SHOGO SUZUKI U19 2017-18 www.shogosuzuki.uk
DIGITAL METABOLISM SHOGO SUZUKI www.shogosuzuki.uk contact@shogosuzuki.uk U19 2017-18 DISRUPTIVE ARCHITECTURES
TUTORS MOLLIE CLAYPOOL JEROEN VAN AMEIJDE
ABSTRACT This project aims to bring Metabolism to the 21st century, where their philosophy of impermanence and continual adaptation is ever more relevant to the fastpaced society we live in today. In the move towards post-capitalism, the needs of individual users will change, and will change more rapidly – requiring a spatially and tectonically responsive architectural system. Technology used for construction has barely changed compared to the motor and electronics industry. The process in which buildings are built, the way the components are fabricated to the way design process is managed and post-construction management is made, is efficient economically in a capitalist sense, yet lacks the ability to cater to the needs of the actual users. Metabolist projects such as the capsule tower or the Takara Beautillion by Kisho Kurokawa attempted to create adaptable architectures by using large prefabricated spaces that can be redesigned and reattached to a megastructure when required. The problem with this however, is that redesigning specific capsules becomes labour intensive and requires demolition (designing new capsules), making it very similar to construction processes that have been continually used from before. Digital metabolism aims to break down the unit of a capsule and megastructure further to even smaller, less specific pieces. Pieces that are small and generic on their own, that can be configured into structurally and spatially different dwellings, removing the need for predefined spaces. Structurally, robotically bent steel tubes will be used to form a shell like structure, where the individual tubes come together to form a structurally homogeneous whole. These tubes will be designed in such a way that their densities can be controlled dependent on the differing structural loads placed upon them. The process in which these structures are designed will be fully automated, where the user will be given more agency in the immediate sense of designing their spaces through a user accessible interface in which they can interact and control an otherwise complex system. The automation will occur from the initial design stage through to construction, to post-construction management and modifications. The user will intuitively configure the space, while behind the scenes the structural densities and construction sequences are simulated and automated. These tubes, or rod like geometries will then form the basis for the control of the inhabitable space itself, through using the same geometries as the steel tubes for structure but now can be varied in length. By using other materials such as timber, this allows very specific and localised control of spacial qualities such as porosity in a volumetric way. The process aims to allow complex volumetric operations to be made by the user in a intuitive way, giving true meaning to responsive and adaptable architecture; one which can be directly controlled by the user at will, when desired. The system allows the architecture to be impermanent, constantly adapted and tailored to whom the architecture is for – the end-user.
CASE STUDY
TAKARA BEAUTILLION (1970) FULL CAPSULE APARTMENT UNIT KITCHEN APPLIANCE UNIT BATHROOM UNIT BEDROOM UNIT
FULLY FITTED OUT APARTMENT CAPSULE
SMALL ROOM CAPSULE
APPLIANCES/FURNITURE CAPSULE
STRUCTURAL ELEMENT
FLOOR PLATE
WINDOW/CAPSULE GASKET
In order to understand previous examples of modular and resilient architecture, numerous case studies have been researched to understand the production chains and tectonic adaptability of the projects.
buildings to individual rooms can be removed and re-attached to different structures. There is a large amount of flexibility in the utility and arrangement of parts. However, flexibility in terms of the layout and form of parts are lacking.
One notable case study is the Metabolist’s Takara Beautillion by Kisho Kurokawa.
One of the biggest issues with the capsule architecture of the metabolists is the actual dwellings having to be completely redesigned as society or users change. The
Due to the plug-in nature of the parts, whole
one type fits all typology still exists, making the actual adaptability over time difficult to achieve.
The houses in this project had a requirement to be flexible, to accommodate for the subsequent expansion needed by the residents with their low income. For the value appreciation to be successful, the design of the initial structure was required to be innovative spatially.
EXPANDABLE UP TO 72m2
INITIAL HOUSE, 36m2
CASE STUDY
ELEMENTAL (2003)
The flexibility within the structure is highly flexible compared to Park Hill, as the user will be able to decide what layout they would like to build before the spaces are defined. The adaptation of partitions is possible due to the ownership of the apartment being with the users. The flexibility not only extends to layouts, but also offers potential for uses other than inhabitation, such as trade workshops in the case of B1.1, or subletting in B1.2, further increasing the user’s income.
Land value high due to optimal location to city. Location required for residents to earn enough for expansion, and for property value to rise.
SLUMS DEMOLISHED
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY $7,250 INHABITANT SAVINGS $250
TE RE MPO LO RA CA RY TIO N
TEMPORARY CAMP
INHABITANTS EDUCATED -Becoming a citizen from a squatter -Making a good neighbourhood to increase value
$7,500 HOUSE
EDUCATED INHABITANTS MOVE IN
INFORMED DESIGN TO COMPLETION
$20,000 HOUSE
COMPLETE HOUSE
MATERIALS FROM CAMP PARTIALLY RE-USED
INHABITANT SAVINGS $1,000
INITIAL HOUSE
USER DECIDES HOW TO PERSONALIZE IN FRAMEWORK PROVIDED
ONE ANGLE ADDED...
CASE STUDY
NEW ORLEANS HOUSE (2008)
SIMPLE GEOMETRIES
BASE MODEL
BASE MODEL
SUBDIVIDED INTO X,Y,Z PLANES
SUBDIVIDED INTO X,Y,Z PLANES, ACCOUNTING FOR CHANGE IN DIRECTION
INTERLOCKING PANELS GENERATED
INTERLOCKING PANELS GENERATED The change in angle quickly increases the amount of unique joints needed.
???
RULE BASED SYSTEM FOR GENERATING DESIGNS (SHAPE GRAMMARS)
VISUAL PARAMETERS CONTROLLED BY USER SPACIAL
GENERATED DESIGN FORM
CONSTRUCTION MODELLING USED TO GENERATE 2.5D PARTS
LOCALLY FABRICATED ON-SITE USING CNC MACHINES
MECHANICAL/ ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS DESIGN WITH PART SYSTEM
PART SYSTEM WITH DISCRETE JOINTS
ASSURED FIT DUE TO DISCRETE JOINT SYSTEM
FABRICATED OFF-SITE
BUILT BY USER
The use of shape grammars to generate designs for fabrication allows simple parameter changes to customize the desired spaces. This allows the user to be much more involved in the design process, offering options for mass customization. This makes for a very user accessible means of democratizing production (to an extent), where theoretically once the system is in place, architects will not have to intervene. This can work in a commons environment,
where prosumers have access to controlling their desires, and developers are able to create further rules and algorithms for generating new design options. This can be compared to a digital version of personalization, where the engineers create the finishes for use in construction; users working with architects to design a building to their tastes.
PARK HILL (1961)
CASE STUDY
TYPICAL TERRACED HOUSE
EXPANSION POSSIBLE IN ONE DIRECTION UPPER FLOOR EXTENDED
LOWER APARTMENT ADDED
ENTRANCE TO LOWER APARTMENT ADDED, CUTTING SPACE FROM ABOVE
ARRAYED HORIZONTALLY AND VERTICALLY, CREATING “STREETS” IN FRONT OF ENTRANCES
EXPANSION NOT POSSIBLE
Using mass housing to quickly house large amounts of people was a quick-fix solution to the housing crisis, not preparing for the future changes in society. Prefabricated concrete, the structural framework in which the building has been constructed with is incredibly rigid, and to make any modifications to layout, large amounts of demolition is required. In this sense, the traditional terraced house is more flexible. The layout still allows
for expansion in a less intrusive way, and the resident also has ownership over the property; making it legally much more easier to make changes. Although the mass housing typology presented itself as radical at the time, it was simply a continuation of the terraced house typology made possible with a different construction system.
CONCLUSIONS FROM CASE STUDIES
PRODUCTION CHAIN
A CIRCULAR ECONOMY
CURRENT WASTEFUL PRODUCTION MODEL
RESOURCES
CONSTRUCTION
INHABITATION
CHANGE IN USE DEMOLITION WASTE
CONSTRUCTION
NEAR-ZERO MARGINAL COST PRODUCTION
PART MANUFACTURE CONSTRUCTION
INHABITATION ASSEMBLY
USER CHOSEN
INHABITATION ASSEMBLY
CHANGE IN USE DISASSEMBLY REPAIRS/UPGRADES
The aim of this project is to create a construction system for dwellings which is resilient and adaptable in the movement to wards a post-capitalist society. The assumptions are that we have moved to a near zero marginal cost society as production adapts to renewable energy and circular economy based design from the current wasteful modes of production.
PRODUCTION CHAIN
TOWARDS A WHOLLY DIGITAL SYSTEM
Within design for a circular economy, the re-usability, scalability and flexibility of the construction system are key issues to be solved. By the production system being adaptable and re-usable, the dwellings themselves are able to much faster change or grow over time, adapting not only to society, but the differing needs and use-cases of each individual user. FOSSIL FUELS +RENEWABLES
This is accomplished by a wholly digital system, one which is digital from the design process to the artefact.
RAW MATERIAL HARVESTING FOSSIL FUELS +RENEWABLES
WASTE
REFINEMENT WASTE
LEGACY PRODUCTION
WHOLLY DIGITAL PRODUCTION
FOSSIL FUELS +RENEWABLES
RENEWABLE ENERGY PLATFORM DESIGN / ARCHITECT
DESIGN
WASTE
FOSSIL FUELS +RENEWABLES RE-USE
MANUFACTURE
OPEN COLLABORATIVE SHARED PLATFORM
FEEDBACK DEVELOPMENT
FOSSIL FUELS +RENEWABLES
WASTE
MARKETING
INHERENT MARKETING & DISTRIBUTION
END USER FOSSIL FUELS +RENEWABLES
DIGITAL FABRICATION
DISTRIBUTION
DERIVATIVES END USER
WASTE
SEPARATE LAND AND PART OWNERSHIP
COMBINED TO SHARED OWNERSHIP
PARTS CAN BE ADDED AT ANY TIME
PARTS
LAND
Ownership of the dwellings will be virtual, where each individual user owns their appropriate share of the dwelling. This allows the easy addition or subtraction of users in shared dwellings, as well as allowing the users to virtually take their dwelling to any other location they wish to live in. The total asset a user has will be the sum of the value/m3 of the land their parts occupy, the total volume of the parts rather than individual parts – as dependent on the
geometry of the dwelling the amount of parts will change + in multi-storey dwellings parts must be used for circulation and connection of multiple blocks. The cost of the structural parts is to be levelled out throughout all users of the system.
OWNERSHIP MODEL
PARTS CAN BE INHERITED BY CHILDREN
INITIAL DESIGNS
EXPLORING HIERACHICAL AND SCALABLE GEOMETRIES
PART EXPLORATION TERM 1 INTERIM CRIT OUTPUT
Geometries that aggregate in different ways were explored to find a system that is scalable and can aggregate to denser or larger structures, in response to the requirements laid out by the initial research.
DISCRETE STRUCTURAL PART SYSTEM
STRUCTURALLY RESPONSIVE ASSEMBLIES
For the system to be scalable, the largest issue identified was how the system will structurally respond to increasing loads as the building may grow.
as the base part, used to create metaparts which can be adjusted in density for the structural system to be responsive as a whole.
This requires a part system which is able to have the correct amount of strength at different parts of the building dependent on the loads happening.
The meta-parts are assembled on-site robotically, where the small scale of the pieces allow for the modification of the apartments after construction to take place while providing minimal disruption to the adjacent users.
40mm square steel section rods are used
PARTS
META-PARTS
CHUNKS
1:20 MODEL
PHYSICAL PROTOTYPING
PROTOTYPE 00 INITIAL TEST AGGREGATIONS
SITE CONTEXT
LONDON FIELDS
RESIDENTIAL RESIDENTIAL + SHOP-FRONT STUDIOS PUBS/RESTAURANTS SMALL BUSINESSES
PROTOTYPE 02 SITE
PROTOTYPE 01 SITE
The first two prototypes of the system will be built in London Fields, where many other residential projects are currently being built. The area has many artist studios, as well as spaces where new modes of working such as co-working spaces are being used. The area offers a good testing bed for typical site conditions in London, as well as being an area where contemporary and experimental lifestyles exist.
CONSTRUCTION BUILDING REGS CONFORMANCE STRUCTURAL MODEL GENERATION M&E COORDINATION USER COMFORT ANALYSIS PLANNING APPLICATIONS
DESIGN GENERATION
OUTPUT
DESIGN CONFIG.
INPUT USER
GROUND WORKS PART SUPPLY ROBOTIC PART ASSEMBLY
PROCUREMENT FLOW DIAGRAM
USE ANALYSIS (IoT) BUILDING MODIFICATION
POSTOCCUPATION
MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT CONSTRUCTION WORKS
DIGITAL METABOLISM
ARCHITECT STRUCTURAL ENGINEER M&E ENGINEER BUILDING SURVEYOR SOFTWARE ENGINEER ROBOTICS ENGINEER QUANTITY SURVEYOR CONTRACTOR MANUFACTURER
BUILDING CONFIGURATION
This system aims to create multiconfigurable architectures able to be deployed efficiently. In order to make this possible, knowledge from the highly specialized consultants must be unified under a single system, involving not only collaboration between engineers, but collaboration with software engineers and managers to automate and computerize the processes involved in construction. This will be a highly ambitious endeavour on a large scale, requiring coordination between a very large number of consultants of all disciplines, resulting in a noticeable shift in the construction industry.
SYSTEMS DESIGN
BIM TOWARDS FULL AUTOMATION
PHYSICAL/DIGITAL HIERACHIES AND BIM TO CONSTRUCTION WORKFLOW
Current procurement routes focus on different ways of managing different consulting companies. While this has been inevitable until now due to the high complexity and specialization in each discipline, in the move to full automation these consultants must be able to work together much better than what is currently possible.
This level of collaboration will reach the current holy grail of BIM, level 3 - full collaboration between disciplines shared in a single project model on a centralized repository, removing the problems of the ownership of information. The system takes the understanding and thinking of digital processes in BIM to the physical building, allowing a more continuous flow between different projects and their life-cycles within the system.
BUILDING DELIVERY + ENTREPRENEURSHIP// 04
PHYSICAL / DIGITAL HIERARCHIES AND BIM TO CONSTRUCTION WORKFLOW
SPACE PLANNING SYNTAX
META-PART TO CHUNK
In design stage, meta-parts are arranged to form adjustable building chunks, where the dimensions can be adjusted according to need. Architect configured circulation and plumbing intensive spaces are designed as options for initial user selection. In the example to the right, the system outputs configuration that allows these spaces to be connected at a half height split,
allowing a degree of privacy between the eating and lounging spaces while keeping it open. Toilets and showers are placed on these levels as to minimise length of plumbing. The user configures the building chunk assemblies to their own personal preferences, while the system checks for structural or spatial errors in the background.
PHASE 00 - USER SELECTS BUILDING CORE OPTION
PHASE 02 EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
CHILDREN’S BEDROOMS
COUPLE 03 BEDROOM PHASE 01 - USER CONFIGURES TO PERSONAL PREFERENCES
COUPLE 02 BEDROOM
KITCHEN/DINING WC
PHASE 02 USER EXPANDS IN THE FUTURE
WC LOUNGE
ACCESS COUPLE 01 BEDROOM
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
AUTOMATIC STRUCTURAL OPTIMAZATION
META ID. 82 META ID. 169
R1 L1
SPACE MODEL META-TYPE01-L1-R1
META ID. 82 META ID. 169
R4 L2
STRUCTURAL MODEL META-TYPE01-L2-R4
Individual meta-parts taken from the space model contain truss geometries described to the right, where the orientation and location of the geometry is identified in the spacial model, and the local structural loads are identified in the structural model. The analysis identifies the level of the density the meta-part must be increased to, which is fed back into the spacial model as to provide an organized model showing the density configuration of each meta-part.
BEHIND-THE-SCENES
AUTOMATIC STRUCTURAL OPTIMAZATION
PART: TYPE01-A
PART: TYPE04-B
CHUNK: CHUNKSTAIR01
PART: TYPE03-A
PART: TYPE02-A
META-PART: METATYPE01-L1-R1
PART: TYPE05-A
Truss geometries of the structural parts are embedded in the massings of the metaparts. This forms the general structure of the building as a whole. The elements work in a discrete voxelized field, allowing localised increases in density depending on the loads placed. The discrete elements in this case allow the structure of the building to act homogeneously over the entire building, compared to continuous systems of space frames where the elements have specific use functions, such as a roof or a slab.
NEW BUILD
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
ON
EW AY
PHASE 01
Place site monitoring sensors and commence ground works. Excavate site, cast foundations. For health and safety, once sensors are placed only the authorized site manager and relevant sub-contractors are allowed on site. If the sensors detect any unauthorised persons, all construction is stopped until the site is cleared and secured.
PHASE 01.1
Meta-parts assembled at available space as construction goes forward. Temporary parts placed as worktop for robots. Robots of different scales and actuators used.
Bolt dispensing robot Bolt fixing robot Meta-part Part lifting robot
ON
EW AY
PHASE 02
Parts and robots brought to site via autonomous vehicles and construction started from ground level.
PHASE 01.2
Meta-parts fixed to place.
Part lifting robot Bolt dispensing robot Meta-part end to end fixings Bolt fixing robot
NEW BUILD
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
ON
EW AY
PHASE 03
Exterior cladding fixed. Building made water-tight.
PHASE 03.1
Robot actuators changed to work with exterior cladding system. Cladding fixed in place with same method as structural part system.
PHASE 04
Services, interior finishes and doors completed. Robots returned via autonomous vehicle, sensors de-activated and site open to public.
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
MODIFICATIONS
STEP 01
Remove furniture and cladding panels required for access. Sensors placed to secure area being worked on. Dependent on scale of modification, residents can stay in the building but not cross the borders placed by the site monitoring safety sensors.
STEP 03
Assemble temporary structures as required.
STEP 02
Remove cladding panels, finishes and services where required.
STEP 04
Start removal of superseded parts.
CONSTRUCTION PROCESS
MODIFICATIONS
STEP 05
Start placing parts. Previous meta-parts will be re-used or re-configured as needed.
STEP 07
Remove temporary structures once structure is complete.
STEP 06
Use automated scissor lift to access different levels accessing through openings made in envelope.
STEP 08
Place cladding and finishes and connect services where required. Removal of safety monitoring sensors and residents allowed to enter space.
PROTOTYPE 01 DWELLING SHARED BY 3 COUPLES AND THEIR FUTURE CHILDREN
SINGLE USER’S PARTNER MOVING IN MAY ONLY REQUIRE MORE STORAGE SPACE
MULTIPLE SINGLE UNITS CAN BE CONNECTED IF A RELATIONSHIP OCCURS. Through negotiation with a neighbour the front of their unit may be used as structural support for a temporary extension a user may want for holding guests or a party.
NEGOTIATION OF SPACE BETWEEN USERS
IF THERE IS SPACE NEXT TO THE UNIT, IT CAN EXPAND OUT
SPACE CONTROLLING INTERFACE
CONTROLLING SPATIAL POROSITY THROUGH AR
The geometric syntax of the structural part system is further developed to control interior space more volumatrically, by using the same geometries but in timber, allowing for very specific adjustments in porosity to be made to the dwellings. AR has been used to explore how space may be manipulated in this way.
ONCE THE USER DECIDES ON THEIR CONFIGURATION, THE ASSEMBLY IS AUTOMATICALLY CONSTRUCTED BY ROBOTS.
THE USER CREATES A SPECIFIC SIGHT-LINE IN SPACE WHILE MAINTAINING PRIVACY
DIFFERENT DENSITIES AND AGGREGATIONS OF PART GEOMETRIES ALLOW SPECIFIC SIGHT-LINES TO BE CREATED
LEFT
BELOW
DIRECTION SPECIFIC PRIVACY
CONTROLLING SIGHT-LINES
FRONT
RIGHT TYPE 01
FRONT
ABOVE TYPE 02
CONFLICT IN INTERESTS OF USERS
While the system allows users to easily manipulate their space offering higher degrees of flexibility than the past, scenarios where the modification does not physically disrupt another user’s space will undoubtedly cause cases where conflicts in privacy occur.
PRIVATE ENTRANCES
PUBLIC ENTRANCE
PUBLIC ENTRANCE
PUBLIC MARKET/RESTING SPACE POROSITY VARIABLE 0-70%
CLUSTER 02 CLUSTER 02 CLUSTER 02
CLUSTER 01 CLUSTER 01 CLUSTER 01
FLEXIBLE SPACE POROSITY 90%
BATHROOM 02 SLEEPING SPACE 03
POROSITY 30%
POROSITY 75%
SLEEPING SPACE 02 POROSITY 70%
BATHROOM 01 POROSITY 10%
COOKING SPACE POROSITY 95%
EATING SPACE POROSITY 95%
SLEEPING SPACE 03 POROSITY 85%
SLEEPING SPACE 02 POROSITY 90%
LOUNGING SPACE POROSITY 95%
CLUSTER 02
CLUSTER 02
COMMUNAL TERRACE POROSITY 100%
BATHROOM 01 POROSITY 30%
COOKING SPACE POROSITY 95%
SLEEPING SPACE 03 POROSITY 75%
SLEEPING SPACE 02 POROSITY 80%
EATING/LOUNGING SPACE POROSITY 95%
SLEEPING SPACE 01 POROSITY 60%
CLUSTER 02 MAIN ENTRANCE POROSITY 99%
CLUSTER 01 MAIN ENTRANCE POROSITY 99%
CLUSTER 01
EXPLODED AXONOMETRIC
DIGITAL POROSITY MODEL GENERATED FROM USER DESIRES AND INPUTS TAKING SIGHT LINES INTO CONSIDERATION
EXTERIOR NEIGHBOUR
EXTERIOR VIEWS
BATHROOM
LOUNGING COOKING
DINING
EXTERIOR NIEGHBOUR
SLEEPING
EXTERIOR VIEWS
SPACE SIGHT-LINE BLOCK SIGHT-LINE DENSER POINTS REPRESENT LOWER POROSITY.
PHYSICAL SPACE DERIVED FROM POROSITY MODEL
SPACE EVENTUALLY MAKING DECISIONS FOR YOU
FULL AUTOMATION THROUGH AI AND MACHINE LEARNING
“I want to see more around me in my bed, but still want to feel enclosed” SMART HOME DEVICE
SIGHT-LINE FROM USER 2 BLOCKED SIGHT-LINE TO DINING BLOCKED STORED DIGITAL POROSITY MODEL
KEEP SIGHT-LINE FROM USER 2 BLOCKED OPEN SIGHT-LINE TO DINING OUTPUTTED DIGITAL POROSITY MODEL
SYSTEM CENTRAL SERVER “I want to see more around me in my bed, but still want to feel enclosed”
RECEIVE VOICE INSTRUCTIONS User wants to increase openness local to sleeping area while minimizing sight lines from other areas
TRANSLATE TO SYSTEM
RECORD
User prefers to have defined boundaries to spaces for specific activities but likes openness in the overall space
RETRIEVE
Dislikes having sight-lines into their space from other user’s personal spaces
DATA
COMBINE WITH DATA
MACHINE LEARNING
PREDICT
OUTPUT ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
As the system is designed to allow users to easily interface with a complex system which modifies space in a volumetric way, there are many opportunities for the system to collect data on the user’s personalities, habits and preferences. This data can be used to initially give suggestions to how a user might want to manipulate their space, where in the future the integration of machine learning will allow the system to predict and automatically deploy modifications to the
spaces. Interactions with the system can be further simplified to be activated by voice commands and conversation, rather than AR or touch screen devices which can be difficult to navigate. Defining and programming configuration and manipulation of space is notoriously difficult, so by using neural networks which allows systems to “learn” without being explicitly being programmed would make it possible to continually output different configurations of space, where we
can quickly produce many different iterations and configurations of what a house might be.
TO BE CONTINUED...