Versatile Spaces – Part 2 - construct.deconstruct.reconstruct - Design Studio SS 2021

HB2 & ITI VERSATILE SPACES

Reviews by Miriam Dall’lgna & Marina Konstantatou, Foster & Partners

Department of Building Construction and Design

Institute of Architecture and Design &

Department of Structural Design and Timber Engineering

WOODSTACK

#theater #interlockingwood

project, images and text by

Aron Iankov

Benjamin Avdic

Irena Nedic

ABSTRACT

Woodstack is a combination of versatility and simplicity. Three modules give you the possibility to create something new and original.

You can create a chair, a platform, a table, a little garden, a storing structure, a sculpture. There are many possibilities that can be achieved with these modules, so let the creativity guide you.

Modules are easy to handle, as they are formed so that people of different ages, sizes and postures can use them. They are eco-friendly and can be used at any time of the day. It is a flexible and a durable system.

Sometimes you can take the elements with you. Bring the old memories and turn them into new ones.

DESIGN APPROACH

„From man as a measure and from the numbers as a measure: the Modulor developed by Le Corbusier, is a scale for harmonic measurement of space.“

(Le Corbusier, 1955. Modulor 2, 1962, Editorial Poseidon, Buenos Aires, pp.172.)

The Modulor by Le Corbusier inspired the dimension of the three different modules. When stacked together, they perform differently at a specific height, while respecting diverse measure, age and posture of the human figure. The main goal was to produce a stackable structure that fits a wide range of people.

Physical and psychological human needs play a role in determining the material and how it is connected. Wood is perceived as a warm and inviting material. It is also environmentally friendly.

The structure enables different kinds of activities like sitting, sunbathing, eating, working, talking, watching, storage and entertainment. It is balanced by itself and its rhythm varies according to the order of elements.

The emphasis of the project lies in the proportion and scale of human limbs in connection to the whole body. Variety is achieved by different ways of connecting, configuring an open or a closed structure and something in between.

It doesn‘t matter how many elements and how wide apart from each other they are, they always form a unity.

GEOMETRIC DEVELOPMENT

“A chair is a machine for sitting in and should, implicitly, not be decorated more than any other pure machine.“ (Boyer, M.C., 2011. Le Corbusier homme de lettres, Princeton Architectural Press, pp.314.)

The essential goal of this project was to enable a seating area clear of decoration and easy to manage with a reflection to the credo of Le Corbusiers‘ purity and simplicity.

The main square module has a length and width of 60 cm, giving a 3600 cm2 resting area. It is 2.4 cm thick and perforated in order to be connected with vertical elements. Perforations of 2.4/2,4 cm are distanced 10 cm from the edges and 20 cm from each other.

To achieve different vertical configurations, two additional modules serve as connecting elements. They are 56 cm long, one is 37.6 cm wide and the other one is 17.6 cm. They are also perforated according to their ratio.

Dimension of the main square element

Dimension of connecting element

Dimension of connecting element

STRUCTURE & ELEMENTS

Few simple forms generate an infinite number of architectural expressions.

The variety of elements enables the desired versatility in structure and therefore also in function. The initial idea for a seating and storing space developed into so much more through our work in process.

The simple stacking technique is logical and understandable and can be integrated in different environments.

“..he reiterates that it is `technique` that matters— construction methods, materials, and structure. taste, style, and simplicity: all that is to be acquired with age.“ (Boyer, M.C., 2011. Le Corbusier homme de lettres, Princeton Architectural Press, pp.61.)

Elements are made of the same material to underline their unity when connected. They invite and inspire people to become creators and spread joy.

Axonometic portrays of a chair, a stool and a bench

A simple configuration of the woodstack pavillion was put into the Grasshopper plugin „Karamba 3D“ in order to further investigate the structural behaviour. For the structural simulation a load of 6 kN/m² was assumed, approximating a crowd of people standing on the structure. Its own weight is also considered in the simulation. The color diagram shows the materials‘ structural utilization.

The woodstack pavillion has strong structural capabilities and only achieves a utilization of around 20% assuming a load of 6 kN/m². This means that the simplicity and versatility of the pavillion comes at the cost of decreased structural optimization.

Gardening

Structural simulation

DETAILING OF ELEMENTS

Material: birch plywood

Thickness: 24 mm

Cost: 90-100 €/m2

Wood treatment: water based impregnating wood glazing

Cost: 18,10 €/liter

1 litre = 8-12 m2

• has to be recoated every 2 - 3 years

• environmentally friendly alternative to other glazings

Connective blocks: solid birch wood

Connection detail:

45

solid pre-drilled block

M6 threaded inserts

solid

24mm birch plywood with rounded edges

rounded edge radius

connective blocks from solid birch wood

Connection detail Assembly

45mm long M6 bolt washer

pre-drilled block

M6 threaded inserts

Since the beginning of the design studio, one of the main objectives was to design an environmentally friendly product with a sustainable life cycle.

18,10 €/liter

1 liter = 8-12 m²

We created the concept around using wood. In order to improve its outdoor durability, a protective coating was considered. We visited Austria‘s leading wood coating producer for more information on environmentally sustainable wood coating options.

material research

The most suitable product for our project is a water based wood coating which would have to be renewed every 2 to 3 years to ensure maximum wood protection. In order to shield the wood from UV radiation a slight pigmentation in the coating is nessecary, which would darken the plywood slightly.

• has to be recoated every 2 - 3 years

• environmentally friendly alternative to other glazings

material research

has

24 mm birch plywood boards

~ 90-100 €/m²

24 mm birch plywood boards

We visited the austrian company Adler for research on wood treatment

visiting the company Adler for research on wood treatment

visiting the company Adler for research on wood treatment

water based impregnating wood glazing

Coating pigment options

As a starting point, a pre-planned, on-site constructed pavilion will be placed in the Sigmund-Freud-Park in front of the Votiv Kirche. A minimalist, space-optimized and simple enclosed pavilion. One could say it is a finished product, but now the real “construction process“ begins, or to be exact, the “deconstruction process“. Different functions can be realized by adding, removing and rearranging the plates. The pavilion offers the users the possibility to rebuild the structure to their needs and wishes.

With the passing of time the structure will change, even a complete disassembly of the pavilion is possible. Shown in the drawings are just a few scenarios and functions of how the pavilion can change and be used differently by a wide range of users.

An amphitheater or structure for plays and events offers the possibility to host many people at once while other functions around can also be used.

A platform for speaches and dancing, or even a public library where users can exchange books and talk about interesting topics. With integrated modules for gardening we invite different groups of people to plant their own herbs and spices.

The pavilion slowly dissolves. Many users even took some modules home, decorated them and adapted them for new functions. We see the users and their creativity to explore spatial compositions as our core interest of the project.

Sigmund-Freud-Park

Vienna, 9th district, https://www.wien.gv.at/

VERSATILITY & PROGRAMMING

We used 3 different modules to build the pavilion. A horizontal plate (dim. 60x60 cm) and 2 vertical, connection plates (56x37.6 cm and 56x17.6cm). Building a construction is easy, with self-intuitive connection patterns. This easy building process gives the users the opportunity to build, investigate and change the structure, fast and without any effort, and adapt it to their needs.

One module alone can serve as a base for a seating, eating or observation area, as it is compact and easy to carry. If one has two additional, connecting modules, a chair can be built. Added elements can form a bench, a platform, an auditorium. The main contrasting transformation of the project is the metamorphosis of the closed space into an open one.

Private space provides a place for focussing and embraces actions like reading, thinking and resting. One can also easily work, stretch or even play in such surroundings. This private space is placed in the middle of the structure, but the structure also offers a public use on the outside. The entrance is in between and can be reconfigurated. It is a combination of all three sectors of privacy.

The open space creates an inviting gesture and apart from sitting, lying and reading, encourages activities like playing, dancing, gardening and communicating. In this time of the pandemic, one can only eat and drink outdoors, if it is in an open place. This concept enables those activities respecting the given measures and it can practically be built in any area.

Transformation from a simple chair to a multi-functional platform

Private Open

WORK PROCESS

While developing the first concepts for the pavillion, one of our first approaches was to create endless configurations through the repetition of interlocking parts by reducing the amount of elements as much as possible.

While researching and analyzing existing examples of such structures, our efforts shifted from the creation of complex geometries and sculptures to figuring out how our sculpture would be perceived by and used by people, if deployed in public space.

The result is a simple and user-friendly concept of universally understandable building parts which allows limitless configurations of multi-functional structures and public furniture.

Evaluation of connecting elements

Kengo Kuma & Associates kodama pavillion

Kengo Kuma & Associates, kodama pavillion

initial interlocking concept

interlocking joints with additional elements

Photograph of the process from the first task, wood, rectangular profile, 5mm x 5 mm (model), scale 1:100, 50cm x 50cm

REFLECTION

It has been a fun journey. Knowledge on how to treat wood, different connection methods and how to apply them were part of this journey. It was fun and at the same time exhausting, exploring all possibilities that one specific method demands.

The group work was enjoyable, as the students found understanding for each other and luckily valued the same principles. Two group members also work partly/full-time and one is not in Vienna due to the pandemic. That didn‘t intervene with the dynamics of the work process, as we would meet via „Zoom“, discuss, evaluate and organize who is responsible for what.

We surely had some mishaps, but that did not discourage us, as we all have a good sense of humor and try to make the best out of the situation. The group members were randomly picked out with the Zoom-Meeting algorithm, which turned out well.

REFERENCES

Boyer, M.C., 2011. Le Corbusier homme de lettres, Princeton Architectural Press, pp.61-314.

https://www.wien.gv.at/

Le Corbusier, 1948. Le Modulor, 1953, Editorial Poseidon, Buenos Aires, p.62.

Le Corbusier, 1955. Modulor 2, 1962, Editorial Poseidon, Buenos Aires, p.172.

REVIEWS

Marina Konstantatou

The Woodstack project shout to develop a modular system comprising three simple timber elements which can be arranged in multiple ways. This system was envisioned for a wide range of applications such as furniture, platforms, sitting areas, storing space, and even sculptural forms whilst being environmentally friendly and sustainable in terms of its lifecycle.

One of the main spatial features of this pavilion is the transformation between open and closed configurations. Closed space is intended for focused-based activities such as working, reading and reflecting, whereas the external open space can enable an appreciation of the surrounding nature. Furthermore, the entrance connecting the two is also considered of spatial significance and could have its own function due to the co-existence of different levels of privacy. From an architectural point of view, the strong geometric language of the three components indeed allows for a unified synthesis which nonetheless can consist of discrete configurations, or sub-systems, of different applications.

Geometrically, the system comprises square perforated modules which can be connected via two types of vertical elements. The modularity of the system allows for a potentially continuous reconfiguration by the users depending on their needs. What is more, the structure is envisioned to ‘dissolve’ after a point by gradually subtracting components of it and shifting them from the public to the private realm of individual users. As such, the underlying concept of versatility is expressed in terms of module reconfiguration which in turn results both in a reconfiguration of functions and a transformation from open to enclosed space. Furthermore, the material of choice was birch plywood, the environmentally-friendly treatment of which was ex-

plored for outdoor uses in conjunction to its sustainability performance in terms of life-cycle.

In terms of computational implementation, one pavilion configuration was analysed in terms of Finite Elements Analysis in Karamba3D plugin within the Grasshopper environment. This explored the performance of the specific structure; however, an area of potential concern is the lack of bracing and the small connections which might not be robust in the general case of a configuration assembled on-site by the users. Moreover, future steps could include structural analysis for more than one configuration scenarios since the geometry of the structure is envisioned to be in constant flux.

Overall a well-developed and well-researched project which did propose a creative solution to the brief of spatial versatility.

Miriam Dall’Igna

1. The modules are in great accordance with the intent of the course. We can see great thinking and care in that regard.

2. Great application of the Le Corbusier’s Modulor to find component’s appropriate dimensions

3. Students achieved an incredibly flexible system.

4. Excellent and appropriate structural analysis/evaluation.

5. Connectors proposed increase flexibility of the system.

6. Excellent work maybe to complement a comparison between the Modulor and other scale measures to document benefits or otherwise.

7. Maybe a brief review on similar system precedents, and a critical comment of what your system is contributing.

POP UP & DOWN PAVIL ION

#asymptoticgridshell #reassemble

project, images and text

by

Georg Prückl, Emre Poyrazoglu

WanYu Chen, Fulya Sakarya

ABSTRACT

Our goal was to create a structure out of simple elements that later enable dismantling and reassembly into a different structure. This eventually leads to a journey of constructing, deconstructing and reconstructing. Based on the idea of transforming one structure into another, we want to impose a great versatility in terms of using the exact same material in order to create different spaces. For the realization of this concept we propose erecting an asymptotic gridshell that can be simply „popped up“ to form a pavilion and, when necessary, „popped down“ to temporarily use the material as part of another structure, like a flat roof. The „Pop Up & Down Pavilion“ is designed in a way that the two mentioned states of the structure create the possibility of offering a space to perform, exhibit and rest on the one hand and to socialize or get informed on the other. This eventually helps us to accomplish our goal of enabling a broad variety of scenarios while minimizing material use, construction time and production costs.

DESIGN APPROACH

In the course of the design studio “Versatile Spaces” we explored a deeper understanding of versatility. In the very early stages, we discussed what versatility means to us, then we asked ourselves what the reason to accomplish a versatile space, in an architectural context, is. A versatile space can mean a space that is able to adapt or be adapted to different functions or activities, a space which is skillful and also capable of being adapted to meet the demands of a particular situation. Our desire was to create a multipurpose, adaptable, flexible yet all-round space within a certain structure.

The initial idea was to propose a temporary pavilion that can be easily assembled and dismantled within a short period of time while being able to house different activities and save material. It is located near the Messehalle, the exhibition center of Vienna, or to be more exact between the Messe Prater metro station and the exhibition center, where there is a public space with trees and a shallow pool. During the day, the site is greatly occupied by pedestrians, who mainly attend the nearby WU, or people any age who like to spend their leisure time underneath the trees to socialize or to rest. Considering several features of the site, we propose two scenarios at the site where both are able to provide different functions and also simultaneously appreciate the green space without any harm.

The first scenario, a gridshell pavilion, is erected next to the pool and, because of the openings, in a way that the pedestrian path is not disrupted. Opening the structure to the pool ultimately leads to the final shape.

GEOMETRIC DEVELOPMENT

As our goal is to produce a very efficient structure, we wanted to use a minimal surface as a starting geometry for scenario 1. A minimal surface is the surface with the smallest area inside of certain boundary curves. On a minimal surface, the two principal curvatures at every point on the surface are equal, but with different algebraic signs, which makes the mean curvature zero. The gaussian curvature, on the contrary, is negative at every point.

Having studied minimal surfaces in theory, our next step was to practically generate them using soap films, considering the fact that soap films approximate minimal surfaces. This can be easily achieved by dipping a wire frame into soap sud, forming a film that is made up of a minimal surface and whose boundary is the wire frame.

In order to design a pavilion that is also self-supporting we propose using asymptotic curves on the minimal surface as basis for the structure. There are numerous reasons for that: Unlike other surfaces, on minimal surfaces there are two asymptotic directions at any point on the surface, the directions of zero normal curvature. By following these directions, step by step, asymptotic curves can be generated. Since their normal curvature is zero at every point, these curves bend in only one direction and have torsion. Therefore they can be unrolled as straight strips. On minimal surfaces, these strips always intersect at an angle of 90° and are bisected by the principal curvature planes. In order to get an asymptotic gridshell, it is possible to use these strips that are following asymptotic directions and generate a network of curves on the surface.

These features are, among others, the reason asymptotic curves and minimal surfaces are predestined to be used for repetitive structures, especially asymptotic gridshells.

two asymptotic directions of a point on a minimal surface principal curvature planes bisecting the asymptotic curves on a minimal surface

the extrusion of the asymptotic curve follows the normal vector of the surface at every point

The asymptotic curve is only bent around one axis and can be unrolled as a flat strip

grid construction

Our approach to finding an approximately regular grid on the minimal surface was to commence by finding a singularity, in this case the point with the gaussian curvature nearest to zero, on the surface and using it as a starting point. From this point, six directions were defined, and a sphere was constructed using it as a midpoint. At their intersection points, we constructed a set of six asymptotic curves. As a next step, we constructed a sphere with twice the radius of the first sphere and intersected it with the asymptotic curves. The intersection points were again the points from which we constructed the next set of asymptotic curves. This process was continued until we reached the boundaries of the surface and it left us with an asymptotic grid network as a result.

grid construction

STRUCTURE & ELEMENTS

In scenario A, structural elements that run along asymptotic curves and are oriented orthogonally to the minimal surface can be unrolled to become straight strips. This is a decisive advantage in terms of the possibility to prefabricate the elements and of material efficiency. Because the strips are orthogonal to the surface and the loads therefore meet their strong axis, this results in a very good bending stiffness of the shell-structure. As stated earlier, the strips always intersect at an angle of 90°, which enables a faster and simpler construction with same-sized cut outs at the joints, where two strips are interlocked. As material, we rely on plywood – to be more exact, “Waggonbauplatten”, for a better durability when exposed to the weather. It is elastic enough to accomplish such a shape, very lightweight and suitable for prefabrication. Strips with a thickness of 5 mm and a height of 220 mm fulfill all of the requirements such as the bending radius on the one hand and the load transfer on the other hand for example. These strips will have cut-outs, of a third of the total strip height, at the joints. Later on, diagonals made of steel cables are used to stabilize the gridshell and neutralize lateral forces.

For scenario B, we use the exact same strips as in scenario 1, but they will be aligned differently: Assembled orthogonally, this shape will form a flat roof that can be attached to the trees nearby in order to prevent needing other structural elements like columns. Because of that, it is necessary to make a second set of cut-outs on the strips. The two different sets of cut-outs – one for the gridshell and one for the flat roof, will be marked with different colors. This structure will be mounted to the trees using steel cables. At the places where they are attached to the roof, the roof has a higher density in strips than at the other parts in order to distribute the loads better.

DETAILING OF ELEMENTS

The idea for the foundation was, in general, to come up with a simple solution. In Japanese architecture natural massive stones are used as foundation. The timber supports are carved to fit the natural shape of the foundation stone. Inspired by that, we propose using massive concrete blocks as foundation for our gridshell - first of all to resist the forces of the gridshell and second to protect the wooden strips from the bottom water.

The areas with a clear height lower than 2.50 m at the edges of the structure are designed as seating accomodation.

0.5 cm steel cables

0.5 cm x 22 cm plywood rods

Asymptotic gridshell detail

Asymptotic gridshell detail

Scenario B detail

Scenario B detail section S : 1/40

Scenario B detail

tree connection detail

2cm steel cables 0.5cmx22cm plywood rods

TRANSFORMATION

Considering our journey to construct, destruct and reconstruct, we propose two states of the structure that could be reassembled depending on particular needs or demands. All elements of the gridshell structure are marked for further construction. The strips bear the cut-outs for two scenarios, each scenario marked with a different color.

1. First, all of the strips are assembled to a flat surface by placing them into the cut-outs of each other.

2. The structure is erected. Once the flattened structure is finished, lateral forces need to be applied to each anchor point by pushing towards the center in order to erect the desired pavilion. Additionally, the diagonal steel cables provide a greater stability and tightness.

3. In order to transform scenario A into scenario B, the gridshell has to be manually dismantled by pulling it out of the foundation and bringing it back to the flattened state. Once all of the strips are disconnected from each other, they need to be reassembled on the desired position in between the trees using the cut-outs for scenario B and then need to be lifted up and attached to the surrounding trees by steel cables. For the transformation, one day is reserved for a team of workers to rearrange the structure – this provides them with more than enough time. The transformation is planned to be happening according to the demands, but probably no more than every quarter of a year.

VERSATILITY & PROGRAMMING

The final design offers two varying scenarios that enable different functions. In scenario A, the pavilion provides a space for exhibitions. QR codes serve as exhibits and are disconnected from the structure. Because of this, the actual exhibits that the guests see when scanning the QR codes, can be changed from the office within a minute, further reducing the effort. During the day, it serves as a parasol for people who can sit around the pool and even use it for bathing. In the evening, the existing platform of the pool underneath the pavilion will serve as a stage for street. The highest opening is oriented towards south west so that the sunlight lights up the space in the evening when the performance stage gets the most attention.

In scenario B, the flat roof can serve as an info point in front of the exhibition center during the events and conferences and enables the organizers to expand the fairs to the outside. In order to utilize the space in between the trees and to further appreciate the public green space, we propose the flat roof to be placed between trees on the site.

Scenario A

Scenario B

SCENARIO 1

SCENARIO 2

WORK PROCESS

Starting the semester with constructing physcial models of modules out of interlocking sticks, we continued by converting this idea of interlocking into trying out kagome, a triaxial form of weaving, as structural system for our pavilion. Having studied various references, we sought to create a regular kagome pattern by weaving geodesic curves. Geodesic curves form the shortest connection between two points on a surface and are only bent around one axis. The surface we used as a base, was formfound by applying loads to it. After struggling with arranging the geodesic curves on the surface in a way that they match an evenly distributed weaving pattern for some time, we finally managed to do that, but, at the same time, started investigating in differenct concepts because we started questioning our current one. Efficiency as a major theme for our pavilion always being in the back of our heads, we discovered minimal surfaces and found that this could be the solution. The reason is that a minimal surface is the surface with the smallest area in between certain boundary curves which is a big advantage when it comes to saving material. We experimented a lot with minimal surfaces, especially using soap films for the production of physical models. Soap films that are formed when dipping wires in soap sud, approximate minimal surfaces and helped us understand them better.

In the next step, we created a minimal surface that fit the chosen site and started finding asymptotic curves on that surface, The main reason for that was that asymptotic curves bear many strucutral advantages like only being bent around one axis, forces being applied in the normal direction of the curves, etc. Out of these asymptotic curves we eventually generated an approximately regular grid on the minimal surface and received an asymptotic gridshell as a result. So our path this semester started by taking interlocking, geodesic curves, later realizing that this would not be the right approach for our project and switching to a structural system that we found more suitable that include efficency regarding production and material in general, easy assembly and easy dismantling.

first task

first task

Kagome weaving

form-finding process

geodesic lines on the surface

geodesic lines on the surface

References:

Wedl, M. (2020). Ein Beitrag zur Erstellung von Gitterschalen unter der Verwendung asymptotischer Kurven auf Minimalflächen. Technische Universität Wien.

Adiels, A./Brandt-Olsen C./Isaksson, J./Näslund, I./Olsson, K./Poulsen, E./Williams, C. (2019). The design, fabrication and assembly of an asymptotic timber gridshell. Chalmers University of Technology. Gothenburg.

Schling, E./Barthel, R. (2017). Experimentelle Studien zur Konstruktion zweifach gekrümmter Gitterstrukturen. Fachwissen. In: Detail structure 10/17 (01), 52–56.

Schling, E./Hitrec, D./Barthel, R. (2017). Designing Grid Structures Using Asymptotic Curve Networks. In: Humanizing Digital Reality. Design Modelling Symposium Paris 2017. Springer Singapore, 125–140.

Sources:

People in the illustrations on p. 60 and 74 were purchased from https://toffu.co

REFLECTION

Throughout the process of creating a design together, finding a common sense in a group of four people takes more time, especially in this particular period, stamped by the Covid-19 pandemic, when we have to communicate and to share our opinions and thoughts online. The experience was challenging yet very exciting for all of us. Not being able to discuss in person was probably one of the reasons that lead us to focus too much on thoughts and ideas that would not have been aligned with the goals we set ourselves. We invested a lot of time in studying weaving for example, which we later deemed the wrong approach. But all of these experiences eventually made us find an approach that everyone in the group agreed to and that we were really keen to finish. Building the pavilion in 1:10 scale was for sure not as exciting as building it for real, but it still was a particularly rewarding moment for us to see the thoughts and hard work of weeks take form. So, after the troubles of misunderstanding each other in the first stages of the design studio, it was very pleasing for us to see that we created something we feel truly satisfied about.

REVIEWS

Marina Konstantatou

The main concept of the Pop up & Down Pavilion revolves around a grid shell, the flat timber laths of which follow asymptotic curves on a minimal surface and can transform between a doubly-curved pavilion and a flat roof. The architectural intention was to create a structure and space which can adapt to hosting multiple functions throughout the year. This versatility is expressed through the two possible states of the structure. These two are envisioned to enable a multi-space for performance, socialising, and exhibitions. Given the chosen site – a pedestrian-focused area on a park among trees and in close proximity to a swimming pool – the space could indeed function as a focus point for users to socialise and interact within the natural surroundings whilst initiating a visual dialogue between the structure and the water surface.

The team explored initially various geometrical concepts revolving around weaving straight elements into structures, such as grillages and kegome weaving configuration based on geodesic curves on free-form surfaces. The chosen geometrical concept, that of asymptotic curves on minimal surfaces, has indeed a number of manufacturing advantages which were studied, highlighted, and exploited by the team. In particular, grid shells which are based on these sets of curves can be made out of flat timber laths which can bent to form a doubly curved structure. As a result, this type of structures can be assembled and formed (‘popped-up’) on site simply by applying lateral forces on the flat grid of interlocked laths. As such, the assembly and disassembly qualities are evident. Moreover, they can offer advantages in terms of prefabrication, reducing material and production cost, as well as construction time.

However, although it is true that the plywood laths can be assembled and disassembled with relative easy, their predefined length and cutting/ joint patter will not allow for reconfigurability into different forms. This is due to one of the main design features which is that the transforma-

tion between the two states is based on developing two different sets of cuts on the plywood laths which form the required joints for each one of the two final geometries. On the one hand, it is interesting to use an extremely versatile component such as flat plywood laths as base components and embed the wanted structural geometry in terms of colour-coded cuts and lengths. On the other hand, this methodology might not be suitable for transformations between more than 2 structures, since then the multitude of different cuts could potentially start to affect the structural performance of the laths as well as the visual result. Further development undertaken from the team included: a 1:10 prototype of the pavilion configuration; an interesting detail whereby the foundations were integrated to the structure though their reinterpretation as public furniture (inspired by traditional Japanese architecture references); and lastly the provision for extra stability provided by the inclusion of diagonal steel cables.

The team presented a methodology for sequentially deriving the set of asymptotic curves; however, these seem to not have been fully resolved and perhaps could benefit from further development. Also, some more development could be beneficial in terms of diagrammatic explanations of the various design, geometry, and detailing developments.

The Pop up & Down Pavilion is a promising project underpinned from very interesting geometrical constructions which could be explored and exploited even further.

Miriam Dall’Igna

1. Outstanding investigation and use of asymptotic curves. Appropriate application in accordance to studio proposal. Asymptotic gridhshels are appropriate for this matter.

2. Demonstrated great understanding of the project purpose, as construct, deconstruct, reconstruct.

3. Design for different states of the structure is present

4. Excellent use of physical experimental models

5. Provided appropriate referencing - please reference already completed asymptotic gridshels (a) (b) Please provide emphasis on the flat state of your structure which makes it different from previous - VERSATILITY.

6. The project would benefit from structural analysis of the different configurations

REVIEWS

Marina Konstantatou

The main concept of the Pop up & Down Pavilion revolves around a grid shell, the flat timber laths of which follow asymptotic curves on a minimal surface and can transform between a doubly-curved pavilion and a flat roof. The architectural intention was to create a structure and space which can adapt to hosting multiple functions throughout the year. This versatility is expressed through the two possible states of the structure. These two are envisioned to enable a multi-space for performance, socialising, and exhibitions. Given the chosen site – a pedestrian-focused area on a park among trees and in close proximity to a swimming pool – the space could indeed function as a focus point for users to socialise and interact within the natural surroundings whilst initiating a visual dialogue between the structure and the water surface.

The team explored initially various geometrical concepts revolving around weaving straight elements into structures, such as grillages and kegome weaving configuration based on geodesic curves on free-form surfaces. The chosen geometrical concept, that of asymptotic curves on minimal surfaces, has indeed a number of manufacturing advantages which were studied, highlighted, and exploited by the team. In particular, grid shells which are based on these sets of curves can be made out of flat timber laths which can bent to form a doubly curved structure. As a result, this type of structures can be assembled and formed (‘popped-up’) on site simply by applying lateral forces on the flat grid of interlocked laths. As such, the assembly and disassembly qualities are evident. Moreover, they can offer advantages in terms of prefabrication, reducing material and production cost, as well as construction time.

However, although it is true that the plywood laths can be assembled and disassembled with relative easy, their predefined length and cutting/ joint patter will not allow for reconfigurability into different forms. This is due to one of the main design features which is that the transforma-

tion between the two states is based on developing two different sets of cuts on the plywood laths which form the required joints for each one of the two final geometries. On the one hand, it is interesting to use an extremely versatile component such as flat plywood laths as base components and embed the wanted structural geometry in terms of colour-coded cuts and lengths. On the other hand, this methodology might not be suitable for transformations between more than 2 structures, since then the multitude of different cuts could potentially start to affect the structural performance of the laths as well as the visual result. Further development undertaken from the team included: a 1:10 prototype of the pavilion configuration; an interesting detail whereby the foundations were integrated to the structure though their reinterpretation as public furniture (inspired by traditional Japanese architecture references); and lastly the provision for extra stability provided by the inclusion of diagonal steel cables.

The team presented a methodology for sequentially deriving the set of asymptotic curves; however, these seem to not have been fully resolved and perhaps could benefit from further development. Also, some more development could be beneficial in terms of diagrammatic explanations of the various design, geometry, and detailing developments.

The Pop up & Down Pavilion is a promising project underpinned from very interesting geometrical constructions which could be explored and exploited even further.

Miriam Dall’Igna

1. Outstanding investigation and use of asymptotic curves. Appropriate application in accordance to studio proposal. Asymptotic gridhshels are appropriate for this matter.

2. Demonstrated great understanding of the project purpose, as construct, deconstruct, reconstruct.

3. Design for different states of the structure is present

4. Excellent use of physical experimental models

5. Provided appropriate referencing - please reference already completed asymptotic gridshels (a) (b) Please provide emphasis on the flat state of your structure which makes it different from previous - VERSATILITY.

6. The project would benefit from structural analysis of the different configurations