AIR 2016 | Air Studio Journal Ho Tsz Ying
2016 | Jeannie Air Studio 08 | Sonya Parton
|CONTENTS|   INTRODUCTION PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION A1.0 Design Futuring A1.1 Design Computation A1.2 Composition/Generation A2.0 Conclusion A3.0 Learning Outcome A4.0 Algorithmic Sketches A5.0 Appendix
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|INTRODUCTION|
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his is Jeannie, who is studying Architecture within the Bachelor of Environments at University of Melbourne. I am born and raised in Hong Kong, and have lived in Melbourne for three years. My interest outsides of Architecture, I have enthusiasm for hand craft and design, especially is leather craft and painting. There are few experiences of learning digital design in past year, and my first encounter with digital design and modeling was in Digital Design and Fabrication, using Rhino software for modelling and laser cutting for fabrication. Some production strategies had introduced during the course, including contouring, unfolding, developable surfaces and triangulation. My last project is a second-skin creation by using the method of panel and unfolding. I love the design process, and apart from finding the power of the modelling software, I feel more excited to different fabrication methods, such as laser cut, 3dprinting and CNC that can be used widely in varied fields. They produce accurate and quality output that enhance the result of production. I would like to explore more knowledge and technics of digital design in coming semester, and understand how digital design influences the architecture industry. I believe this course can open me up new perspective of design and way of thinking.  
PART A  
Conceptualisation
A1.0 |DESIGN FUTURING|
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esign is method of solving problems. People create and design to satisfy their needs and norms. However, challenges such as land shortages, over-population and limited resources, may not be handled and fixed easily. Therefore, it may be required to accept and overcome these problems by changing one’s values, beliefs and behaviours, including producing goods which create pollution and reclaiming sea for more land, which are against the idea of sustainability. Sustainable development and design is important because of consideration for the future and upcoming generations. Therefore, design futuring is a significant issue that should be considered. It involves creating and developing a world that enhances the use of nature without damaging it. But the question is HOW? In Design Futuring, Tony Fry (2008) stated some strategies to achieve it this: 1) Design should involve learning from the past, supported by design research and critical thinking; 2) Design should not be concealed by less significant elements such as appearance and style; 3) Sustainable design should work on a combination of nature and man-made ecology. Nonetheless, opening up new perspectives and be speculative are other ways to achieve sustainability. Anthony Dunne mentioned that our preferable future is to work between the idea of ‘probable and plausible’. This is something which can be explored and operated on, but require breaking rules and taking further steps (‘Not in trying to predict the future but in using design to open up all sorts of possibilities that can be discussed.’).
figure1. using paper tubes as construcrtion structure
|CASE STUDY 01| Project: Paper House Architect: Shigeru Ban Date: 1995 Location: Lake Yamanaka, Yamanashi, Japan The paper house was the first project authorized using paper tubes as a building structure in a permanent building. It was constructed with 110 paper tubes for its interior and exterior. The paper tubes are water-proof and fire-proof and are coated with paraffin wax and strengthened with glue. Shigeru Ban mostly contribute to the field of idea by the revolutionary of paper architecture. He suggests using environmentally conscientious and unconventional materials. He is named and appreciated as a leader for humanitarian architecture and experimental design. He applied his knowledge of using recycle materials that include paper and cardboard to build quality houses for victims of disaster across the world with a low construction cost, from Haiti to Japan, to Turkey and elsewhere. For instance, the material cost for one 52 square meter building was not more than two thousand dollars in his project of The Paper Log houses in Kobe, Japan in 1995. It expands further possibilities that the paper architecture expands to his later works. These include the Cardboard Cathedral in New Zealand
2013 and Japanese Pavilion at the Expo in Hanover in 2015. The paper architecture inspires people to speculate everything and created further potential. Using paper as a construction material sounds incredible, is practical and contributes to the field of ideas, technical workflows, patterns of living and ways of thinking. It is also part of the idea of sustainable design that works on the combination of nature and man-made ecology. Ban stated he was disappointed that architects should not only work for money and power. He also mentioned people should put the focus on the revolution of such as transforming paper as in his work, and pay attention on things that help society more, even in simple projects such as building a shelter. Shigeru Ban Architect was successful in achieving his original purposes, which help society and reuse abandoned materials. People appreciated his work and were inspired by him to expand future possibilities.
figure2. wind flow around building
figure3. Swiss Re Headquarters, 30 St Mary Axe (The Gherkin)
|CASE STUDY 02| Project: 30 St Mary Axe Architect: Norman Foster Date: 1997-2004 Location: London, UK 30 St Mary Axe, also named as Gherkin, was the first ecological skyscraper in London. The design brought a radical approach to several factors, including technical, architectural, social and spatial. It was generated by a circular plan, with radial geometry. The tower shape was influenced by the physical environment of the city, creating a smooth flow of wind between the building and surrounding areas. The concept of the design was to minimize the impact on the local wind environment, reducing energy uses, and also enhancing public spaces. The building is energy efficient as it was designed as a unique system with natural ventilation via open shafts between each level which provides ventilation with no extra energy costs. The open shafts and the tower’s diagonally braced structure allow a fully glazed surface and column-free floor that bring natural light
creates a new perspective to sustainable design by considering the shape and the opening of the building. This is another example to indicate the importance of exploring all future possibilities, and the concept of design futuring. There always exist risks in every project, but in turning risk to chance, a new viewpoint can be explored. Gherkin was designed in an unusual shape, construction, appearance and servicing. There were a number of complex problems with the construction, such as structure, cladding and environment control, but after several tests and evaluations, issues were solved. Furthermore, Gherkin can be claimed as an iconic spot in London in certain aspects.
A1.1|DESIGN COMPUTATION|
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omputing power has been taken over the traditional methods of designing, which include architecture. There is no doubt that digital design helps architecture become much more subtly attuned to the certain improvement of topological and parametric thinking and calculating. Meanwhile, another group of people think computing design is a tool for human only and cannot be totally relied on it. Therefore, a variety of arguments have concerned the pros and cons of this evolution of design. Computing brings advantage in forming geometric in the design process. Some software, such as Rhino 3D modelling, Grasshopper parametric modelers, helps this generation design new pattern, wave or shape easily and creativity. Moreover, one of the powerful strategies of digital design in architecture is material modelling. The tectonic systems provide the media to modulate digital materiality in design, in order to explode more alternative ways of fabrication, for instant, CNC (computer numerically controlled) machinery enhance the process of prototying. It is claimed that computational modeling have the potential to create a second nature, as digital morphogenesis can combine the tectonic of digital materials and performative simulation to create naturally ecologic system. Therefore, design computation can be the development of new solution of designing. On the other hand, Bronowski states computing fabrication and construction is like robotic machine more, as they helps managing the building process but not the design process. He claimed that computers are lack of creativity and incapable of making up new instruction, since they follow and analysis the data that human insert. There is difference between human and other creatures, and also differences between human and computer. Thus, design computation cannot take over human indeed. I believe design computation brings a number of convenience and benefits to our design and construction process. However, designers should not totally rely on it as it just a tool, and the
figure4. Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center roof design
figure5. inspiration for the creation of curves
|CASE STUDY 01| Project: Heydar Aliyev Centre Architect: Zaha Hadid Date: 2007-2012 Location: Baku, Azerbaijan In 2007, Zaha Hadid was appointed as design architects for the competition of the Heydar Aliyev Centre, which was designed not only to express the sensibilities of Azeri culture and the optimism of a nation anticipating the future, but also as a building for the nation’s cultural programs. The centre has been selected for the shortlist of the World Architecture Festival Awards and was a finalist for the inside 2013 interior design awards. The white curving form becomes an important signature in Baku. It is designed with its flowing white lines which continues in the interior, and allows sunlight into the interior space through the glazed facades with the white neon on the ceiling. Using parametric design helps her solve the complex problem during the design process, and also inspired her by the unexpected result. Zaha Hadid adopted digital drawing early on. She explored and contributed to the possibilities of parametric design, bringing the idea of architecture as seamless flows as of energy and matter. She has been
changing our general concept of space since she was studying in London at the Architectural Association School of Architecture. It was not only influence in a physical sense, but also socially and culturally. She has explored a number of dynamic forms, patterns, and curving shapes that impact on achieving geometric. Nature’s shapes and forms become the source of inspiration for Zaha Hadid along with her strong conceptual and historical awareness. Zaha Hadid is a leader in parametric design currently that make. Architects such as Sou Fujimoto, Kengo Kuma, follow the idea of digital design closely. However the image of Zaha Hadid use parametric design has been recorded in customers’ mind. When she tried to work on other architecture styles, people will think they are not ‘ Zaha Hadid’s work’, that limited her ability and creativity indeed.
figure6. part of facade
figure7. Kengo Kuma starbucks construction
|CASE STUDY 02| Project: Starbucks coffee Architect: Kengo Kuma Date: 2008 Location: Dazaifu, Prefectura de Fukuoka, Japón This Starbucks stands on the main approach to the Dazaifu Tenmangu, one of the most important shrines in Japan. It has been worshiped as ‘the God for Examination’, and became a popular spot for the visitors. Thus, the project achieved making a structure that harmonizes with the townscape, by using a system of weaving thin woods diagonally. The building is made of 2,000 stick-like parts in the sizes of 1.3m – 4m length and 6cm section. Total length of the sticks reached as far as 4.4km. Kengo Kuma Architects uses the diagonal weaving to bring in a sense of direction and fluidity by slightly changing positions of the fulcrums, in order to solve the complicated joint issue. They divided four sticks into two groups to avoid concentration on a single point. This method was greatly improved in combination with state- of-the art technology to the future architecture. Kengo Kuma Architect has taught a variety of universities in Japan and the U.S. Some students from Co-
University were assigned to design a tea house with using advanced techniques of parametric design and digital manufacturing. They tested different concepts, methodologies and materials that had been developed in the meantime. Some quality designs were done by the three teams. They include exploring triangular composition with sunlight, in order to create pattern on the floor, and the idea of taking the technical qualities of pressboard to its limits, bending it as much as possible to obtain a curvature effect. Kengo Kuma comes out a number of impressive architectural designs with using parametrical method. 2020 Olympics Nationa Stadium in Tokyo is one of the hottest examples. However, Kengo Kuma (architectmagazine, 2016) states that ‘Parametrically driven software is basically another tool for us designers to use. The software is powerful, but it is only a tool. I find that most students still like to use their own hands. This has not really changed over the years, and the tendency of making things by hand is returning.’
A1.2 |COMPOSITION & GENERATION|
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here is a growing trend of using computer in design process, and Brady (2013) stated the idea of ‘computerization’ and ‘computation’ is different. He described computerization relates to the concept of composition. Computers help designers manage and organize their ideas that are preconceived in their mind, in an easier way to edit, copy and present. On the hand, computation can be defined as the capacity to generate complex form, structure and order, which provide inspiration to designers. The methods of computation include algorithmic thinking, parametric modelling and scripting. However, the term of ‘parametric’ actually has been used in many decades ago. There is a shift of the definition of this word. For example, parametric was defining ‘the relationships between the dimensions dependent upon the various parameters’ by Luigi Morettri(1971, cited Davis 2013 ). Dana ( 1837, cited in Davis2013) also described parametric is introduced in the ratio of 4:2:1. It also had argued all design is parametric as architectural designs inherently a ‘parametric process’ (Gerber 2007, cited in Davis 2013). Although the term of ‘parametric’ or the idea of computation keep changing from past to now, people always put the wrong focus on what computation do, but not how outcomes are created. Designers would use computation in their design process, as it increases capability to solve complex problem, and brings potential of exploding new design and techniques through the generation of unexpected results. Besides, it had a great impact in component design by bringing the design into the perfection of every single detail. However, Brady (2013) indicates there is a separation from the design teams and specialists that may decrease the practicability of the designs. Since everyone can design and generate forms by using computation without having the knowledge and technic of specific field indeed. Moreover, Rick Smith who acted a large part in introducing parametric modelling into the architecture industry also mentioned five shortcomings with it. Smith (2007) states: 1. Parametric designs need a degree of front-loading. 2. Difficulties in anticipating flexibility 3. Initial concept always change 4. Fail to observe changes in models 5. Programs seldom can be reused and share Therefore, when people think computation improve designers’ capability to make changes, do they think our creativity is taken away from it as they always focus on what parametric model-
figure 8. CATIA version 3, in 1988
figure 9. A 3D BĂŠzier surface with control points
|CASE STUDY 01| Project: Gehry’s Barcelona Fish Architect: Frank Gehry Date: 1992 Location: Barcelona There is a story about Gehry building a fish. Gehry went to Jewish market and bought live carp to make gefilte fish with his grandmother when he was young. The image of writhing carp was captured in his mind. He built a fish-shaped lamp for the renovation of his own house. In 1992, he won a contract and designed a 50 meter mesh fish-shaped sculpture for a pavilion for Barcelon’s Olympic. It is a challenge for Gehry and his team to build this project as they were working on 2D construction drawings at that time. They have to figure out to cut the sheets into shape and work with the accurate dimensions without buckling. Later, they introduced CATIA, which is a digital models using parametric and 3D surface algorithms, into their company and the project. Finally, this mathematical function helps them to solve the design and manufacturing problems. It was built within six months, on budget.
Computation seems more powerful than computerization, since our ideas and concept cannot be demonstrated and further developed by using digital drawing tools alone. Computation can calculate and explore the design by parametric method, in order to find the solution and save time. However, it may not always be the best solution in the design process if we are not having a clear and logic for the initial concept, since if getting wrong in the very first step, it will require to start programming all over again. Moreover, Barcelona fish project is comparatively simple, if getting mistakes in a more complex project, times will be consumed of rewriting the program. Therefore, computation is helpful and brings benefits in our design development, but they may not be suitable in every situation.
figure 10. Evolution of diagrid structure
figure 11. Computationally generated components in Phare tower project
|CASE STUDY 02| Project: Phare Tower Architect: Morphosis Architects Date: 2006-2009 Location: Puteaux, France The Phare Tower, designed by Morphosis Architects, which is a redevelopment project for the business district of La DÊfense to connect the surrounding urban space and create a coherent sense of place. The design takes the power of parametric scripting. Phare Tower is designed into asymmetric profile, and appears to shift continually, distinct from different vantage points. It extends the capability of conventional design by effectively generating different geometric form and shape. Besides, regarding to the complex structure and skin design of the building, an accurate calculation and forming is required in the design process. Phare tower is designed to capture the wind of production energy and reduce solar gain while maximizing glare-free daylight, the decision of placing opaque, translucent, and transparent façade from different angles is important to the whole design project. Thus, using computation can help designers to test and explore varied options. This also helps the later stage of
the project by supporting technical information, includes s energy analysis and structural performance. Technologies integrated into the tower harness the wind for production of energy. It is successfully minimize heat gain and maximize energy efficiency. However, there are challenges when using computation for the design. Since pattern logic will require changing while the surfaces change, in order to create undesirable result during the process. Times will spend on modifying and testing in the design development. Architect Morphosis face the same issue during the design process. Therefore, he allows flexibility for the design at any stage, by treating every stage individually, and abandons the previous system after it achieves its intended purpose. He suggests combining creative imagination and computation to achieve and explore the possibility. Thus, it indicates human imagination and creativity is still important to a design project that should not be limited by the computer.
A2.0|CONCLUSION| Applying digital design becomes a tendency in architecture industry. People are looking for sustainable design as this is the only way to solve problems but not over coming them by changing our values and behavior. To achieve sustainable develop require us think and open up new viewpoint, and explore all the possibilities for the future. Computation is one of the solutions to achieving sustainability. It is a tool to generate forms and shape by parametric modelling and algorithmic thinking. In the generating process, inspiration and ideas may stimulate by the unexpected result. It save time and fix a number of complex issue. Although more young architects spend time and work on parametric design, we should not totally rely on it. Since there are shortcomings of computation, such as obstructing our creativity, and will be abused by the non-specialists. The idea of design democracy encourages people to get involve designing, but several fields require certain knowledge and technics. Therefore, when more people are allow touching designing or computation, more concerns of achieving sustainability should be given out. Lastly, we should learn and take the advantages of the tools, but not be taken over by them.
A3.0|LEARNING OUTCOMES| The reading gives me the understanding of how to have a good sustainable design, and it teaches us how to think critically that helps me in later design and the ways of thinking. Not trying to be negativity in the critique, but finding alternative way to improve it. Besides, the readings introduce me the idea of computation, which include parametric modelling an algorithmic thinking that may apply to the later design process. Besides, after doing several precedents and search, the view of architecture has been extended. It is stated in the reading, design have to learn from the past. Taking the advantages from them, an d also learn from their mistake can improve the way of thinking, and may step closer to the idea of sustainability. Meanwhile, there are chances to learn parametric modelling with grasshopper. Some basic skills, such as lofting and morph are introduced. It is a good opportunity to know how power the computation is. Making Changes and modification of the design is easy in the modelling, that enhance the speed of production. However, facing difficulties, such as using correct commend or concept to generate our own design takes time to catch up. It is worth to learn different design skills and tools, in order to open up new perspective and broader our view.
A4.0|ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES|
figure 12. Modern Vases, Modern Vase, Designer Vases Modern Glass Vase
figure 13. grasshopper modelling (vase)
figure 18. A DELIGHTFUL POLYCHROME IZNIK VASE
figure 15. grasshopper modelling (vase)
figure 18. Fish
figure 15. grasshopper modelling ( fish scale pattern)
figure 17. Cactus
figure 17. grasshopper modelling (cactus pattern)
figure 18. connection1 It is inspired by the idea of coffee holder to connect the water bottle, bolts are used as the joint, which can applying rotation between the bottles.
figure 18. connection2 Two sizes of paper tube is produced for connecting the front and back of the water bottlers.
A5.0|APPENDIX| connection techniques
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