Computational Design Portfolio - Dishita Turakhia by Dishita Turakhia

C O M P U TAT I O N D E S I G N PORTFOLIO

D I S H I TA T U R A K H I A

CONTENTS MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

These projects used digital design tools and software to design complex form geometries, resolve these parametric designs and analyse the shape for optimized architectural solutions. Most of the projects focussed on faรงade systems, double curvature surfaces and parametrically variant component based system designs. There was extensive use of Rhino, Grasshopper, RhinoScript, Panelling tools, Microstation 3D, Generative Components and other such parametric design tools.

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

These projects mainly experimented with inducing dynamism or active mechanisms into the architectural design systems for performance optimization. The responsive mechanism to an external stimulus varied extensively based on the project with designs scaling from product design to movable structures and faรงade systems. A few projects drew inspiration from natural active systems using biomimicry and material properties. Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, RhinoScript, Rhino Membrane, Ecotect, Geco and ANSYS were used for digital design of these responsive systems apart from the physical experimentation.

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The projects grouped under this section used the advanced technological tools to study and predict structural performance, evaluate it and produce the most optimized results. Material properties were embedded into the digital medium and external loads were simulated in order to predict the threshold limits of the structures. Rhino, Grasshopper, Kangaroo, ANSYS and Strand7 were mainly used to design and analyse the structures.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

Architectural solutions that are not only in sync with the context but also integrated with climatic and environmental conditions for most efficient performance and usage are the projects listed in this category. While most of the projects address this issue to a certain extent, a few of them are driven completely by the environmental factors and hence listed under this category. The emphasis is largely on creating conditions to tackle contradictory demands of the brief and site, for example need of varying temperatures at different times of the day or seasons. Ecotect and Geco are mainly used to study solar movement, shadow analysis, temperature variations, heat exposures, and energy gains in order to design most efficient design for the context.

URBAN DUNES ------------------------------------------------08 LAYERED SKINS ------------------------------------------------10 PARAMETRIC FACADE ------------------------------------------------12

PNUEMATIC ALIEN ------------------------------------------------14 WIND ACCELERATOR ------------------------------------------------16 ADAPTABLE URBAN HABITAT MODULES -----------------------18 DYNAMIC TENSEGRITY SYSTEMS ---------------------------------20 HYGROMORPHIC DYNAMISM --------------------------------------22 THIGMONASTIC MIMOSA -------------------------------------------24

MODULE BRIDGE ----------------------------------------------26 PARACENTRIC WORKSHOPS----------------------------------------28 ARDUINO SENSORY FACADE ---------------------------------------30

NINGGO FASHION CITY -------------------------------------------32 ECCENTRIC TWIST STADIUM -------------------------------------36

FABRICATION PROCESS

Use of digital technology to ease the fabrication process, construction time and assembly procedures results in optimized management of resources. This crucial application of computational digital design tools has revolutionized the architectura and professional practices across the globe and assisted in construction of outstanding structures. The projects involved use of CNC milling, laser-cutting, and KUKA robot for construction processes in certain projects.

THEORY AND RESEARCH

The research mainly focusses on dynamic architectural systems and exploration of design domain of irregular tensegrity structures.

CONVERGING CONTRASTS ------------------------------------------34 MODULE BRIDGE ------------------------------------------------26 PARACENTRIC WORKSHOPS ----------------------------------------28

EMERGENCE -------------------------------38 RESEARCH PAPER - CAADRIA 2013 -------------------------------42

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

URBAN DUNES PROJECT TYPE - PROFESSIONAL, SP+A STUDIO CATEGORY BUS TERMINAL STATION - INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATION UDAIPUR, INDIA ROLE DESIGN ARCHITECT HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, FACADE DESIGN, STRUCTURE

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Jaipur, the desert city of India, is renowned for its beautiful sand dunes and traditional designs. The bus terminal, an oasis for millions of travelers, is one of the major transport hubs in the city. Restoring the historical importance of this hub while improving the efficiency of the programmatic requirements of a transport hub, led to the organic design of the Central Bus Terminal in Jaipur. Inculcating the notion of Jaipur to the weary traveler was the inspiration behind the volumetric design of this infrastructure project. The curvature of the organic form is a function of the vehicular traffic movements. The elevations were created based on the sun-paths to provide self-shade to the central public plaza. The clear segregation of the

DENSELY SPACED AND THINLY PERFORATED FIN TO SHADE THE SOUTH FACADE

The aerial view above of the bus terminal shows the access points, the undulating facade and shading panels (intended to be made from sandstone jhaali) and the roof garden which provides breathing public space withinthe congested urban city center.

SPARCELY SPACED AND HIGHLY PERFORATED FIN TO ALLOW MORE LIGHT AND VENTILATION ON NORTH FACADE

NORTH

HIGHER MASSSING ON SOUTH SIDE FOR SHADING THE COURTYARD PLAZAS

PERFORMATIVE PERFORATED FACADE FINS TO MODULATE LIGHT AND VENTILATION BASED ON ORIENTATION

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

functions on different levels was intercepted with strategic vertical circulation and structural cores for efficient space and energy management.

THEORY & RESEARCH

SYS. The green roof naturally cooled the building and provided breathing space in the congested urban desert.

Due to the high volume of passengers, efficient and affordable ventilation was of paramount concern. Inspired by the magnificent design of Hawa Mahal, a palace in Jaipur, the structure was enveloped with a “breathing skin” of perforated and uniquely oriented sandstone panels allowed maximum visibility, ventilation and shading. The floor plates of the building were supported on peripheral load bearing trusses providing column free internal spaces and the three vertical circulation cores doubled up as additional support system for the trusses. The design prototypes were digitally tested for environmental and structural performance in Ecotect and AN-

TICKETING AND RESERVATION OFFICES ENQUIRY AND INFORMATION KIOSKS FOOD STALLS AND SMALL RETAIL OUTLETS LOCKER ROOMS AND CLOAK ROOMS WAITING AREAS AIR CONDITIONED WAITING LOUNGES DRINKING FACILITY CANTEEN, TAKE AWAY OUTLETS & CAFETERIA ADMINISTRATION OFFICES DRIVER RESTROOMS AND LOUNGES CONTROL ROOMS AND OFFICES PUBLIC TOILETS AND RESTROOMS CIRCULATION CORES

BUSINESS HUB AND OFFICE SPACES ADMINISTRATION OFFICES RESTAURANTS AND DINING SPACES FOOD COURTS AND TAKE AWAY OUTLETS BANQUET HALLS AND SERVICE AREAS PUBLIC TOILETS AND RESTROOMS CIRCULATION CORES

FIRST FLOOR - TICKETING, WAITING AND ADMINISTRATION

ROOF GARDEN TERRACE LOUNGES

THIRD FLOOR - BUSINESS HUB AND FOOD COURTS

BUDGET HOTEL AND SERVICE AREAS 2 SCREEN MULTIPLEX SPILL-OUT PUBLIC SPACES PUBLIC TOILETS AND RESTROOMS CIRCULATION CORES

RETAIL OUTLETS AND SHOPPING ARCADE COMMERCIAL SPACES WAITING LOUNGES PUBLIC TOILETS AND RESTROOMS CIRCULATION CORES

ALIGHTING BAYS AND BOARDING BAYS BUS BAYS AND PLATFORMS DRINKING WATER AND REST ROOMS CIRCULATION CORES SIGNAGES AND TICKET VENDING MACHINES WAITING AREAS

GROUND FLOOR - BUS CIRCULATION AND PLATFORMS

ROOF - TERRACE GARDEN

FOURTH FLOOR - MULTIPLEX AND BUDGET HOTEL

SECOND FLOOR - RETAIL COMPONENT

PLATFORM 4,5 (26 BAYS TOGETHER) FUEL STATION AND MAINTENANCE AREA PUBLIC PLAZAS PLATFORM 1,2,3 (13 BAYS EACH)

BUS ENTRY

BUS EXIT

BUS TRAFFIC AND CIRCULATION - UNIDIRECTIONAL DROP OFF FOR TAXIS AND PRIVATE VEHICLES

TICKETING OFFICES AND WAITING AREAS

VEHICULAR ENTRY

VEHICULAR EXIT

SHORT HAUL TRAFFIC & DROP OFF - UNIDIRECTIONAL DROP OFF FOR PASSENGERS TICKETING OFFICES AND WAITING AREAS PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CONNECTING METRO CONNECTION TO LEVEL 1 FROM PLAZA PEDESTRIAN ENTRY/ EXIT PLAZA ENTRY

EXIT

PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

The views above show elevations from road side and back side of the terminal The diagrams alongside show the different layers of struture and movemnet designed within the terminal

BUS PARKING PRIVATE VEHICULAR PARKING - 2 WHEELERS PRIVATE VEHICULAR PARKING - 4 WHEELERS BUS EXIT ENTRY (VEHICULAR + BUS)

VEHICULAR EXIT

VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR PARKING IN BASEMENT

The diagram alongside shows circulation and access points for different users at the terminal.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

LAYERED SKINS PROJECT TYPE - PROFESSIONAL, PLP ARCHITECTURE CATEGORY VOCATIONAL CENTER - INSTITUTIONAL LOCATION ABU DHABI ROLE COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNER HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, FACADE DESIGN, STRUCTURE

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The concept for the new LAB (Leadership Acceleration for Business) facility at Arzanah was envisioning a lively campus, where the academic and residential zones were visually interconnected, creating a strong sense of belonging and providing free-flowing spaces for informal encounters and gatherings. The low-rise scheme was conceived as a horizontal campus with academic and residential areas organised around a central conditioned courtyard. This central space became a focal point for all communal facilities of the campus. The academic functions were organised over two levels embracing two sides of the courtyard. The residential rooms were organised along a single loaded corridor that define the edges of the courtyard on the other side. The Skybar, with its roof terrace, was located on the top level with views over the Zayed Stadium.

The plan alongside shows the site and context around the institute.

The zoomed in plan alongside shows the location and site context of the academic institute.

The views above show the courtyard scheme design of the academic institute with shading facade, floating cross grid roof structure supporting shading panels and internal circulation and structural system.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

Structurally, the internal columns supported the floor plates, while the external diagrid column structure on the south and west facade supported the shading louvres. The internal pods were independent steel framework envelopes that intercepted the floor plates for accommodating double heighted seminar spaces. The east and north facade are perforated for allowing maximum natural light into the internal courtyard public spaces. The roof was integration of a cross grid steel structure cantilevered extensively to create the dramatic feel of floating roof. The sky-bar located on the roof was shaded by solar panels each uniquely sized and oriented for maximum shading during harsh climatic conditions. The contemporary iconic design of the academic building attempts at developing architectural spaces and structures that reflect modernization within the culturally

SHADING SOLAR PANELS CANTELEVERED FLOATING ROOF TRUSS SKY BAR ON THE ROOF ELEVATED ROOF STRUCTURE CURVED FACADE AS PER WIND MOVEMENT PRIPHERAL CROSS COLUMN FACADE

ACADEMIC INSTITUTE DESIGN

OPTIMIZEDSHADING AND VENTILATION GAP FOR VENTILATION SUN SHADING PANELS SUPPORT FOR TRIANGULATED PANELS CANTILEVERED LATERAL ENDS OF TRUSSES CROSS GRID STEEL TRUSS STRUCTURE

THEORY & RESEARCH

rich context.

The grasshopper generated roof panelling options alongside show the variation in the panel sizes and orientation based on solar exposure for maximum shading and ventilation on the doubly curved roof surface.

GRID ROOF STRUCTURE AND SHADING PANELS

CONGREGATIONAL AREAS RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES ON TOP 2 LEVELS 3 LEVELS OF ACADEMIC ZONES CIRCULATION CORRIDOR CLASSROOMS AND CONF. ROOMS SEMINAR PODS

PROGRAMS AT HIGHER LEVELS

ALIGHTING BAYS AND BOARDING BAYS MEP-SERVICE AREAS SERVICE CORES AND LIFT BLOCKS STORAGE AREAS ADMINISTRATION BLOCK SERVICE FACILITIES

BASEMENT AND GROUND LEVEL

The above exploded axonometric shows the different layers of structure and circulation levels within the building. The image alongside shows the split 3D printed model of the design highlighting the internal spaces

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

PARAMETRIC FACADE PROJECT TYPE - PROFESSIONAL, PLP ARCHITECTURE CATEGORY VOCATIONAL CENTER - INSTITUTIONAL LOCATION ABU DHABI ROLE COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNER HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, FACADE DESIGN, STRUCTURE

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The same project was conceived in a variant form of high rise tower where the programs were consolidated in a vertical assembly in contrast to the courtyard scheme. The high-rise scheme involved placement of the programs around the central atrium and voids at the corners of the cuboid.. This central space again remains a focal point for all communal facilities of the campus. The academic functions were organised over lower levels while the residential rooms were organised on higher levels along the circumference of the tower square plan. The Skybar, with its roof terrace, was located on the top level with views over the Zayed Stadium. The facade studies were the most crucial in this design as they were derived based on the orientation of the building face, the programmatic re-

The plan alongside shows the site and context around the institute.

The zoomed in plan alongside shows the location and site context of the academic institute.

The views above show the tower scheme design of the academic institute with shading facade, floating cross grid roof structure supporting shading panels and internal circulation and structural system.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

THEORY & RESEARCH

quirements of light and ventilation and views of the outside. The structure was also parametrically designed in accordance with the facade pattern. Thus, the structure, shading, ventilation and view requirements were all integrated into one system of facade pattern design and applied on the design for the most optimal result. The diagrid pattern also reflected the jhaali decorations prevalent in the historical and cultural symbols of islamic architecture. The process involved study of Ecotect analysis for solar exposure and shading patterns of the facade structure. The roof diagrid structure along with the shading solar panels on the roof were also parametrically designed for optimal shading and ventialtion.

SHADING SOLAR PANELS CANTELEVERED FLOATING ROOF TRUSS SKY BAR ON THE ROOF ELEVATED ROOF STRUCTURE CURVED FACADE AS PER WIND MOVEMENT PRIPHERAL CROSS COLUMN FACADE

OPTIMIZEDSHADING AND VENTILATION GAP FOR VENTILATION SUN SHADING PANELS SUPPORT FOR TRIANGULATED PANELS CANTILEVERED LATERAL ENDS OF TRUSSES CROSS GRID STEEL TRUSS STRUCTURE

CONGREGATIONAL AREAS RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES ON TOP 2 LEVELS 3 LEVELS OF ACADEMIC ZONES CIRCULATION CORRIDOR CLASSROOMS AND CONF. ROOMS SEMINAR PODS

The above grasshopper generated facade structure options alongside show the variation in the grid sizes and orientation based on solar exposure for maximum shading, viewing ability and ventilation.

ALIGHTING BAYS AND BOARDING BAYS MEP-SERVICE AREAS SERVICE CORES AND LIFT BLOCKS STORAGE AREAS ADMINISTRATION BLOCK SERVICE FACILITIES

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

PNUEMATIC ALIEN

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY PAVILION - PUBLIC SPACES LOCATION GREECE ROLE RESEARCH AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS - RESPONSIVE DESIGN, PNUEMATIC RESEARCH, STRUCTURE

The project brief was to design the mechanism for an active and climatically responsive architectural system for public plaza in Athens, Greece. The temperature differences during day and night; and also during summer and winter are quite considerable and hence the use of this parameter to bring about variation in the spatial conditions was the main theme of the project. This wide range of seasonal temperature variations was used as the parameter for activating the dynamic architectural system. The sunangles, sun-paths and temperature variations were mapped over different time durations and used to design the aperture and cushion sizes. The behaviours of a number of pneumatic component prototypes were tested in order to achieve maximum variation in form with low temperature variations. The physical models of these prototypes were also tested for struc-

The view above shows a graphic render of the pavilion on the site with its varyingly inflated cushions and respective aperture sizes.

The above views, plans and sectional elevations give an idea of the design, location and circulation along with internal spatial quality and scale respectively.

The above diagram of the plan shows internal program distribution within the pavilion.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

tural stability and organizational logics. The internal layout of the pavilion was kept simple, yet flexible in order to accommodate the diverse circulation patterns and traffic flows. The pavilion acted as a public sit out shaded space during the day-time and semi-enclosed performance arena during evenings. The dia-grid structure of the pavilion was enveloped with a pneumatic cushion layer which provided insulation between the internal and external environments. The cushioned panels were filled with helium gas that would display large volumetric variations in relatively smaller temperature changes. These volumetric changes would help in regulating the amount of sunlight that would enter the internal spaces. Furthermore, my providing apertures in

THEORY & RESEARCH

these cushions, and changing the aperture sizes based on light requirements of different internal spaces, the ambience of the enclosure could be varied.

The images alongside show the study of pnuematic components and the effects of the expansion and contraction on the amount of direct light passed through the apertures. This study governed aperture sizes at various positions on surface. The images alongside show the exploded axonometric of the two levels of the integrated pnuematic pavilion structure. The lower level consists of diagrid structure defining the double curvature geometry and the top component cushion layer controlled the light aand temperature conditions in the interior using active mechanisms. The above solar study shows the heat exposure and shadow patterms over different times of the day. These studies helped in determining the location and variation in cushion apertures on the global form of the pavilion.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

WIND ACCELERATOR PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY PAVILION - PUBLIC SPACES LOCATION GREECE ROLE RESEARCH AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS - RESPONSIVE DESIGN, CFD ANALYSIS, DOUBLY CURVED SURFACES

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Art and literature has always been a significant part of Greek culture and thus using art as a driving tool for social interaction of the communities was the main goal of the project. The brief howver demanded use of active architectural system to improve the ambience of the site and promote diverse use of the spaces. The design here is an example of application of all the three surface systems of wind accelerator, wind catcher and sun shading surfaces in the site given. The design above shows a conceptual approach of developing spaces using these surfaces to obtain the different programs with different conditions and requirements. The position of these surfaces is governed by the wind movements, sun angles, and placement of the programs along with the requirement of the spaces to be semi-open or enclosed spaces. These surfaces and be configured to

The above shadow and wind movement study helped in determining the design of curvature and location of programs to suit the user needs of comfortable shade, warmth, ventilation and visual connection.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

have a free flowing continuous structure with the surface changing from being roof to wall and partition surfaces. The parameters of these surface components is governed by the function and position of these surfaces. The program distribution was based on the climatic site conditions with cafĂŠ and bistro located in the region which was shaded during hot afternoons and receives the mild evening sun. The performance area is located in the corner areas in order to facilitate for the amphitheatre. The terraces of the buildings are used as the semi-open exhibition spaces and the rest of the open space is converted into green open spaces. The site experienced relatively high temperatures during most of the time of the day results in environmental conditions outside the comfort zone. Thus it was

THEORY & RESEARCH

necessary to improve the environmental conditions of the space in order t make it more comfortable for social activities. Since most of the site was under shade due to the surrounding buildings, shading the space did not help in lowering the temperatures. Thus the other way of improving the comfort levels would be improve the ventilation by inducing wind and increasing wind velocities for light breezy conditions. The different ways of inducing winds are inducing pressure differences, temperature differences or by plain improving the existing wind velocities and redirecting the wind in the desired direction.

The diagrams above show the digital experiments and wind analysis done on the various cross sectional areas and shapes of the component in order to implement the principle of relation of cross sectional area and the velocity of wind passing through it. While the length does not affect the velocity, it still helps in directing it; and the shape of the component again does not affect the velocity directly, it affects the volume of the air passing through it.

The above diagram shows the wind analysis of a surface of the component with hexagonal components with change in the cross-sectional area of inlet and outlet of the air. There is a clear increase n the wind velocity and also more efficient wind re-direction. The change in the cross section area also helps in developing a curvature on the surface.

1. Wind catcher 2. Wind Accelerator 3. Shading and connecting surfaces. The wind catcher helps in redirecting the wind in the necessary areas. The wind accelerators help in speeding the wind velocities and thus help in improving the ventilation and comfort levels in the spaces.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

ADAPTABLE URBAN HABITAT MODULES PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY VERSATILE - PUBLIC SPACES LOCATION MUMBAI, INDIA ROLE RESEARCH AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS - DYNAMIC STRUCTURE, URBAN DESIGN, TENSILE MODULES

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Cedric Price, quite ambitiously explores the potential dynamic structures by stating “What if the buildings or a space could be constantly generated and regenerated!” Using dynamism to improve efficiency, multi-functionality and adaptability of space has become a design pre-requisite in order to cater to the rising need of spatial flexibility and re-configurability. For congested megacities, such as Mumbai, India, the lack of urban space and resources to support infrastructure is an area of major concern for architectural structures. One solution is to create adaptive infrastructural structures is public health and learning centers by day and social congregational and recreational spaces by night.

The above view shows the organically prolierating tensegrity habitable structures within the interstitial spaces of the informal urban slum settlements. These spaces for semi open public spaces like the markets, community gathering areas etc.

RESIDENTIAL

INDUSTRIAL

RESIDENTIAL + WORKSHOPS

COMMERCIAL

WORKSHOPS

RESIDENTIAL+ COMMERCIAL

The above study shows the different categories of building and program typologies existing within the urban slum settlements of Dharavi in Mumbai, India. This typology study is then used to design respective dynamic tensegrity modules to serve multiple praogrammatic spatial needs.

The above images show study of location of different programs with respect to its location on site.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

The proposed design in the informal settlements of Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, was aimed at addressing this issue of congestion by developing organization strategies of the design dynamic Tensegrity modules evolved using algorithmic design process. By day, these structures were designed to be commercial spaces and by night they would serve several purposes such as sleeping shelters and night workshops. After performing a thorough analysis of site conditions at varied time scales, the organization logic reflected the juxtaposition of existing spatial conditions and required reconfigured enclosed spaces. Further investigation resulted in the understanding of the change connection parameters of the components and the respective resultant alteration in the spatial nature of the design. The strength and stability of the design system was also tested digitally us-

THEORY & RESEARCH

ing material properties and constraints in analytical softwares like Strand. This confirmed the load bearing capacity and buckling thresholds for the design. The final design proposal addressed the construction and installation techniques from a critical view-point which would be able to propose a viable design solution to the addressed problem in the chosen context.

The alobe diagram shows two combinations of the same module showing inward and an outward spatial orientation alongside an existing structure.

The above renders show examples of use of habitable modules for semi open market spaces within the interstitial areas of the urban slums.

The above axonometric and sectional elevations show the organic growth and proliferation of the varied modules to form usable spaces within the unused areas.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

DYNAMIC TENSEGRITY SYSTEMS

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Tensegrity Structural Systems maintain its stability due to an intricate equilibrium of forces established between its rigid and disjoint compressive and continuous tensile components. Tensegrity structures exhibit an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio and possess the unique property of being stable in zero-gravity spaces. The form-finding processes of these structures involve computational techniques combined with algorithmic approach to overcome the limitations of the available restrictive mathematical methods. This research uses Evolutionary Algorithmic to thoroughly investigate a set of arbitrary Tensegrity Structures which are tedious to design using traditional methods and determine new irregular and architecturally optimal forms. The

PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY VERSATILE - PUBLIC SPACES LOCATION MUMBAI, INDIA ROLE RESEARCH AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS - ALGORITHMIC DESIGN, EVALUATIVE ANALYSIS, MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

5 2 4

VOLUME 6F BS 6,12 (v)

EC 10

EC 8 EC 11

EC 9

EC 2 S5

EC 5

S1 EC 7

NEC 3

Z Y X

5A S4,11. 01 (A)

EC 6

NEC 1

NEC 2

NEC 4

7000

6000

5000

4000

3000

2000

1000

Y X

S:5

S:1

STRUT LENGTH

S:3

S:2

S:4 STRUT LENGTH CABLE LENGTH

CABLE LENGTH

6F 6,12 (v).03 (A)

6F 6,12 (v).01 (B)

6F 6,12 (v).02 (B)

6F 6,12 (v).03 (C)

6F 6,12 (v).02 (C)

6F 6,12 (v).03 (C)

6F 6,12 (v).01 (C)

STRUT LENGTH CABLE LENGTH

6F.03(C)

6F.03(B)

6F.03(A)

6F.02(C)

6F.02(B)

6F.02(A)

6F.01(C)

6F.01(B)

6F.01(A)

6F.03(C)

6F.03(B)

6F.03(A)

6F.02(C)

6F.02(B)

6F.02(A)

6F.01(C)

6F.01(B)

6F S 6,12 (v).02 (A)

HEIGHT

6F 6,12 (v).01 (A)

AREA

EC:4 EC:3 EC:11 EC:9 EC:2 EC:10 NEC:3 EC:1 EC:7 EC:5 EC:6 EC:8 NEC:1 NEC:2 NEC:4

6F.01(A)

6F.03(C)

6F.03(B)

6F.03(A)

6F.02(C)

6F.02(B)

6F.02(A)

6F.01(C)

6F.01(B)

8 11

6F.01(A)

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

procedure uses Dynamic Relaxation methods for simulating the material properties and system performance based on the mechanical constraints and kinetic freedom. The rigorous analysis, evaluation, elimination and selection procedure aims at achieving optimal set of digitally developed and tested modules.

THEORY & RESEARCH

structural analysis in response to the changing social contextual aspects of the site and; the other aspect of the research aiming at studying digital simulations of material and system behaviors, and developing design solutions through digital algorithmic processes for optimal material usage, structural performance and fabrication feasibility.

The assembly logics are re-embedded in the digitally iterative design process to essentially have the resultant design reflective of a highly engineered system performance evolved into highly developed spatial architectural design. Thus the research focuses on two aspects of study, with the primary focus of the dissertation being proposal of a structurally adaptive system through various material tests, physical models and digital

5 3 9

+1.5M

6 4

-1.5M

+10

-10

+1.5M

+1.5M -1.5M

-10

+10 10

-1.5M

10 2

9 7

5A (1-8-10)--- Strut @ 1

-10

+10

5A (1-8-10)--- Strut @ 8

5A (1-8-10)--- Strut @ 10

5A BS4,11(i)

5. 5A S4,11(i). 01(A)

+10 ROTATION

-10 ROTATION

BASIC SEED GENERATION

RELAXATION FOR STABLE FORM

PROPERTY OF RELAXED FORM

INPUT = NUMBER OF STRUTS (N)

STRUTS ASSIGNEED RIGID PROPERTY

CALCULATE STRUT INTERSECTIONS

NODES GENERATION

CABLES ASSIGNED PRESTRESS VALUES

ATLEAST 3 NODES FIXED

+1.5 M LENGTH

5A S4,11(i). 02(A)

CONNECTING LINKS

VOLUME OF BOUNDING BOX OF FORM

ATLEAST 6 DEGREES OF FREEDOM FIXED

GEOMETRY RELAXED ( i Rhi M b (using RhinoMembrane) )

RELAXED FORM

BASE AREA OF FORM OF FORM

ASSIGNING SS G G PROPERTY

- 1.5 M LENGTH

RANDOM SHUFFLING

MAXIMUM CLEAR HEIGHT OF GEOMETRY

4. BASIC SEED

1. Evaluation chart of the selected geometries based on base area, height and volume 2. Evaluation graph of the selected module for ease of fabrication and uniformity in size of strut length and cable length 3. Physical model of one of the selected tensegrity module and its structural analysis. 4. Dynamic behaviour of selected morphology on rotation of struts and lenghtening of telescopic struts

5. Example of a basic seed morphology and its relaxed stable tensegrity modules 6. The pusedo-code of the algorithm for generative and evaluative process of the tensegrity modules.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

HYGROMORPHIC DYNAMISM PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY BIOMIMETIC, ACTIVE SYSTEMS LOCATION N/A ROLE RESEARCH AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS - DYNAMIC STRUCTURES, MATERIAL SYSTEM STUDY

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The project involving study of the natural active systems focussed on studying objects that respond to environmental humidity by changing their shape. Many natural and artificial materials respond to changes in environmental humidity by shrinking or swelling such as movement of wheat awns, shrinking of certain mosses (Funaria hygrometrica), warping of wooden floors, curling of fallen dried leaves etc. A common example of a robust natural hygromorph is the pine cone, famous for the static phyllotactic pattern of its scales. While tree bound cones are closed, fallen cones are invariably open. But when dead falled dry cones are moved into a humid environment, they close and open again when dried, an experiment that may be repeated many times. The mechanism leading to cone opening when dired relies on the bilayered structure of the individual scales

The above study depicts the mechanism of amplified motion using a hrgromorphic hinge in the scales of the pine cone that result in opening of the cone when dried and closing on increase in humidity levels.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

that change conformation when the environmental humidity is changed. The deformation is localized to a small region close to where the scale is attached to the midrib of the cone while the rest of the scale simply amplifies this motion geometrically. In this active outer layer of the tissue, closely packed long parallel thick walled cells respond by expanding longitudinally when exposed to humidity and shrinking when dried, while the inner passive layer does not respond strongly. Consequently, the tissue behaves like a thermally actuated bimetallic strip of the differential expansion of the constituent strips that are glued together.

THEORY & RESEARCH

actuators that respond to environmental variations using responsive materials. One such application developed was bilayered component faรงade system where the differential expansion properties lead to warping and straightening of the component based on thermal variation. This system could be developed into a dynamic faรงade for self shading of buildings or for variation in natural ventilation of the structures.

Thus, a simple design principle of hygromorphic hinge and geometric amplification of motion can be applied on varied bio inspired sensors or

The ANSYS study of the representative pinecone scale digital model based on its respective bending movement is shown alongside. This study helped in understanding the relation between the fiber orientation and freedom and ease of bending achieved in the geometry.

The images alongside show the closed, half open and completely opened up scales of the pine cone when exposed to different levels of humidity and dryness.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

THIGMONASTIC MIMOSA PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY BIOMIMETIC, ACTIVE SYSTEMS LOCATION N/A ROLE RESEARCH AND DESIGN HIGHLIGHTS - DYNAMIC STRUCTURES, MATERIAL SYSTEM STUDY

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Thigmonastic movements in the sensitive plant Mimosa pudica L., associated with fast responses to environmental stimuli, appear to be regulated through electrical and chemical signal transductions. The thigmonastic responses of M. pudica can be considered in three stages: stimulus perception, electrical signal transmission and induction of mechanical, hydrodynamical and biochemical responses. The hydroelastic curvature mechanism closely describes the kinetics of M. pudica leaf movements. The specialized cells, called motor cells, are capable of changing their volume and shape very fast due to changes in cell turgor. Right after a touch stimulus, a first action potential transmits a signal from the stimulated site to the pulvinus. Another action potential triggers the rapid movement in the pulvinus, generating differential flows of K+ and Cl- between the sym-

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

plasm and apoplasm that are followed by massive water flows, resulting in loss or gain of turgor by the cell. As the ions are pumped out of the extensor motor cells the internal water potential increases, leading to water loss and consequently to the shrinkage of these cells. At the same time, the opposite occurs with the flexor zone cells, leading them to a turgid condition and the leaflet folds up.

THEORY & RESEARCH

on various architectural examples like self shading facades, openable windows, movable bridges etc.

A detailed study below of deformation within certain special cells in a cellular packed structure and its subsequent result in the global form deformation sets base for developing architectural applications of the phenomenon. The concept of change in pressure leading to volumetric changes and resulting into dynamic behaviour of the global form can be applied

The diagrams here show a possible design solution that uses the concept of mimosa deformation.

The diagrams above and images alongside show the deformation variation based on variation in the cellular geometry, composition pattern and pressure force orientation. The diagram above shows the variation in forces causing differential compression.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

MODULE BRIDGE PROJECT TYPE - WORKSHOP, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY BRIDGE, STRUCTURE LOCATION AA SCHOOL CAFETERIA, LONDON ROLE DESIGN AND FABRICATION HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, MATERIAL STUDY, STRUCTURE, FABRICATION

The render above shows the proposed design of the diagrid structural bridge connecting the three spots of AA studio, Cafeteria and Open terrace. The figures alongside show the different variations of the design and the grasshopper parametric models The images below show inspirations and references used for structural design of the bridge.

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The design brief for the construction of the AA bridge project was simple yet challenging as it involved connecting three points at highly varied elevational levels. While the geometry of the bridge was tricky at the connecting points and overlapping paths, the external elegance of the form required to be parametrically derived and fabricated. The material to be used had to be CNC milled or Laser cut and preferably light-weight. This was particularly challenging due to limited material options available that would satisfy all the constraints of load bearing requirements and fabrication ease. The design below was the competition entry for the bridge design which was derived by parametrically modulating a triangular section by widening, scaling, twisting and turning the section for deriving an elegant bridge design solution made from wooden traingular sections

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

THEORY & RESEARCH

strengthened by cross bracing structural members. The second phase of the workshop involved fabrication and assembly of the scaled model of the selected design for bridge constuction. The process of making fabrication drawings, getting components cut, assmebing the components using most efficient joinery and connection process for the scaled model itself was a challenging exercise in itself. The bridge modules in the third phase were then fabricated to the 1:1 scaled up model using KUKA Robot at ICD Stuttgart, Germany.

The images alongside show the fabrication of the scaled down model of the final selected bridge design.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

PARACENTRIC WORKSHOP

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The canopy, exhibited at the prestigious Kala-Ghoda festival in India, was a design a porous, doubly curved, canopy structure that was suspended at 4 strategic points. Using design software like Rhinoceros and Grasshopper, and Plug-ins like Kangaroo, the goal was to maximize curvature of the overall canopy form without compromising on the structural stability. Employing the flexibility provided by the bending properties of the flexi-ply and embedding these properties into the digital simulation system was crucial in achieving this goal. Moreover, the apertures within the components were varied based on the positioning of the individual component in the overall design. Thus, each component was location specific and unique in its design. The components were fabricated using CNC milling and assembled on site before installation.

PROJECT TYPE - WORKSHOP, MUMBAI UNIVERSITY CATEGORY CANOPY, PAVILION, FACADE SURFACES LOCATION MUMBAI, INDIA ROLE TUTOR, DESIGN, FABRICATION HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, STRUCTURE, FABRICATION

1. View of the canopy overlooking the city 2. Assembly of the components for the canopy done in 5 parts 3. Connection of the different parts of the canopy 4. Assembled canopy surface before installation 5. Installation of the canopy on the support structure 6. Process of installation of the canopy and the support structure for its suspension.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

THEORY & RESEARCH

A pavilion structure that functioned architecturally as a semi-shading enclosure in socially active spaces was created by fabricating digital designs into physical assembly models and then tested for strength, stability and flexibility. The results of the physical experiments were then embedded back into the digital analytical platforms for further design exploration and material optimization. Using this process, the structure designed was a doubly curved enclosure surface assembled from polypropylene component skin system for optimized structural and environmental performance. The s-Pavilion design provided flexibility of space and was a lightweight installation that blended into the context.

1. Installed pavilion structure on site 2. Diagram showing the component scaling and joinery 3. Images showing different fabrication and installation stages 4. Diagram showing the component connection pattern and overlap 5. Different layers of the structural support design of the pavilion.

STAGE IV-POPULATING SURFACE WITH COMPONENTS

STAGE III-DOUBLY CURVED ENVELOPE SURFACE

STAGE II-STRUCTURAL CURVED RADIAL SUPPORT

STAGE I- LOCATING RADIAL SUPPORT POINTS

PARA-CENTRIC WORKSHOP II - PAVILION INSTALLATION

PARA-CENTRIC WORKSHOP II - PAVILION DESIGN

STAGE II-STRUCTURAL CURVED RADIAL SUPPORT

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

ARDUINO SENSORY FACADES PROJECT TYPE - PROFESSIONAL, SP+A STUDIO CATEGORY FACADE SYSTEMS LOCATION MUMBAI, INDIA ROLE DESIGN AND DETAILING HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, ARDUINO SENSORS, FABRICATION

The above circuit diagrams are the different sensory circuits tried out for testing the sensor based facade design. The first one has a motion sensor while the other two have infrared sensor detecting obstruction between the emitter and the receiver to trigger motion in the servo motors connected and resulting in opening and closing of panels

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Listed below are two different projects that involved the use of parametric modelling and development of realtime dynamism using arduino in sync with grasshopper and firefly. The first project was a facade of a gamig zone that would be dynamic based on motion sensors. The idea was to have the facade engage the audience outside the building continuously based on the dynamic activities occuring inside the game zone. This would attract the people to enter the gaming zone owning to curiousity and inquisitiveness. The motion sensors inside the building would map the activities inside and the facade outside would react dynamically by having openable panels that would form various visual configurations on the outside depicting the mood and activity levels on the inside.

The above grasshopper renders show the different stages of the opening and closing of the panels based on arduino sensing and responsive design. The motion sensors in the circuit detect movement of users and result in dynamic behaviour of the facade panels.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

THEORY & RESEARCH

The dynamic block screen design shown below for another project was an experiment to design a self shading movable screen that would react based on the sun position and wind direction in order to have an optimal comfortable ambience on the inside. The orientation of each of the block would vary based on the heat gain and direct sun exposure. This dynamic facade would thus allow completely perpendicular openings and clear view of the outside during nights for maximum ventialtion, while during afternoons, it would provide maximum shading allowing for medium levels of ventialtion and almost minimal level of visual connection. This experiment was particularly interesting due to its direct application possibilities in architectural facade systems which would help in saving energy usage of the structures.

The above renders show the different variations of the modular parametric jhaali or screen designed for maximum shading and ventiliation. along with the respective physical models fabricated for the shading study.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

NINGBO FASHION CITY PROJECT TYPE - PROFESSIONAL,PLP ARCHITECTURE, UK CATEGORY CITY DESIGN, URBAN LOCATION NINGBO, CHINA ROLE COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNER HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, CLIMATIC ANALYSIS, FACADES

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The master-planning of Ningbo,the emerging fashion hub of China caters to urgent need of designing urban areas as self-sustaining ecosystems. The extensive research and case studies on the natural environments and resources provided a comprehensive base for developing the architectural language for the urban fabric. The city-centre was divided into 4 districts - commercial, business, institutional and residential hubs. A uniquely designed pedestrian ring road connects these distinct zones and also provides a platform for social and cultural activities. The circular “cat walk” thus is an abstract adaptation of a fashion show runway exhibiting the evolving social cultures. The radial path would be the hub of performative spaces, public plazas overlooking the waterfront and a connecting route for all major landmark institutions. The main program zoning and

Gateways to Site

Car Access Pedestrian Corridor Pedestrian Avenue

Bus Routes in CBD Subway Line Regional Bus Routes Bus Stop Ferry Stop Water Tourist Routes

Internal Public Transport Link Internal Public Transport Link Stop

Ground Level Nodes Catwalk Level Nodes

The plans alongside show different infrastructure planning derived from varied options generated parametrically for the study of impact of different designs on the urban planning. 400m 5 min

200m

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

THEORY & RESEARCH

infrastructure mapping revolved around the functions along the band circumference resulting in a radial landuse masterplan. Additionally, in order to make the design into a self-sustaining ecosystem, various studies for accommodation of water purification plants, sewage and sanitation systems, flora and fauna in the green and aquatic zones were conducted. These systems were embedded within the master planning and program zoning of the urban design. Numerous solar radiation studies were carried out on the massing volumes and designs were tested for optimized behaviour under various climatic variations and weather changes. Wind movements and ventilation patterns were also studied and incorporated within the design guidelines followed for the master-plan.

The Ecotect studies below show the solar exposure and heat gain diagrams for the different districts of the urban cityscape over the different quarters of the year.

Hutong District

Recycling Point

Highrise District

Bio-diversity Zone

Highrise District

Campus District

Recycling Point

Aquatic Habitat Recycling Point

Marina Bay

Cultural District

Museum

SOLAR EXPOSURE: MARCH 20

SOLAR EXPOSURE: SEPTEMBER 22

Recycling Point

Hutong District

recyclable waste

Hutong District

Recycling Point box separator diverter

rotating separator compactor & container

Highrise District

Campus District

CONSOLIDATION ZONE

Marina Bay

Cultural District Electricity

Roof Garden

Cultural District

Museum

SOLAR EXPOSURE: JUNE 21

SOLAR EXPOSURE: DECEMBER 20

Bioswale

Highrise District

Bioswale

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

Museum

Campus District

Museum

Campus District

Wind Turbine

Urban Forest

Hutong District

Centralized Electricity Room

Rain Garden

pervious pavement and water storage

stormwater collection/storage

Marina Bay Forest

Hutong Forest

Marina Bay Forest

SOLAR EXPOSURE: MARCH 20

Museum Plaza

Cultural District

marine release

Hutong District

Marina Bay

Cultural District

Marina Bay

Roof Garden

absorbed into ground

SOLAR EXPOSURE: MARCH 20

irrigation via stored rainwater

Hutong Forest

SOLAR EXPOSURE: SEPTEMBER 22

Centralized Mechanical Room

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

evaporated into

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Highrise District

Broadway

Museum

Urban Forest Urban Forest

Highrise District

Campus District

Museum

Campus District

Urban Forest

Hutong District Cultural District

Marina Bay Forest SOLAR EXPOSURE: JUNE 21

Hutong Forest

Marina Bay Forest

Hutong Forest

Marina Bay Forest SOLAR EXPOSURE: MARCH 20

Hutong Forest

Marina Bay Forest

Hutong Forest

SOLAR EXPOSURE: JUNE 21

SOLAR EXPOSURE: SEPTEMBER 22

Marina Bay

Hutong District Cultural District

Marina Bay

SOLAR EXPOSURE: DECEMBER 20

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

Urban Forest

Museum Plaza

Highrise District Plaza

Broadway

Urban Forest

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

CONVERGING CONTRASTS PROJECT TYPE - PROFESSIONAL,ARCHITEXTURE BURO CATEGORY OFFICE DESIGN, INTERIOR LOCATION GOA, INDIA ROLE CHIEF DESIGNER HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, FABRICATION

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

“Bring me something that is unique to commercial properties in my office”. With that in mind, I developed a theatrical design that would lure the observer with the dynamic space, invoking the observer’s curiosity. Merging materiality with dramatic space, the final design was a mould of two stark contrasting spaces – one being a rigid, rustic envelope with an earthy feel and the other being an organic, fluid and glossy enclosure both harmoniously meeting at the center of the office. This setup provided the opportunity to spatially divide the spaces with the minimal use of partitions and still provide relatively large user spaces. The stark contrast of materiality, rigidly followed in both the contrasting halves, was further evident in the language of furniture detailing in

3. 1.

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

1. The plan of the layout showing the stark differentiation between the wooden enclosure and white surface. 2. Image of the view from the receptio looking into the director’s cabin. 3. View from the director’s cabin looking to the reception area. 4. Reception area

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

THEORY & RESEARCH

respective spaces. In one half, the rustic wooden envelope was allowed to flow through the sequential spaces ending pivotally at the Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cabin. The sectional profile of the wooden box displayed seamless filleted wooden detailing, especially at the corners, junctions and furniture joints. The internal structure was highlighted in the profile section by cladding beams with the same wooden panels. On the other side, a fluid, organic bulging doubly curved cave-like enclosure was developed to symbolize freedom and adventure. The white duco polish on the animated surface further dramatizes this contrast. Even the pantry door has the same double curvature surface in order to merge the openings with the rest of the envelope.

6. 5. Image of the doubly curved door to staff area and pantry 6. Detailed image of the duco finished doubly curved wavy partition 7. Reception area 8. View of the doubly curved partition 9. Directorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cabin

8. 9.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

THE ECCENTRIC TWIST PROJECT TYPE - COMPETITION, ARCHITEXTURE BURO CATEGORY STADIUM DESIGN, INFRASTRUCTURE LOCATION INDIA ROLE COMPUTATIONAL DESIGNER HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, CLIMATIC ANALYSIS, STRUCTURE

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Eccentric Twist Stadiums and Arenas have always been iconic structures right from ancient history to contemporary era. These majestic structures represent splendor, grandeur and celebration of not only sports but the spirit of games, players and passion of the game followers. As a structural and design concept, we aimed at capturing this dynamic spirit and fortitude of the sports into the design of the stadium itself. The structure is primarily divided into 3 hierarchical layers that coalesce to constitute a dynamic structural icon. The 3 layers comprise of (i) 3 intertwined eccentric rings (ii) twisted secondary grid (iii) skin The idea of 3 intertwined rings developed as the main iconic structural

The above views show the final design render and the layered structural formation of the stadium design with based cross grid layer, solar panel layer and the cussioned ETFE panel layer.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

spines of the stadium that would be not only representative of the continual kinetic force of the games but also the vigorous energy of the viewers. While the 2 rings are symmetrically intertwined that housed the seating and the main sports field area, the third ring was oriented along the sun path such that the south facing seating would always be in shade considering the heat and strong sun in most parts of India. In addition, the faรงade surface facing the southern direction would potentially be clad with solar panels to enable energy production for the stadium. This concept aimed at incorporating climate and local environment into the design of a more sustainable and responsible design. Thus the eccentricity of the third ring is not only iconic and conceptually dynamic, but also a move for climatic comfort and sustainable structural design.

The above elevation renders show the complexity of the intersecting ring structure.

THEORY & RESEARCH

The secondary structure of steel grid that interconnected the 3 rings constitutes to the main structural strength of the stadium in addition to projection of the twisting structure. This layer of the structure carves out the smooth twirling surface for the skin installation which would be either translucent or opaque ETFE panels or Solar panels based on the orientation and position. The whirling surface encloses seating capacity of more than 50,000. Some of the panels are green surfaces thus flowing the continuity of the surrounding landscape into the structure projecting a feel of the structure rising from the landscaped ground. The twisting paneled surface not only shades the seating area but also lights up during play times at night thus creating an ambience of energy and celebration. The southern faรงade installed with solar panels produces the energy for the stadium functioning, thus making it self-sustainable. The container surface also enables rain-water harvesting systems which would essentially provide for the water resources required during the use thus making the arena representative of modern economical and ecological concerns. In addition to lighting up the stadium during specific occasions, the panels could also become projection screens for the display of live games for the audience enjoying the game from outside the stadium. The back-wall of the seating could also become the projection surface thus providing a 360 degree display screen transferring the energy filled environment inside the stadium to the outside of the arena. Additionally, the roof of the Stadium has a possibility of being collapsible and thus becoming enclosed stadium from this semi-open arena. The idea of twisting grid flows through in the landscaped areas which would be used by an equal number of viewers as the stadium capacity thus enabling a larger audience to enjoy the feel of the game. The checkered landscaped and concrete levels surrounding the stadium also are lit up at night thus creating a feel of an iconic wholesome glowing mass rising from the ground surface, twisting and whirling into the space dynamically, full of energy and life, very much like the spirits of the game, players and viewers! The Eccentrically Twisted Stadium thus is not only a structural marvel but also an architectural icon!

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

EMERGENCE

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

The entire experimental exercise of emergence, over the 3 sequences, coupled with the lectures and readings questioned the conventional concepts of not only the design process in architecture, but also the various notions of using biological and natural processes as guidance for developing new architectural explorations.

PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY THEORY, EVOLUTIONARY SYSTEMS LOCATION N/A ROLE RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS - GENERATIVE ALGORITHM, EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN CONCEPTS

Form Evolution: Architecture, that is conventionally perceived static in form, space and behaviour now can be seen with new perspective of being a continually evolving and changing formal space. The evolution could be in its form, its use and its constant interaction with environment. This environment consists of the dynamic users of space and dynamic physical context of

Nomeclature: Basic seed geometry, Its paramters and the nomenclature for genome mapping

Generation 1. The geometries were selected with the intention of introducing as much diveristy in further generations. The geometries were ranked based on ratio of no. of faces to no. of vertices and disrtibution cruve was mapped.

The above diagram shows the different transformations carried out for creation of varied generations of geometries

Generation 2. To break the pattern of similar fitness ratios and even out the distribution curve, more variation was introduced and the ranking was charted. The most variant forms with different fitness ratios were selected for next stage.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

the site hat consists of wind, climate, seasons, etc. And as any object cannot be separated form it environment and its forces, there is no final end product in Architecture, as the product is also continually evolving based on the various dynamic parameters it is affected by. Variation: Variation is a fundamental basis for process of evolution. The constant shift in the variation levels at different stages of the evolutionary process (or the design development process in Architecture) can result in extreme results was one of the most important learning of the exercise. The variation in the end results of the sequence 1 varied extensively amongst all the groups based on the decisions of variation levels at every iteration

THEORY & RESEARCH

stage. Certain groups ended with more fitness but less variation, while some groups ended with a less fit but more variant results. In order to get the perfect balance of variation and fitness in the results, it is essential to critically analyse designs especially with the use of distribution graphs at every iterative stage in order to retain the beneficial properties of each design and obtain an optimum result. Complexity At every stage of transformation, design achieves a higher level of complexity and variation. This was clearly learnt in the sequence 1 of the experiment, where form developed higher levels of complexity at every iteration stage. This was a very significant learning to understand the process of developing complex designs. Complex designs are thus a result of subsequent and gradual addition of parameters and transformations at every stage of design rather than the conventional design method of imposing all parameters at one stage and producing a design. The process of step by step evolving the design in a very methodical, yet explorative manner reflects clarity in the design and its performance. Emergence thus proves that complexities arise from simplicity. Genomes v/s Phenome The idea of perceiving Architecture only in terms of its form till date has been completely challenged by now associating form with its genome. Thus form now is not just what is seen physically but it is linked with its characteristics and its properties and more over linked with its history of transformation process it has undergone. Each form, thus with it carries all the information of the various parameters and the different levels of hierarchy of characteristics and performative properties. This also now opens up a new explorative field of operating on its properties (genomes) and seeing the result in the form. This also reflects now the importance of rigorously and methodically recording and detailing every form and its transformation down to its genomic level. The various difficulties faced in order to record and write down each transformation of every form also reflected the importance of ease of writing and recording method in order to then be able to access this genomic information. The various explorations by different groups in order to devise ways of communicating the genome and make it easily readable, accessible and operatable was a very significant learning exercise. Another significant exploration was the cross breeding and mutation processes applied on the genomes having significant impacts on the respective forms. This helped in understanding and devising various ways to enhance the performance and characteristics of designs using these strategies of cross breeding and mutations and thus exploring extreme potentials of the designs and their combinations.

Generation 3. Selected morphologies were then cros-bred at genome level using standard 50-50, 75-25 percentage to produce 12 more individual geometries which were analysed for fitness criteria and ranked accordingly.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

EMERGENCE PROJECT TYPE - ACADEMIC, AA SCHOOL, UK CATEGORY THEORY, EVOLUTIONARY SYSTEMS LOCATION N/A ROLE RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS - GENERATIVE ALGORITHM, EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN CONCEPTS

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Organisation - Self organisation Morphogenesis is the process by which natural systems produce self organised patterns over a period of time and space. Although morphogenesis is not a new concept to theory of Architecture, what is new to us is its application in the process of evolving designs using emergence concepts. The sequence 2 which mainly focussed on development of assemblies, was a very important stage in understanding the concepts of organisation v/s self organisation. The formation of cells, assemblies and clusters in order to enhance the performance and behaviour of a single individual component was a very significant exercise to develop the basic concept f emergence that “the behaviour of the whole is greater than summation of its components”. The manner, in which organisation takes place in na-

Generation 5. The final stage of assemblies shows the variation and enhanced performance of the clustered morphologies due to the evolutionary process followed for design. Generation 4. This stage involved embryological developemnt of morphologies in a hierarchical mannerwithin limited energy availability leading to clustered assemblies.

CLIMATIC ANALYSIS

FABRICATION PROCESS

ture from similar smaller individual components is the crucial factor in the resultant performance of the whole. Architecture is also a system that is consists of its components and it is the organisation of its components that affects the performance of the whole. Nature has various examples where patterns emerge due to simple logics in self organisation and that enhances the performance of the resultant. Thus simple logics governing organisational rules applied on numerous components over a number of iterations. The various assemblies generated by each group during the sequence 2 based on various criteria sometimes resulted in more complex assemblies that were merely morphologically variant but did not enhance the performance and vice versa. Thus it was essential to explore and find right logics of organisation that emerged in variant morphologies that were performatively enhanced. Hierarchy The understanding of hierarchy as not different levels of organisation, but as ‘a result of an iterative process evolutionary process’ was explored extensively in the sequence 2 of the experiment. When a formal hierarchy is developed due to the consistent dynamic evolutionary process that a design is subjected to, it reflects the ideas and logic behind the design process more clearly rather than in the conventional method of merely having different organisational hierarchy in Architecture. The process of introducing different parameters and constraints at different levels of design iterations based on their significance, eventually results in a performative hierarchy of components in the design. This is very evident in biology with hierarchical organisation of cells to form tissues, of tissues to form organs, of organs to form organisms, of organisms to form communities, of communities to form ecosystems. Architectural hierarchies are quite analogous to these biological hierarchies and thus the design process needs to incorporate these concepts very intelligently to be able to have more organised and performatively emergent results. There were various levels of hierarchy introduced in the assemblies explored by the different groups in this sequence and it was evident that the clear hierarchical organised assemblies showed better enhanced performance. Rearrangement of matter and differential growth Embryologically, this is very significant stage of development and growth of a form of an organism where there is re-arrangement of matter based on its function and re-organisation using differential growth. The cells get reorganised and specialised in their function and behaviour. Any design development process also goes through a similar stage of re-organisation in order to re-position the components based on their performance and making them specialised for that performance. This concept is very helpful for exploring the maximum potential of any design and resulting in optimal behaviour. Metabolism Environmental Pressures The notion of viewing Architecture as a dynamic system that constantly

THEORY & RESEARCH

interacts with the environment and its users and thus is constantly exchanging energy with its context provides was one of the crucial learning points of the sequence 3. The fact that ‘any object cannot be negated from its context and environment and its impact’, needed to be considered seriously during the design development process even in Architecture. There is constant energy flow at various levels of organisation and this fact is true not only for biological and ecological systems but also for Architecture and Urban scale systems. The amount of energy is generally limited and thus optimal use and flow of it affects the optimal performance of the design. Various approaches to study this fact were experimented in the sequence 3 by moves of introducing energy vectors, environmental pressures, and different behavioural criteria by various groups. It was very interesting to study the various effects of various pressures and behaviours in the different groups across the class. Homeobox At this level of hierarchical assemblies, the concept of Homeobox was a very significant one. Although the components of each assembly would have a very similar genome their performance would significantly differ based on its position. Thus, now there was differentiation and variation introduced at a higher level. Biologically, this would be controlled by a set of genes called homeobox and architecturally, it could very well be considered a set of global parameters that affect the whole system or design on a larger scale. The Hox genes are the decision makers that control the effect of a certain property thus either accentuating or repressing certain characteristic property or behaviour of the system. This very interesting concept gives the design development process a whole new exploration potential. The idea of controlling and changing the extent of a certain property or characteristic of a design based on a certain set parameters and guidelines redefines the whole parametric design development process. Speciation and Adaptation By the end of the sequence 3, there were clear patterns emerging in each group with formation of variant organisms that were morphologically very similar yet performatively differing. Thus there was speciation process with resultant forms being slight variations of each other. The evolutionary process that was initially a branching out process evolving variations was now in a way converging towards a certain species. The final results were basically various adaptations of each other resulted due to being subjected to variation in either the environment or variation in energy levels. Also when certain groups explored the situation of subjecting a set of individuals to a completely new environment and then judging the performance of each assembly, it was interesting to see the massive change in performative levels, thus highlighting the higher ability of less specialised individuals to adapt. This is a very important learning for Architecture, as it needs to constantly adapt to its surroundings and changing contexts. The need for specialised behaviour versus the freedom of adaptive behaviour is a significant decision required in the design development stage.

MORPHOLOGY GENERATION

RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS

RESEARCH PAPER PROJECT TYPE - RESEARCH, CAADRIA, SINGAPORE CATEGORY RESPONSIVE SYSTEMS, PAPER LOCATION N/A ROLE COMPUTATIONAL RESEARCHER HIGHLIGHTS - PARAMETRIC DESIGN, STRUCTURE, ALGORITHMS

STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

Abstract. Tensegrity structures, with its potential to configure itself into multiple stable states based on equilibrium states of its compo-nents, provides for a very efficient system to be explored for dynamic structural behaviours. Quite paradoxically, the kinematics of the sys-tem informs the static and final form of the configuration of the sys-tem. The primary objective of the research is studying Irregular Tensegrity Structures in order to formulate a computational genera-tive, evaluative and algorithmic method to design a structurally dy-namic Tensegrity system that inherently possesses a potential to adapt to the varying contexts and its respective demands, requirements and spatial needs. Keywords. Tensegrity; non-linear systems; dynamic; membranes; telescopic struts. 1. Introduction 1.1 NON LINEAR DYNAMIC SYSTEMS The Linear Systems tend to be characterized by a single global state, but dynamic systems which are both non-linear and non-equilibrium display multiple stable states and these may come in a variety of additional forms, namely steady, periodic and chaotic states. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are beginning to understand that any complex system, whether composed of interacting molecules, organic creatures or economic agents, is capable of spontaneously generating order and actively organizing itself into new structures and formsâ&#x20AC;?, says Manuel DeLanda in his writings. It is precisely this ability of matter and energy to self-organize and exist in multiple stable states, which is of greatest significance due to its potential application in various fields of design and development. The spontaneous generation of form as well as the morphogenetic potential of a material system can be best expressed by studying and analysing its complex and variable behaviour. 1.2 TENSEGRITY AS NON LINEAR DYNAMIC SYSTEM Although the conventionally studied classical Regular Tensegrity Structures can be classified as Linear Systems, the recent investigation in the field of developing and designing the Irregular Tensegrity has led to understanding the complex behaviour of Irregular Structures. While the primary parameters governing the morphological stable state of the system are the properties of its compressive and tensile components, the connection logic and nodal degrees kinetic freedom of the configuration also contribute significantly to the resultant stability and morphogenetic variation. 1.3 SIMULATION OF TENSEGRITY STRUCTURES Tensegrity Structural Systems constitutes 3-dimensional stable mechanical structures that maintain its stability due to an intricate equilibrium of forces established between its rigid and disjoint compressive and continuous tensile components. Tensegrity structures not only exhibit an exceptionally high strength-to-weight ratio but also possess the unique

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property of retaining its stability in zero-gravity spaces. However, the determination of stable configurations that result from the connectivity patterns between the compressive and tensile components is highly challenging. Thus the form-finding processes of the Tensegrity structures involve computational support juxtaposed with algorithmic approach to overcome the limitations of the available math-ematical methods that have restricted scope of exploration. 1.4. COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS A comparative analysis between the Regular and Irregular morphologies resulted from a set of preliminary experiment conclusions were carried out. It was observed that regular morphologies generated proportional variation in the volumes and orientation of resultant geometries. The regular geometries were also more predictable and behaved linearly as opposed to non-linear behaviour of irregular Tensegrities. However, architecturally, irregularly generated morphologies could be differentiated in terms of spaces in contrast to the uniform spatial conditions of regular Tensegrities. Also, the potential of creating limitlessly varied morphologies of the system provide for possibility of diverse design applications in various topological contexts. This characteristic diversity in irregularly generated modules provides potential of higher complexity and further variation when organized in different hierarchical manner. These observations were key factors in the decision of experimenting further solely on irregular Tensegrity geometries and its potential to develop multiply stable forms, and diverse spatial conditions. This research involves use of Evolutionary Algorithmic approach to thoroughly investigate a set of arbitrary Tensegrity Structures which are difficult to design using traditional methods and determine new irregular forms with optimal architectural relevance. The procedure involves use of Dynamic Relaxation methods for simulating the material properties and system performance to obtain stable forms based on the input mechanical constraints and kinetic freedom. The rigorous analysis, evaluation, elimination and selection procedure aims at achieving optimal set of digitally developed and tested modules provide for the basis for next stage of design development and complexity based on organization logics of the emergent design. 2. Generative Algorithm 2.1. PSEUDO-CODE This step involved setting up the digital apparatus for the experimental exploration of irregular morphologies. Since the design domain was so wide and limitless, it was essential to fix the listed parameters to limit the boundaries of experiment that involved first generating a widely variant set of unstable basic seeds which would be later relaxed in its multiple stable states respectively followed by intensive evaluative elimination process. In order to generate randomly variant initial population, a generative

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script was written in Rhinoscript following the pseudo-code shown.

Figure 1. Pseudo-code for the generative algorithm. The first step involved generation of the unstable basic seed based on the input parameter of number of struts. Considering N number of strut is input in the script, the process generates 2N number of symmetric nodes divided in 2 planes (each plane with N nodes) in a circular equidistant manner. These nodes are then randomly connected by 4N number of links such that each node has 4 set of links. These links are then randomly assigned component properties with the limitation of each node bearing one strut and 3 cables. The struts and cables are now randomly exchanged and shuffled without changing the limitation of number of struts and cables at each node but producing a variant basic seed morphology. The second step involved obtaining relaxed morphologies from the unstable basic seeds by firstly assigning non-elastic properties to struts and non-form finding cables, and assigning elastic properties to form-finding cables. As mentioned before, the form-finding cables were the links connecting nodes vertically and non-form-finding cables connected the nodes horizontally in same plane. This was followed by selecting randomly set of 3 nodes and fixing these nodes in x-y-z planes, y-z planes and z plane respectively, thus fixing 6 degrees of freedom in translational motion. The basic seed was then relaxed using Rhino-membrane plug-in interface. In order to further compare and evaluate the produced geometries, each of the resultant morphologies were digitally tested for their characteristic spatial properties of enclosed volume, base area and clear height. An algorithmic script was written to calculate these properties to be able to calculate the closest properties as precise calculation was not only tedious but computationally time-consuming. For volume calculation, bounding boxes enclosing the geometry were generated where each bounding box was aligned with each one of the outer plane of the geometry. The minimum volume of these bounding box was chosen as the geometry volume. Same concept was used to algorithmically calculate base area (by

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selecting maximum of the various 3-point planar areas) and clear height (by choosing minimum of the various internal single point to 3 point planar distance). 2.2. MORPHOLOGY GENERATION Using the generative script, 40 unstable basic seeds were created with 5 struts, 6 struts, 7 struts, 8 struts and 9 struts geometries. Each basic geometry had an unique connection logic and thus would produce high variation in respective relaxed modules. It was observed that 6 and 8 struts geometries had a tendency to relax into similar relaxed geometries and produce less variation while odd numbered strut geometries like 5, 7 and 9 struts produced more variant relaxed geometries. Also the number of form-finding and non form-finding cables played a crucial role in stability of geometries. It was observed that geometries with higher ratio of number of form-finding cables and number of vertical struts produced lesser number of stable geometries.

Figure 2. A six strut unstable basic seed resulting in multiple stable geometries. 2.3. EVALUATION STAGE 1- VOLUMETRIC PROPERTIES The first stage of evaluation was aimed at eliminating architecturally unusable geometries that enclosed very less volumes or had less clear heights. Hence each of the geometries was evaluated for the enclose volume, base area and clear height. Each of the respective data was graphically plotted as sown in the example above in order to have a comparative analysis and elimination procedure. The geometries with maximum enclosed volume, larger base area and higher clear heights were selected thus eliminating the flatter, condensed and contracted unusable geometries.

Figure 3. Volumetric evaluation of one of the six strut basic seed and the corresponding ge-ometries.

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2.4. EVALUATION STAGE 2-FABRICATION EASE The second stage of evaluation intended to access the fabrication ease of the modules. The first step involved eliminating geometries with intersecting struts as it was structurally not feasible to fabricate. The above shown evaluation of 3 out the 18 modules has the 3rd example with intersecting struts and thus the geometry gets eliminated followed by evaluation for uniformity in component dimensions for fabrication ease. In order to access this regularity in lengths of struts and cables, values for each strut and cable length is plotted graphically. A flatter line graph implied higher uniformity in component dimensions. The graphs alongside show relative strut and cables lengths for each of the 18 geometries, which were ranked based on fitness criteria (uniform components). This procedure helped in retaining economically buildable modules and eliminated geometries with too many varying strut and cable lengths. The 6 filtered out modules shown alongside were then se-lected for further structural tests and analysis. A detailed documentation of the second stage of evaluation is listed n the Appendix section for reference.

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to get the desired stability for the designed load, combinations of different strut dimensions is explored. This exercise helped in classifying the geometries based on their structural stability and load bearing capacity. 2.5.2. Linear Buckling Analysis The LBA estimates the Load at which the struts will begin to buckle and is governed by the strut diameters. The structural analysis done for one of the selected modules is shown below where the buckling loads for the structure was calculated. Since the buckling load was lower than the required design load the struts had to be redesigned by changing the diameter in order to increase the strength of the structure and to ensure stability under critical load of 1000N. The diagrams alongside show the same experiment and tests done on the other 5 design modules to redefine the stable dimensions.

Figure 5. A selected geometry tested for Linear Static and Buckling Analyses. Figure 4. Graphical representation of strut and cable lengths of one of the selected geometries. 2.5. STRUCTURAL TESTS Structural Analysis in Strand was carried out for the selected modules to simulate the deflection of the nodes and the buckling threshold of the struts under the assigned load and to get the appropriate geometry of the components. For the digital setup, Struts are assigned as beams with elastic modulus. Cables are defined as springs with axial stiffness of each cable inversely proportion to its length. Based on the geometry, minimum three nodes are fixed on the ground in the translational x, y and z axis keeping the rotational movement free. The other nodes are subjected to a load of 1000 N in the (-z) direction. Each module is tested for three strut cross-section diameter value viz. 20mm, 50mm and 75mm and under three load cases with varying pretension values of 0.02, 0.01 and 0.001 in the tension cables. 2.5.1. Linear Static Analysis LSA is carried out to study the deflection in the geometry caused due to the designed load. Based on the inferences of the above experiments, the final strut geometry and cable pretension value is decided. In certain cases

3. Dynamic Experiment The next step of the experiment was to test the selected modules for possibility of dynamic spatial re-configuration. 3.1. MULTIPLICITY The strut and cable dimensions and lengths play a very crucial role in the stable configuration of the relaxed form. This property of producing variant stable forms with slight change in the dimension was used to achieve dynamism in the form by manipulating component lengths and orientation. This experiment was carried out to test each of the selected design modules for possibility of distinctly usable spatially reconfigured organization. This characteristic feature was the key to achieving program based dynamic performance of the system. The manipulation of the component properties was carried out by either changing the length of struts or the rotating the struts with one fixed end. The experiment was limited to manipulating only one strut at a time; only the 3 struts with one end fixed at the base were manipulated. The length change was limited to either increasing or decreasing by 1.5 m at the free end of the fixed strut. The rotational change was also limited to a + 100 or - 100 in the x-y plane about the fixed end of the strut. The digital experimentation was carried out in Rhino membrane by re-assigning the component properties and relaxing the structure again after the manipulation. In both the cases the module sometimes produced a large spatial

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variation and re-configuration, but most of the times resulted in swaying of the structure as seen in the example alongside. 3.1.1. Rotation of Struts The example shows a 5 strut module tested for rotational manipulation of component. The change would be achieved by using pin jointed detailing with freedom for rotation at the fixed end. The strut would require to be rotated manually as per the need to reconfigure the space.

Figure 6. Selected module tested for rotational manipulation of component. 3.1.2. Telescopic Struts The example below shows the same 5 strut module tested for length manipulation of component. The change would be achieved by having telescopic struts that could be increased and decreased by 1.5 m at the free end of each of the 3 fixed struts. The telescopic change would require to be triggered manually as per the programmatic need or user need to reconfigure the structure for enclosed space. However, due to pre-stressed nature of the system, this mechanism would require either use of motors or dismantling of structure and re-assembly of the module.

Figure 7. Selected module tested for length manipulation of component.

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3.2. MEMBRANES 3.2.1. Spatial Enclosures The next design step was to start creating enclosures in these design modules by not only retaining the spatial differentiation of spaces but rather enhancing it. This was done by adding tensile membranes to the structure by fixing the ends to cable ends and fixing the edge completely to the strut length. The membranes were further relaxed to achieve its stable form by using a relaxation script in Rhino-Script. Shown alongside are the membrane enclosures for all the five selected design modules and their respective multiple states 3.2.2. Structural Tests In order to understand the structural implications of the membrane addition, the modules were again tested under same conditions as before for structural stability. It was observed that the tensile membranes affected the buckling loads as the structure had now started failing at lower threshold loads. This implied that the strength of the structure required to be regained by further increasing the strut diameter.

Figure 8. Linear Buckling Analysis Test carried out on the selected module when an additional membrane layer is added. 3.3. MODULE ORGANIZATION The ability of Tensegrity structures to exist independently as modules and still have the potential of developing continuity by having hierarchical organization and connection logics is highly unique and useful. This capability generates scope of developing and designing inter-modular spaces that would have potential of being architecturally usable. This would also provide for ability to expand usable spaces when larger volumes are needed for certain functions. The connection logic was to create inter-modular usable spaces which would generate semi-open and semi-enclosed public spaces. These spaces can be designed for community based programs and this organization logic by infiltrating and stitching together the interstitial spaces in urban fabric.

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4. Conclusion The use of digital scripting tools to predict structural behaviour and formulate the algorithmic form-finding process helped in exploring the vast design space domain of Irregular Tensegrity Structures which has been very sparsely explored. The intense evaluation stages and elimination process helped in efficiently filtering out the potentially usable design modules. Simulation of non-linear complex system behaviour and the multiple-stable state result of the generative process successfully provides a digital apparatus for further studying, analysing Irregular Tensegrity Structures including its varied application possibilities. However, there is a need of a feed-back loop in the digital exploration which would enable the learning and conclusions of each stage to be applied in the process by re-iterating the stages with revised procedures. Combining the system with springs or sensors would further investigate the dynamic system behaviour without the need to mechanically change the structure. There is also further scope of researching on methods and techniques that would explore the modularity of the system in much deeper sense to come up with more emerging complex structural systems. References Anthony So. and Manar Elâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Chammas.: A Semidefinite Programming Approach to Tensegrity Theory and Graph Realization, Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford University. Tibert, A. G. and Pellegrino, S.: Review of Form-Finding Methods for Tensegrity Structures, Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, U.K and Department of Structural Engineering, Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden. Chandana, P.; Lipson, H. and Valero F.: Evolutionary FormFinding of Tensegrity Structures, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. Rieffel, J.; Valero-Cuevas, F. and Lipson, H.: 2006, Automated discovery and optimization of large irregular tensegrity structures, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineer-ing , Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA.

Figure 9. Design modules connected for generating architecturally usable spaces.