Digital Design - Module 01 Semester 1, 2020 Gerald Yi En Low (1001141) Joel Collins + Studio 7
Week One
Reading: Zeara Polo, A. 2010. Between Ideas and Matters.
According to Zeara-Polo, the diagram does not play a representational role in the design process but provides an organisational and can have a performative quality depending on how it is deployed. Explain how Diagram is different from Signs and Symbols? (100 words Maximum)
Signs consist of Icon and Indexes. Both Signs and Symbols are expressions, qualities, functions and properties of a formal representation. On the other hand, Diagrams do not play a representational role in their dynamic object. Diagrams mediate between physical constructs and concept on an organisational level. They produce “new sensations and moods� and are used to describe relationships and prescribe performances in space.
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Week One
Precedent Analysis
Plan (top left), Isometric (top right), Section (bottom). Gollings, John. MPavilion. Photograph. Deezen. October 5, 2015. Accessed March 14, 2020. https://www.dezeen. com/2015/10/05/amanda-levete-architects-mpavilion-queen-victoria-gardens-melbourne-australia-fibreglass-forest-petals/.
In modelling this pavilion, I took a step-by-step approach, starting with petal panels, web membrane, poles, fibre threads and ended with the wooden floor. After modelling one of each, I started duplicating them and had to think of a way to arrange the structures uniformly, so that the petals can overlap perfectly. When everything starts coming together, I added in the details such as the tables and benches.
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Week Two
Reading: Hertzberger H. 2005. The in-between and The Habitable Space Between Things, from Lessons for Students in Architecture. Herzberger discusses how design should not be extreme in its functionality. Use your precedent study to explain how the pavilion allows for an appropriation of use. (100 words Maximum)
The 2015 Mpavilion designed by Amanda Levete Architects allows users to decide how the pavilion should be used. Herzberger wrote that a city should be a “playground for the citizens�. As such, the pavilion gives flexibility for the users to interpret the function of the structure freely. The use of translucent flower petals above gives the area a slight shade from the sun, encouraging people to come in and explore around. While the light and thin poles allow the users to walk around freely. The chairs provided in the pavilion have also encouraged people to gather together.
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Week Two
Isometric
MPavilion by Amanda Levete Architects This isometric view was taken from the South-West viewpoint. The pavilion consisted of the timber ground, carbon fibre rods, the rib structure and petal panels. Together, they resembled a tree canopy. During the first tutorial, Joel showed the class the basics of modelling the MPavilion. This greatly helped me in the process of getting started and accelerated my time needed to complete the petal panels with precision. However, it was still a struggle for me as I have not used Rhino 6 during the long summer break. I felt that after putting much effort into modelling the rib structure, I should not hide it under the carbon fibre rods. Hence, by sectioning it into half, I have chosen to show both the carbon fibre rods and the rib structure of the petal in one isometric view After flattening the model into Make2D, I brought it into Illustrator to change the line weights and to begin on the circulation and threshold diagrams. I felt that the line weights should be consistent and they should accentuate the petals. The threshold of the pavilion is defined by where the timber ground and the benches. However, it is not clearly defined as there is no enclosure within. Therefore, the outer ring around the threshold should be blurred. The circulation within the pavilion is controlled by the poles and benches in the pavilion. Although users can freely walk around, they are bounded by the planations that partially surround the pavilion.
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Week Two Diagrams
Circulation
Threshold
The pavilion can be accessed from all sides, except where surrounding plantations are defined. The circulation diagram shows the paths users took throughout the day, suggesting paths users would use more often than others. As such, it results in areas of different density around the pavilion.
Threshold exists in the transitional space between the grass and platform. It can also exist when approaching the benches located under the canopy as it encourages people to gather and engage in an array of activities, creating a temporal semi-public space within a public space. The openness created by the thin poles around the pavilion draws a blurred boundary between the inside and outside.
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Appendix
Process
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Appendix Process
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Appendix
Process
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Appendix Process