ching-Hua Chao for giving me freedom to choose my life and education. I would like to thank my aunt, Mag Hsu for inspiring me all the time. I would like to thank Jason Vigneri-Beane for dedicated discussing and instructing the thesis project. I would like to thank Cole Belmont for developing software-aid methodology. I would like to thank Carla LeitĂŁoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s seminar: Architecture and Information Space for providing various resources and discussions. Also, I would like to thank Matt Lightner for writing assistance and great help since I am not a native speaker and writer. I would like to give my special thanks to Chun-Wen Chin for giving me confidence and strength as always.

Chung- Kuang Chao, May 2012 Brooklyn, New York

Table of Contents Preface

Abstract

Chapter 1/ Ubiquitous Computation

- Technology - Tesco in Korea - Archive with Information, Data and Knowledge - Invisible Space - Faith of Books - Nostalgia? - Cybrids Chapter 2/ Library

- Architecture of information - Architecture as infrastructure - Private space subdivides public space - What is the future library? Chapter 3/ Interface - Metabolism - Without Seeing - Implanting - Under the Great Lawn - New Interface - Plug Into the Grid

Chapter 4/ Robotic Mechanism

- Machine - BMW, GINA - Arms - Arms and Surface - Surface as different functions - Artificial and Natural Chapter 5/ Transformative Surface

- Adaptation - Envelope - CyberSpace - Functional Layers - Attach or Detach Chapter 6/ Parasite

- Grand Plan - Growing Clusters List of Illustrations

Bibliography

Appendix

Figure 0-0. Initial Sketch Preface My generation almost witnessed the progress from analogue to digital age. From playing my first 286 computer with Microsoft Dos to the multi- touch iPhone with siri and Apps. Futhermore, I am listening to music from tapes to CDs to MP3s. These are just a small part of the digitalizing process over the past decades. These kinds of experiences intrigue me, as I discover how technology will force space to change. There are two parts included in this book. One part is research and the second part is design. In the first part, I will document and state some issues and phenomenon to formulate the thesis. In the second part, I will explore and experience digital technics and processes that respond to the issue and present a scenario that synthesizes into a conclusion. Technology has made a huge jump in the past century, changing everything. In the digital age, everything changes daily down

to the minute. For architecture, there would be no more typology for specific program of buildings because conveniences of the portable technology are blurring the definition of space. I would like to condense my thesis into some simple terms: Digital and Physical, Public and Private, Static and Dynamic. For this project, Digital and Physical refer to the program, Public and Private refer to the site and Static and Dynamic refer to the strategy. Digital and Physical Actual/ Virtual In the past, property of information was very clear. For instance, people own a newspaper, a book or a music record. Information transfer was physical but new technology has changed the ways we possess and transfer information. Digital files are easily shared and transmitted. Contrast this to the fixed and private information in the physical past, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more open to the public and dynamic today. 1

Public and Private Space Why is the present more public and is the past more private? Because of personal devices and telecommuting, the boundaries of public and private space are blurring. For example, the subway is a public space, however itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also personal to some degree with people reading books, playing with their cellphones and tablets, searching and sharing information on the internet.

Static and Dynamic Intelligence Accompanied with the convenience of virtual interaction, our life has become more flexible. For example, people work, read, surf on the net and Skype with friends in a coffee shop. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hard to define a specific place for one purpose because everything is shifting rapidly. Architecture and space should be able to transform to adapt to different situations.

However, the architectural proposition is not standing for we should embrace the digital future or preserve the analogue past. Instead, the proposition would be a rethinking of the relationship to those aspects mentioned above and how to coexist in the near future. This project could be the interface to explore the possibilities and raise discussions in both directions.

Figure 0-1. Project Sketch 2

daptive Landscape

Abstract Responsive structure is becoming the new interface between NYPL and Bryant Park Long Section_300

Figure 0-2. Cross Section Following the technology development, we have become to rely on portable devices. For engineers and software developers, those devices are interfaces to access information, social connections and other activities. However, I enlarged the interface scale from portable devices to an architectural, even urban scale. I propose a responsive structure embedded in Bryant Park with underground storage for the New York Public Library(NYPL) functions as an interface between public park, library, archival space and users. On the one hand, adaptive surfaces with responsive structures substitute the landscape surface of the park and retain the park functions. On the other hand, adaptive surfaces allow people to enter into the library creating an in-between space below Bryant Park and beyond the automatic storage space. Space under Bryant Park is rearranged based on the assumption on books’ faith and is set up for extending the existing library functions and providing more possibilities in the future.

“Thus the archive itself an aspiration rather than a recollection.” (Arjun Appadurai, Archive and Aspiration, 2010:16)

Ubiquitous Computation Digital and Physical - Technology - Tesco in Korea - Archive with Information, Data and Knowledge - Invisible Space - Faith of Books - Nostalgia? - Cybrids Technology or talk to our family face-to-face in a coffee shop or a public park because people can access through portable devices everywhere. It’s hard to define a specific purpose for anyone certain space.

Figure 1-1. iPhone APP: Apple Inc.: Apple.com In the 21st century, new digital age officially launched with the iPhone and iPads’ debut. With operation platforms on smart portable devices such as iOS and Android systems, everyone can access information easily and share information without boundaries. High-tech Gizmos such as smart phones, tablets, portable devices and others are changing our daily life. They’re changing the way we consume, work, entertain, communicate and others. In other words, they’re changing the social structure. Also, technology allows individuals easily to blur the boundaries of public space. For example, we can work

A coffee shop or a park can be a bookstore or a music store when you are connected to the Amazon.com through your smart devices. Architecture typologies are not important and technology is reshaping our cognition of space. Space is shifting to adapt to a virtual revolution.

Figure 1-2. TESCO’s Virtual store proposal in Korea 5

Tesco in Korea

Archive with Information, Data, Knowledge

There is a project which represents a situation between virtual experience and actual space in Korea. Instead of setting up more physical supermarkets in multiple locations, Tesco invested in a virtual purchase systems. (Figure 1-2) Hence, customers can use their devices to scan the product’s image they want to buy. It means customers can buy anything no matter where they are and the products will be delivered to the buyer’s house directly from supermarkets. Everywhere could be a supermarket.

Behind the progress connected to the virtual and physical world are huge amounts data streams to store and transfer. Cloud sharing technology is a new way to carry and use our personal information and access to others’. When we’re using Dropbox or Google documents, we’re accessing data at a non specific location and time. It’s a collaborative and cooperative digital age . Tom Vanderbilt narrated in New York Times :

In the near future, virtual stores could replace entire physical stores in many fields. Space is turning more compact than ever and more multiple uses in the end. In Tesco’s virtual market, a shop is replaced by an element of architecture such as a wall, a column combined with high resolution touched screen.

Scrolling through the game’s menus, I noticed a screen for Xbox Live, which allows you to play against remote users via broadband. The number of Call of Duty players online at that moment? More than 66,000. (Vanderbilt, “Datatecture“). Indeed, it’s interesting to think archival space is conceal in our real world. We barely can imagine and see them but they do exist somewhere; like Facebooks’ 147,000 sq ft data center. (Figure 1-3)

Invisible Space

Figure 1-3. Facebook’s data center The space for machines used to store users’ information.

When physical spaces disappear, there arises new “Invisible“ spaces, required to support new social systems. Where do we store, transfer and calculate this information? 6

It reminds me the movie Monsters, Inc. (Figure 1-4) It’s the process of simplicity when they always wait doors on the platforms in daily life. Once, they entered the doors sorter, they are amazed by the system of complexity. DB Schenker’s, one of the largest logistics companies in the world, warehouse in Berlin represents the concept of complexity behind the simplicity. (Figure 1-5) Similar to many logistic companies, such as Amazon or eBay, it is always impressive to see how they operate. It’s a Monsters, Inc movie scene in the real world. Figure 1-4. Monsters, Inc. Pixar Movie Clips Robotic doors sorting system in one scene Data space on server farms has become crucial. They are occupying a huge amount of space without human operation, generating extreme heat. (Figure 1-3) This is a huge environmental issue. However, I focus on how to reveal the complexity with which computers calculate data behind the simplicity with which users use diverse applications on portable devices. For example, Facebook needs an extremely large space for machines used to store users’ information.

Faith of Books Where are books after digitalizing? Books as traditional printed media have provided knowledge in the past, however, we have more electronic media to access information today. The decline of the physical book is in progress and it is expected that digital media will replace physical media in the near future. “ Borders, the second largest book chain in the US, filed for bankruptcy on Feb 16, 2011” (Highspot Inc., “First Issue Blog“) (Figure 1-6) It’s always impressive when you enter a book shop or a library to see books filling the walls. However, we are accepting digital books and read without papers. There is a new debate between library and publishers:

Figure 1-5. Warehouse of DB Schenker AS/RS

The widespread downloading of e-books unnerves publishers because digital files can be 7

easily shared and proliferated at no profit......Connecting libraries to the Kindle is going to bring millions of readers to the public library. (Osnos, “Library Wars: Amazon and Publishers Vie for Control of E-Book Rentals “) The digital revolution has brought us a world with cooperative, collective system such as Wikipedia and many public forums on the Internet. In other words, the digital formats also means more open to the public

Figure 1-6. Physical Store is closing

Nostalgia? While some are happy to embrace the digital future, some are nostalgic for their analogue memories. There is an article in Architizer News: Preserving the Printed Word in the Age of the Cloud. According to the Architizer News,

Figure 1-7. Physical Archive of the Internet: Brewster Kahle uses container to store physics.

This means, while many of us are shedding physical and virtual cargo by sending our data to the ‘clouds,’ Kahle is retrieving digital information and transcribing it back into print to be stored in a monolithic, temperature-controlled storage constructed from 40 shipping containers. (Chan, “Preserving the Printed World“) (Figure 1-7)

Today is an information explosion era. “Dataloss paranoia“ represents the concerns about losing data. That’s why Mr. Kahle wants to preserve physical media. It’s easy to access the information today but it’s also easy to lose the information without copying it from the Internet. We are still struggling in physical media and digital information. However, I am interested in the present to see how the physical and digital are overlapping where Cyberplace is called.

Figure 1-8. Revised Cybrids Diagram: Peter Anders: (Anders, 2001: 61) Described as, “ A revised illustration of the progressive union of physical space – understood in this work to be Actuality – and electronic space – understood to be Virtuality.” ( Kinsley, “Cybrid: Reaching a Common Lexicon.“) Cybrids “Cyberspace extends our cognitive space.“ Cybrids: Integrating Cognitive and Physical Space in Architecture, presented by Peter Anders. (88) It’s clear to see the concept of Cybrids in the diagram (Figure 1-8), Cybrids means a cover of the virtual and actual completely. Some places could be replaced entirely, such as the library, based on digitalization and digital technology progress. However, it means the function of physical building is shifting to another form rather than vanishing. Peter Anders mentioned in the topic: Cyber/ Real Parity: evanescence and reification, “The physical structure of a building might, to a degree, be replaced by the conceptual structure of on information system. This is particularly true when the building hosts information-rich activities: libraries, schools, museums, auditoriums and office buildings.“(Anders 88)

Library Public and Private - Architecture of information - Architecture as infrastructure - Private space subdivides public space - What is the future library? Architecture of Information “Library” is a word to define a place which archives information. A library is used not only to store books or other media in one physical space but also to virtually archive a variation of information on the internet or in a computer. Indeed, libraries represent space where people can access information and exchange knowledge. Huib Haye Van Der Werf mentioned, “In many ways, the library has become an appendage of the public space.“ (Der Werf 16) The library has become a public space where people can access knowledge. Also, libraries allow individuals to involve in the public environment. In the past, book have been the only medium we have, but we have multiple media today. Of course, media could be unexpected in the future. Therefore, it is a transition period for libraries and information space.

Figure 2-1. RFID Label (Top) The label can contain electronic information Figure 2-2. Revolving Book Stack (Left) Imagined based on the Dewey Decimal System Figure 2-3. AS/RS System (Right) Automated Storage and Retrieval System

Architecture as Infrastructure A library is an important piece of infrastructure for archival systems in the city. Similar to Library of Alexandria, hub-libraries like New York Public Library hold a huge amount

of human knowledge and information. The proportion of space is out of scale because we need a large space to store media. At the same time, there is a limited space for public use by readers.

Since 1876, we have used card catalogues according to the Dewey Decimal System. We have enjoyed to search related books though adjacent shelves. That is why people imagine the shelves tower based on the Dewey Decimal System in 1900. (Figure 2-2)

Rients Dijkstra and Jason Hilgefort also mentioned, “Let’s free up the books...so they can mingle.“ (73) Not only the management has been changed but also space has been freed.

RFID (Figure 2-1), the abbreviation of RadioFrequency Identification have applied in various field over 50 years. Also, it helps the logistic industry and library to manage goods and media efficiently. Rients Dijkstra and Jason Hilgefort mentioned, “RFID is like an indoor GPS.“ (73)

In the near future, we will have both physical and digital information in a period of time. I believe that it is a transitional time. The situation could be described in one scene in Ghost in the Shell: Stand Along Complex, robotic librarian and human user coexist in one place. (Figure 2-4.)

Today, based on the invention of RFID invention, Library and logistic industry have relied on the AS/RS system. AS/Rs, The Automated Storage and Retrieval System (Figure 2-3,) brings information to users and replaces the old space arrangement. Users don’t need to find books and media on different shelves.

The opportunity now is to discover the interface between archive and library. How we shift and utilize obsolete library space with faster and dynamic systems in the future is becoming an important issue.

Figure 2-4. Ghost in The Shell_ Stand Along Complex video clips Robotic Librarian and human coexist 11

Figure 2-5. Boundary Functions “ ... Boundary Functions shows us that personal space exists only in relation to others and changes ...” (Snibbe, “Boundary Functions“) Private space subdivides public space Since libraries allow individuals involvement with the public environment and library space has become more flexible and efficient, the space is becoming dynamic rather than static. I was inspired by Scott Snibbe’s installation: Boundary Functions in 1998. (Figure 2-5) Public space was subdivided by individuals’ participation. The boundary created by private space is constantly shifting. I developed a series of studies to test the units connected to each other. As a result, each unit connected to another created a responsive system. There is a tabulation of study prototypes (Figure 2-6-1~4) that show the relationships between different movements and operations. When one unit expands, adjacent units will be shrunk, related to the extension action.

Unit A

Unit B

Unit C

Unit D

Figure 2-6-1. Beginning Status

Unit A

Unit B

Unit C

Unit D

Figure 2-6-2. Unit A Expanding Unit A forces unit B and C to shrink

Unit A

Unit B

Unit C

Unit D

Figure 2-6-3. Unit B_C Expanding Unit B and C force unit A and D to shrink

Unit A

Unit B

Unit C

Unit D

Figure 2-6-4. Unit B_C Shrinking Unit B and C force unit A and D to expand

What is the future library? Since information is everywhere, everywhere could be a library. Do we need a massive building to contain media and program? When media is no longer just books, we have more possibilities to convey and store knowledge. If media is mixed, we need to redefine library space without shelves.

The diagram above formulates the basic proposition of this project. (Figure 2-11) The old symbolic architecture is facing to the media shifting and is transforming to adapt to new society. There should be an interface between private institutions where working on archive missions and public space where functioning as a park. In the end, the new interface is turning into a machine. This machine could be plugged into the city and infused with new library functions.

Figure 2-7. New York Public Library

? Books Media Books Media

Figure 2-8. The Future Library:

Figure 2-9. Bryant Park (Up) Figure 2-10. Sorting Machine (Down) Figure 2-11. (Right) Project and Thesis Proposition Diagram Proposing how library has been decomposed and reunited . 13

Interface - Metabolism - Without Seeing - Implanting - Under the Great Lawn - New Interface - Plug Into the Grid Metabolism In the late 1950’s, architects were looking how architecture would react based on rapid social and environment changes. Architecture can grow, expand organically. Pre-fabricated units and joint construction represent the ambitions of the design movement. Nakagin Capsule Tower, one of built example of metabolism projects by famous Japanese architect, Kisho Kurokawa who is one of metabolism movement’s founder. (Figure 3-1) He used the prefabricated living units to plug into the tower which is built on the site. Concrete towers are similar to a mother ship providing water, electricity and basic needs for living. Although it’s destroyed, it represents the idea of the movement. We are eager to find the limitation of architecture’s forms and functions. The main idea of metabolism is to force architecture to adapt to the social and economic transformation. Regarding the core issue of this theory, I want to find possibilities for the manipulation of architectural forms and structures as a living system to perform and transform for different functions.

Figure 3-1. Nakagin Capsule Tower, by Kisho Kurokawa in 1972 Prefabricated units assembled on the site.

Without Seeing books, other media I was interested by the installation called “Archive Series”, exhibited at the Royal Danish Art Academy Fall Show 2005. According to the David Garcia Studio, “Archive II transforms this into a ‘micro room’, where walking and reading coexist as refuge and transport in the imagination.” (David garcia studio, “The Archive Series“) Archive ll which is owned and exhibited at the University of Roskilde Main Library. (Figure 3-2& 3-3) Regardless it’s investigation in portable, accessible, personal space and books, the exhibition led me to connect the relationship between digital and physical. For example, we just navigate a pointer on the Amazon page to order products and we use smart phones to scan the wall to buy food.( Tesco in Korea, Figure 1) We cannot to see the complex processes behind those simple computer uoperations. However, those information and procedures still exist even though we cannot see them. If we can visualize the information and data, we must be surrounded by tremendous information. We saw books and anything physically when we were in a library and book store. However, we don’t need to see them anymore in the digital age. We can read without holding books and communicate with people without facing them.

Figure 3-2. Archive Series_ Archive ll: David Garcia Studio: aliciakopf.blogspot.com

Figure 3-3. Archive Series_ Archive ll: David Garcia Studio: davidgarciastudio.blogspot.com 15

Implanting methodology formulation Control points are called seeds. Those are the initial points to control the responsive system. It’s also a metaphor to describe the action to plant the seeds into the park and to control the structures in the existing environment. Based on the previous regular unit points (Figure 2-6), those points have been deformed and rearranged. This process is to determine the arms’ distances and capabilities based on the site’s condition and context. There is a series of manipulated transformation testing related to how seeds control the surface. (Figure 3-4-1~5) I used paramatric design tools (Grasshopper) to practice the potential and possibilities of the structure. With different distances and heights, the surface performs differently. The membranes’ and structures’ movements are connected to the definition of the AXIS and seeds on the existing ground (site). It’s a testing and understanding of how parametric tools can help me to develop a project in the beginning. The project is set up step by step in parametric software such as Rhino: Grasshopper and brought to the IK (Inverse Kinetic) system in MAYA.

Figure 3-4-1. Membranes Transformation

Figure 3-4-2. Membranes Transformation

Figure 3-4-3. Membranes Transformation

Figure 3-4-4. Membranes Transformation 16

Under the Great Lawn Bryant Park “ In 1983 the Bryant Park Corporation retained landscape architecture firm Hanna / Olin Ltd., now The Olin Studio, for the re-design of Bryant Park.....Concurrent with Bryant Park’s facelift, the New York Public Library embarked on a large construction project of its own: the addition of 120,000 square feet of library stacks beneath the surface of the Bryant Park lawn. “ (NYC Circa, “Library Under the Lawn“)

Figure 3-6. Bryant Park Under Construction 30 foot excavation, 120,000 square foot

Figure 3-5. Bryant Park It’s hard to notice there is a archival storage under the park’s landscape When I walk in Bryant Park, it’s hard to know there is an immense archive underground, a space connected to the main building with a tunnel. Because New York Public Library owned a huge amount of media, there is no place to store. The project was born thirty years ago when computation technology just started growing. However, we will not need more space for storing than before because there are new sorting technology and many things would being digitalized.

Figure 3-7. NYPL Shelves Located under the reading room of the main building and face to Bryant Park 17

New Interface in-between private institution and public urban space The new structures play a role below the public landscape of the park and above the storage where it stores our memory, knowledge and information. The integrated interface functions as a new surface and is interlocked with the existing urban infrastructure. I plugged the machinery structures into the context where computation technology would meet the archive system (Digital and Physical), group collaboration would meet individual user. (Public and Private) and an artificial robotic landscape would meet the natural environments of Bryant Park space. (Static and Dynamic). Image below conveys the relationship between existing environment and new installed responsive structures. (Figure 3-8)

Figure 3-8. Adaptive Landscape 18

Plug Into the Grid The new surface was manipulated by different lengths of robotic arms determined by the axis of the site. The axis can be related to the density of people, the entrance of connection and other parameters on the site. Also, its axis is decided and tested in the previous chapter. (Figure 3-4-1~5) Therefore, the robotic machine is plugged into the existing grid of concrete structures where it starts to cooperate with the existing landscape surface of the park, activities on the park and new events under the park. Components in the explored diagram (Figure 3-9.) represent the different functions including structures, programs, exteriors and interiors.

Adaptive Surfaces

New Ground Support Structure

Responsive Structures

Supply Core

Cyber Envelope

New Interface Counter

Figure 3-9. Components 19

Ground Level responsive structure functions as a new public surface when embedded in Bryant Park Although the new adaptive surfaces replace the original landscape surface of Bryant Park, activities and functions are still maintained when the adaptive surface functions as the artificial landscape of the park. On this level, the structure is submerged in the park and the structures are hidden. The form generated by the structures is based on purposes and functions while attached or detached to the ground creating different possibilities.

Figure 3-10. Ground Plan

Second Level new interface coexists with traditional library space and digital media space On the one hand, since we will not need as much shelves for physical books as before, we can extend the functions of New York Public Library to the underground space of Bryant Park. On the other hand, the structures also replace the shelves and regular tables to upgrade the original public library space. On this level, is a temporary scenario that mixes with existing shelves and library spaces.(Figure 3-11) The cluster composed by the units (Figure 3-9) provides the new envelop enclosing cyberspace.

Figure 3-11. Second Level Plan

Third Level automated robotic storage serves as the new interface The bottom of the existing space will turn into the automated robotic storage system and connect to the main building of New York Public Library and new library spaces above. (Figure 3-12) The system will accumulate the most interesting media around the new structure plugged into the park, similar to the Amazon and eBay recommendation system. This level creates a robotic space without human operation and transports physical knowledge and information to the new library space and old New York Public Library building. (Figure 3-13)

Figure 3-12. Third Level Plan

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New er Cyb

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Figure 3-13. Explosive Diagram

Figure 3-14. View from automatic storage 23

Robotic Mechanism - Machine - BMW, GINA - Arms - Arms and Surface - Surface as different functions - Artificial and Natural Machine Since the industrial revolution, life has been tightly connected to any kind of machine even as we enter into the digital era. We still need different kinds of machines, such as computers, telephones, televisions, and others to serve us. Le Corbusier was fascinated with ships, cars and industrial vehicles and he declared the new architectural manifesto related to technology.

“A house is a machine for living.“ (Le Corbusier)

Sometimes, other fields of study will inspire architecture. Materials and structures in industrial deign, for example, always provide unexpected possibilities for architecture. Every machines represents a specific function and the form of machines often represent the functions themself. That is the principle of design in 20th century: “Form follows functions.“ coined by the famous Architect, Louis Sullivan.

Figure 4-1. Umbrella Transformative surface

For example, it was raining one day and I opened my umbrella to prevent from getting wet. For the umbrella, this is its only function and its surface was transformed by a dedicated system and the purpose of the user. It’s portable and changeable. This reminded me the practice I did in my computer. (Figure 2-6) Each umbrella structure actually creates a space. If I connected the structures of different related umbrellas, it would influence the space around it.

BMW, GINA The GINA Light Visionary Model As I mentioned before, not only structures but also materials in industrial products inspire and influence architecture. The automotive industry is very similar to the architectural production process. Engineers focus on structures and materials in order to improve the car’s capabilities and maintain the user’s safety. I was amazed when I first saw the BMW concept car GINA. Rather than merely a car, it is just like a live organism that perform smoothly. GINA is the abbreviation of Geometry and Functions In ‘N’ Adaptations. GINA was first presented by BMW in June 10th 2008, by Chris Bangle. Alex Pasternack reported in treehugger.com, “The fabric’s shape can be changed to adjust to driving conditions, performance needs, and drivers’ moods.“ (Pasternack, “Harvard’s Transformer House“)

Figure 4-2. GINA

Figure 4-3. GINA(Left) Figure 4-4. GSD Transformer House (Right)

It represented an ambitious approach to form and shape in the automotive industry. It’s fabric-like material and carbon light mechanical structure help cars adapt to different requirements. “Houses (and other things) that transform are not just fun but often good for our environments, adapting to surrounding conditions and serving uses that might otherwise require more material. “ (Pasternack, “Harvard’s Transformer House“) In one GSD studio, directed by Chris Bangle and Architect, Frank Barkow, a partner in the European design firm RMJM, they tried to apply the same concept from car to building. The project’s adaptations itself is more link to the environment and surroundings. I am focusing on how structures adopt to social activities and transformations. 25

Figure 4-5. Structural Arms in Motion Arms Concluding the ideas above, both umbrella and GINA are both machines and point out the importance of structures and materials. In this project, it also can be decomposed to various simple components. (Figure 3-9) The main structures, called arms, constitute the whole system and allow the system to transform. Figure 4-5 shows, in motion, how them work and relate to each other. Every unit with robotic arms is connected to each unit it is adjacent to. While one arm is moving, another one reacts. In this moment, each arm will affect the others, not only changing the armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gesture but also shifting the surface and space created by the arms. (Figure 4-6)

Figure 4-6. Structural Arms and Surfaces Arms and Surfaces Surface is the next layer after the arms (Figure 4-5) and generates the continued landscape surface with the arms’ operations. Arms and surfaces are intended to adapt to the requirement variations and surrounding conditions. The surface, deformed by the arms, is similar to GINA’s concept. The surfaces and structures are aimed to adapt to “N” functions as well. Each part of the surface contributes to the final form. Because of the irregular transformation by arms and surfaces, there is no final form in this system which means the system is constantly dynamic, dynamic and flexible during its use. The architectural form is determined by the moment when the system is stop to function for a specific purpose.

Movement Direction

Arms Variations

Continue Surface

Figure 4-7. Structural Variation Diagrams Surface as different functions Following the transformation of the surfaces, each functions with a different purpose. It can be an entrance, a part of the landscape of the park, a projected screen, or an opening for sunlight when attached and detached with existing surface. Figure 4-8. Structures in Motion _1 Figure 4-7 shows that idea of tranformative system. After playing with the structures, surfaces are created by connecting each of the nodes and lines. This is the process of formulating an adaptive and responsive system. The renderings on the right sides (Figure 4-8~10) document a series of operations in motion which show the variations in the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s landscape. Through closing to opening, the structures perform differently for each purpose. It can extend the use of the park, it can allow people to enter the underground space. It is a landscape and a roof at the same time. The new interface has dynamic characteristics and serves both as the existing program and a new hybrid space.

Closing Status

Figure 4-9. Structures in Motion _2 Starting to open a gate

Figure 4-10. Structures in Motion _3 Opening to be a gateway

Artificial and Natural In this scenario, the new transformative landscape surface and existing landscape of the park coexist. The new interface not only performs as a new ground but also extends the existing ground. The new surface is surrounded by nature, such as existing trees, grass and flowers. Contrasting with the nature, the mechanical arms are very artificial and obvious in the existing park. In this picture, the mechanical and symbolizes the New York Public Library logo. (Figure 4-11) It shows that there is something under the ground even when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s surrounded by the nature of the park. The arms itself could be an attractive spot to lead people to access the new cyberspace underneath the park.

Figure 4-11. Detail of Structure Arm

Transformative Surface - Adaptation - Envelope - CyberSpace - Functional Layers - Attach or Detach Adaptation With the different operations of robotic arms, the new surfaces keep changing and finding a shape to adapt to each new function and condition. Transformative membrane functions as a landscape, multiple use interface, covering above the underground structure. Figure 5-1. Surface in Motion _1 If the new surface is attached to the existing ground, it will maintain the continuity of the landscape of the park and close the accessibility to the underground space. (Figure 5-1) When the new surface is detached from the boundaries of the existing grounds, for example, it lifts up, creating the entrance and performs as different terrain above the landscape surface of the park. (Figure 5-3)

Attached to the ground

Figure 5-2. Surface in Motion _2 Starting to detach from the ground

There is a series of motion tabulation on the next page (Figure 5-4) showing the surface movements which the system is finding the moment to adapt during the operation.

Figure 5-3. Surface in Motion _3 Detached from the ground

Responsive Structure in Motion

Figure 5-4-1. Frame 100:

Figure 5-4-2. Frame 150:

Figure 5-4-3. Frame 200:

Figure 5-4-4. Frame 250:

Figure 5-4-5. Frame 300:

Figure 5-4-6. Frame 350:

Figure 5-4-7. Frame 400:

Figure 5-4-8. Frame 450:

Figure 5-4-9. Frame 500:

Figure 5-4-10. Frame 550:

Figure 5-4-11. Frame 600:

Envelope Envelope is defined as the connection between the underground space and the ground landscape. It plays an important role in cyberspace provided by the new library which I plugged into the parks landscape. The cyberspace enclosed by envelope is formulated when the system is plugged into the park. It coexists with the public park, the physical library space, digital media intersection space and the archival space. Therefore this place will include both physical and virtual information. Envelope is an interface and the gateway between digital and physical, media, public and private space. It can not be defined clearly for one specific purpose. It is hybrid and multi-functional.

Figure 5-5. Envelope under the Park

Cyberspace Inside, the envelope is defined as cyberspace, including physics and digital media. Also, nature environments are going down the space (Figure 5-6) and people are seating around the books supply core (Figure 5-6) from the bottom of automated archival storage. There are no rules in the use if the space, you can read physical books, play devices, watch information on the screen and you can also glimpse the under ground automated storage. The envelope function as stairs for the public to step down, seats for a conference, a seminar or even the screen of a movie. At the same time, it could be an interactive screen conveying the information or the instant information people are searching for. Those information could be weather reports, libraryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s media status, advertising for the latest Apps or most popular keyword people are searching.

Figure 5-6. Space enclosed in Envelope

Functional Layers Figure 5-7 shows the vertical relationship between each component (Figure 3-9) which constitute the creature at different levels. “ The Creature“ sinks into the park and intersects with two existing floors which built under the park in 1988. This project redefines the function between the intersected areas. At the ground level, it continues the park’s functions as public space. At the second level, the creature leads the park, the nature and the public into the underground space where are used to be New York Public Library’s storage. The second level provides interactive information and reading, working, research space there and extends the existing public library. At the third level, is a robotic automated warehouse connected to the main building’s vertical storage space. The perspective section (Figure 5-7) describe how people approach the space, how the envelope coexists the library space and automated archival space underneath.

Ground Level

Second Level Third Level

Figure 5-7. Perspective Section/ Vertical Relation

Attach or Detach Responsive surface detach or attach the existing landscape surface (the Great Lawn) A responsive structural system allows the creature to change in various condition. When it attaches completely to the ground, it closes the entrance of the new library space underneath. (Figure 5-8) When it detaches from the ground, it becomes the new roof, a new entrance and a new landscape with different heights. (Figure 5-9)

Continued

Figure 5-8. Attached Condition

Blocked

Figure 5-9. Detached Condition

Parasite - Grand Plan - Growing Clusters Grand Plan Before the final scenario, I would like to share a recent article related to this issue of books and New York Public Library. Robin Pogrebin wrote in New York Times, The project would convert the main library, now strictly a reference operation, into a hybrid that would also contain a circulating library, many computer terminals and possibly a cafe. ... To accommodate the new services, up to half of the three million volumes in the stacks under the main reading room would be moved into storage in New Jersey... Critics say that the money would be better spent refurbishing deteriorating branch libraries, and that the changes will diminish the library’s role

as a leading reference center, essentially turning it into a glorified Starbucks. (Porgebin, “New York Public Library Defends Plan to Renovate “) (Figure 6-1)

The library has been decided to be renovated by famous British Architect, Norman Foster. The construction budget was estimated up to 300 million dollars and the library would need to close for at least two years. In addition, they would have to sell two branch libraries in Manhattan to make New York Public Library a Hub library. Many people including the most prestigious scholars and writers object to the project though some people are willing to have more public space released by moving the existing storage to New Jersey. Despite the debates, the Public library space have to change now.

Figure 6-1. New York Public Library Renovation Plan 36

Growing Clusters I imagine there will be more and more clusters plugged into the existing park when physical books disappear and one day we cannot see the books in the library. (Figure 6-3) I believe that we will reach the point where digital information will replace the physical information. However, public library will function as a museum or gallery to exhibit and display its physicality. The project is located in the most potential urban space in New York. Bryant Park, along with New York Public Library, present the most powerful library in the world. It has tremendous classical reading space, beautiful public park and tremendous archival space.

tures of all kinds, including open standards, open-content initiatives, open scientific networks, and open research-anddevelopment consortiums.” (Tapscott, Don, and Anthony, “The New Alexandrians “) This project shows what happens when we both have physical and digital information and are struggling to maintain or dismiss the physical. However, the final scenario shows that digital revolution will finally defeat the physical protest. The library will release more public space and condense the storage space. The new interface would provide new opportunities to create a new public space in a new urban context.

I have read about the paper proposed by authors in Wikinomics: The Alexandrian Greeks were inspired by a simple but powerful idea. Indeed, the Alexandrian revolution extends far beyond the the way we archive knowledge, to the way we create and harness knowledge to drive economic and technological progress. They are building rich collaborative environments and open knowledge infrastruc-

Figure 6-2. Growing Clusters

Figure 6-3. Final Scenario

List of Illustrations Figure 0-0. Initial Sketch: CKChao Figure 0-1. Concept Sketch: CKChao Figure 0-2. Cross Section: CKChao Figure 1-1. iPhone APP: Apple Inc.: Apple.com Figure 1-2. TESCO’s Virtual store proposal in Korea: Tesco: dornob.com Figure 1-3. Facebook’s data center: Jason Madara: technologyreview.com Figure 1-4. Monsters, Inc.: Pixar Animation Studios: Pixar Movie Clips Figure 1-5. Warehouse of DB Schenker: Christian Stoll: gizmodo.com.au Figure 1-6. Physical Store is closing: N/A: tommytoy.typepad.com Figure 1-7. Physical Archive of the Internet: Lianne Milton: New York Times Figure 1-8. Revised Cybrids Diagram: Peter Anders: samkinsley.com Figure 2-1. RFID Label: N/A: mickfortune.com Figure 2-2. Revolving Book Stack: Lewis, W. D. :wisconsinhistory.org Figure 2-3. AS/RS System: HK Systems: bookpatrol.net Figure 2-4. Ghost in The Shell_ Stand Along Complex_ S.A.C. 2nd GIG: Kenji Kamiyama/ Production IG : anime television series episode 26 video clips Figure 2-5. Boundary Functions: Scott Snibbe: snibbe.com Figure 2-6-1. Beginning Status: CKChao Figure 2-6-2. Unit A Expanding: CKChao Figure 2-6-3. Unit B_C Expanding: CKChao Figure 2-6-4. Unit B_C Shrinking: CKChao Figure 2-7. New York Public Library: N/A: nyhabitat.com Figure 2-8. The Future Library: Rients Dijkstra and Jason Hilgefort: The Architecture of Knowledge, The Architecture of the future_ NAI/NAI Publisher Figure 2-9. Bryant Park: N/A: playbill.com Figure 2-10. The New York Public Library’s new sorting machine: Kate Taylor: nytimes.com Figure 2-11. Project and Assumption Diagram: CKChao Figure 3-1. Nakagin Capsule Tower, 1972: Kisho Kurokawa: Metabolism and Symbiosis: moreaedesign.wordpress.com Figure 3-2. Archive Series_ Archive ll: DAVID GARCIA STUDIO: aliciakopf.blogspot.com Figure 3-2. Archive Series_ Archive ll: DAVID GARCIA STUDIO: aliciakopf.blogspot.com Figure 3-4-1~5. Membranes Transformation: CKChao Figure 3-5. Bryant Park: Bryant Park Corporation: blog.bryantpark.org 39

Figure 3-6. Under Construction: Bryant Park Corporation: blog.bryantpark.org Figure 3-7. NYPL Shelves: www.nypl.org Figure 3-8. Adaptive Landscape: CKChao Figure 3-9. Components: CKChao Figure 3-10. Ground Plan: CKChao Figure 3-11. Second Level Plan: CKChao Figure 3-12. Third Level Plan: CKChao Figure 3-13. Explosive Diagram: CKChao Figure 3-14. View from automatic storage: CKChao Figure 4-1. Umbrella: N/A: sunyway.en.alibaba.com Figure 4-2. GINA: Chris Bangle: inhabitat.com Figure 4-3. GINA: Chris Bangle: inhabitat.com Figure 4-4. Right GSD Transformer House: Megan Forney Panzano: www.treehugger.com Figure 4-5. Structural Arms in Motion: CKChao Figure 4-6. Structural Arms and Surfaces: CKChao Figure 4-7. Structural Variation Diagrams: CKChao Figure 4-8. Structures in Motion _1: CKChao Figure 4-9. Structures in Motion _2: CKChao Figure 4-10. Structures in Motion _3: CKChao Figure 4-11. Detail of Structure Arm: CKChao Figure 5-1. Surface in Motion _1: CKChao Figure 5-2. Surface in Motion _2: CKChao Figure 5-3. Surface in Motion _3: CKChao Figure 5-4-1~11. Frame100~600: CKChao Figure 5-5. Envelope under the Park: CKChao Figure 5-6. Space enclosed in Envelope: CKChao Figure 5-7. Perspective Section/ Vertical Relation: CKChao Figure 5-8. Attached Condition: CKChao Figure 5-9. Detached Condition: CKChao Figure 6-1. NYPL Renovation Plan: New York Times: www.nytimes.com Figure 6-2. Growing Clusters: CKChao Figure 6-3. Final Scenario: CKChao

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Appendix Animation Clips: https://vimeo.com/41402284