RC6 CONEcrete Project by Haibo

C NEcrete

Research Cluster 6, MArch Architectural Design, 2015 - 2016 The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL 2016.09

C NEcrete

INTRODUCTION Inspired by the research of self-organisational system by Mi-

forced concrete came out as a proper way to

chael Weinstock and various artwork by Nick van Woert, the

harden the form and give it architectural possibility

CONEcrete project focuses on the digital form-finding process

and feasibility. Moreover, we developed the agent-

based on the L-system outcomes and agent-based Recur-

based system called CONEcrete with three hier-

sive Growth system, by setting sail from material properties

archies: Agent, Segment, Guided aggregation, as

and behaviours of aluminium mesh cone and reinforced con-

a potential solution for the larger scale of aggre-

crete. Initially, this project started with one of the simplest ge-

gation. The combination of these may sparkle a

ometries : cone, which can be stacked up into linear or spiral

more lightweight, flexible and continuously growing

patterns and grow or branch out in to any directions and be

space potential, and hopefully, with the assistance

continued at any nodes. Based on these features, we studied

of agent-based CONEcrete design system, it is

and researched about the L-system to generate various guide

promising to design complex forms more efficient-

curves and then prototypes and design objects in multiple

ly and accordingly fabricate them in a faster and

software platforms to mimic the natural growth logic of plants.

more straightforward way in the futuristic architec-

Simultaneously, with the increasing complexity of cone aggre-

ture world.

CONTENTS Chapter 1: Mask Design P8 -Frozen Motion -Spiky Armour -The Authority -Thai Mask Chapter 2 : Material Explorations P26 -Wax & Resin -Metal Sheet & Wires -Resin & Metal -Metal Sheet & Aluminium -Metal Sheet & Concrete Chapter 3 : Initial Approach P38 -Form Reference -Material Reference -Initial Attempt Chapter 4 : Component Study P48 -Geometry Study -Connection Study ----Side Arraying ----Stacking ----Interlocking

Chapter 5 : Fabrication Research P58 -Material Study -Aluminium Mesh Cones -Cone Fabrication -Cone Standardization -Reinforcement Strategy

Chapter 6 : Digital Explorations P86 -Cone Study -Logic-finding ----Complex Morphologies ----Diffusion Limited Aggregation ----L-system & Vector Field

-Digital Sketches -Design Proposals Chapter 7: Design Language P168 -Bundle System -Branching System ----Recursive Growth System

Chapter 8 : Design Development P240 -Branching Bundles -Digital Study -Chair Design Chapter 9 : Physical Fabrication P250 -Prototype Fabrication -Chair Fabrication -Stool Fabrication Chapter 10 : Architectural Potential P292 -Surface Study -Column Study -Staircase Study -Space Design -Design Catalogue Chapter 11 : Architectural Application P346 -Site Analysis -Final Proposal

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CHAPTER

MASK DESIGN At the very first beginning of the first term, we were assigned to design an individuel mask as a first small design workshop project. Mask is an object normally worn on the face, typically for perforemance, entertainment, or disguise. Each of our mask design concept based on our individual expression and inspiration of our interests and culture. Also, this mask design exercise helped us to learn and get to know how to use 3D modeling software better.

Mask Design | Frozen Motion Mask Design

Project

Haibo Xiao

Frozen Motion

Mask Design | Frozen Motion

[ Design Inspirations ] Based on a wind energy study and morphology analyses, this mask design work aims to simulate the wind force blowing on humanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face and capture this motional moment into a frozen art piece. The mask reveals a duality of calm and dynamic, lightness and heaviness, and colour and material.

Multi-materiality A gradiant contrast between different materials

Front View

Close-up Detail

Mask Design | Spiky Armour Mask Design

Project

Liyuan Ma

Spiky Armour

Mask Design | Spiky Armour

Design Renderings

Perspective View

Mask Design | The Authority Mask Design

Project

Qiaochu Wang

The Authority

Mask Design | Authority

Inspiration

Perspective View

Mask Design | Thai Mask Mask Design

Project

Sanchutha Choomsai

Thai Mask

Mask Design | Thai Mask

[ Design Inspirations ] Based on a Thai mask or â&#x20AC;&#x153;KHON MASKâ&#x20AC;?. The idea behind this mask is to make the traditional looks of the Thai mask become more futuristic. The overall form itself derived from the traditional shape, then geometric division were added to form the overall shapes.

Close-up

Perspective View

Close-up

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

MATERIAL EXPLORATIONS Our first task of the project started by material explorations. We looked through a large variety of materials from DIY shops, building supplies, or art stores. Then we investigated various way of processing those materials. We investigated the material properties which can be able to create volumetric forms and structures. From this study we made several sculptural objects which lead us to the best possible material to be used as our final product which is the combination of metal and concrete.

Material Explorations | Wax & Resin

[ Material Properties ] - Casting and moulding free form - Forming self-supporting structure and surfaces in place

Wax

- Melted in the pot - Pour into the cold water to harden it

Resin (F160 Polyol)

- Combine the two liquids(1:1) - Pour them on a collider(egg in this case) layer by layer

Resin (F160 Polyol)

- Combine the two liquids(1:1) - Pour them in some moulds to create different shapes

Resin Experiment

Material Explorations | Metal Sheet &Wires

[ Material Properties ] - The strength and flexibility of metal sheet and wires make it possible to form various shape and structure.

Metal Wire

- Easily and flexible to bend and form a structure - When combine each wire into strand or bundle, it become strong and be able to bear loads

Simple geometry----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Complex

Metal Sheet Sculpture

Metal Sheet

- Easily to cut and fold into form and structure - Be able to process into 3D form by folding, weaving, or inflating

Folding------------------------------------Folding-------------------------------------Weaving-------------------------------------Weaving--------------------------------Intersecting--------------------------------Joint-----------------------------------------Inflating 30

Material Explorations | Resin & Metal

[ Material Properties ] - Metal wires are joined together to create a spaceframe structure. The additional layer of resin can create a suface as well as strengthen the sturcture.

Metal Wire

Resin

Resin on Metal Wire

Material Explorations | Metal Sheet &Aluminium

[ Material Properties ] - Each component was created by cut and fold metal sheet and compressed aluminium tube. Then each of the component can generate a different way of aggregation.

Interlocking Metal Sheet Aluminium Components

Metal Sheet

Aluminium Tube

[ Tools ]

- Cut and fold metal sheet into cone shape - Aggregated each component by interlocking

Interlocking Metal Sheet

Aluminium Components

- Cut and compressed a piece of aluminium tube - Aggregated each component by side arraying

Close-up

Side-arraying Aluminium

Material Explorations | Metal Sheet & Concrete

[ Material Properties ] - Firstly cut and rolled a metal sheet into cone shape. Then we aggregated the cone shape component together by stacking into spiral pattern. Finally applied concrete mixed with coal onto the surface of the sculpture in order to create strength and texture.

Cones With Concrete

- Make metal cones by rolling metal sheets - Apply with concrete

Metal Sheet Cone

Coal

Concrete

Glue

Cones With Concrete

- Make metal cones by rolling metal sheets - Apply with concrete 36

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

INITIAL APPROACH At the very beginning, we were inspried by some aggregating art works by various artists or architects, such as Neri Oxman, Iris Van Herpen, Tobias Stenico, Jose Sanchez & Alisa Andrasek. We were rather interested in the aggregation of simple compnents by arraying and stacking, in order to create some interesting patterns like spiral growth. Starting from the references, we tried to make some small physical sculpture by simply cutting and folding metal sheets. With these easily-made cone shape components, we used stacking and arraying to connect cones.

Initial Approach | References

[ Form Reference ]

[ Material Reference ]

Inspired by the patterns in the artworks of Neri Oxman, Iris Van Herpen and so on, we were interested in the aggregation of simple compnents by arraying and stacking, in order to create some interesting patterns like spiral growth.

For the hardening material, we tried to use the most common construction material----concrete, for its strehgth, stability and interesting patterns when combined with mesh.

Form Reference Image 1: Rapid Craft, Neri Oxman, 2005-2006

Form Reference Image 2: Metal Dress, Iris Van Herpen

Form Reference Image 3: Bloom-the Game, Jose Sanchez & Alisa Andrasek

Material Reference Image 1: Untitled Project, Nick van Woert, 2011 Material: Kitty Litter, plaster statue, stainless steel, urethane

Material Reference Image 2: Untitled Project, Nick van Woert,2014 Material: Coal slag, steel and white bronze

Material Reference Image 3: RC6 Plex_e, Bartlett,UCL,2014 Material: jesmonite plaster, paster polymer, trisodium citrate , water

Initial Approach | Initial Attempt

[ Initial Attempts ]

Interlocking Metal Sheet Cones

Initial Approach Initial Approach | Initial | Attempts Attempt

[ Initial Attempts ] According to the references, we tried to make some small physical sculpture by simply cutting and folding metal sheets. With these easily-made cone shape components, we used stacking and arraying to connect cones.

[ Tools ]

Side Array

Stacking

Interlocking

4 Image 1: Metal sheet Image 2: Scissor to cut the sheet material Image 3: Pen to roll the sheet into cones Image 4: Plier to strengthen the cone shape

Simple cones

Cone Aggregation

First Aggregation Sculpture 44

Initial Approach | Initial Attempt

First Aggregation Sculpture

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CHAPTER

COMPONENT STUDY From our innitial attemp and references, we saw the potential of the simple cone conponent, which are easily to assemble in various forms and patterns. In this chapter we study the behavior of multiples cone shape aggregation such as stacking, branching, and side arraying. Cone shape has the advantages to rotate at any directions, also can break or grow into brances at anytime. With this simple components assembled together, it can generate a variety of interesting form and pattern. Started from a single curved, to surface, or objects, results in the infinity of different formations.

Component Study | Geometry Study

[ Geometry Study ] We study three basic geometry shapes which are triangular base pyramid, rectangular base pyramid, and a simple cone. Both of the pyramid shapes allows more surface of connection, make it more easier to join side by side with another components. However the cone shape make it possible for 360 degree branching as well as create a spiral pattern when stacking linearly while the pyramid shapes with surface cannot.

Basic Shape

Triangle

Geometries

Triangular Base Pyramid

Side Array with Alignment

Side Array with Shift

Linear Stacking

Linear Stacking with Shift

Spiral Linear Stacking

Branching

Evaluation

• Surface make it easy for side array • Easy for Linear Stacking • Cannot create spiral linear stacking • With triangular base shape results in branching to limited direction • Surface make it

easy for side array • Easy for Linear

Stacking • Cannot create

spiral linear stacking •With rectangular base Square

Circle

Regtangular Base Pyramid

Simple Cone

shape results in branching to limited direction •Less surface make it difficult for side array • Easy for Linear Stacking • With circular base shape make it possible for spiral linear stacking • With circular base shape result in braching to 360 degree direction

Component Study | Connection Study

[ Connection Study ] First type of cone aggregation is the side array. When connect each cone equally side by side, it can form an arch pattern. When connect each cone side by side with shift in position, it can form a spiral pattern.

Connection Option:

Side Arraying

Single Cone

Rotation through Alignment

Rotation through Alignment and Shift in position

Arch Pattern

Spiral Pattern

[ Rotation ] - Rotation through alignment create an arch form. - Rotation through alignment with a lilltle shift in position create a spiral form.

Component Study | Connection Study

[ Connection Study ] Second type of cone aggregation is stacking. When stack each cone up together, it can form a line. When stack each cone up with rotation, it can form a curve. When stack each cone up with multiple components, it can form branching pattern. Also this stacking system make the overall structure become very strong and stable.

Connection Option:

Stacking

Single Cone

Stacking up with equal distance

Stacking up with different distance

Stacking up with rotation

Stacking up with multiple components

Pattern Close-up

Component Study | Connection Study

[ Connection Study ] Third type of cone aggregation is interlocking. When cut the top and bottom part of each cone, it can interlocking with each other. The interlocking system can create a variation of forms and patterns, however this system is not as strong as stacking, results in the unstable of over structure when it comes to large aggregation. Connection Option:

[ Interlocking ] With side array and interlocking together can create another angle of roatation.

Interlocking

Single Cone

Interlocking top to bottom part

Interlocking top to top part

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CHAPTER

FABRICATION RESEARCH In this chapter, we focus on the material tests and fabrication method. Starting from comparing different materials property to make a simple cone shape, we found the aluminium mesh is very lightweight, strong, flexible and its surface make it easy to attach to hardening material. Then we researched how to fabricate it manually and machanically. After that, we compared with different kinds of concrete to harden it.

Fabrication Research | Material Study

[ Material Comparison ] By comparing a wide range of materials, such as papaer, plastic sheet, felt sheet, aluminium sheet, prepreg carbon fiber and aluminium mesh, by its properties, deformability and price. We found the aluminium mesh is the best material for its flexibility, stability and ability to attach concrete.

Materials

Thickness

Paper

Plastic Sheet

Felt Sheet

Aluminium Sheet

Prepreg Carbon Fibre

Aluminium Perforated Sheet

0.3 mm

0.5 mm

1.0 mm

0.1 mm

0.75 mm

0.5 mm

Shaping to a single Cone

Deformability

Cones Aggregation

Fabrication Research | Aluminium Mesh Cones

[ Conclusion ] The aluminium mesh is the best material for its flexibility, stability,deformability and ability to attach hardening material

[ Material Property ]

[ Mass Manufacturing Potential ]

1) Easy to cut into equal size by the grid pattern 2) Easy to be rolled into cone shape 3) Relatively stable and always stay in shape 4) Easy to attach additional material

A single chair may need hundreds of cone components. So it is an urgent task for us to find a faster, cheaper and more convenient way to producecones. We tried to use water jet cutting machine for its preciseness and less time consuming.

Material Benefit:

Easy to cut

Easy to connect

Water Jet Cutting

Laser Cutting

Fabrication Research | Cone Fabrication

[ Water Jet Cutting ] Water jet cutter is an industrial tool capable of cutting a wide varity of materials using a very high-pressure jet of water. In order to mass produce our cone, we use water jet cutting machine for its preciseness and less time consuming.

Cone-making Option

Water Jet Cutting Process

Key Frame 01

Key Frame 02

Key Frame 03

Key Frame 10

Key Frame 11

Key Frame 12

Water Jet Cutting Process

Key Frame 04

Key Frame 05

Key Frame 06

Key Frame 13

Key Frame 14

Key Frame 15

Water Jet Cutting Process

Key Frame 07

Key Frame 08

Key Frame 09

Key Frame 16

Key Frame 17

Key Frame 18 65

Fabrication Research | Cone Fabrication

[ Cone-making Options ] Making a cone is easy, just need some simple tools, like scissors and hands, to cut it along its mesh line, and roll it around some cone shaped object, like pencil or cone-shape 3D printing mold. If more preciseness is required, we can use the water jet machine to cut it.

Option 1: Manual Modeling

Step 1: Cut the mesh

Step 2: Basic shape

Step 3: Roll the mesh

Step 4: Stack into the holes

Step 5: Cone made!

Step 1: Take out the mesh

Step 2: Basic shape

Step 3: Use the mould

Step 4: Roll the mesh

Step 5: Cone made!

Option 2: Machine-assisted Modeling

Fabrication Research | Cone Standardization

[ Standardized Cone & Segment ] Design Process: 1.Make standardized cones.(Cone Diametre:3cm, Cone Length: 9cm) 2.Make standardized cone segment.(By connecting at the 11th point and rotate 20 degree, the segments will have four possible growing positions) 3.Design guide curves 4.Apply the 4-cone segments onto the guide curves(By randomly choosing one of the four possible growing positions) 5.Branch out to form surfaces

3.00

9.00

20.00

: 11 Standardization Process Step1: Standardised Cone

Step2: Rotate 20 Degrees

Step3: Standardised Seg-

Step4: Four Future Growth Positions

Fabrication Research | Cone Standardization

[ 4-cone Segment System ] Based on our design language study, we tried to set some rule to aggregate the component together. First is using 4 cones as one segment, then we can aggregate with another segment by stacking and branching.

Step 1:Single components

Step 2: Stacking

Step 3: Branching

Step 4: Reinforced sculpture

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Reinforcement Strategy ] We study diferent materials to apply on the surface of the aluminium mesh component in order to test which material is the most suitable to make each component connect together. As a result Polyurethane rubber is the most stable because it can bond and connect the Aluminium mesh very well.

Expanding Foam

Adhesive Spray

Plastic Spray

Epoxy Resin

Rubber Spray

Polyurethane Rubber

Materials : Expanding Foam

Materials : Adhesive Spray

Materials : Plastic Spray

Materials : Epoxy Resin

Materials : Rubber Spray

Materials : Polyurethane Rubber

Curing Time : 1 hours

Curing Time : 2 hours

Curing Time : 1 hours

Curing Time : 8 hours

Curing Time : 2 hours

Curing Time : 3 hours

Weight : 18 g

Weight : 16 g

Weight : 17 g

Weight : 18 g

Weight : 15 g

Weight :29 g

1st Coat

2nd Coat

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Strength Test ] We put each brach of diferent material on a frame, use a weigher to pull the branch down, and record the force when the branch is broken. As a result, Polyurethane rubber are the most strongest material.

Expanding Foam

Adhesive Spray

Plastic Spray

Epoxy Resin

Rubber Spray

Polyurethane Rubber

6 kg

8 kg

5 kg

4 kg

5 kg

9 kg

Load Bearing Unit kg

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Reinforcement Strategy ] We study diferent materials to apply on the surface of the aluminium mesh component in order to test which material is the most suitable to make the component stronger and more stable. As a result, Concrete, and Concrete mix with PVA powder are the most stable and the lightest material.

Plaster

White Cement

PVA Powder

Materials : Plaster 80% , Water 20%

Materials : Cement 80% , Water 20%

Materials : PVA Powder 80% , Water 20%

Curing Time : 2 hours

Curing Time : 3 hours

Curing Time : 1 hours

Strength : Not Strong

Strength : Strong

Weight : 32g

Weight : 48g

Weight : 40g

Deformability : Breakable

Deformability : Non deformable

Finishing : White , be able to see the mesh pattern

Finishing : White , barely see the mesh pattern

PVA Powder50% : Concrete 50%

Materials : PVA Powder 40% , Concrete 40%, Water 20%

Concrete

Materials : Concrete 80% , Water 20%

Fibre Concrete

Materials : Polypropylene Fibre 10%, Concrete 70% , Water 20%

Curing Time : 24 hours Curing Time : 5 hours

Curing Time : 24 hours Strength : Strong

Strength : Strong

Strength : Strong Weight : 73g

Weight : 57g

Weight :53g Deformability : Non deformable

Deformability : Non deformable Finishing : Grey , mesh pattern hardly appearing

Deformability : Non deformable Finishing : Dark Grey , mesh pattern hardly appearing

Finishing : Dark Grey , Difficult to apply ont he surface, mesh pattern hardly appearing

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Strength Test ] We put each brach of diferent material on a frame, use a weigher to pull the branch down, and record the force when the branch is broken. As a result, Concrete, and Concrete mix with PVA powder are the strongest material.

Plaster

White Cement

PVA Powder

PVA Powder50% : Concrete 50%

Concrete

Fibre Concrete

2 kg

7 kg

9 kg

7 kg

Load Bearing Unit kg

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Material Comparison ] From the material teest, we found two possibility material to be apply on the mesh which are Concrete and PU Rubber. Rubber when cover on the mesh, is able to connect the components together as well as giving the flexibilty for the aggregation. Concrete can connect each component but not the flexibility, however it is very stong and stable.

Reinforcement Option 1:

Reinforcement Option 2:

PU Rubber

Concrete

Layer : 1 coating layer Strength : Not strong Finishing : Mesh pattern still appearing

Layer : 1 coating layer Strength : Quite strong Finishing : Mesh pattern still appearing

Prototype

Rubber 80

Concrete 81

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Concrete ] As we selcted concrete as our final coat, we experimented with spraying on our component from 1 to 5 times, and did the strength test.

1st Coat

3rd Coat

5th Coat

7 kg

8 kg

9 kg

Coating Process Step 1: Concrete Powder

Step 2: Mix with water

Step 3: Spray

Load Bearing Unit kg 10

Fabrication Research | Reinforcement Strategy

[ Coating Study ] We test how many layer of concrete needed to cover the alumunium mesh in order to make the prototype as strong as possilble.

Coating Layers:

0 Coating

1 Coating

3 Coating

5 Coating

Materials :Aluminium Mesh + Concrete 1 Coat

Materials :Aluminium Mesh + Concrete 3 Coat

Materials :Aluminium Mesh + Concrete 5 Coat

Strength : Not Strong

Strength : Very Strong

Finishing :Be able to see mesh pattern

Finishing : Mesh pattern hardly appearing

Materials :Aluminium Mesh Strength : Not Strong Finishing : Mesh pattern hardly appearing

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

DIGITAL EXPLORATIONS In the Digital Explorations chapter, we did various research and study about our primary component, cone. Firstly, we did the Cone Study by using two directional cone connections to create a more firmly interlocked aggregation. Then, we researched about the digial logic-finding process, such as L-system, Complex Morphologies, Diffusion Limitted Aggregation and Procedural Modelling. And based on these research, we designed a wide range of digital sketches, sitting objects and columns.

CHAPTER

PART 1: CONE STUDY

Digital Explorations | Cone Study [ Cone Direction Study ] - We explore interlocking connection to combine different component. - By these ways, surface,line and curvature would be created. Starting geometry

Branches

Curvature

Cone Study

Minus-plus System: By using two directions of cones, we can create more patterns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

Cone Study

Branching Pattern: We refer to the branching L-system to create the branches in several iterations.

30o

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

A+B 90

Digital Explorations | Cone Study [ Cone Study ] - We explore interlocking connection to combine different component. - By these ways, surface,line and curvature would be created.

Cone Study

Minus-plus System:

[ Digital Sketch ]

By using two directions of cones, we can create more pat-

By using the Minus-plus system with different directions, to create more future growing positions.

terns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

Close-up

Perspective View

Digital Explorations | Cone Study [ Cone Study ] - We explore interlocking connection to combine different component. - By these ways, surface,line and curvature would be created.

Cone Study

Minus-plus System: By using two directions of cones, we can create more patterns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

[ Digital Sketch ] By using the Minus-plus system with different directions, to create more future growing positions. Side View

Perspective View 94

Front View 95

Digital Explorations | Cone Study [ Cone Study ] - We explore interlocking connection to combine different component. - By these ways, surface,line and curvature would be created.

Cone Study

Minus-plus System: By using two directions of cones, we can create more patterns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

[ Digital Sketch ] By using the Minus-plus system with different directions, to create more future growing positions.

Perspective View 96

Perspective View

Front View 97

Digital Explorations | Cone Study [ Cone Study ] - We explore interlocking connection to combine different component. - By these ways, surface,line and curvature would be created.

[ Design Process ] - It is generated by L-System in Processing - By adjusting its branches from simple to complex

[ Digital Sketch ] By using the Minus-plus system with different directions, to create more future growing positions.

Simple Aggregation

Close-up 98

Digital Explorations | Cone Study [ Digital Sketch ]

100

101

CHAPTER

102

PART 2: LOGIC-FINDING

103

Digital Exploration | Logic-finding

[ Complex Morphologies ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

[ Generation Process ]

104

Frame 35

Frame 65

Frame 95

Frame 125

Frame 155

Frame 185

Frame 215

Frame 315

Frame 415

Frame 450

Frame 515

Frame 615

Frame 715

Frame 815

Frame 915

Frame 1000

Frame 1115

Frame 1040

105

Digital Exploration | Logic-finding

[ Complex Morphologies ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Top View

Perspective View Agent Trails 106

Curves with cone 107

Digital Exploration | Logic-finding

[ Complex Morphologies ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

[ Generation Process ]

108

Frame 35

Frame 65

Frame 95

Frame 125

Frame 155

Frame 185

Frame 215

Frame 315

Frame 415

Frame 450

Frame 515

Frame 615

Frame 715

Frame 815

Frame 915

Frame 1000

Frame 1115

Frame 1040

109

Digital Exploration | Logic-finding

[ Complex Morphologies ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Top View

Perspective View Agent Trails 110

Curves with cone 111

Digital Explorations | Logic-finding

[ Diffusion Limited Aggregation ] By Soomeen Hahm & Igor Pantic

112

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 1

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 2

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 5

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 6

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 3

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 4

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 7

Diffusion Limited Aggregation Generation Process 8

113

Digital Explorations | Logic-finding

[ Logic-finding Process ] By using the Diffusion Limited Aggregation and L-System & Vector Field.

114

115

Digital Explorations | Logic-finding

[ L-System & Vector Field ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

L-System

Step 1: L-system Branches Side View

[ 15 Branches Outcome ] By generating 15 branches in L-System and Vector Field, these cones can create a high-density aggregation.

Step 2: Vector Field

Detail

Vector Filed 116

117

Digital Explorations | Logic-finding

[ Digital Sketch ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Digital Sketch

Chair 1

Digital Sketch

Chair 3

Digital Sketch Digital Sketch 118

Chair 2

Chair 4 119

Digital Explorations | Logic-finding

[ Digital Sketch ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Digital Sketch

Space Experience

Top View

Perspective View

120

121

CHAPTER

122

PART 3: DIGITAL SKETCHES

123

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Cone Cluster Aggregation ] Based on the Geometry Study, we designed some digital sketches by arraying cone clusters and symmetric modelling.

Cluster 1

Cluster 2

Cluster 3

Cluster 4 124

125

[ Digital Sketches ]

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

Based on the Shape Study, we created some digital sketches by array and mirror cut. [ Cone Cluster Aggregation ] Based on the Geometry Study, we designed some digital sketches by arraying cone clusters and symmetric modelling.

126

127

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Cone Cluster Aggregation ] Based on the Geometry Study, we designed some digital sketches by arraying cone clusters and symmetric modelling.

Cluster 1

Cluster 2

Cluster 3

Cluster 4 128

129

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

[ Design Process ]

Step 1

Step 3

130

Step 2

Step 4

131

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

132

Perspective View

133

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

134

135

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

Multi-materiality 136

137

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

Perspective View 138

139

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

Multi-materiality 140

141

Digital Explorations | Digital Sketches

[ Complex Aggregation ] Based on the previous study, we designed some dense cone bundles to form highly complex aggregation.

Perspective View

Close-up

Perspective View 142

143

CHAPTER

144

PART 4: DESIGN PROPOSALS

145

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ L-system Chair Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

[ Design Process ]

Details

1.Prototype

2.simplified the line

3.Bend line

Side View

4.Bend angle

5.Optimizing line

6.Forming famework of Chair

Back View 146

147

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ L-system Chair Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

[ Design Process ]

Step 1.Trace back the L-System trails

Step 3.Deformation modeling

148

Step 2.Pipe the curves

Step 4.Combine with other branches

149

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ L-system Chair Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

150

151

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ L-system Chair Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Front View

Back View

Close-up

Perspective View

152

153

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ L-system Chair Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

154

Perspective View

155

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ Procedual Modeling Chair Design ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some sitting objects like this.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

Perspective View 156

157

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ Procedual Modeling Chair Design ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some sitting objects like this.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

158

Perspective View

159

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ Procedual Modeling Chair Design ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some sitting objects like this.

160

161

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ Procedual Modeling Chair Design ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some sitting objects like this.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

162

163

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ Procedual Modeling Chair Design ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some sitting objects like this.

Side View

Back View

Perspective View

164

Front View

165

Digital Simulation | Design Proposals

[ Procedual Modeling Column Design ] By combining the design languages we have, we design some spaces like this.

166

Perspective View

Front View

Back View

167

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

DESIGN LANGUAGE We categorized our design language into two types, which are Bundle System, and Branching System. Each system has its own advantages when comes to aggregation. When combining those two system together results in the whole system to perform at its best. The aggregation allows each component to be assembled in various forms and organizations based on its needs, function, site, and performance.

168

169

Design Language | Bundle System

CHAPTER

170

PART 1: BUNDLE SYSTEM

171

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Bundle Options ] Based on the our studies, we can make a library of design languages of simple bundle, bottom opening, middile opening, top opening, twisting, bending, branching. With these basic design languages, we can aggregate them into complex forms.

Simple Bundle

Bottom Opening

Middle Opening

Top Opening

Bending

0 Degree Rotation

45 Degree Rotation

90 Degree Rotation

172

173

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Physical Bundle Prototypes ] We made some small pieces to explore an approach that can strengthen the weaknesses in an organizational structure. This means that using the line around an axis to displace and rotate simultaneously. It could be the simple rotation of two or three curves around a central point. By testing these physical prototypes, we found that this pattern can strengthen the object structure; as a result of this, the language (Bundle system) can be used in the support structure part.

Aluminium Mesh

174

Concrete Reinforcement

Aluminium Mesh

Concrete Reinforcement

Spiral Prototype

175

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Dense Bundle Generation ] The next step of digital research is cosisted of tried to mimic the language . For this case conep is used that run along the curves and produced new elements.

Digital Sketch

176

177

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Minus-plus Bundle System ]

Bundle System

Pattern Connection

Simple Bundle

Rotation

Different areas Rotation

Combination

Minus-plus System

By using two directions of cones, we can create more pat-

+ - - + + + - -

We tends to compute various ways of forms based on phyllotaxisâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; principle, eventually to build a library system that can improve bundle system to be combined into complex forms. We try to change the different order of rotations , and like leaves at different growth times its shape will be different. Moreover, growth in different positions will also have an impact on others. When they are rotated, different positions have a lot of difference, such as being far from the central axis and being near the central axis. And different directions of cone (pulse and minus) would gain some new textures. These different factors may be able to create some new elements.

terns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

+ + + - + - + + + -

- + - - + + + + + - + - - + -

Second rotation area First rotation area

178

- + - - + + + + + - + - - + -

- + + + - + - + + + -

179

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Minus-plus Bundle System ] By computing different locations and different orders of rotation, various forms and shapes were created. After several steps of exploration, more different deformations could be built by combining and connection.

180

181

Design Language | Bundle System

Bundle System

Minus-plus System: By using two directions of cones, we can create more patterns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

Perspective View 182

Back View

Front View 183

Design Language | Bundle System

Minus-plus System: By using two directions of cones, we can create more patterns and make the connection firmer.

Minus

Plus

184

Column Prototype

185

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Digital Study ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Step 1.Prototype

Side View

Step 2.Bend line

Step 3.Bend angle

Step 4.Forming famework of Chair

Back View Opt1.Front View

186

Opt2.Front View

187

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Digital Study ] In the design of this staircase the tube form structure and the column parts, and then it transforms into the curves. The different curves are created simultaneously and interact with each other shaping a continous dynamic structure.

Step 1.The formation of the column

Step 3.Simplified the line

188

Step 2.Simplified the line

Step 4.Forming construction of staircase

Perspective View

189

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Digital Study ] At first, shape of a staircase created by guide curves based on design system was used. Original size of the cone was used to create the surface of stair steps using side-by-side arrangement, after which the supporting part was used based on the approach of the bundle system to build and connect stair steps.

Top view

Support part details

Stairstep Details

Support part details

Perspective View 190

191

Design Language | Bundle System

[ Digital Study ] The element of the pavilion legs and its ceiling are based on the previous column design. Moreover leg design is concerned bundles are placed on the bottom to make the structure rigid enough. Then, the bundles are braided until the top where they branch and meet the nearest curves from the others

Top View

Perspective View

192

Perspective View

193

Design Language | Branching Syetem

CHAPTER

194

PART 2: BRANCHING SYSTEM

195

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Generative L-system ] An L-system or Lindenmayer system is a parallel rewriting system and a type of formal grammar. An L-system consists of an alphabet of symbols that can be used to make strings, a collection of production rules that expand each symbol into some larger string of symbols, an initial â&#x20AC;&#x153;axiomâ&#x20AC;? string from which to begin construction, and a mechanism for translating the generated strings into geometric structures. L-systems were introduced and developed in 1968 by Aristid Lindenmayer, a Hungarian theoretical biologist and botanist at the University of Utrecht. Lindenmayer used L-systems to describe the behaviour of plant cells and to model the growth processes of plant development. L-systems have also been used to model the morphology of a variety of organisms[1] and can be used to generate self-similar fractals such as iterated function systems.

[ Generation Process ] Recursion 1

Recursion 2

Recursion 3

Recursion 4

Recursion 5

Recursion 6

Angle Parameters Curvature: 0;3;12; Branch: -39;69;45; Spiral: 39;39;-35;

Angle Parameters Curvature: 12;0;-6; Branch: 15;15;15; Spiral: 30;30;-30;

Angle Parameters Curvature: 15;0;-15; Branch: 15;15;15; Spiral: 30;30;-30;

Angle Parameters Curvature: 15;15;15; Branch: -30;60;45; Spiral: 30;30;-30;

196

197

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Generation Process ] - It is generated by L-System and Vector Field in Processing - By adjusting its branches from simple to complex to aggregate.

5 Branches

7 Branches

9 Branches

11 Branches

13 Branches

L-System

Vector Field

Form

Simple Aggregation----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Complex Aggregation

198

199

Design Setup | Branching System

[ L-system Optimization ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Details

1.Prototype

2.simplified the line

3.Bend line

Side View

4.Bend angle

5.Optimizing line

6.Forming famework of Chair

Back View 200

201

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Guided Growth ] Using the guide curve as a the basement for the directional growth, we created two kinds of growth direction:one-directional growth and multi-direction grwoth, it could make this project to become more diverse.

Guided Grwoth Procedure

Step 1: Guide curve

Step 2: One-directional growth

Step 3: Multi-direction grwoth

Single line

202

Linear aggregation

203

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Guided Growth ] We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.

204

Guided Grwoth Procedure

Step 1: Bounding Box

Step 2: Guide Curves

Step 3: Symmetric Curves

Step 4: Segmented Growth Along the Curve

Step 5: Segmented Growth Along the Curve

205

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Growth Process ]

206

Guided Growth Process

Key Frame 01

Key Frame 02

Key Frame 03

Guided Growth Process

Key Frame 04

Key Frame 05

Key Frame 06

Guided Growth Process

Key Frame 07

Key Frame 08

Key Frame 09

Guided Growth Process

Digital Outcome Rendering

207

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Digital Prototype ]

[ Physical Prototypes ]

We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.

We explore a varaity of design language through the aggregation of physical prototypes such as branching, and side connection.

Multi-directional Prototype

Digital Model

208

Physical Model

Multi-directional Prototype

209

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Sitting Object Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Step 1: Bounding Box

210

Step 2: Guide Curves

Step 3: Symmetric Curves

Step 4: Segmented Growth Along the Curve

Step 5: Segmented Growth Along the Curve

Step 6: Segmented Growth Along the Curve

211

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Sitting Object Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Guide curves

Perspective View

212

Side View

213

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Sitting Object Design ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Front View

214

Back View

215

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Digital Study ] We study the different curvatures created through 3 different connection points which are 1/4, 1/2 , and 3/4. With different cone diameter and length can create different curvatures.

Guided Grwoth Procedure

Step 1: Two guide curves

Step 2: Six guide curves

Step 3: Multiple guide curves

Simple Aggregation

216

Complex Aggregation

217

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Recursive Growth System ] We developed two options for this system: the option 1 used 3 cones as one component. The diameter of a cone is 3 cm, and its length is 9 cm. By connecting at the 11th point and rotating by 20 degrees. Option 2 used 4 cones as one component it used same size of cone and connected at the 11 the point by different degrees of rotation.

The segments will have various possible to growth, when it has 4 kinds of growing positions (a–d) it can achieve more complex elements, and 3 kinds of growing positions (b–d) it can create some simple elements. As a consequence, it will lead to different results by adding line in different growth positions. Another beneficial application of this system is that it can follow a guide curves’ automated growth by applying the 3 or 4 cone segments onto the guide curves. In addition, by adding a number of lines into the cone, it can continue growing. When it would be set up at different angles, it would generate different elements.

Recursive Growth Catalog:

Option 1

Option 2

Segment with 3 cones

Segment with 4 cones

and 4 future growing positions

and 5 future growing positions

Recursive Growth Catalog:

Type 1 With 4 future growing positions: a,b,c,d.

218

Type 1 Gen= 2 Angle=random(0,360)

Recursive Growth Catalog:

Type 2 With 3 future growing positions: b,c,d.

Type 2 Gen= 2 Angle=random(0,360)

Type 1+Type 2+ Type 3 Gen= 2 Angle=random(0,360)

Type 1+Type 2+ Type 3 Gen= 10 Angle=random(0,360)

Type 1+Type 2+ Type 3 Gen= 20 Angle=random(0,360)

219

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Recursive Growth System Catalogue ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements. -Different growth position will lead to different results.

d c b

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

angle=90,180

angle=90,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 1 With 4 future growing positions: a,b,c,d. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

220

angle=90,360

221

Design Language | Branching Syetem

d c b

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

angle=90,180

angle=90,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 2 With 4 future growing positions: b,c,d. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

222

angle=90,360

223

Design Language | Branching Syetem

c b

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

angle=90,180

angle=90,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 3 With 4 future growing positions: b,c. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

224

angle=90,360

225

Design Language | Branching Syetem

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=90,360

angle=90,180

angle=90,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 4 With 4 future growing positions: b,d. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

226

227

Design Language | Branching Syetem

d c

b a

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=90,360

angle=90,180

angle=90,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 5 With 5 future growing positions: a,b,c,d,e. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

228

229

Design Language | Branching Syetem

d c

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 6 With 3 future growing positions: c,d,e. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

230

angle=90,360

angle=90,180

angle=90,90 231

Design Language | Branching Syetem

angle=0,360

angle=0,180

angle=0,90

angle=180,360

angle=180,180

angle=180,90

angle=360,0

angle=180,0

angle=90,0

angle=90,360

angle=90,180

angle=90,90

Recursive Growth Catalogue:

Type 7 With 3 future growing positions: a,c,e. - Generation = 200 - Varied Angle Range

232

233

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Recursive Growth System Generation ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements. -Different growth position will lead to different results.

Recursive Growth System

Generation Process

234

Recursive Growth Process

Key Frame 01

Recursive Growth Process

Key Frame 01

Recursive Growth Process

Key Frame 01

235

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Digital Study ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements.

Close-up

Side View

Perspective View

236

Back View

237

Design Language | Branching Syetem

[ Digital Study ] -Recursive growth system is based on the method of makingphysical and digtal modeling. It may accelerate the speed of modeling whlie creating some new combinaitons and elements.

Close-up

Step 2.choose the main frame

Step 3.Transform the regular cone to connect

Perspective View

Step 4.Following guide growth

Step 5.Combine with other branches

Perspective View Back View

238

239

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Bundle system provides this whole object the structural meaning and gives it recognizablepattern. Branching system provides infinitegrowing possibilities to form larger aggregation. In order to achieve the best performance of the aggregation system, we combine both bundle twisting and branching together. You can twist or branch them to find different shapes and discover new configurations. This results in the whole system to be very strong and stable, also allows the form to grow or stop at any direction or time while others geometry cannot.

240

241

Design Development | Branching Bundles [ Branching Bundles ] Based on the two main design language, we tried to combine the branching system and bundle system in order to create some sculptural objects with structrural meaning and also with many future growing potentials.

Design Language

Option 1: Bundle System

Option 2: Branching System

Design Language

Feature 1:

Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.

Design Language

Feature 2:

Linear Aggregation

242

Bundle system provides this whole object the structual meaning and gives it recognisable pattern.

Branchy Aggregation

243

Design Development | Branching Bundles [ Digital Study ] Based on the two main design language, we tried to combine the branching system and bundle system in order to create some sculptural objects with structrural meaning and also with many future growing potentials.

Design Language

Feature 1:

Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.

Design Language

Feature 2:

Bundle system provides this whole object the structual meaning and gives it recognisable pattern.

244

245

Design Development | Branching Bundles [ Digital Study ]

246

247

Design Setup | Branching System

[ Chair Study ] Using L-system to generate the branching structure, then optimizing line to create curves. Then using grasshopper to transform curves into our cones.

Sitting Object Design

Iteration 1

Sitting Object Design

Iteration 2 Sitting Object Design

Iteration 5

248

Sitting Object Design

Iteration 3

Iteration 4

249

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

PHYSICAL FABRICATION Our research conducted through both designing and making in order to produce the best outcome and completion of the design. We aimed to explore the possibilities and test the stability of the structure through both digital design and prototype fabrication at the same time. We have constructed several physical prototypes and some seating objects based on our design languge. The benefit of this project is that it can be easily fabricated by hand with reasonable cost.

250

251

CHAPTER

252

PART 1: PROTOTYPE FABRICATION

253

Physical Fabrication | Prototype Fabrication

[ Branching Prototype ] From a single cone component, we aggregated by side connection and branching system to create a sculpture. Branching system allows the components to grow in any direction when stacking each cones together with different angle. This branching system results in variation of forms and pattern. Also provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.

254

Fabrication Procedure

Step 1: Single components

Step 2: First aggregation

Step 3: Second aggregation

Step 4: Sculpture

Step 5: Reinforced sculpture

255

Physical Fabrication | Prototype Fabrication

[ Branching Prototype ] After aggregation, we applied concrete mixed with PVA powder on the surface of the model in order to strengthen and harden the sculpture. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.

Physical Prototype

Feature 1:

Branching system provides infinite growing possibilities to form larger aggregation.

Design Language

Branching System

Design Language

Feature 2:

Bundle system provides this whole object the structual meaning and gives it recognisable pattern.

Design Language

Bundle System

256

257 Top View

Physical Fabrication | Prototype Fabrication

[ Bundle Prototype ] Stacking cones component together results in the growth in linear direction. When many lines combine into bundle results the overall structure to be very strong and stable because each components transfer loads to another create uniform the load for the whole structure. When twist the bundle can generate many variation of flow form and pattern.

Design Language

Branching System

Design Language

Bundle System Side View 258

Front View 259

CHAPTER

260

PART 2: CHAIR FABRICATION

261

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication and combine both branching and bundle twisting system together. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.

Design Language

Branching System

Design Language

Bundle System

Physical Model of the CONEcrete Chair

262

263

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Chair Fabrication ] The diagram illustrates the design languages used in each part of our chair fabrication.

[ Chair Components ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. Also the design languages such as side connection, branching, and stacking are used based on our research study. As a result we used the total of 510 cones to fabricate the whole chair.

Side Connection

15 Angle

264

5 Angle

20 Angle

10 Angle

30 Angle

15 Angle Branching

Guide Curves of the CONEcrete Chair 265

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ Components used in Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. Also the design languages such as side connection, branching, and stacking are used based on our research study. As a result we used the total of 510 cones to fabricate the whole chair.

Side Connection

5 Angle

10 Angle

20 Angle

30 Angle

15 Angle Branching

Stacking

Cone Size

6.00cm

3.00cm

223

192

3.00cm

8.00cm

Cone Size

8.00cm

4.00cm

Total: 510 Cones

266

267

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Chair Fabrication ] We used 3 different sizes of cones for the chair fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.

[ Chair Fabrication Process ]

268

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

Step 8

Step 9

Step 10

269

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ Concrete-spraying Process ] We used concrete spray technique instead of brushing on the surface. This technique used less time consuming, however the outcome is not as strong as brushing technique due to the fact that concrete spray can stick only onto the surface, while brushing, the concrete goes inside the cone which help strengthen the structure.

Chair Fabrication

Concrete-spraying Preparation

Step 1: Concrete Powder

270

Step 2: Add Water

Step 3: Mix Together

Step 4: Pour concrete into spray gun

Step 5: Spray it on the chair

271

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ Concrete-spraying Process ] We used sprayed concrete as a method of applying finishing material in order to strengthen the structure. This technique used less time consuming than brushing and can cover the whole structure with interesting texture.

Chair Fabrication

Concrete-spraying Process

Key Frame 01

Key Frame 02

Key Frame 03

Key Frame 10

Key Frame 11

Key Frame 12

Concrete-spraying Process

Key Frame 04

Key Frame 05

Key Frame 06

Key Frame 13

Key Frame 14

Key Frame 15

Concrete-spraying Process

Key Frame 07

Key Frame 08

Key Frame 09

Key Frame 16

Key Frame 17

Key Frame 18

Concrete-spraying Process

272

273

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

Physical Model of the CONEcrete Chair

274

Sitting Test of the CONEcrete Chair

275

Physical Fabrication | Chair Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Chair Fabrication ]

276

277

CHAPTER

278

PART 3: STOOL FABRICATION

279

Physical Fabrication | Stool Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Stool Fabrication ] We used only one size of cones for the stool fabrication. First started with seating part by using side connection, then building up the back part by branching with spiral pattern. Lastly, the legs part are the combination of linear stacking and spiral pattern.

Design Language

Branching System

Design Language

Bundle System

the CONEcrete Stool before spraying concrete

280

281

Physical Fabrication | Stool Fabrication

Side Connection

Stacking

Stacking with rotation

Branching

Cone Size

8.00cm

4.00cm

Total: 140 Cones 282

Guide Curves of the CONEcrete Stool 283

Physical Fabrication | Stool Fabrication

Top View

Close-up

Physical Model of the CONEcrete Stool

284

Leg Detail

285

Physical Fabrication | Stool Fabrication

Digital Model of the CONEcrete Stool

Physical Model of the CONEcrete Stool

Sitting Test of the CONEcrete Stool

286

287

Physical Fabrication | Stool Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Stool ]

288

289

Physical Fabrication | Stool Fabrication

[ The CONEcrete Stool ]

290

291

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

ARCHITECTURAL POTENTIAL In this chapter, we are aiming to transform the research outcome into the architectural scale. To achieve this, we started with the simplest buiding modules, like floor, ceiling, wall, column, staircase and so on. Then, we apply these functions into the 3*3*3m modular boxes, which can be stacked together to create some space with certain functions.

292

293

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

CHAPTER

294

PART 1: SURFACE STUDY

295

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

[ Surface Pattern ] As for the simple surface study, we started with the simple cones. By stacking them and interlocking them in two directions, results in the firmly connected flat surface pattern.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

+ 296

Connection Option 1:

Stacking

Connection Option 2:

Side Interlocking

Surface Connection

Top View

297

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

[ Surface Pattern ] After we get the flat surface by stacking cones linearly, we tried to stack them along the curves, in order to reduce the number of cone component and make more various surface pattern with different density, which could be used as different functions.

Dense

298

Regular Surface Pattern

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Sparse

299

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

[ Surface Pattern ] With the two surface patterns we have studied, we tried to combine them in the 3*3*3m module to create other types of surface pattern. By interoducing different attractors and repellors, here are two patterns we have generated.

Surface Pattern Option 1

Surface Pattern Option 2

Step 1

Surface Pattern Option 1

Surface Pattern Option 2

Step 2

Surface Pattern Option 1

Top View

300

Step 2

Surface Pattern Option 2

Top View

301

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

[ Surface Pattern ] Based on the previous surface pattern study, we start to think about the wall system, so we tried to tween the guide curves and make some window spaces out of the surface pattern.

302

Surface Pattern Design Step 1: Straight lines

Surface Pattern Design Step 2: Curvy lines

Surface Pattern Design Step 3: Blending the curves

Surface Pattern Design Step 4: Form a surface

Surface Pattern

Top View

303

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

[ Wall & Floor Study ] Based on the surface pattern study, we applied the linear element and curvy element into the wall and floor study in order to form a supporting spacefram. With the combination of these two languages, we can have the wall with certain level of stability.

Linear element

Curvy element

Surface Study

Axonometric View

Surface Study Supporting spaceframe

304

Front View

305

Architectural Potential | Surface Study

[ Wall Pattern ] With the outcomes from the previous study, we can try to combine the wall with the double-layered floor by simply stacking them together.

Surface Pattern Design Step 1: Straight lines

Surface Pattern Design Step 2: Curvy lines

Surface Study

Axonometric View

Surface Pattern Design Step 3: Gradient change

306

Surface Pattern Design Step 4: Create a surface

307

Architectural Potential | Column Study

CHAPTER

308

PART 2: COLUMN STUDY

309

Architectural Potential | Column Study

[ Column Study ] The column study started with a single flat surface, then we dragged some curves from the radial range to form some fluid pattern, in order to make the 2D plan into a 3*3*3 3D volumn.

Column Study Step 1: Linear curves

Column Study Step 2: Radial range

Two-dimensional Column Study Step 3: Radial pattern

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Column Study Step 4: Fluid pattern

Three-dimensional 3m X 3m Planer Surface

2D Plan

3m X 3m X 1.5m Frame

3m X 3m X 3m Module

3D Volumn

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Architectural Potential | Column Study

[ Column Study ] Based on the basic column study, we went back to utilise our two design language: branching system and bundle system to create this column with structural support and infinite future growing possibilities.

Column Design Element 1: Regular bundles

Column Design Element 2: Irregular bundles

Column Study

Axonometric View Column Study

Front View

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Architectural Potential | Column Study

[ Column Study ] Based on the previous column study, we add more branching system elements to create more future growing positions in order to generate more complex form and to connect with the floors and walls.

Column Design Element 1: Regular bundles

Column Design Element 2: Irregular Branches

Column Study

Axonometric View Column Study

Front View

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Architectural Potential | Staircase Study

CHAPTER

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PART 3: STAIRCASE STUDY

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Architectural Potential | Staircase Study

[ Staircase Design ] Starting with a cylinder spaceframe, we firstly designed a basic staircase shape with certain individual steps within a 3*3*3m box, then apply different step pattern onto this basic shape.

Staircase Step

Option 1

Staircase Design Step 1: Staircase basic shape

Staircase Design Step 2: Staircase basic outline

Staircase Step

Option 2

Staircase Step

Option 3

Staircase Step

Option 4 Staircase Design Step 3: Staircase individual step

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Staircase Design Step 4: Staircase basic geometry

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Architectural Potential | Staircase Study

[ Staircase Design ] By applying different step patterns onto this basic staircase shape, we can get very different outcomes. Here are five of them.

Staircase Design

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Staircase Design

Iteration 5

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Staircase Design

Iteration 3

Iteration 4

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Architectural Potential | Staircase Study

[ Staircase Design ] Based on the five iterations of staircase design, we chose the iteration 5 and applied it into the 3*3*3m modular box to make it into an building element.

Staircase Design

Element 1 Bundle Syetem

Element 2 Branching Syetem

Bundle Syetem + Branching Syetem

Staircase Design

Front View 322

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Architectural Potential | Staircase Study

[ Staircase Design ] Starting from the flat surface, we dragged some guide curves and use some supporting curvy components to create this outdoor staircase with three steps.

Staircase Design

Step 1 Planer surface

Step 2 The first step

Staircase Design

Axonometric View

Staircase Design

Perspective View

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Staircase Design

Step 3 The second step

Step 4 The thire step

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

CHAPTER

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PART 4: SPACE DESIGN

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

[ Modularlised Boxes ] With all the modularlised boxes we have designed, we can connect them by stacking and side interlocking to create a customised space.

Connection Option 1:

Stacking

Side Interlocking

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Connection Option 2:

Surface Connection

Top View

Axonometric View

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

[ Space Design ] Mainly, we have designed six building elements:floor, ceiling, wall, column, staircase and outdoor steps. By staching them together, we can get a modularlised space.

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Module Design

Element 1 Floor

Element 2 Ceiling

Element 3 Wall

Module Design

Space Design

Element 4 Column

Element 5 Staircase

Element 6 Steps

Axonometric View

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

[ Architectural Scenario ] Mainly, we have designed six building elements:floor, ceiling, wall, column, staircase and outdoor steps. By staching them together, we can get a modularlised space.

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

[ Architectural Scenario ] After the aggregation of the cones, again we applied concrete on the surface of the chairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leg by brushing it on the aluminium mesh. The results turnt out to be very strong and stable.

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

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Architectural Potential | Spcae Design

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Architectural Potential | Design Catalogue

CHAPTER

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PART 5: DESIGN CATALOGUE

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Architectural Potential | Design Catalogue

[ Chair Design Chronology ] Based on the design languages and development, we designed several iterations of sitting objects. This is a list of the chairs we have designed in the order of time finished.

Chair Design Iteration 1

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Chair Design Iteration 2

Chair Design Iteration 3

Chair Design Iteration 4

Chair Design Iteration 5

Chair Design Iteration 6

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Architectural Potential | Design Catalogue

[ Column Design Chronology ] Based on the design languages and development, we designed several iterations of columns. This is a list of the columns we have designed in the order of time finished.

Column Design Iteration 1 344

Column Design Iteration 2

Column Design Iteration 3

Column Design Iteration 4

Column Design Iteration 5

Column Design Iteration 6

Column Design Iteration 7 345

C NEcrete

CHAPTER

ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION In this chapter, there comes the most important content of this CONEcrete project, which is the Architectural Application. As for site selection, we chose Wadi Rum, Jordan, for its amazing context features and rocky landscape. We are aiming to design a gyroid space with our cones and concrete to blend the manmade constrcuction with the rocky landscape.

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CHAPTER

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PART 1: SITE ANALYSIS

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Spatial References ] Inspired by the cave space of the Valley of Fire State Park and the minimal surface spaces and teh design projects by Roland Snooks and Tom Wiscombe, we started to transform tour project into the architectural scale.

Space Reference Image 1: Cave Space,Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada

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Space Reference Image 2: Outdoor Spaces, Pier 15, San Francisco, Studo Shawn Lani

Space Reference Image 3: Kazakhstan Symbol, Astana, Kazakhstan, Roland Snooks, 2013

Space Reference Image 4: Collider Activity Centre, Sofia, Bulgaria, Tom Wiscombe, 2012

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Site Analysis] Wadi Rum also known as The Valley of the Moon is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan 60 km (37 mi) to the east of Aqaba; it is the largest wadi in Jordan. The name Rum most likely comes from an Aramaic root meaning ‘high’ or ‘elevated’.

Asia

The area is centered on the main valley of Wadi Rum. The highest elevation in Jordan is Jabal Umm ad Dami at 1,840 m (6,040 ft) high, located 30 kilometres south of Wadi Rum village. On a clear day, it is possible to see the Red Sea and the Saudi border from the top. Khaz’ali Canyon in Wadi Rum is the site of petroglyphs etched into the cave walls depicting humans and antelopes dating back to the Thamudic times. The village of Wadi Rum itself consists of several hundred Bedouin inhabitants with their goat-hair tents and concrete houses and also their fourwheel vehicles, one school for boys and one for girls, a few shops, and the headquarters of the Desert Patrol.

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Jordan

Wadi Rum

Site Map

Asia in the World

Jordan in the Asia

Wadi Rum in the Jordan

Site Features

Natural Context

Rocky Landscape

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

Site Map

Wadi Rum in Jordan The Site

Site N

Site Site Map

Site in Wadi Rum 354

Transportation

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CHAPTER

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PART 2: FINAL PROPOSAL

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Spatial Study ] Based on our design language and the study of minimal surfaces, we apply our cones onto the surfaces according to the rain drop pattern. And use three layers of different patterns: the primary base, the branching cones and the bundle cones to create an exciting space experience.

First Layer

Second Layer

Combination 358

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

Perspective View

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Side View

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

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[ Minimal Surface ]

In mathematics, a minimal surface is a surface that locally minimizes its area. This is equivalent to (see definitions below) having a mean curvature of zero. The term “minimal surface” is used because these surfaces originally arose as surfaces that minimized total surface area subject to some constraint. Physical models of area-minimizing minimal surfaces can be made by dipping a wire frame into a soap solution, forming a soap film, which is a minimal surface whose boundary is the wire frame. However the term is used for more general surfaces that may self-intersect or do not have constraints. For a given constraint there may also exist several minimal surfaces with different areas: the standard definitions only relate to a local optimum, not a global optimum.

The gyroid is the unique non-trivial embedded member of the associate family of the Schwarz P and D surfaces with angle of association approximately 38.01°. The gyroid is similar to the Lidinoid. The gyroid was discovered in 1970 by Alan Schoen, then a scientist at NASA. He calculated the angle of association in his NASA Technical Report and gave a convincing demonstration but did not provide a proof of embeddedness (although he did provide pictures of intricate plastic models). Schoen notes that the gyroid contains neither straight lines nor planar symmetries. Karcher gave a different, more contemporary treatment of the surface in 1989 using the conjugate surface construction. In 1996 Große-Brauckmann and Wohlgemuth proved that it is embedded, and in 1997 Große-Brauckmann provided CMC variants of the gyroid and made further numerical investigations about the volume fractions of the minimal and CMC gyroids.

Minimal Surface Option 1

Minimal Surface Option 2

Minimal Surface Option 3

Minimal Surface Option 4

Gyroid Study Step 1: Polygon surface

Gyroid Study Step 2: Smoothed surface

Gyroid Study Step 3: Two components

Gyroid Study Step 4: Four components

Gyroid Study Step 5: Deformation 1

Gyroid Study Step 6: Deformation 2

Gyroid Study Step 7: Function 1

Gyroid Study Step 8: Function 2

Gyroid Study Step 9: Space experience

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Three-layered Surface ] Based on our design language and the study of minimal surfaces, we apply our cones onto the surfaces according to the rain drop pattern. And use three layers of different patterns: the primary base, the branching cones and the bundle cones to create an exciting space experience.

Layer 1: Raindrop Pattern

Layer 2: Bundle Pattern

Minimal Surface Mesh

Three-layered Surface

Layer 3: Branching Pattern

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Layer 3: Branching Pattern

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Three-layered Space ] Based on our design language and the study of minimal surfaces, we apply our cones onto the surfaces according to the rain drop pattern. And use three layers of different patterns: the primary base, the branching cones and the bundle cones to create an exciting space experience.

Layer 1 Bundle Pattern

Layer 2 Branching Pattern

Layer 3 Raindrop Pattern

Layer 1&2&3 Three-layered Space

Layer 1 Bundle Pattern

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Layer 1&2&3 Three-layered Space

Layer 2 Branching Pattern

Front View

Back View

Top View

Left View

Right View

Perspective View

Layer 3 Raindrop Pattern

Layer 1&2&3 Three-layered Space

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

Perspective View Perspective View 368

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

Playground 2

Resting Area

Playground 1

Bench

Top View 370

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Elevation ] Based on our design language and the study of minimal surfaces, we apply our cones onto the surfaces according to the rain drop pattern. And use three layers of different patterns: the primary base, the branching cones and the bundle cones to create an exciting space experience.

Front View

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Back View

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Architectural Spatial Options Scenario ] ] Based on our design language and the study of minimal surfaces, we apply our cones onto the surfaces according to the rain drop pattern. And use three layers of different patterns: the primary base, the branching cones and the bundle cones to create an exciting space experience.

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Architectural Scenario ]

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Architectural Application | Spcae Design

[ Architectural Scenario ]

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C NEcrete

THE END

THANK YOU

C NEcrete

Research Cluster 6, MArch Architectural Design, 2015 - 2016 The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL 2016.09

Research Cluster 6, MArch Architectural Design, 2015 - 2016 The Bartlett School of Architecture | UCL 2016.09