Beyond structure: (in)formed finding of new shell morphologies
Thesis project 2015 by Hulda Jonsdottir
THE ROYAL DANISH ACADEMY OF FINE ARTS SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, CITA studio, Tutor: Paul Nicholas, structure: Daniel Lee, light: Emanuele Naboni
1. Problem statement : How to integrate light into architectural shell design? -The desire -The limits
2. Nordic light -Definition of Nordic light -3 desired qualities of light 3. (Computational) Shell design -What is a shell
-How to design shells - system - thinking
4. Integration and system thinking -A system
-My system -Calibrating the relationship between light and structure
5. Testing through design scenario -Testing a scenario of selected sports programs 6. Conclusion
Table of content:
Heinz Isler´s desire
"[As designers] a) we have a sense for aesthetics b) we have the right to use it c) we are allowed to mention our opinion d) and that we can find and express it in our projects." Inspiration for Heinz Isler during his studies that followed him throughout his life time work.
The Desire
Los Manantiales Restaurant in Mexico by FĂŠlix Candela
The Reality
Heinz Isler - Geneva, Sicli Factory (1969)
Attempt to integrate light and structure
Stuttgart 21 station by Ingenhoven Architects and Frei Otto
Light introduction in the structure but limited to one quality repeated.
My Ambition
2. The Nordic light
The Nordic pavilion by Sverre Fehn for the Venice Biennale 1962
Nordic architecture is shadow-less according to Sverre Fehn. The Nordic light is indirect and diffused, ever changing during the day.
The Nordic light
The diffused light is broken up by geometry into many light beams that are reflected in all directions.
The Nordic pavilion by Sverre Fehn for the Venice Biennale 1962
The Nordic light
Bright diffused light flow
Ronchamp by Le Corbusier
The spotlight
is a narrow, intense beams of light Controlled by changing the width of the aperture.
The Nordic light
The Spotlight
The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library at Yale University by Gordon Bunshaft
The transmissive light
is light that travels through a material. Controlled by varying the materials thickness and density.
The Nordic light
Light transmission
3. Shell design
Continuous shell by Heinz Isler
Shell structures are CONSTRUCTED SYSTEMS described by three-dimensional curved surfaces, in which one dimension is significantly smaller compared to the other two. Shell structures are form-passive and resist external loads predominantly through membrane stresses.
big big
small
Shells are thin, light weight structures that can span large spaces with little material.
A SHELL
Shell thickness
Shell geometry Increased curvature allowes for thinner shell
Shell parameters
FREEFORM shells, generated without including its structural performance.
MATHEMATICAL shells - hyperbolic pa-
raboloid
FORM-FOUND shells
are hanging shapes associated with funicular structures of Frei Otto and Heinz Isler.
Their final shape is the result of obtaining a state of static equilibrium.
How to design shells
: 3 ways of designing shells
All form-finding techniques, both digital and physical, use only structural parameters, including: BOUNDARY CONDITION, GRAVITY, ELASTICITY and ANCHOR POINTS. Problem: The tools we have do not bring any more options to the design.
How to design shells
Form-found shells
4. Integrated thinking
-A system -The system of integration -Calibrating the relationship between light and structure
A system is an entity that maintains its existence through the mutual interaction of its parts' ... Research into systems therefore must combine: -the identification of the parts and -detailed characterization of the parts, with the -investigation of their interaction with each other and -with their wider environment (von Bertalanffy, 1968).
A system
Architectural potentials of the combination
Light parameters Structural parameters Shell thickness
Integrated tool
Shell thickness
+
Shell geometry Shell geometry
Increased curvature allowes for thinner shell Increased curvature allowes for thinner shell
Digital integration
ERWIN HAUER Inspiration for light modulation
Physical integration
Light modulation through geometry
Sun at 45 degrees Sun perpendicular Light quality changes with different angles
Identification of the parts
Light studies with minimal surfaces for element development
Base geometry - Scherk surface
Identification of the parts
Selected geometry for further development
Detailed characterization of the parts Testing the structural and light performance of this geometry
Changing the DENSITY of the geometry
One component module Changing the HEIGHT of the geometry > Increasing amount of light for longer time with decreasing height >
Changing WIDTH of the geometry > Decreasing amount of light with increasing width >
Detailed characterization of the parts
Light modulation studies - parameters
Detailed characterization of the parts
Detailed characterization of the parts
Simulation of photographic results
Photograph of a physical prototype.
Calibrating simulation based on photographic results - light source straight on surface
Detailed characterization of the parts
Simulation of photographic results
Photograph of a physical prototype.
Calibrating simulation based on photographic results - light source from side
Detailed characterization of the parts
Detailed characterization of the parts
Generated components based on various parameters
Tension
Compression
The Poisson's effect - Poisson´s Ration (nu)
With Poisson's effect the section of the shell changes = Light intensity changes
Detailed characterization of the parts
Understanding the Poisson's ratio of the components
Detailed characterization of the parts
Elasticity behavior
100%
100%
100%
100%
70% 45%
Detailed characterization of the parts
45%
22%
3D printing with glassfiber composite 20 x stiffer than ABS 5 x stronger than ABS Higher strength-to-weight ratio than 6061T6 aluminum.
MarkForged Glassfiber 6061-T6 Alumnium Renzo Piano’s 1966 Sulfur Extraction Facility.
ABS
Detailed characterization of the parts
glassfiber composites can have up to 90% translusency
Fiberglass composite material
INVESTIGATION OF THE PARTS INTERACTION WITH EACH OTHER
Mesh Dual
Component panelisation
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other
Interior Geometry
The system Eo: 100%
Eo: 100%
Eo: 100%
Eo: 100%
Ei :70% Ei :45%
Ei : 45% Ei : 22%
500 - 1000 mm 20 mm 200 mm
Sandwich panel assembly
20 mm
COMPONENT1:10
20 mm
Example of a single component 1:10
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other Detail 1:1
Example of a single component
Detail 1:1
Silicon / POM 3mm
25 mm
Detail 1:1
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other
sandwich panel assembly
02 05
01
04
03
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other
Simple test assembly on a single curved shell
Light and local connectivity Triangulation for assembly process Light intensity
1 triangle connection allowes for steeper curvature. Less stable for assembly.
Two trinangle connection - diamond connectionideal for all components
More than two triangle connection where the geometry within is small and therefor less material support for assembly. Eqally neded in edge conditions.
High
High
Low
Very low
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other
Strength
Weaker - low connectivity within system
Strong - low connectivity within system
Structural capacity Component displacement
Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Stronger high connectivity within system Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Stronger high connectivity within system Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Light and local connectivity Triangulation for assembly process Light intensity
1 triangle connection allowes for steeper curvature. Less stable for assembly.
Two trinangle connection - diamond connectionideal for all components
More than two triangle connection where the geometry within is small and therefor less material support for assembly. Eqally neded in edge conditions.
High
High
Low
Very low
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other
Strength
Weaker - low connectivity within system
Strong - low connectivity within system
Structural capacity Component displacement
Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Stronger high connectivity within system Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Stronger high connectivity within system Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Light and local connectivity Triangulation for assembly process Light intensity
1 triangle connection allowes for steeper curvature. Less stable for assembly.
Two trinangle connection - diamond connectionideal for all components
More than two triangle connection where the geometry within is small and therefor less material support for assembly. Eqally neded in edge conditions.
High
High
Low
Very low
Investigation of the parts interaction with each other
Strength
Weaker - low connectivity within system
Strong - low connectivity within system
Structural capacity Component displacement
Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Stronger high connectivity within system Max displacement : 5.25 mm
Stronger high connectivity within system Max displacement : 5.25 mm
5. Testing through design proposal Interaction of the system with the wider environment
Step Map desired lighting condition STEP 01 01: -Map desired lighting condition High diffused light flow Royal tennis court
Gradient light
Shooting range
The relationship between geometry and light. Generating bright diffused light with controlled intensity depending on the geometry
The light draws the focus and seduces ones attension towards the light. High light level in the target area.
The spotlight
Table tennis
Interaction with the wider environment
The sharp edge and the precise geometry that is reproduced on the receiving surface, defining a specific area.
Overall system design process
STEP 02 : - Apply spring length according to desired lighting condition - Extract mesh dual for component geometry
Even mesh to apropriate size of divisions - Using the mesh triangles and its dual to generate my components boundary
Mesh Dual
Higer spring generates stronger geometric shape - that alows for weaker component in those areas --> Higher light transmittance
Interaction with the wider environment
Overall system design process
STEP 0303 : - Apply apropriate component -Apply appropriate component STEP
Spring stiffness in relation to daylight
10
<>
30
<>
40
<>
60 > Apply apropriate component according to desired lighting condition and its structural dependency
Interaction with the wider environment
Step 01: - Map desired lighting condition High diffused light flow Royal tennis court
Gradient light
Shooting range
The relationship between geometry and light. Generating bright diffused light with controlled intensity depending on the geometry
The light draws the focus and seduces ones attension towards the light. High light level in the target area.
The spotlight
Table tennis
The sharp edge and the precise geometry that is reproduced on the receiving surface, defining a specific area.
Map desired lighting condition Graphically Locating desired lighting qualities and conditions
according to program specification and its lighting requirements.
DF : 22%
DF : 61%
DF : 22%
GUN STORE
DF : 61%
DF : 45%
DF : 61%
DF : 61%
ROYAL TENNIS
DF : 70%
DF : 22% DF : 61%
DF : 45%
DF : 41%
DF : 61%
DF : 70%
DF : 22% DF : 61%
DF : 61% DF : 41%
DAYLIGHT FACTOR
DF : 22%
The ratio between the external light level and the internal light level
DF : 70%
SHOOTING RANGE DF : 61%
DF : 61%
DF : 22%
DF : 22%
DF=(Ei/Eo)x100% Ei = illuminance due to daylight at a point on an indoor plane. Eo = simultaneous outdoor illuminance on a horizontal plane from an unobstructed hemisphere of an overcast sky
DF : 41%
DF : 41%
DF : 41% DF : 70% DF : 70%
TABLE TENNIS
DF : 70%
DF : 41%
CHANGING ROOM
DF : 70% DF : 70% CHANGING ROOM
Map desired lighting Assigning daylight factorcondition
DF : 70%
STEP 02 : - Apply spring length according to desired lighting condition - Extract mesh dual for component geometry
Even mesh to apropriate size of divisions - Using the mesh triangles and its dual to generate my components boundary
Mesh Dual
Higer spring generates stronger geometric shape - that alows for weaker component in those areas --> Higher light transmittance
Apply spring length according to desired lighting condition
EP 03 : - Apply apropriate component Spring stiffness in relation to daylight 10
<>
DF:70%
30
<>
DF:61%
Apply appropriate component
40
<>
DF:41%
60 >
DF:22%
Apply apropriate component according to desired lighting condition and its structural dependency
400 mm
Bottom Component Skrew fixing
Follows curvature of shell and supports
200 mm
Supporting column 860 mm
Cladding planks
300 mm
1:20
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS
Sticks guiding the curvature of the shell and giving additional support during the assembly.
When a sertain curvature has been reached, components are preassembled in blocks before placed in shell for more tolerance in the assembly process.
MOBILE ROBOT CELLS ON CONSTRUCTION SITE
First layers, component assembled on site one by one by programmed robots. Where components are stacked in a preconfigured order for robots to recognice. Robots scan components to veryfy that a correct component has been picked up. Keep building layer by layer
complex construction
MOCAPE Museum of Contemporary Art will be built only by robots. From the production of the elements in the factory, up to the construction of the building, -Extensive automation of the construction process -The
future for complex construction
Project: MOCAPE Museum of Contemporary Art & Planning Exhibition, Shenzhen. Š MSC Modern Steel Construction / Coop Himmelb(l)au
MOBILE ROBOT CELLS ON CONSTRUCTION SITE