E LAI N E B O NAVIA B.E&A.(HONS) MELIT.
DESIGN PORTFOLIO - SELECTED WORK
CV
[short]
EXPERIENCE • JUNIOR ARCHITECT & ENGINEER at ARCHITECTURE PROJECT (03.15-10.15) • JUNIOR ARCHITECT & ENGINEER at QP MANAGEMENT (10.14-03.15) • MAIN ORGANIZER at EASA MALTA FOUNDATION (09.13-10.15) • JUNIOR ARCHITECT & ENGINEER at UNIVERSITY OF MALTA (08.14-09.14) • STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING INTERN at CGE PERITI (06.13-09.13) • INTERIOR DESIGN ASSISTANT at PROINVEST LTD (03.10-05.13)
PROJECTS MECON PAVILION PHOENICIA HOTEL EASA LINKS PANORAMA REDEVELOPMENT KUNCIZZJONI ELECTRIC LIGHTING STATION FLOATING MILITARY FACILITY BUILDING WITH ORIGAMI STRUCTURES FUSION BRUCKE ROTATIONAL STRATEGIES
EDUCATION • UNIVERSITY OF MALTA (2009-2014) Bachelor of Engineering & Architecture, with Honours (EQF Level7) • AA VISITING SCHOOL (2013) Form as (dynamic) Unknown, Short Course • ST. ALOYSIUS’ COLLEGE SIXTH FORM (2007-2009) Matriculation Secondary Education Certificate - A levels POSITIONS • IASS -INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR SHELL & SPATIAL STRUCTURES (2014- present) /Member • EASA -EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE STUDENTS’ ASSEMBLY (2010- present) National Contact/ Bid Director / EASA Malta Organiser • SACES -SOCIETY OF ARCHITECTURE AND CIVIL ENGINEERING STUDENTS (2011-2012) /Advisor • INSITE MALTA (2009-2010) /Illustrator SOFTWARE • Adobe Photoshop - Adobe Indesign - Rhinoceros 3D • Sketch-up - Grasshopper - ArchiCAD - AutoCAD - Revit • SCIA Engineer - Microstran - Karamba - Prokon • 3Dstudio max - V-ray for Rhino - Microsoft Office OTHER INFO • NAME / Elaine Bonavia • LOCATION / Delft, Netherlands • CALL / +356 79253388 • EMAIL / ebonavia2@gmail.com • LANGUAGES / English (native), Maltese (native), French, Italian
MECON PAVILION STRUCTURAL DESIGN & RESEARCH POSITION Independent Engineering & Architecture Researcher;
11.14-08.15 w. K Borg, J. Dingli, J. Zarb & L. Lapira DURATION 7 months SKILLS ACQUIRED research, concept development, structural design, structural analysis, detailing, presentation, 3D printing, prototyping.
FIG 1
SOFTWARE USED Rhino, AutoCAD, Makerware, Arduino, Autodesk inventor LINK www.cargocollective.com/ mecon; https://vimeo.com/ mecon ABSTRACT This research concerns the construction of a threedimensional auxetic structure which transforms from a cube into truncated octahedron (mecon). The objecteeww is capable of a three-fold volumetric change and converts a closed solid to an open structure. With further development, this configuration could be adapted within various fields ranging from bioengineering to space exploration or temporary architecture. The structure was developed for the purpose of the IASS Expo Future Visions, whereby a lightweight pavilion consisting of two such modules is deployed by actuators responding to ambient noise levels in the Muziekgebouw, Amsterdam.
FIG 2
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PAVILION DESIGN In order to emulate the geometrical transformation in its purest form, the team decided not to introduce additional members to the structure. This decision placed restrictions on the joint design and actuation method. The design and fabrication of the Mecon pavilion would not have been possible without particular attention to the design of the joints at the vertices. These were made from 3D printed thermoplastics & epoxy resin. The first tangible proposal for the pavilion was to build three cubes that would expand together to fill up the required volume (8mx4mx4m) as much as possible. The pavilion design evolved as the team progressed with the detailing and prototyping process. Some of the detailing and construction issues that arose as the team went along affected the final outcome due to the lack of time and funding available. Ultimately, the team decided to exhibit two mecons in Amsterdam so that the third prototype would be based on a more refined design.
FIG 4 FIG 1- Sequence of deployment from the cube to the mecon shape; FIG 2- pavilion proposal when closed; FIG 3- Pavilion proposal when open; FIG 4- Concept sketch.
FIG 5 FIG 5- Details of two different joint prototypes; FIG 6- Various design iterations for the joint; FIG 7- First physical model of the mecon; FIG 8Fabrication of a mecon joint; FIG 9 - Labelled joints ready for packing & broken joint after testing
FIG 6
JOINT DESIGN From an early stage the team came to realise that the best way to construct this was to use additive manufacturing techniques for a custom made joint that would guide the rod movements. The final product is a result of a series of design iterations; starting off from a simple sphere booleoned with the locus of connecting rods and eventually evolving into a more specific geometry that could be easily manufactured. The first set of 3D printed joints enabled us to put together the a prototype which proved that the geometry and transformation worked as there was not previous research that could show that this possible. Furthermore, from this model it became apparent that certain design issues needed to be considered further. These included: • The connection between the joint and the members supporting the cube faces. • The tolerance between the arms and the joint. • The strength of the 3D printed joint. • Sequence for assembly.
FIG 7
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ACTUATION Two potential approaches were identified for actuation. The first involves constraining the translation of each cube face to its normal, while allowing them to rotate freely about the centroid. The second approach limits the degrees of freedom at each node to a specific path to achieve the transformation. This locus is then mapped onto 24 identical joints, each of which connects the vertices of each square
face to a rod (arm) connecting the face. Since it was decided not to introduce additional members to the structure and keep the internal space as free as possible, the second approach was chosen to build the pavilion. The actuation setup involved a stepper motor and its drivers, a power supply and an arduino board. The idea was to measure ambient noise and use this data to have sporadic opening and closing sequences.
FIG 10
FIG 11
FIG 12 IASS EXPO - FUTURE VISIONS At the end of June, the team travelled to Amsterdam to exhibit the pavilion. Following assembly, testing the arduino script was the next most important thing on the agenda. This could only start once the cubes were lifted up around 3m from the ground so as to allow for deployment space. Once this was done a number of issues could be observed from the test runs: Firstly, the cube would deploy (open) into a mecon quite easily but would find it difficult to do the reverse (i.e. close from mecon to cube) because that is when it was working against gravity. During this process the four top joints were the most stressed out and thus the weakest point throughout the structure.
FIG 13 FIG 10- Details & sketches for actuation setup; FIG 11- Mecon pavilion scale 1:1; FIG 12 & 13- Mecon pavilion at IASS Expo in Amsterdam
PHOENICIA HOTEL
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING POSITION Graduate Architect & Engineer at Architecture Project
03/15 - 09/15 w. E. Cuschieri, D. Mifsud, L. Camilleri; C. Thery; C. Zammit; R. Sanders & M. Sullivan DURATION 6 months
PROPOSED TURRET PROPOSED SKYSUITES
WEST WING
NORTH WING
SKILLS ACQUIRED research, concept development, architectural design, structural design, structural analysis, detailing, presentation, planning application.
EAST WING
SOFTWARE USED Rhino, AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign,
STRUCTURAL FLOOR
NOTE This work was produced at Architecture Project © PROJECT BRIEF The Phoenicia Hotel was the first hotel to be built in Malta, between 1936 and 1948, at a time when the communte between Malta and London took almost 60 hours. Situated at the entrance of the capital, Valletta, the hotel was partly built on top of 450y old fortification FIG 1 walls which at the time were being modified to make way for new development. The project proposal includes the re-design and refurbishment of various zones, particularly the pool area and the hotel building. The site comprises of a vast area that spreads across half the width of Valletta’s peninsula, measuring approximately 30500m2.
MAIN HALL MAIN ENTRANCE
SITE LOCATION
FIG 2
FIG 1- Sketch of the Hotel and proposed zones for development; FIG 2- Plan of Valletta & with fortifications; FIG 3- Master plan of the Phoenicia Hotel grounds SITE The Phoenicia Hotel site lies in the midst of Valletta’s military outerworks. These fortifications are approx. 450y old and were built by the engineers of the Knights of St. John to prepare against imminent attacks from the Ottoman Empire. The whole project includes the hotel building, the gardens, St. John’s ditch (where the laundry building and historic stables may be found), the glacis , the pool area and St. Rocco baths. The project design is thus influenced by various military defence elements found on site, which, thorughout the years have been neglected and misused to make way for development. My work on this project included the architectural and structural design of the new pool and ancillary building, a structural assesment of the hotel building and the detailing and structural design of the skysuites.
FIG 3
POOL PROJECT This project brief stipulated the re-design and construction of the pool area within a time frame of 6 months whilst keeping to a very strict budget. The existing site incorporates the pool deck, two small buildings used to accomodate catering and sanitary facilities as well as the pool and surrounding gardens, The design concept was driven by the different slopes and levels found on site, the complex military outerworks and the desire to reinstate the natural flow of the landscape towards the sea. Thus, the idea was to merge all the dispersed facilities into one ancillary building that would rise from the ground in a monolithic way. The minimalist design features, carefully studied sight lines and specific lighting scheme ensure that the project is neatly nested amongst the high limestone fortification walls. The infinity pool is directed towards breathtaking views of Marsamxett Harbour and is designed in such a way that it appears to be carved out of the rock at the edge of a rock platform that transcends into a garigue glacis. The project was also designed with a larger masterplan in mind which incoroporates the full Phoenicia Hotel site. The concept is to have a spine running down from the Hotel building to St. Rocco baths, allowing
FIG 4
FIG 5
FIG 6
FIG 4- Aerial view of the existing pool area; FIG 5 & 6- Render views of the pool ancillary building and infinity pool along the bastion walls; FIG 7- concept sketch, pool building.
FIG 7
FIG 8- Architectural plan of the pool area; FIG 9- Structural stresses in lift core and bridge zone & exploded view of ancillary bulding structure; FIG 10- General arrangement of steel reinforcement at roof slab. STRUCTURE Apart from the architectural design work and planning application drawings, my job was to carry out the structural design and detailing of the pool building, For the ancillary building, various options in steel and concrete were studied in order to work towards the cheapest solution, Analysis of individual beam elements as made using SCIA Engineer, as well as combined grillage models so as to compare results together.
FIG 8
FIG 9
FIG 10
FIG 11
FIG 12
FIG 11- View of skysuites re-development proposal;FIG 12- Part plan showing hotel structure; ALL OTHER FIGS - Typical drawings & details done for communication with client & contractors SKY-SUITES PROJECT The original intent was to convert the two rooftop plant rooms to high end sky suites. Following several discussions with the client it was decided that the approved design would be altered so that the project could be phased. Thus, the existing rooms would remain plant area whilst the proposed facade renovation would be implemented. My job was to assist with the analysis of the existing hotel structure and draw up reports based on observations and historical documents, Following this, the calculations and structural design of the new development were carried out. This was a tricky process when considering the numerous changes that the building structure underwent and the condition of the load bearing elements, Thus, the imposed loads from the roof development needed to be carefully distributed.. On this project, I also had the opportunity to carry out a number of site visits, attend meetings with the client and correspond with consultants on various matters.
EASA LINKS
EXECUTIVE ORGANISER & WORKSHOPS COORDINATOR POSITION Organiser at EASA Malta
03/15 - 09/15 w. S. Cremona, S. Mayl, K. Gauci, K. Ebejer, J. Vella, A. Grech La Rosa, J. Vassallo, Z. Mizzi, M. Cauchi, J. Coppini DURATION 18 months SKILLS ACQUIRED teamwork, research, marketing, project management, graphic design, leadership, LINKS www.easalinks.com; www. facebook.com/easamalta015 EASA LINKS EASA (European Architecture Students’ Assembly) is an event that incorporates 35 architecture and design workshops which aim to create dialogue, enhance education and encourage collaboration between 500 young architects coming from all over Europe. The organizing team was engaged in November 2013, after winning the bid to host the event in Valletta. The team was responsible for the acquisition of the site, (which is usually an unconventional location), planning accommodation, securing sponsorship, logistics, infrastructure, organisation FIG 1 of workshops, lectures and events. My role involved curating the workshops, assisting with the development of the lecture series, media and marketing administration, attending various meetings with sponsors and political representatives and finally coordinating the running of the workshops during the event.
FIG 1 - EASA campus at the edge of Valletta; FIG 2- Tunnels within fortifications; FIG 3- Views of EASA accomodation.
SITE ORGANISATION The EASA campus incorporated St Michael’s 3 tiered counterguard, St. Andrew’s Tenaille, the bridge, tunnels and rooms within St. Michael’s Demi-Bastion and part of the Valletta ditch. The team had to ensure that this vast space had electricity, water, food, safety and security for two weeks. Providing all this from scratch was by no means cheap nor easy from a political perspective. Throughout the 1.5 years of reparation, the team garnered enormous support from various Ministries, departments and institutions. EASA was planned to happen in a very specific location which
had recently been restored but had no particular function. The main stumbling block was that the ditch was used as an unregulated carpark in a city that had a major parking problem. Following months of talks and careful planning, the team finally secured the site, Implementing the infrastructural planning involved making the site safe, building the accomodation, offices and shower facilities, installing electricity, water, drainage shading and drainage services. As the site had to remain in use until the event, most of these things could only start around 2 weeks before the event was due.
FINANCE EASA is completely funded by sponsorships, public funds and participant fees. On average, the event costs around €300,000 which must be raised in around 18 months. As a team, we therefore exhausted all our contacts and resources to achieve this goal by launching a professional marketing campaign and forming the EASA Malta NGO.
FIG 2
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WORKSHOPS The EASA workshop were a complete manifestation of exchange and collaboration. With people bringing their thoughts and knowledge from every corner of Europe, it’s difficult to comprehend the scale of what went on for the two weeks. The workshops entailed a lot of planning in the run up to the event. This involved corresponding with the tutors to keep developing the concept in relation to the site and the theme of the event, scouting for and engaging
[EASA] Links a platform for architecture students from all over the world, a family of friends tied together through experiences. [MALTA] Links a country situated on the African plate, strategically located mid-way between two continents. [MEDITERRANEAN] Links a place coloured with history, trade and activity: the epitome of merged cultures which coexist in a unique way. [VALLETTA] Links a city that ties layers of generations together in architecture, memory and experience. [EASA] Links an event that will pulsate beneath the city, sprouting out of hidden tunnels and alleys
FIG 4
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collaborators and finally acquiring all the necessary tools, materials and permits required for the workshops to be possible. On such a large scale, and with so much going on, it was a task that required a lot of attention, planning and co-ordination. 35 workshops were successfully delivered using a wide range of materials from wood, stone, metal, fabric, cardboard and so on. The workshops were of varying genres from construction to drawing to parametric design and fashion.
FIG 4 - Final workshop presentations in the Valletta ditch; FIG 5- Students building a tensegrity structure on top of St. Andrew’s Tenaille; ALL OTHER FIGS - various photos from EASA Links
PANORAMA RE-DEVELOPMENT ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN COMPETITION POSITION Graduate Architect at QP Management
10/14 - 11/14 w. C.Bezzina & I. Cachia DURATION 5 weeks SKILLS ACQUIRED research, concept development, architectural design, urban design, 3D modeling, presentation, team work SOFTWARE USED Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Indesign, AutoCAD NOTE This work was produced at QPM Ltd© BRIEF This was a design competition for a mixed-use complex aimed at re-developing a brown site in the Prague 4 district. The site is located in a zone earmarked for development and business although it has a controversial history due to its prominence and visibility from Prague’s historical centre. The client’s brief stipulated that a number of strict area requirements should accommodate several functions within a footprint of 15,000m2. These include an 18,000m2 business hotel, 50,000m2 of office space, 25,000m2 residential space as well as parking, retail, spa, fitness and green spaces. The brief also highlighted how the design should focus on lifestyle, convenience and functionality. This work shows how various studies led to the proposal for the Pankrac Plain.
FIG 1
FIG 2
FIG 4 - Final workshop presentations in the Ditch; FIG 5- Students building a tensegrity structure on top of St. Andrew’s Tenaille; FIG 6- Students impression of Valletta; FIG 7- Tensile shading structure built during one of the workshops. CONCEPT Prague is a city rich in culture, history and classical architecture. The area around the Pankrac Plain is characterised by low lying buildings reminiscent of Stalinist Architecture. The same can be said for the two tall towers that lie in the vicinity of the site. Keeping the atmosphere of central Prague in mind, it became natural to propose something with more life and fluidity on the Prague 4 skyline. The form was inspired from a description of Prague by a local poet as a dancing lady full of passion, energy and flair. Various studies were carried out to ensure that the site functions well internally and with the
FIG 3
surroundings. Site access from the main roads was studied, as was building orientation, volume and massing studies to meet the brief requirements and their effect on form and phasing. Given that this was a business investment for the client, it was also important to study how to obtain the maximum number of rooms with the best views and daylight in the residential block. This was done by increasing the floor footprint and rotating it about a central axis as one rose within the tallest tower. Although this ultimately resulted in a top heavy structure, the preliminary structural solution was to use the external diagrid to take most of the loads..
DESIGN Although the towers would stand tallest on the Pankrac plain, it had to integrate with the existing surroundings. The public zone at the lowermost level would have a shopping mall and gym facilities while the more private zones (business centre, hotel, residential, offices) would be located higher up. The tallest tower was split vertically to partially house offices on one side and residents on the other. This
FIG 4
was necessary due to the area restrictions imposed by the brief and also emerged through the design process. The splice allows vegetation to be integrated in between towers and acts as a buffer zone.The rotation of the floorplate and increase in its size towards the top were intended for maximum invesment. The surrounding landscape and access routes were designed to emerge from the three towers and reuinite through a
series of ramps and routes. A number of studies were made to determine how the design impact the skyline and how it would be seen from the different streets surrounding the Plain. Such studies (along with others such as the amount of lighting, effects of shadow, structural concept, phasing etc) contribued to the final proposal. The project achieved an honorouble mention by the judges of Corinthia Hotels Malta.
FIG 4 - Final workshop presentations in the Ditch; FIG 5- Students building a tensegrity structure on top of St. Andrew’s Tenaille; FIG 6- Students impression of Valletta; FIG 7- Tensile shading structure built during one of the workshops.
FIG 5
FIG 6
FIG 7
KUNCIZZJONI ELECTRIC LIGHTING STATION
DESIGN & DETAILING OF TIMBER & STEEL APERTURES POSITION Graduate Architect at University of Malta
08/14-09/14, individual work DURATION 1 month SKILLS ACQUIRED research, site surveying, design, steel detailing, timber detailing, timber construction technology SOFTWARE USED Rhino, AutoCAD PROJECT DESCRIPTION This is an ongoing research project which plans to develop a derelict historic site for social and ecological reasons. The project is a collaboration between the Institute of Earth Systems (University of Malta), Mgarr Local Council and HSBC Foundation. With such a unique location, the idea for this project is to carry out an exercise in nature conservation and ecological restoration and to transform the existing buildings into an education and interpretation post for Maltese heritage, apart from making the area more available to the public. Built by the British between 1898 and 1917, the buildings are situated underground, but the site overlooks one of Malta’s North Western bays (Fomm ir-Rih) and was used as an old Electric Light Station. Contrary to various interpretations, the buildings are not a physical extension of the nearby Victoria Lines, but an independent post which, through the generation of electricity would light up the bay and hence aide in the defence system of the island.
FIG 1 FIG 1- Plan & section of the complex showing underground rooms; FIG 2- View of the site showing defence battery and concealed rooms; FIG 3- Drawings of a typical proposed wooden doors.
FIG 2
FIG 3
PROPOSED WORKS On behalf of the Faculty, part of my job was to carry out historical research of the site so as to find any information which would aid in the design and detailing of various missing timber and steel apertures. It was decided to retain the same design as that found on site for the steel shutters that had been removed, whilst to provide traditional braced and ledged doors and windows in timber to keep out squatters. Based on this I produced a number of working drawings which were then submitted to the planning authority
and sent to manufacturers for production. These tasks enabled me to further my knowledge and skills in steel and timber detailing. I was also responsible for various site visits and surveys which were necessary to produce the drawings. Although the buildings are structurally sound, the rubble walls on site and in the vicinity, various heavily weathered stones and the surrounding ecology are in need of much organisation and restoration. Site investigations and discussions were also carried out with the architect, clients and builders.
FIG 4
FIG 5 FIG 4- Current elevation of the caretaker’s quarters; FIG 5- Proposed steel shutters for reconstruction; FIG 6- Details of lock and hinges for proposed shutters,
CONCLUSION The Kunċizzjoni Electric Light Engine Room is very much a product of its time, an underground defensive structure at the dawn of the discovery of electricity. Although the proposed interventions are minimal and perhaps somewhat traditional, the preserved and rather serene nature of the site deserves no less than to continue thriving in this rural environment that Malta lacks, and to therefore limit and control human presence.
FIG 6
FLOATING MILITARY FACILITY THESIS PROJECT
POSITION Student at University of Malta, Year V
10/13 - 06/14, individual work DURATION 9 months SKILLS ACQUIRED research, concept development, architectural design, structural design, structural analysis, spatial planning, 3D modeling, rendering, detailing, presentation SOFTWARE USED Rhino, Nemetschek SCIA, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max, sketching, physical model making
Selected to participate in the IABSE Young Engineers conference in August 2014 BACKGROUND This final year project was intended to be the culmination of 5 years of training through a complete work that deals with all aspects of design: architecture, structure, spatial planning and detailing. Throughout the project the main self- set goal was to achieve a coherent architectural quality as well as to ensure the utmost spatial functionality and an integrative structural system and detailing. The project was to design a new base for the maritime squad of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) which is responsible for maritime security and operations in Maltese territorial water. The brief stipulated that the fleet would berth and be maintained by the squad, whilst also providing for training rooms and command control offices.
FIG 1
FIG 2
FIG 1 - Concept sketch for floating facility; FIG 2- Fort Ricasoli site overview; FIG 3- Site photo, uneven surface vs flat surface; FIG 4 - Site photo - nature vs man made; FIG 5 - Concept sketches/ diagram
ARCHITECTURE The brief stated that the historic Fort Ricasoli should not house the facility in order to preserve its investment potential. The idea, therefore was to reclaim land directly beneath the fortification walls. These were built directly on limestone rock, characteristic to the Maltese Islands. The site takes up almost the whole outermost peninsula of the Grand Harbour, making it well exposed to heavy winds and wave action. Upon visiting the site from the sea, it was evident that there was something unique and captivating about the heavily weathered walls of limestone and the rock face beneath it. Thus, the design strategy took off from two points: inspiration from the site and the end user requirements. The maritime squad required a stronghold whence they could operate efficiently. Relocation was an important factor to consider in light of constant political changes, the 100 year design life requirement and the potential of the site. Adaptability, was paramount, yet functionality also. I began to think modularity could serve both.
FIG 3
FIG 4
FIG 5
FIG 6
FIG 6 - Facility masterplan; FIG 7 & 8- Views of proposed modular facility; FIG 9 - Circulation, Function and accessibility studies
FIG 7
FIG 8 PLANNING MODULARITY A lot of research and discussion went into what the best module form would be. Things like the effect on the holistic elevation of the facility were considered, the flotation properties of the chosen form, the ease of connection, the scale variation due to differences in function, the effect on planning and reconfigurability....and so on. Ultimately it was decided to go for the simplest building block with the most buoyant shape- a cuboid form. This
FIG 9
echoes military order, function and organisation on various levels. Interiors can also be efficiently arranged and re-arranged and there’s flexibility at the connecting faces. The character of this module comes from the use of the structure and material finishes. The various kinds of configurations that are possible create an architecture that offers an interesting composition, but holistically the image is more or less the same.
FIG 11
FIG 10
FIG 10-Drawings of a typical module and SCIA analysis of grillage; FIG 11- Exploded view of module;; FIG 11 - Details foundation structure STRUCTURE Three types of modules were envisaged: standard tpe of size 8 x10m to cater for the administration zone and sleeping quarters. More heavy duty modules to cater for widths required to store boats, machinery of workshops, overhead cranes, etc– these modules would be able to take heavier loads. A third type caters for parking. The structure is not clad, and openings are also modular – every 2m so that there is the ability to connect everywhere, and reconfigure in any way. There is also the idea that the panel can be interchanged as a door or window module whenever desired. The exposed structure reflects the idea of military strength and achieves an industrial finish. The arctitecture of this complex celebrates the structure. Module structure is simple and consists of framed structure in both directions. Pinned in one direction where bracing takes up the horizontal forces such aswave and wind loads. Grillage roof and floor structure was used for ease of construction, aesthetic and as a two way slab, Worst case stacks were analysed using SCIA.
FIG 11
FIG 12
FIG 14 FOUNDATION Different foundation typologies were exploredand ultimately a decision between three types was to be taken. These were the Steel caisson, Concrete caisson and Concrete + EPS system. The concrete + EPS system was chosen mainly because it requires less cycles of total maintenance (which would be removal from the water) when compared to steel. this was an important factor to consider since these modules were the building blocks of the facility - it would not serve the Maritime Squad if half their base was being drydocked at one point in time.
FIG 13
FIG 12 - Elevation of stacked modules; FIG 14- Structural analysis of the worst stack; FIG 15Vertical and horizontal connection details between modules; FIG 16 - various structure details;
FIG 15
BUILDING WITH ORIGAMI STRUCTURES FINAL YEAR DISSERTATION PROJECT POSITION Student at University of Malta, Year V
10/13 - 06/14, individual work DURATION 9 months. SKILLS ACQUIRED research, writing, parametric modeling, SOFTWARE USED Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office, MindMaple. ABSTRACT Transformable structures are capable of existing in both static and dynamic states, and often have the ability to undergo large geometrical transformations. The ancient art of origami comes as an inspiration for the design and study of such structures. Rigid origami can be produced on a human scale due to its ability to enable folding without the deformation of its facets. These models are not only scale-independent but applications within various engineering disciplines are widespread. This dissertation is concerned with using active rigid origami tessellations for architectural and building purposes. When building with origami structures, issues concerning deployment, thickness, connection and boundary conditions will arise due to the scale of the model and material limitations. These practical limitations are studied and investigated through two examples: a canopy tessellated with the Miura-ori pattern and a rigid foldable cylinder based on the Tachi-Miura Polyhedron.
FIG 2
FIG 1
FIG 3
FIG 4
FIG 5 FIG 1 & 2- Various models based on origami tessellations; FIG 3- Subdivision of literature review; FIG 4- Grasshopper script of a moving miura ori origami tessellation; FIG 5- Limitations in thick origami structures explained
OBJECTIVES Given the technological difficulties that exist, is the adoption of foldable origami structures realistic in the building industry? How and why is this so? What can we say about the direction being taken from the way research has dealt with this topic thus far? Is it leading somewhere solid and are the applications justifiable? These were the questions which this
research aimed to explore through a detailed review of existing work and discussions based on case studies. A digital model of the Miura ori pattern was built with Grasshopper and some of the theoretical proposals were tested out through models. A prototype based on Tachi’s tapered panels model for overcoming the thickness problem was 3D printed and discussed.
FIG 7
FIG 8
FIG 6 FIG 1 & 2- Various models based on origami tessellations; FIG 3- Subdivision of literature review; FIG 4- Grasshopper script of a moving miura ori origami pattern; FIG 5- Limitations in thick origami structures
FIG 9
FIG 10
MIURA ORI MODELS The canopy design proposal was linked to a previous design project which concluded that cables would have to support the structure and guide it’s deployment process. The idea of having a single skin that could have variable stiffnesses was crudely demonstrated through a hand-sown model made from toothpicks embedded in fabric, This allows the surface to behave in a more singular fashion (which is more true to an origami model) as opposed to being made from various independent panels. The Tachi-Miura polyhedron model allows the geometry to become an enclosed space. The study demonstrates how temporary supports could be inserted and floor integrated to give the structure better stiffness for its use as a shelter. Design can be varied to accomodate different sizes
FUSION BRĂœCKE YEAR IV DESIGN PROJECT POSITION Student at University of Malta, Year IV
FIG 1 -Site plan for the bridge; FIG 2- Concept development image; FIG 3- Plan of the bridge ; FIG 4 & 5- Visuals of the bridge; FIG 6- Structural members and concept explained; FIG 7- Construction process
04/13 - 06/13, individual work DURATION 6 weeks SKILLS ACQUIRED research, concept development, structural design, architectural design, structural analysis, 3D modeling, rendering, detailing, presentation
FIG 2
SOFTWARE USED Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Photoshop, AutoCAD, 3D Studio Max BRIEF This was a year IV semester FIG 1 project where the brief was dictated by an existing competition at the time so that one entry would eventually be submitted on behalf of the University of Malta. The project was to design an iconic footbridge to symbolise the city at a given site in Berlin. The span was approximately 100m and the new design was to replace an existing bridge which had been destroyed durignt he war. The site is situated in the Kreuzberg area along the Spree and is very close to the O2 World arena with direct views of the Oberbaumbruecke bridge. Fusion Brucke is an expressionist art object. The bridge is an elegant, modern symbol of Berlin, meant to stand out from the industrial surroundings and become the focal point in the area.
FIG 3
FIG 4
FIG 5
DESIGN & STUCTURE The idea of the form emerged from a concept that sought to make the bridge reflect the city’s dynamic. From the city’s earliest days , the story of Berlin has been one of a clash of ideas that would define the modern world. On the streets of Berlin, great and terrible ideas have been conceived: the Theory of Relativity, Communism, Fascism, Theories of sex and sexuality and the conception of the Atomic Bomb. The form reflects fusion of these ideas and philosophies, which may have been bombastic and
FIG 5
controversial yet somehow still managed to materialise and be brought forward, making Berlin the diverse and flourishing city that it is today. The concept also relates to the functional aspect of a bridge: a link between two points separated by a different zone. The bridge is made of three main volumes meeting at the 40-60m point and join with two competing ellipses. The structure is held together by high tension cables and intermediate rings which are all held in mid-air except for the four primary rings above the foundations. A
translucent finish is achieved through a relaxed cable netlike mesh which composes the final form. The deck widens towards the middle of the river, and this area incorporates seating and can serve as a pavillion space for installations from local artists. At this point the fabric also becomes less translucent.
FIG 6
FIG 7
ROTATIONAL STRATEGIES AA VISITING SCHOOL PROJECT POSITION Student at AA Visiting School, Rome
05/13 w. C. Santovetti, P. Franco & L. Massimilliano DURATION 10 days SKILLS ACQUIRED concept development, architectural design, parametric design, 3D modeling, arduino, presentation SOFTWARE USED Rhino, Grasshopper, Arduino, Firefly, Adobe Photoshop
FIG 1
LINK http://rome.aaschool.ac.uk/ INFO This workshop, entitled Form as (dynamic) Unkown was led by architects Lorenzo Vianello (Foster & Partners), Arturo Tedeschi (A>T), Josef Musil (Foster & Partners) and Lawrence Freisen (GenGeo). The objective was to investigate omputational kinetic structural systems which interact with the environment, the city and people in general through physical and digital models. In response to human interaction and behaviour within cities, participants were asked to design a range of forms that FIG 2 are dynamic and adaptive. The program also included lectures by Toru Hasegawa, Simon Fiory and Enrico Dici.
FIG 1 -Physical & Digital modelling of the module; FIG 2- Application onto surfaces, changing thickness & width; FIG 3 & 4 Circle packing algorithm results; FIG 5- Moving module with a Kinect brain sensor through Firefly
FIG 3 DESIGN The design approach was to start from exploring the behaviour of materials, when subject to diferent external conditions. For the physical model investigation, questions regarding diameter, height and connections from a simple agglomeration of cups led us to initiate our investigation. We wanted to explore how these three things would affect each other when varied and what their relationships were. A tensegrity model enabled us to explore the diameter-height dynamic even further. When the height was at maximum, the stress in the rubber bands was least whilst when the height was reduced by means of an ex-
ternal force, the stress in the rubber band increased tremendously. In addition to this, when the model was at maximum height, the diamer was smallest, whilst at minimum height the diameter became significantly larger. Our task from here was to design a solution that would take this as an idea but may not necessarily look this way. The moduleworked well in isolation, but what about when connected to several other modules? Three servos were connected below the tensegrity model and were able to control its movement accordingly. This was done by replacing three of the elastic bands with fishing wire and connecting the ends
to the servos which would pull the strings down. Because the fishing wire does not stretch, the model consequentley moves. The second part of the exercise involved applying the explorations investigated previously to a design project set in a site in Rome. The space would be composed of the previosuly explored modules, which would have an external skin that would be able to change colour. Furthermore, diameter and height change of the modules would change the environment of the room and adapt to people’s different needs. All changes would be controlled by means of a brain sensor which was tested out successfully during the wshop.
FIG 4
FIG 5