STUDIO AIR 2018, SEMESTER 1, MATT JESSIE CHAN
Introduction
I am Jessie Chan, currently pursuing a Bachelor degree in Environments (majoring in Architecture) at University of Melbourne. I undertook Studio Earth and Water in second year of my degree, which provided me with the opportunity to interact with parametric modelling through the use of Rhinoceros. The basis of this digital design tool has since been introduced to my architecture journey. Studio Air however, demonstrates an elevated level of engagement with digital design – computation. The process to achieve better outcomes from this course has seemed to become more challenging than what I have ever experienced. I believe it will turn out to be an stimulating and exploratory journey that inspires me as an architecture student.
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Table of Contents A. Conceptualization A1. Design Futuring 6
1.1 Case Study 01 - Geotube Tower
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1.2 Case Study 02 - Homefarm
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A2. Design Computation 12
2.1 Case Study 03 - Swallow’s Nest
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2.2 Case Study 04 - ICD Research Pavilion
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A3. Composition/Generation 18
3.1 Case Study 05 -
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3.2 Case Study 06 -
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A4. Learning Outcomes 24 A5. Conclusion 26 A6. Appendix 28
A1. Design Futuring
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Human takes on a significant role in shaping the places we live in, and we have realized that our living environments have undergone profound changes along with the evolution of civilizations. However, sustainability within our ecological world is accelerating towards a defuturing condition at the same time. The act of neglecting impact of environmental and social issues, for instance climate change, rising sea level, and carbon emission, in decision-making processes has led to threatening our existing ecological and biological environments. Regarding in architectural design industry, architecture is no longer merely referring to forms or functions. Significance of design has been perceived as rapidly growing, in which it is acknowledged that design is not only a product but a creative process in shaping our ecological habitat. Tony Fry argues that a new form of practice that recognizes design’s importance is needed with the goal of responding to social and ecological concerns in overcoming unsustainability the world faces [1]. As the potentials and possibilities in designing are ever-emerging, designers are encouraged to open up their imagination and be innovative in creating the impossible. With the chaging mindset in designing and with aid of technological advancement, a redirection towards future with sustainable inhabitation is feasible, wherein new design strategies that able to slow down defuturing can be pioneered.
^[1] Tony Fry, Design futuring sustainability, ethics and new practice, Berg Editorial Offices, 2009, pp.1-16
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A1.1 Case Study 01 Geotube Tower | Faulders Studio Dubai California-based architectural practice Faulders Studio proposed the iconic Geotube Tower for the city of Dubai, which makes use of sustainable materials that are not considered of architec-tural value. The concept of creating a building that evolves over time came from ongoing ex-plorations and researches on local environmental conditions of Dubai. The faรงade made out of local elements is entirely self-grown and in continuous formation rather than constructed. Sit-uated at a place close to Persian Gulf, where abundant sunlight and highest salinity for oceanic water can be found, a system which intelligently manipulates natural properties of salt is uti-lized to create the building faรงade [2]. The highly concentrated salt water is supplied to the tower through a underground pipeline that connects to the faรงade, and water is sprayed over its ex-posed mesh substructure. When the water evaporates, salt deposits crystallizes into crystal-line surface due to the high temperature air, and transform into the transparent faรงade of the tower. Although the Geotube project could only be applied in areas with certain climatic circumstances, it is a new type of concept that provides substantial inspiration for future archi-tects in matter of discovering more possibilities in sustainable design. Initial Stage (1-5 years)
Intermediate Stage (5-15 years)
Mature Stage (15-50+ years)
Fig 1: Conceptual model showing how facade of tower changes over time Source: https://www.designboom.com/architecture/faulders-studio-geotube/
^[2] Giovanna Dunmall, Architect proposes tower that uses saltwater, hot sun to grow its own skin, 2011, https://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/stories/architect-proposes-tower-that-uses-saltwater-hot-sun-to-grow
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Fig 2a, b, c: Crystallization of salf in real life Source: http://www.faulders-studio.com/GEOTUBE-TOWER
Fig 3: Geotube Tower Source: http://https://www.designboom.com/architecture/faulders-studio-geotube/
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A1.2 Case Study 02 Homefarm | Spark Singapore, 2014 The Homefarm is a conceptual design of retirement apartments, combining senior services and vertical farming facilities. This project expresses ideology of design futuring, in terms of having the objectives to step forward into a more sustainable future via proposing conceptual architectural design that would help solving existing social problems. For instance, it addresses direct concerns over the rapid aging population and food quality problems within Singaporean society. It also reveals new perspectives and opportunities in changing the existing defuturing environment with sustainable designs. The main emphasis for this project is to advocate the idea of urban farming, in which this strategy is believed to lower carbon emission and create biomass energy from agricultural waste in order to generate self-sufficient energy for the housing estate. It also intends to form a more sustainable food system within the community by means of recycling the energy released from wastes for farming. On the other hand, farming activities provides a platform for retired elderly to contribute to community and to be socially integrated again[3].
Fig 4: Conceptual model showing how facade of tower changes over time, Source: https:// www.dezeen.com/2015/11/17/home-farm-spark-model-asian-retirement-housing-communities-city-farms/
^[3] Amy Frearson, Spark designs model for Asian retirement communities that double as city farms, 2015, www.dezeen.com/2015/11/17/home-farm-spark-model-asian-retirement-housing-communities-city-farms/
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Fig 5: Geotube Tower Source: http://https://www.designboom.com/architecture/faulders-studio-geotube/
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A2. Design Computation
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The evolution of design computation has fostered a new way of thinking for emerging architects and designers. Computers can generate and develop ideas efficiently, and a trend in relying on digital engines can be perceived as it is effective and would not make arithmetical mistakes like human brains. With the rapid development in design-technology, parametric design tools does not only allow architects and designers to discover further potentials in designing but also provides possibilities to solve the ongoing architectural and environmental problems which was once appeared to be unchangeable. What is the difference between computerization and computation? Computerization means a method to process data and information by means of allowing digital autonomy of an electronic device; while computation in the field of architecture focuses on the communicative interactions between human and computer to assist in producing desirable and performative design outcomes. The use of form-finding design tools has allowed designers to further explore a diversity of geometry types, and these experiments can also be done fast and accurately through creating simple algorithms. Therefore, it has significantly improved the continuity and successiveness of project development. Concurrently, the rising power of computational technology has also benefited in attaining sustainability of architecture, as analytical software can be customized and is capable for optimizing climate responsive designs. Parametric design redefines the architecture practices, as it have impacted the thinking throughout design process by introducing logic of algorithm [4].
^[4] Rivka Oxman & Robert Oxman, Theories of the digital in architecture, Lodob and New York, Routledge, 2014, pp.1-10
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A2.1 Case Study 03 Swallow’s Nest | Vincent Callebaut Taichung city cultural center competition entry, Taichung 2013 Designed by architect Vincent Callebaut, the initial form of his concept is derived from simple repetition of an isosceles triangular section, and the section is extruded and rotated 80 times around elliptical path to achieve a three-dimensional MÜbius ring profile. As it spirals around the ellipse, the volumes elevates from ground plane, leaving arched openings to the central void [5]. Regarding the process of designing and experimenting with such complex geometry, digital design devices assist in form-finding and provide accurate calculations that accommodate the need of generating such design form. Although this project is never built physically, it exemplifies that the use of parametric design tools has true progression on improving the pragmatic feasibility and control over computational design, and demonstrates the intimate relationship between architectural design and technological advancement.
Responding to the eco and bio-climatic design ideologies, Callebaut also demonstrates his concerns on future changes of the physical environment of Taichung city. Energy conservation practices are incorporated into his design, for instance a system of moats in the basement level between the floors and walls is used to stabilize the building in case of earthquakes, while glass overhangs provide further protection against typhoons. The building also features photovoltaic panels, which generate energy by turning solar radiation directly into electricity, whereas computational technology is utilized also to generate optimized spatial permeability. Therefore, careful calculations are required in order to successfully achieve all these strategies, making that it is extremely effective and efficient to employ computational tools.
^[5] vincent callebaut architectures unveils swallow’s nest, https://www.designboom.com/architecture/vincent-callebaut-architectures-unveils-swallows-nest/
Fig 7: Concept of using triangular sections to create the shape of mobius ring
Fig 6: Complex layers of the building structure 14
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Fig 8: Sketch of the triangle rotations to explore how the computational concept behind this project
Fig9 a,b: Conceptual photos of the Swallow’s Nest CONCEPTUALISATION 15
A2.2 Case Study 04 ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion | Achim Menges Stuttgart, Germany, 2011 Complex forms, even geometries found in nature can be scrutinized and fabricated under the power of computation. The University of Stuttgart has explored a designing approach which studies the equivalence of biological systems in architecture. This project investigates on the biological principles of a sea urchin’s plate skeleton, in which it is discovered that the geometric arrangement of their plates and joining structures can achieve high load bearing capacities when the same system is applied in architecture.
This project exemplifies an exploration of patterning and biomimicry concepts via the practice of computational design, to reconstruct geometries received from the studied data of plate skeleton. The construction technique of finger joints, which is usually used in traditional carpentry, is employed in building the structure of pavilion. Effective joinery is achieved through attaching the edges of three different plates together at the same point with application of customized wedge protrusions [6]. The application of computation design in this project reflects that parametric tools has unlimited potentials in serving as a problem solving device in architectural fabrication.
Fig 10: Fabrication tool and method Source: http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553
Fig 11: Edge cutting strategy designed prior to fabrication Source: http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553
^[6] Benjamin Busch, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011, Berlin, https://archinect. com/benbusch/project/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2011 16
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Fig12 a,b: Photos of the Research Pavilion 2011 Source: http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553 CONCEPTUALISATION 17
A3. Composition/Generation
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Along with technology improvement, computation has become a critical process when it comes to designing, restructuring architectural practices by means of changing how they are implemented. According to Brady Peters, ‘the making of these custom tools takes places within the design process, and becomes integral to the design itself’ [7], acknowledging that computation alters the way designers formulate and fabricate their designs, as well as how they carry out performance tests on the project. Thus, computation has integrated significantly into design process, whereas it is capable to provide security, precision, options and information that assist in generating optimized designs. The transition from design composition to this form of digital experimentation that generates analytical feedback from the computational generated design is inevitable, in a sense that it is more prone to generate more environmentally responsive outcomes whilst attaining flexibility and feasibility in creating complex building structures.
^[7] Brady Peters and Xavier De Kestelier, Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought, 2013, pp. 8-13
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A3.1 Case Study 05 Elytra Filament Pavilion | Achim Menges London Researched and developed by architect Achim Menges, the Elytra Filament Pavilion showcases the integration of computational technology in designing. It comprises 40 non-identical hexagonal components that have been mechanically fabricated from transparent glass fibre and black carbon fibre. The web-like design is stimulated by the fibrous structure on forewing shells of flying beetles – named elytra and constructed using robotic production process. Rather than merely mimicking patterns on the elytra, the placements of each components are also determined by data collected via fibre optic sensors which are embedded in the canopy’s glass fibres [8]. Human movement have a habit of responsing to surrounding environments, and seek for areas with higher comfort and attraction. Thus, the robotic construction responds to information on the correlation between outdoor comfort models and visitor behavior, through reconfiguration within a set of algorithmic rules, to imitate the experience places where people have a frequent tendency to inhabit.
Fig 13 a, b: Data of outdoor comfort (Left) and Visitor inhabitation freqrequency (Right) obtained from ‘Integrated Senor System of Elytra Filament Pavilion’ Source: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/elytra-filament-pavilion
^[8] ArchDaily, Elytra Filament Pavilion Explores Biomimicry at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, 2016, https://www.archdaily.com/787943/elytra-filament-pavilion-explores-biomimicry-in-london 20
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Fig 14a, b: Photos of Elytra Filament Pavilion. Source: http://www.elytra-pavilion.com/#movement
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A3.2 Case Study 06 Digital Origami | Singapore, 2014
Through generating and linking repetitive small components and patterns, organic design outcomes can be formed within a set of parameters processed by parametric tools. The Digital Origami is constructed into individual bloacks with 3500 cell-shaped recycled cardboards, plastered together precisely to form an dynamic, arched walk-through exhibit. It is designed under the influence of the investigation on coral reef structure, and through applying algorithm, a pragmatic design using correlated data between architecture and nature is generated. According to Chris Bosse, the developed design idea is claimed to demonstrate that the ‘intelligence of the smallest unit dictates the intelligence of the overall system’ [9], meaning that an environment could be shaped with the smallest individual components which show cohesive interactions with one another. This approach in design fosters the use of computational technology and mathematics to generate complex forms.
Fig 15: Drawing of the individual components of the model
Fig 16: Dgital model of some installed units created in parametric tool
Source: https://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/digital-origami-masterclass/ark-
Source: https://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/digital-origami-masterclass/
^[9] Justin Ray, Digital Origami, 2012, http://www.wearedesignbureau.com/projects/digital-origami/nggallery/image/digital_origami_300dpi_ian-barnes_03-07
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Fig 17: Photo of the installation - Digital Origami Source: http://www.wearedesignbureau.com/projects/digital-origami/
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A4. Conclusion
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Part A gives a brief introduction on computation, an innovative design medium that allow designers and architects to experience a new era of designing. The effectiveness and proficiency of algorithmic tools assist in design process, and also foster an increasing involvement in the practice of computational, generative designs. More importantly, it has come to realization that computational strategies acquire analytical and generative systems, which make it capable to creating designs that help in shaping our environments with sustainable solutions.
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A5. Learning Outcomes
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After having studied the prescribed readings and lecture along with the precedents from Part A in Studio Air, my understanding and appreciation of algorithmic design has drastically transformed. Prior to these last few weeks, I didn’t have much knowledge on the basis behind what it can achieve and how important it is in the modern architecture industry. Parametric design was more like a shortcut to create complex geometries through mathematics calculation with the aid of digital programs. At this stage, rather than being acknowledged on how to skillfully create and fabricate design outcomes, I think I have generally explored more design possibilities and what such design tools are capable of in terms of generating responsive design outcomes.
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A6. Aappendix Research on Ladybird (Harmonia Conformis)
Egg
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Lava
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Pupa
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Adult
Characteristics and Habits
Role to the ecology
1. native garden bug found in Australia, except NT and QLD
The majority of Australian ladybirds (bug-eating ladybirds) are considered beneficial to garden environments, and they are considered a sign of good luck or good season for growing food/ plants.
-> Australian ladybirds are only introduced to USA, Europe and NewZealand about a century ago, for the sake of pest controlling 2. mostly are bright coloured (red/orange/yellow) with black dots on their protective shells, serving as a warning to potential predators that they may be toxic, and exude yellow liquid which is foul tasting when they feel scared -> they may drop to ground or fly away as final precaution/ self-defense 3. ideal temperature: between 17C - 27C -> they can be found all year round, but are particularly numerous in early spring, as warming weather makes them more active, but if temperature goes lower than 55 degrees, they will slow down and not fly 4. need nectar and pollen sources in order to lay eggs, female ladybirds lay tiny eggs on the underside of leaves -> the eggs grow into caterpillar-like larvae and eventually hatch into before turning into adult ladybirds 5. they live for 1-2 years on average 6. they can be lured with sweet scents, using a brew of honey mixed with water and brewer’s yeast -> if food seems scarce ladybirds will fly to better pastures 28
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They helps in biological control of crop pests in eucalyptus plantations, and play the role of free on-site natural pest control workers who protect the plants from pests, as they are killers of crop pests/ small bugs which feeds by sucking nutrients from plants, for instance, aphids/ mealy bugs/ mites. It is suggested that tree plantations could benefit from the release of ladybirds early in the season when pests are laying eggs. Their natural habits allow human to replace the use of chemical pest control sprays, wherein that serves as a big part in creating a more sustainable future. Therefore, as their existence and habits has major impact on our eco and bioclimatic environments, human should maintain a habitat with suitable conditions for these little creatures.
Site Visit to Lincoln Sqaure and Tramstop Reasons for choosing this location This tramstop is situated along Swanston Street, one of the busiest tram corridor in Melbourne city area, where population is very dense. A mixed use of lands surround the tramstop, for instance, offices, schools, and residential apartments. Apart from those, it is important to note that Lincoln Square is located adjacent to the site. A diversity of vegetation can be observed all around the area. What’s inadequate for the existing tramstop? We went to the site at around noon when the sun glares. The shadings provided by the tramstop facilities could not shade effectively. People were still exposed to the sun, making the wait at the tramstop quite uncomfortable. From our observations, there is a clear boundary between different use of lands. The tramstop has limited/ no connection with the park at the moment. Passerby and passengers who get in or out of the trams do not pay much attention to the greenery, and except for the students from a particular social group, most people just passby the park without staying in there.
What’s different about Lincoln Square comparing to the other two close by, for instance, University Sqaure and Argyle Sqaure? It is located in between the other parks, and can be developed as a park connector to the others. Also, it is the only one that accommodates mid-storey vegetation such as bushes and shrubs. This makes the population of insects more diverse, as there are 60% of insect species inhabit in such environments.
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