Air Journal

STUDIO AIR WENQIN SHENG 860224 Semester 2, 2018 Tutor: Allan Burrows

INTRODUCTION

My name is Wenqin Sheng, currently in my 3rd year of Bacholar of Environments degress, majoring in Architecture in University of Melbourne. I am born and raised in Shanghai. Shanghai is usually considered to be a fast-paced city with high-density city fabric, it is both quite modern and aggresive. I like to travel during my spare time, it's interesting for me to experience different kinds of cultures and life styles. Meanwhile, vernacular architectures are also attractive for me. There is a lot of fun to see how local architectures develop over time drove by material, climate and culture.

PART

A

Conceptualisation

A1. Design Futuring case study 01 case study 02 A2. Design Computation case study 01 case study 02 A3. Design Comosition/ Generation case study 01 case study 02 A4. Conclusion A5. Learning Outcomes A6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches Reference List

A.1.

Design Futuring

There’s always conflict because of people’s unlimited demand with limited resource. Nowadays, we are at a critical moment that we no longer assume that we have future. the notion of sustainability is introduced and becomes significant. designers, with the guiding force to shape and transform the built environment, they are vital for design decision-making and anthro-directive. Staying critical while designing and being sharp to keep reorient design progress are crucial as we are confronting defuturing (Fry, 2008).

To expand future’s possibility, designers need to be aware of the current issue that we face. convey their concepts to audiences through their designs with the consideration of culture, politics, ecology and aesthetic, in this way, they are able to change the way people think and live imperceptibly and facilitate the practice of sustainability.

"we are now at a point when it can no longer be assumed that we, en masse, have a future."

- Tony Fry

a.1.

CASE STUDY 1.0

The M Pavilion emphsises the relation between human and nature in a respectful way. It used aerospace technology for translucent petals to creat the atmosphere of flowing and lightness (Karissa Rosenfield, 2015). The semi-enclosure sructure creats a buffer area for public to experience the crudeness of nature. It filters and soften the weathering and encourages people to expose themselves to a less artificial but more natrual environment.

It is a simple design strategy cooperating with technical material to enhance the nature involvement in daily life and emotional connection between human race and nature.

a.1.

CASE STUDY 2.0

This conceptual design for Melbourne’s landmark Southbank Precinct overhaul was recently revealed. “The Lanescraper” consisted with interlocking blocks reaching a height of almost 360 meters, the scheme features a range of residential, retail and cultural amenities including offices, serviced apartments, and a library ( Niall Patrick Walsh, 2018).

Nowadays, architecture is no longer just about designing shelters for residents, it is a lifestyle that introduced to people. It leads to a new way people might live. The multiple uses provided by these blocks are suggesting a coming future that a community that can be sustaianed within a skyscaper. The efficient living space can relieve the symptom of urban sprawl to some extend and slower the expansion of human population away from city central into low-density, car-dependent society.

A.2.

Design Computation

Design, accordingly, is a purposeful activity, aimed at achieving some well-defined goals (Kalay, 2004). To overcome the unresolved situation, actions need to be devised and evaluated rationally (Kalay, 2004).

Although the goals may differ in different cases, in terms of architecture, it is mostly related to sheltering. Starting from the very ancient period, architectural design principles evolve or even mutate with the development of culture and technology. Computational methods, as a technical tool brought to design processes, have a significant influence on the orientation of architecture language while trouble shooting.When buildings were only constructed without any plan, traditional architecture language was implanted into the practice even unconsciously with the templates of classic order (Kalay, 2004).

It is interesting that how design principles were expressed over time through various architecture xpression when their main goals, like sheltering, worshipping or educating, are kind of similar. Computational methods provide designers a particular way to think and form ideas that is totally differentiated from the past. As people now trying to move forward from human-centralised system to nature itself, not only architects but also engineers work together attempting to analysis and solve problems in an organic way by finding innovation and solution from bionic simulation via computational methods. It is amazing for me that how nature runs the mega system in such a microcosmic way.

a.2.

CASE STUDY 1.0

This project aimed to minimise the formwork used for a pavilion while maintaining the maximum geometry freedom of it by bionic methods.

Institute of Evolution and Ecology and the department for Paleobiology of the University of Tübingen, as professionals, were involved in and contributed to the finding of the suitable prototype in nature for the pavilion, which was the Elytron, a layer of protective shell from beetles’ wings. The digital models of various versions of the elytron were extracted by micro-computed tomography, then, after a few testing and studies of the geometric performance alternatives, the final products made of polymertric fibre was generated by robotic arms (“ICD-ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart”, 2018).

“ICD-IKTE Research pavilion 20132014�

by Institute for Computational Design - Prof. Achim Menges Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design - Prof. Jan Knippers

The project attributed to not only architecture designers, but also the engineers, scientists and biologists. It can be considered as a good example of how the computational design process unifies professionals of different fields to produce an architecture with high efficiency.

With the complex geometry composition inspired by natural textures and structures, they created a highly- efficient lightweight construction application with novel architecture aesthetics that could not be found during the time without computational methods.They exhibited people a new way to express and see architecture.

a.2.

CASE STUDY 2.0

“Elytra Filament Pavilion”

by Institute for Computational Design - Prof. Achim Menges Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design - Prof. Jan Knippers

This project based on the Research Pavilion before and develop further to explore the relationship between nature, engineering and architecture. Similarly, it used the bionic principles to build a modular inspired by Elytra and produced winding cell-like components with the help of robotic arms. What’s different from the earlier construction of Research Pavilion, seven columns were fabricated through computer-programmed mechanisms as supporting structures (“Elytra Filament Pavilion / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart”, 2018). This design can be considered as a celebration of an innovative design approach which harmonises algorithm, biomimetic modular, mechanical engineering and bionic architecture. The redeveloping canopy design indicates the possibility of transforming our built environment in years to come.

A.3.

Design Compositio

Architecture is currently experiencing a shift from the drawing to the algorithmas the method of capturing and communicating design (Peters, 2013). There is a trend of computational design from composition to generation. Unlike human beings, computers never tire, never make silly arithmetical mistakes and they can keep track of all the goals and constraints the design solution must accomplish when they are coded properly (Kalay, 2004). With the help of 3D model making software and its plug-ins, design can be explored by simulating performance from both experimental and physical way(Peters, 2013). Designers are able to trace the design solutions and respond to the dynamical context.

Specific adaptions can be generated based on the input data and architectures evolve automatically to meet the demand.

on/Generation

Although the simulation of computing can be more and more accurate, there is discrepancy between conceptual and the reality. Computers can give all the possible alternatives of design, but the actuality can never be certain until its settlement of practice. Things can get much complicated when being put into practice, one single mistake can lead to a lot of deviation. As designers, architects should be aware of the complexity of design consideration.

a.3.

CASE STUDY 1.0

This inhabitable bridge in Tokyo, integrated with Ginza and tsukishima two residential neighbourhoods, aimed to explore a nonlinear architecture to harness the discrete flows between the two. It is stated by Kottas (2013) that "through algorithmic generation of tublent spatial and programmatic structures, a reinvention of the inhibitable bridge type is achieved". During the design process, movement patterns of people and vehicles were collected and used as data input for generating vector fields (Kottas, 2013).

“Living Bridge�

by Dave Eaton,

Geoffrey Klein, Michael

Wetmore

The form and connection points were generated in a scientific way, which meet the demand of users. Each decision was made through algorithm simulation considering the behaiviour of the agents, which makes the hundreds of connectivity efficient and in order. This design reveals the parametric thinking about a logic of associative and dependecy relationship between objects and their parts-and-whole relationship (Oxman &Oxman, 2014). It shows a innovating design logic to generate architecture for designers.

a.3.

CASE STUDY 2.0

This project imagines a future in which billions of genetic algorithms act not only as the mediator between man and reality, but shape his existence through their very interactions. It explores a functionality beyond the carrying out of human desires, of the prediction of human behaviour (Kottas, 2013). Acoustical consideration was significant to the project because the site was adjacent to a freeway. To filter the noise pollution, the architecture used algorithms network to adjust its level of insulation by opening or closing off its carbon-fibre panels by obversing the occupancy of human beings (Kottas, 2013).

"Emergent Porosity"

by Joseph A. Sarafian

This design was significant that it used a dynimical track system to respond to the surrondings to satisfy the demand according to different time. It showed a new possibility of enhancing the interaction between human and architecture through algorithm generation design and prevent human from the modern pollution.

A.4.

Conclusion

Designing, as a guiding force, has the power to reshape the environment and bring potential to future life. Architecture design evoles with the development of culture, technology and even politics. Being aware of the energy shortage urge people to reorient design and notice the significancy of sustainable building. With the invention of computer, architecture designers move forward from the past to a ecological, efficient design progress. Besides, parametic design is leading designers to a new form-finding method and representation expression. Design logic becomes clear and critical for design decision-making process.

Introducing different fields of involvement has brought a broader perspective to architects and new working structure, which is scientific and reasonable. The advanced design approach may benefit people in the coming future and bring the possibility to sustain longer.

A.5.

Learning Outcomes

Previous learning weeks of our air studio brought me a broad perspective as a designer. I am used to consider digital design as a efficient tool to express ideas rather than hand-drawing. However, after a few weeks of reading and studying, I’ve realised that this technology not only changed the way we represent ideas, but also the way we think.

To get a better design result, collecting data and analysing are also critical to during the design process. I have learned to know the significance of parametric design and its huge potential in the future. I am excited about how I can practice algorithm design in the coming weeks.

PART

B

CRITERIA DESIGN

B.1. Research Field B.2. CASE STUDY 1.0 B.3. CASE STUDY 2.0 B.4. Technique: Development B.5. Technique: Prototypes B.6. Technique: Proposal B.7. Learning Objectives and Outcomes B.8. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

B.1.

Resarch Field

Orthographic drawings such as plans and sections are one of the most powerful representational tools that an architect can use to develop a concept into a decent proposal. The involvement of cutting techniques reveals the idea about the complex structures and engineering that hiding from the architectural appearance. The three-dimensional spatial awareness is brought into a simple piece of paper. As the invention of the digital algorithmic method, sectioning becomes a high-efficiency form finding, which uses a series of profiles to define the form instead of solid structure.

Historically, sectioning structures firstly emerged in construction industruy, which used as structural ribs for aeroplanes and ships then covered with metal curved sheets as claddings (Iwamoto, 2007). It is interesting that as the learning of parametric thinking during these weeks, it is natural for me to rethink the construction in a grasshopper way. With the help of grasshopper, people now can easily rebuild the model with “dividing” and “lofting” commands.

The relation between construction and architecture are always close.

During the pre-digital era, Le Corbusier has begun to test the sectioning technique in his design for the roof of the Ronchamp chapel.

However, sectioning was still used as a construction method instead of a form finding technique.

Greg Lynn, Artists Space installation, Artist Space, New York, 1995 https://www.google.com.hk/search?biw=1536&bih=679&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=zQubW_mIH8aM8wWUjpqABQ&q=greg+lynn+artist+space+installation&oq=greg+lynn+artist+space+installation&gs_l=img.3...75307.75307.0.75586.1.1.0.0.0.0.167.167.0j1.

1.0....0...1c.1.64.img..0.0.0....0.D9t7ohkgc-I#imgrc=PvhGs0kJDaM94M:

Greg Lynn is one of the innovative architects who saw the potential of parametric sectioning consequence. His artistic installation on sectioning displayed in New York Artist Space relied on a planar array, which was cut from a plastic sheet using two-dimensional computer plots as full-scale cutting templates(Iwamoto, 2007). The installation of this design units delivered an articulated system to the public and inspired more people about sectioning as a form.

The sectioning as a technique can be used for both construction, buildings and small projects. It is impressive that how efficient it is as a form-finding method while maintaining the aesthetics at the same time.

B.2.

CASE STUDY 1.0

“AA Driftwood Pavilion�

AA Driftwood Pavilion was a celebration for the young talent hosted by the architectural association school. It is neither architecture nor art, but a prototype full of potential. It is a symbolism of against classification and an innovation of construction technique and ecological material.

The form complexity can be actually achieved with simple construction process. If we use the logic of parametric approach, the model of AA Driftwood Pavilion is structured with an input geometry sectioned vertically with a series of offset extruded curves. Grasshopper streamlines the repeating section cutting and it forms both surface and structure of the modelling. The counting and distance between profiles can be easily changed with the number slider bars. Besides, the cutting angle is also controlled with the vector of extrusion direction.

Specie 1: CUTTING ANGLE 1

2

Vertical

Specie 2: HEXAGONAL 5

3

4

u=10, v=5

6

n= 25

Horizontal

7

n= 30

Perp Frames

8

n= 30, vector change

n= 30, vector change

Specie 3: POPULATE 2D&3D 13

12

Populate 3D,n= 40

14

Populate 3D, n= 35

15

Populate 3D, n= 30

Specie 4: SHIFT & ARCH 20

19

Shift = -10

21

Shift = -5

28

27

Shift = 10, n=60, Double Tween Curves Extruded

22

Shift = 0

29

Shift = 10, n=60, Triple Tween Curves Extruded

Shift = 5

30

Shift = 10, n=60, Tween Curves Extruded

Shift = 10, n=60, overlapped with original model

10

9

n= 30, vector change

n= 30, vector change

17

16

Populate 2D, n= 40

23

Shift = 10, n=60

n= 30, vector change

18

Populate 2D, n= 35

25

24

Shift = 10

11

Populate 2D, n= 25

26

Shift = 10, n=60, Tween Curve Extruded

Shift = 10, n=60, two rows of arches

SPECIE 3: POPULATE 2D ORGANIC CONSTRUCABILITY CONTINUITY MATERIALITY

SPECIE 3: HEXAGONAL ORGANIC CONSTRUCABILITY CONTINUITY MATERIALITY

SPECIE 3: SHIFT & ARCH ORGANIC CONSTRUCABILITY CONTINUITY MATERIALITY

SPECIE 3: SHIFT & ARCH ORGANIC CONSTRUCABILITY CONTINUITY MATERIALITY

B.3.

CASE STUDY 2.0

“Webb Bridge�

Webb Bridge reused the remaining part of Webb Dock Rail Bridge to link the northside of Docklands to the new residential developments on the south-side. To come over the constraints of level change between two sides, the existing ramp was extended 80m longer and formed a curved landing at the south side. The hoops around the bridge become more and more complex while people walking from north to the south bank. They are getting more intensity and mutating to have a filigree cocoon pattern at the end of the ramp. The transition creates a sense of time-lapsing and suggests the connection between the old and the new. It is a successful sculpture-form bridge which commemorates the local history of railway transportation and represents a link between the past and the present.

1

The outline of the Webb Bridge is traced through attaching the Google Maps screenshot.

2 By running “tween curves”, we found the the average curve and generate a tube with various radiuses along the curve via “VPipe”.

3 Points generated through “surface divided” then “interpolate” into curves.

4 “Surface divided” into points.

5(a) “Flip” points to get horizontal curves, which leads to a dead end.

5(b) “Random” the points from the “domain” of -1 to 1. “Round” the floating point values then “Flip” them into “Polyline”. (“Random” seed: 15)

5(c)

5(d)

“Random” the points from the “domain” of -1 to 1. “Round” the floating point values then “Flip” them into “Polyline”. (“Random” seed: 40)

“Random” the points from the “domain” of -1 to 1. “Round” the floating point values then “Flip” them into “Polyline”. (“Random” seed: 31)

OUTCOME: 5(C)

5 Flip

Divide Surface

Polyline

1

Interpolate

Negative U Count: 58

Tree St

V Count: 12 Curve Tween Curves

Pipe Virable

Evaluate Length

Curve 0.000

1.0

0.138

1.0

0.3

1.2

0.6

1.6

0.7

1.8

0.8

1.8

1

1.516

Branch Divide Surface

Tree Statistics

1

Dispatch Branch

U Count: 58

Tree

V Count: 20 Random Domain

1 Negative

15

Round

5(a) Random

Round

Flip

Shift

5(b)

Polyline

Domain

40

tatistics

5(d) Domain

Random

Round

Negative 31

5(c)

e Statistics

Shift

Flip

Polyline

Shift

Flip

Polyline

B.4.

Technique Development

Polygon =5 Random Radius: 2-6 n= 23

Polygon =5 Random Radius: n= 55

: 2-6

n=0.8 contour line

n=0.7 contour line

n=8

n=10

u=10, v=10

u=10, v=20

Image sampler

n=0.5 contour line

n=0.25 contour line

n=12

n=12

n=15

n= 15 u=35, v=35

n= 1 = contour line v=20

n= 0.5 = contour line v=20

n= 0.25 = contour line v=20

Design Potential: The choosen iteration transfromed from a simple grid. By running image sampler, organic waves were created through the components. It is balanced with regularity and irregularity, which may form harmony in a natural context like Merri Creek Corridor.

Choosen iteration Isometric

B.5.

Technique: Prototypes

Material: Plywoods To make the design merge with the existing landscape in Merri Creek, the artificial synthetic material, such as metal and plastic, is excluded.

Timber is considered to be the first choice. However, since the limit of the material options, we used plywoods from Fablab to achieve the organic material appearance of the model.

Fabrication: Laser Cutting & Assembly Laser cutting is good in terms of time efficiency and economic cost. It can cut smoothly and neatly to get the shapes we want. No extra adhesive is needed since the assembly of the model will be heavily depended on the friction between two components. In this way, the notch cut size is critical It is necessary to take into account the thickness of the plywood panels. The notch cut size was made to be 3mm while the thickness of the plywood is 2.7mm. 0.3mm was left to make sure the easy assembly.

However, the components are a little loose and need to be improved later.

The height of the first layer of the fence is at the same level or even a bit lower than a human’s sight level. The fence is getting higher as it’s getting close to the Brunswick Terminal Station. In this way, people can visually ge over the fence and see the greenery intermixed with th fence but cannot physically get through the fence.

e

et he

B.6.

Technique: Proposal

“Landscape Buffer Zone�

Landscape buer zone provides an interface between the Brunswick Terminal Station and Merri Creek by neutralizing the articial and nature. It works both visually and physically as a barrier, which keeps the Merri Creek visitors away from the urban disturbance. Besides, it enhances and responds to the upgrade operation of Brunswick Terminal Station, which aims to reduce the urban footprint and improve the overall aesthetics of Merri Creek Corridor.

Conceptual Diagram

Plan 1:200

Elevation 1: 20

Isometric

Montage

B.7.

Learning Objectives & Outcomes

The learning objectives of studio air in part b have required us to develop our abilities to explore our design prototypes through a set of progressive design testing.

Through site analysis, our design proposal has been narrowed down and grounded.

This workflow enables me to approach the design process in a high-efficiency way since the design test can be run and run again by verifying input data to approach the most ideal. Instead of using the scripts given by tutors, I started to write them by myself. Parametric script writing has opened up my mind in terms of seeing the built environment. The reverse-engineer exercises help me to control the outcomes of a parametric test running better.

After the second site visit, I’ve learned more about not only the Merri Creek but also the client, Brunswick Terminal Station. The existing double-layer fences are quite interesting is deserved to be studied. Besides, I get the opportunity to try my design tests on the site and evaluate them. The prototype by laser cutting allows me to see how the size, material and light could affect my design in reality. They all help me to improve my design proposal.

B.8.

Appendix - Algorithmic Sketche

es

Week 1: Lofting

Week 5: S

Week 3: Aggregated Bricks

Sectioning

Week 7: Design Tests

B.

Reference & Image List

Iwamoto, L. (2009). Digital fabrications: architectural and material techniques. New York: Princeton Architectural Press. https://www.google.com.hk/search?biw=1536&bih=679&tbm=isch&sa=1&ei=zQubW_mIH8aM8wWUjpqABQ&q=greg+lynn+artist+space+installation&oq=greg+lynn+artist+space+installation&gs_l= img.3...75307.75307.0.75586.1.1.0.0.0.0.167.167.0j1.1.0....0...1c.1.64. img..0.0.0....0.D9t7ohkgc-I#imgrc=PvhGs0kJDaM94M: https://www.arch2o.com/2009-summer-pavilion-the-architectural-association/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/andrew-wilson-photographics/36139501600/

PART

C

DETAILED DESIGN

C.1. Design Concept C.2. Tectonic Elements & Prototypes C.3. Final Detailed Model C.4. Learning Objectives and Outcomes

C.1.

design concept

Brunswick Term

“Landscape Buffer Zone” To overcome the conflict between artificial industry and the nature in our site. The interface is where we would like to create a buffer zone to improve the relation between the Brunswick terminal station and Merri Creek. We are trying to resolve the sense of presence of BTS so people can purely experience the freshness in Merri Creek instead of getting interrupted by the existing double – layered wire fences. The exsisting fence will be replaced by a wavy grid structure merging into the site.

By replacing the exsisting fences, we are aim to 1. Enhance the Merri Creek Corridor by building a 3D landscape system 2. Minimise the artificial interruption by merging the design into the soil, the whole site will be covered - (decomposed material) 3. Maintain the same level of security

Exsisting Fences

minal Station

Merri Creek

c.1.

intrim feedback

1. Respond to the context - use the topography of the site araea in the design 2. Research on the use of exsisting fence - investigate why the BTS needs two layers of fences 3. More diagrams to demonstrate how the design works on the site - circulation diagram and a diagram showing the allocation of different plants 4. Natural system analysis needs to be in more detail - choose specific plants as natural system, not just the river 5. Design on the fence needs improvement - define the height of the fence - think about how people can enegage with the fence - think about how the design can serve better than the exsisting fence

c.1.

human system

about our client

BTS...

Facebook anti page set up in 2012 listed a few potential risks.

1. Explosion 2. Fire 3. High electromagnetic Field 4. Pollution 5. High Voltage

2014-2016 Upgrade: Upgrade operation of Brunswick Terminal Station.

Aim to replacing existing infrastructure with state-of-the-art technology and equipment. Modern archtecture and landscaping will screen the facility from neighbouring properties and improve the overall look of the Merri Creek corridor

2017 onwards: Reconstruction completed, all transmission towers are removed except the one located right next to the station. Residents are still not satisfied with upgrade of Brunswick Terminal Station, the reconstruction fails to address people’s concern.

Exsisting fences The exsisting fences are double-layered for high standard of security requiement. The second one is electrified to keep people away.

Brunswick Terminal Station Merri Creek Residents nearby

c.1.

natural system

Exsisting Plant Species Acacia dealbata:

5-15m on riparian slope Easy to control in size

Acacia melanoxylon: 5-18m in riparian slope Provide shade

Acacia verticillate:

Danthonia racemosa :

Bursaria spinosa:

Acaena echinate:

Hymenanthera dentata:

Dichondra repens :

up to 2cm low maintenance required

5-10m able to take care of themselves

Up to 6m very tough plants can place on the ground or fence

20x15 cm, stems 0.10.8m placed on the ground

25-40cm can place by the chairs and on the fence

20 cm h x 1.5 m w place on the fence can create a grass wall

River

Merri Creek Landscape

c.1.

algorithm

Surface

Divide Surface

Move

Slider =50

Image Sampler

Slider =50

Curves

Offset

Start = 0

Count =100

Step = 3 Count = 100

Divide Curve

Flip

Merge

Point

AxB

Slider =50

A+B

Surface from Points

Unit Z

Slider =50

Clean

Flip

Polyline

Replace Member Pull

Cull Larger Than

Cloest Point

Cull

Series

Slider =6.5

Divide Curve

Slider =6.5

Curves

Unit Z

Circle

Slider =6.5

Surface

Divide Surface

Move

Slider =50

Image Sampler

Slider =50

Curves

Slider =96

Move

Unit Z

Extrude

AxB

Slider =50

A+B

Slider =50

Unit Z

Surface from Points

Extrude

XY Plane

Brep | Brep

Project Loft

Item (0)

Brep | Brep

Slider = 2 Slider = 15

Brep | Brep

Unit Z Extrude

Divide Curve

Distance

Item (1)

Slider = 0.5

Item (2)

Distance

A+B

Trim Cylinder

Slider = 0.1

Unit Y

Slider = 0.1

Cylinder

Cap Trim

Unit Y

Merge

Unit X

Unit X A+B

Extrude

Move

Cap

Move

Extrude

c.1.

iterations

via sampled image controlling

c.1.

selection matrix

“Walkbility“ The selected iteration is generally flat so that people can walk through it.

Obstruction The selected teration has the ability to block the Brunswick Terminal Station visually and physically.

Human interaction The selected iteration has some fair and polite uphills, which can serve as sitting and gathering areas.

Plants Arrangement

To build a 3D landscape system working as a visual screen, it is important that the model has the ability to let different kinds of plantation fit in proper locations. According to the previous analysis of the exsisting plants, particular species are planted into particular cells.

Small Flat slim slot filled with soil and small size plants, where people can walk on. e.g.

Danthonia racemosa, Acaena echinate, Dichondra repens

Tall Extreme uphills filled with soil and planted with tall trees. The access of BTS is further hidden and blocked.

The apperance of BTS is concealed as well. e.g.

Acacia dealbata, Acacia melanoxylon

Medium Planted in gentle sloped cells, where high security level is not required. e.g.

Hymenanthera dentata, Bursaria spinosa, Acacia verticillate

Form Generation

To respond to the local landscape, we take the contour lines as our basic curves. “Attractor” script is used to expand the cells to fit the proper plants in.

Final design

Contour lines + “Attractor”

Contour lines

“Attractor”

Dissolution of the design

To minimise the artificial affect on the site, we are planning to use natural material that can be decomposed in the soil over time. When the structure is gone, the soil holding by the roots will remain. Forming a fence composed of landscape. This image shows the before and after version of our design.

3m

Exsisting Fence

1.5m

Before

After

C.2.

tectonic elements

&proto

otype

c.2.

fabrication in grasshoppe

1. Find the original form

2. Extrude to give the form thickness

er

3. Trim the intersection

4. Outcome Instead of leave the model with its original form, thickness and intersection of each element has been considered into the Grasshopper process. In this way, the digital model has the potential to be manufactured directly via 3D printing or laser cutting.

c.2.

fabrication logic

Material

Bending Property Testing Panel

Retangular Pattern

Connectivity Friction

Linear Pattern

Glue

Mixed Pattern

Screws

Nonpattern Friction

Hole Punching

Material

Plywood

Bamboom Veneer Natural

Thichkness: 2.7 mm Less strong compare to bamboo veneer natural wood Poor bending effect Low cost Natural material - each sheet varies with colours

Thichkness: 2.8 mm Relatively strong material Poor bending effect

Biodegreoable material - do not harm the natural and will be decomposed over time

Biodegreoable material - do not harm the natural and will be decomposed over time

Polypropylene

Steel Metal Sheet

Thichkness: 1.7 mm Very flexible Outstanding bending effect

Thichkness: 1 mm Comparatively weak in strength Poor bending effect

Non - biodegreoable material - not to be decomposed, harmful to the nature (not matching with design concept)

Corrosive soil damage material - metal is corrosive to soil, soil corrosion occurs when soil and metal are in direct contact

Plywood Prototype Pattern

Linear

1 mm spacing

2 mm spacing

3 mm spacing

Retangular

1 mm

2 mm

3 mm

Prototype #1 2mm Retangular pattern connected by friction.

Although it is strong enough, the bending property is not ideal

Prototype #2 2mm linear pattern connected by friction.

Fair bending moment and relatively strong.

Prototype #3 2mm linear pattern connected by glue gun.

It is quite rigid that the model can not create any curved form.

Prototype #4 Mixed pattern of 2mm linear and retangular ones connected by friction.

It is quite successful that stroke pattern brings out small bend while rectangular pattern brings out more violent bend.However, it is very difficult to indicate the area needs a small bend or a violent bend so it needs more time for figuring out the area that needs small/violent bends.

Prototype #5 2mm retangular pattern connected by screws.

Long aseemblying time.

Bamboo Prototype Pattern

Linear

1 mm spacing

2 mm spacing

3 mm spacing

Retangular

1 mm

2 mm

3 mm

Prototype #6 2mm Retangular pattern connected by friction.

As bamboo is relatively strong, it is hard to bend it with 2mm retangular pattern.

Prototype #7 2mm linear pattern connected by friction.

As bamboo is relatively strong, it is hard to bend it with 2mm linear pattern.

Prototype #8 Test failure.

The metal sheet is too thin to bend. Since the material of metal does not match with our design concept (decomposed and natural), we stop testing metal material.

Prototype #9 Although Polypropylene is quite flexible and suitable for bending. Since it does not match with our design concept (decomposed and natural), we stop doing more tests.

Final Fabrication Method

Powder 3D Printing Not the best choice as it cannot show the material texture. In our design, we hope to explore the method of connecting each cell together. However, using 3D printing, it is costly to print each element. We only use it to show our final form.

Laser Cutting A good choice with testing the meterials, it is fast and effcient so we can explore the connectivity and bending properties of different material. However, it required longer time for assembly.

Final Laser Cutting Model Sequence

#1 Fabrication Method

2mm Linear Pattern

#2 Laser Cutting Process

#3 Asseblying

Friction

Plywoods

Single Components

Assembly

Outcome

C.3.

FINAL DETAILED MOD

DEL

Plan 1: 250

Section 1: 20

I sometric Isometric

Perspective

Model Perspective 1

Model Perspective 2

Model Perspective 3

Model Perspective 4

C.4.

Learning Objectives & Outcomes

The learning of studio air during the whole semester has inspired me a lot. The continous iterations allow the design to grow and develop by itself. After the progressive process of design testing, it is quite interesting to look back at all the iterations and prototypes we’ve done, telling the logic and connection between each variation.

Comprehensive research is vital to fully understand the current requirement of the client. The design is getting more and more detailed, starting from a few simple curves taking from contour lines to become a well-considered fence. By keeping questioning to polish the details of the concept, a general concept has been grounded to become a pratical fence designing. Testing with different material and methods gives me, as a designer, the awareness of how to bring a conceptual design into the reality. Although there are more issues to be explored and argued such as city council and cost, I am satisfied with the current outcome. It is enjoyable to have such studio experience in my Uni life.

For me, the finishing of Studio Air is just a start. Parametric design is no longer just a word describing the designs of Zaha Hadid. It is a digital tool to explore more different perspectives of seeing architecture and design. Building is not just about architicts, it becomes a collaborative task involing disciplinary from different fields. Architecture is evolving to be more accurate and scientific.

It is the first time for me to do a design as a group. It’s a totally fresh experience for me. Teamwork can be challenging due to the otherness of each person. However, I am very glad that I get a chance to work with lovely Christy. It is wonderful that how we take care of each other during the stressful study period and keep encouraging each other. Now, we make it! We have produced a satisfied work which cannot be done without each other’s support.

C.5.

Appendix - Algorithmic Sketche

es

C.

Reference & Image List

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