DS[10] w1482663 Jessmine Bath
A p p l i e d Te c h n i c a l R e p o r t Branching City
Contents
01.0 Introduction 02.0 Design Development 03.0 Site Analysis 04.0 Environmental Analysis 05.0 Construction Phases 06.0 Conclusion
https://vimeo.com/433945379
[1]
01.0
Introduction
[2]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Satellite Imagery: Google Maps [Accessed January 2020] A look at Auroville from above, making visible the dense forest the development has conceived.
[3]
DS[10]
AUROVILLE
the
DS10 believe that architecture should be
The site is located in Auroville a concept
building design, this report considers the
joyful and that architects should think
based on human unity and sustainable
implications of construction frameworks
like makers and act like entrepreneurs.
living, in an area of 2 000 hectares,
and technological constraints upon the
The studio follows a work-flow based
envisaged as a self-contained township,
building proposal.
on
Through
technical
Analysis
of
a
physical
digital
model
with four major functional zones with the
with
digital
following programmatic intent: economic,
With an environmentally conscious design
tools, for analysis, formal generation and
residential, cultural and institutional areas,
intent, the report focuses on master
fabrication.
with provision for green belt areas weaved
experimentation,
and tested
planning techniques based on analysis
into its fabric, and encompassing its area,
of the current forest-scape in Auroville.
Valuing a combination of conceptual
at the centre a Peace Area to reconnect all
Further
sustainable
bravery matched with architectural reality,
zoned areas.
logging for acquiring timber as the
and seek an architecture of playfulness
primary building material, and gathering
and beauty which responds intelligently to
an understanding of the most suitable
its environment, and sits within the wider
timber construction process to produce a
cultural and environmental context.
re-search
into
design both mindful towards the natural environment and its users.
Technology is only useful if it is helping to save the planet.
01.0_Introduction
[4]
KEW GARDEN OAK Photography: Author [2019] Image Sampling, photography of an oak tree at Kew Gardens, native to England. Abstracting the density in the trees branching formation, demonstrated through scaled circles based on tonal value. Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[5]
02.0
Design Development
[6]
BRIEF 01 Students
BRIEF 02 formal
Students will find a site that they can visit
arrangement and operation of plants
and that they feel they can improve upon
in
in sustainable terms.
their
will
look
ecosystems
at
the
through
study
trips to Kew Gardens as well as natural photography and drawings. These studies
This could be an empty housing block
will be informed by their parametric
that could be massively improved in
models and creatively expressed through
terms of occupation density or solar gain
their physical models.
or converting to community living, it could be a mining operation that works
Through rigorous physical and digital
in an unsustainable arena like cement
experiments you will explore the physical
manufacture that could be re-purposed
and assembly potentials of the material
into community housing or even a coal
to find novel applications, structures
factory chimney that could be re-purposed
and
into a solar chimney to make electricity.
geometry
and
combining
these
experiments with the research into plants to understand the systems at place that organise and hold together plants and make them operate as living processes.
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[7]
The inspiration for this body of work
The oak tree inspired this research project,
exists in the complex formations found
having looked up at the branching
in tree branching. It is fascinating to
network holding up the canopy, its
observe the geometry formed and the
patterns became fascinating, igniting a
rationale for this. Achieving a heightened
consideration towards the mathematical
aerodynamic system, to the positioning of
algorithms governing its form.
the branching, with optimal solar gain. The initial translation of the branching The branching can be seen as fractal,
system to diagrams and physical models,
with each branch migrating into two or
saw the network being abstracted as
more as it moves through space. The
to simplify the complex geometries to
thickness of the trunk, with Leonardo Da
understand key factors governing its form.
Vinci’s deduction, equalling the sum of all branches thickness at a particular distance
The exploration led to a computational
from the initial tree trunk. These analyses
based process achieving a more accurate
have been taken forward, to create a
translation
structurally ergonomic design, forming
branching systems. Physical modelling
from its environment, and taking into
tasks where undertaken alongside digital
consideration what presently exists on-
modelling to produce a catalogue of
site.
branching formations.
of
the
complexities
of
Sources: Abarim Publications. (2015). Kochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snowflake Or Triangle: Proof Of Infinity Around Limit. < h t t p : / / w w w. a b a r i m - p u b l i c a t i o n s . c o m / KochProof.html#.VOvx_i7SQ8I> Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature.
02.0_Design Development
Wei, D., Liu, Q., Zhang, H. et al. (2013). Boxcovering algorithm for fractal dimension of weighted networks. Sci Rep 3, 3049. <https:// doi.org/10.1038/srep03049>
[8]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[9]
02.0_Design Development
[10]
Sources: Balfour, Lady Eve. (1943). The Living Soil. Soil Association Ltd, 2006. Fukuoka, Masanobu. (1978). The One-Straw Revolution. Rodale Press. Kumar, Satish. (2013). Soil, Soul, Society : A New Trinity for Our Time. Leaping Hare Press McDonough, William; Braungart, Michael. (2002). Cradle To Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things. North Point Press, New York. More, Sir Thomas. (1516). Utopia. Penguin Books 1984, London. Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[11]
BRANCHING CITY searches to reconnect
The
positioning
of
is
The pathways meander through the forest,
human habitation with that of the forest.
completely re-thought, as 3m wide blocks
allowing for cycle and pedestrian routes,
To achieve this, master-planning exercises
must house a complex of varying intent.
connecting the city.
based on the location of existing trees,
The circulation space, for example, is
allowing a densely populated forest to
placed on the exterior of the modules,
Positioning of housing, schools, hospitals,
coexist with the city.
making a space, often hidden or regarded
offices, shops, are stacked upon one
as mere amenity, into a celebrated
another, with offset stacking to provide
Within the anthropocentric age, human
architectural
terraces,
connection to nature diminishes, our
can move through the forest canopy re-
densely populated (30m tall maximum)
relationship becomes that which perceives
establishing a connection to our natural
structure, and ensuring sun light is able to
natural systems as a separate entity to
environment.
the
pass through the architecture to maintain
ourselves. Seen in our regulated cities,
ethos of the project, where as little
light reaching all parts of the existing
compartmentalizing the soil and the
disruption to the existing forest is made.
forest. Additionally, the height limitation
feature,
Whilst,
programme
where
residents
maintaining
human, with tarmac engulfing the city.
of
30m
breaking
was
up
an
considered
otherwise
to
provide
The only opportunities allowing the soil
â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We cannot isolate one part of life from
viewing platforms of the forest, whilst not
to breathe are cramped / pruned gardens,
anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;
overreaching the canopy ensuring the
found attached to individual houses,
Masanobu Fukuoka
design is not oppressive to the forest.
and, the grass covered parks with little opportunity for any other species to thrive. 02.0_Design Development
[12]
BRANCHING CITY Master Plan
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[13]
https://vimeo.com/429508317
02.0_Design Development
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[16]
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03.0
Site Analysis
[18]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[19]
Auroville
The site exists in an area of 2 000 hectares,
A look at Auroville from above, making
envisaged as a self-contained township,
visible the dense forest the development
with four major functional zones with the
has conceived.
following programmatic intent: economic, residential, cultural and institutional areas,
Satellite Imagery: Google Maps [Accessed
with provision for green belt areas weaved
January 2020]
into its fabric, and encompassing its area, at the centre a Peace Area to reconnect all zoned areas.
Imagery ©2020 Maxar Technologies, TerraMetrics, Imagery ©2020 CNES / Airbus, Landsat / Copernicus, Maxar Technologies, Map data ©2020
500 m
Auroville ஆேரா ல் Tamil Nadu India
Directions
Save
Nearby
Send to your phone
Share
Photos
Photos
Quick facts
Sources: CO2 Earth. Daily CO2. Available at < https:// www.co2.earth/daily-co2> Global Forest Watch. Available at: <https:// www.globalforestwatch.org/> Global Mean CO2 Mixing Ratios (ppm): Observations. Available at < https://data.giss. nasa.gov/modelforce/ghgases/Fig1A.ext.txt> Government of Puducherry website. Available at <https://www.py.gov.in/knowpuducherry/ history.html> Suvrat Kher. (Nov, 2009). Mapping India: Land Degradation and Desertification. Available at <http://suvratk.blogspot.com/2009/11/ mapping-india-land-degradation-and.html> Space Applications Centre, India Space Research Organisation, Government of India. Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India (Based on IRS AWiFS data of 2011-13 and 2003-05). Available at <https://www.sac.gov.in/ SACSITE/Desertification_Atlas_2016_SAC_ISRO. pdf> Mapping Information, OpenStreetMap. Available at: <https://www.openstreetmap. org/#map=5/54.910/-3.432> NASA. Global Climate Change : Vital Signs of the Planet : Carbon Dioxide. Available at:<https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/carbon-dioxide/> NASA. Video: Super HD view of global carbon dioxide. Available at <https://climate.nasa.gov/ climate_resources/142/video-super-hd-viewof-global-carbon-dioxide/> 03.0_Site Analysis
The vision behind Auroville’s afforestation efforts is to recreate the indigenous forest known as the ‘Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest’.
A forest in which a large
percentage of its species have medicinal properties
documented
in
traditional health care systems.
the
local
[20]
Auroville Analysis Through vigorous site analysis, looking at the usage of the land and environmental conditions
[i.e.
forested
land
and
watershed], the most appropriate site location within Aurovilleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s complex was determined.
The site location was then analysed at a more detailed scale, looking at the specific location of trees to establish a suitable master plan based on branching systems.
Important forested land Watershed Private land Farm land Temple land Existing villages
Buildings Roads Existing tree cover Existing water bodies Topography
Site location
Sources: Auroville city area - Land Suitability and Land Use proposal. [Feb 16, 2016]. Available at <https://www.auroville.org/contents/3954> [Accessed January 2020] Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
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03.0_Site Analysis
[22]
Master Plan Process 1. Forest Density
The density of the tree canopy was first analysed on site, through digital softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s [rhino / grasshopper], to understand the existing site conditions and design accordingly.
2. Point Placement
Once the density was understood, the tree placement and point placement was undertaken. With the points positioned in the void spaces between the trees.
3. Point-Cloud
Between the points paths are connected, creating a network weaving through the forest fabric to find the less dense spaces.
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
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4. Wanted Path
Outlining voronoi studies, the wanted path for the branching system acts to determine the direction of the branching curves.
5. Potential Paths
The varying branch formations, based on a point system containing between 10004000 points.
6. Branching Master Plan
The chosen branching route for dwellings to populate.
03.0_Site Analysis
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04.0
Environmental Analysis
[26]
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
[Figure 01] Source : https://en.climate-data.org/asia/india/pondicherry/pondicherry-2790/
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
[27]
320mm
280mm
Annual Rainfall Located in Puducherry, the south-eastern 240mm
coastline on India, key factors effecting the technical approach to the design are as follows.
In terms of environment, the site exists in a 200mm
sub-tropical monsoonal climate. As shown in [figure 01] the annual rainfall fluctuating between 10mm-320mm.
160mm
In the average city, it is common to find tarmac street and concrete blocks, with glass faรงades refracting the sun-rays. In this paradigm water run off becomes an exceeding problem, leading to flooding.
120mm
However,
due
to
branching
city
maintaining an exposed soil cover, rainfall is able to drain into the topsoil of the earth, negating from adverse effects of 80mm
40mm
Sep
Oct
04.0_Environmental Analysis
Nov
Dec
flooding, in monsoonal climates.
[28]
Hot Season [ M a r- M a y ]
Rainy Season [Jun-Oct]
Dry Season [Nov-Feb]
[Figure 02] Sun Path / Wind Speed
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[29]
[ F i g u r e 0 3 ] D r y B u l b Te m p e r a t u r e / H u m i d i t y / D e w P o i n t Te m p e r a t u r e
04.0_Environmental Analysis
[30] Jan
Apr
Feb
May
Mar
Jun
[Figure 04] Wind Rose Diagrams
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[31] Jul
Oct
Aug
Nov
Sep
Dec
04.0_Environmental Analysis
[32]
Climate Analysis As demonstrated in [Figure 02] the climate
Prevailing winds in the region, [figure 04],
of Puducherry can be categorised into
are most dominant towards south, south-
three distinct periods, the hot season
eastern orientation, due to Puducerryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s
[March-May], rainy season [June-October],
positioning on the south-eastern coastline
and the dry season [November-Febuary].
of India. On average the maximum wind speed does no exceed 10 meters per
Leading on from the analysis of the sun-
second [m/s]. Therefore, wind is not an
path, [figure 03] analyses the average
imminently disruptive climate quality on
temperature throughout the year, showing
site. Also, due to the forests presence
fluctuations in temperature between 17-
on site, when passing through branching
34 degrees Celsius.
city the turbulent flow on the wind will be dispersed through the forest.
In response to these findings, it becomes important to ensure sufficient shading for the design proposal. Although due to the forest-scape being in-cooperated into the designs intent, the shading provided by the forest canopy becomes sufficient in providing protection from the sun rays, and increasing the relative comfort of the dwellings.
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[33]
50m
100m
150m
200m
250m
300m
350m
[Figure 05] Radiation Analysis : Branching City
04.0_Environmental Analysis
250m
200m
150m
100m
50m
400m
[34]
350m
300m
250m
250m 200m
200m 150m
150m
100m
100m
50m
50m
[Figure 06] Radiation Analysis : Branching City
350m
300m
250m
250m 200m
200m 150m
150m
100m
100m
50m
50m
[ F i g u re 0 7 ] R a d i a t i o n A n a l y s i s : B r a n c h i n g C i t y, E f f e c t of F o re s t C a n o p y
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[35]
Forest Canopy Building Modules
Radiation Analysis Through radiation analysis conducted through grasshopper / ladybug scripting softwareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a diagrammatic representation of the effects of solar radiation upon the geometry of branching city has been deduced. Demonstrated from [figures 05-07], the context of the forest canopy has been put into effect, emphasising the qualities of natural shading the forest provides to the proposal.
With shading provided by the forest, the necessity for air-conditioning becomes obsolete. In extension, the forest does not only regulate temperature through shading, but reduces temperature through transpiration cooling.
04.0_Environmental Analysis
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05.0
Construction Phases
[38]
Routes
Circulation
Structural Framework L8
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
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Facade L1
Facade / Roof System L4
Facade / Roof System L8
05.0_Construction Phases
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Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Foundation
[41]
Primar y Structural Framework
Hempcrete is to used for the foundations LIME
of branching city. The hempcrete is necessary to ensure a water gap between the timber structure and the ground, as to not dampen the timber, leading to rotting and compromised structural integrity.
The hempcrete is comprised from hemp, lime
and
water,
deferring
from
the
standard concrete production. Utilising the fibrous stem of the plant, and putting into effect a fast growing species native to the region. HEMP
For the primary structural element of construction, timber columns and beams are
utilised.
The
adjacent
diagram
demonstrates possible joinery for the cube like stacking formation, which makes up the basis for branching city.
WAT E R
05.0_Construction Phases
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Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Flooring Detail
[43]
1 2 3 4 5 6
7
05.0_Construction Phases
1
Hempcrete Wall Insulation
2
Woven Bamboo Facade
3
Timber Beam
4
Timber Floorboard
5
Hempcrete Floor Insulation
6
Chipboard Sheet
7
Hempcrete Foundation
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Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Secondar y Structural Framework
[45]
For the secondary structural framework, timber is again the material of choice, although, due to the necessary structural integrity for this layer of construction is lessened the timber thickness in turn decreased.
05.0_Construction Phases
[46]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Woven Bamboo Facade
05.0_Construction Phases
[47]
[48]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Clay Roof Tiles
[49]
The clay tiles, as shown in the adjacent diagrams, are configured in a tapered mission style.
Clay tiles can be acquired in close proximity to the site, hence the material has been chosen to reduce transportation induced emission.
1 2 3
1
Clay Tile
2
Strip
3
Sheathing
05.0_Construction Phases
[50]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
Te r r a c e B a l u s t r a d e
[51]
Exterior Staircases
1
2 3
4
5
1
Timber Balustrade
2
Baseplate
3
Timber Floorboard
4
Approved Fasteners
5
Edge Joist
To treat the timber linseed oil is to be applied, and re-applied yearly.
05.0_Construction Phases
[52]
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
W a s t e W a t e r Tr e a t m e n t
[53]
‘Living Machine’ To
further
connect
the
human
and
forest, the perception of human waste is re-interpreted, and seen as a valuable commodity to be transferred to the soil of the forest.
HUMAN EXCREMENT
ANAEROBIC RE ACTOR For the pretreatment of high strength wastewater or for biological phosphorus removal in tertiary treatment.
ANOXIC RE ACTOR For pretreatment and nitrogen removal via de-nitrification in tertiary treatment.
AEROBIC RE ACTOR Aerated open tanks contain plant adapted to high strength wastewater environment. During the process, organic contaminants are converted into bacterial biomass.
CLARIFIER Bacterial biomass is separated from water and recycled to the front to continue to digest the soluble organic content of the waste water.
WETLAND Natural
ecosystems
located
indoors
and outdoors, providing a high level of polishing, removal of colloids and further de-nitrification. 05.0_Construction Phases
Source : Finhorn ‘Living Machine’. < https:// www.ecovillagefindhorn.com/index.php/ water>
[54]
Source: https://sites.google.com/site/peterengbersbrunei/videos/logging?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=
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[55]
The following diagrams demonstrate the
The reduced impact logging [RIL] patterns
configuration of felling practices, and
upon the forest-scape can be seen on
effect upon the forest-scape when in plan
page 57. The RIL ensures the health of the
view. Mapping out the patterns of regions
forest is maintained, with areas felled able
, leading to an understanding of reduced
to re-establish growth.
impact logging [RIL]. However, RIL has negative factors, in-terms The diagram on page 54 depicts imagery
of increased management necessities, and
of clear cut logging practices, with the
reduced income with less felled trees upon
void regions representing felled lands.
the same area. Although, these are short
With these practices leading to forest
sighted gains, as if the health of the forest
degradation, and soil erosion.
is not maintained the felling of trees can not be maintained, therefore instigating
Page 56, diagrammatic image sampled depiction
of
the
most
unsustainable practices.
conventional
practices of logging. This selective logging
With the ethos of branching city in mind, it
can be deemed more sustainable than
is imperative for timber to be acquired via
the clear cut logging [page 54], however
RIL logging practices.
in terms of maintaining the health of the forest, the practice does not allow for areas of the forest which have been felled to re-establish themselves.
[56]
Source: https://sites.google.com/site/peterengbersbrunei/videos/logging?tmpl=%2Fsystem%2Fapp%2Ftemplates%2Fprint%2F&showPrintDialog=
Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems
[57]
06.0
Conclusion
[59]
In completion of this technical report a more detailed understanding of possible construction
methods
in
erecting
branching city have been deduced. Also, furthering material research, mindful to the designs ethos and site location.
Overall the construction proposal for branching
city
exemplifies
approach,
leading
to
a
a
holistic
vernacular
architecture, in terms of its materiality and methods of construction. Although, in
terms
of
technological
planning
and
resources
services,
have
been
employed.
Leading to a project, technologically lead
in
determining
its
formation,
environmentally conscious in materiality, vernacular in construction methods, and inspired by the natural forms of branching systems.
[60]
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[61]
Sources: Abarim Publications. (2015). Koch’s Snowflake Or Triangle: Proof Of Infinity Around Limit. < h t t p : / / w w w. a b a r i m - p u b l i c a t i o n s . c o m / KochProof.html#.VOvx_i7SQ8I> Balfour, Lady Eve. (1943). The Living Soil. Soil Association Ltd, 2006. CO2 Earth. Daily CO2. Available at < https:// www.co2.earth/daily-co2> Source : Finhorn ‘Living Machine’. < https:// w w w. e c o v i l l a g e f i n d h o r n . c o m / i n d e x . p h p / water> Fukuoka, Masanobu. (1978). The One-Straw Revolution. Rodale Press. Global Forest Watch. Available at: <https:// www.globalforestwatch.org/> Global Mean CO2 Mixing Ratios (ppm): Observations. Available at < https://data.giss. nasa.gov/modelforce/ghgases/Fig1A.ext.txt> Government of Puducherry website. Available at <https://www.py.gov.in/knowpuducherry/ history.html> Kumar, Satish. (2013). Soil, Soul, Society : A New Trinity for Our Time. Leaping Hare Press Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature. Mapping Information, OpenStreetMap. Available at: <https://www.openstreetmap. org/#map=5/54.910/-3.432>
McDonough, William; Braungart, Michael. (2002). Cradle To Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things. North Point Press, New York. More, Sir Thomas. (1516). Utopia. Penguin Books 1984, London. NASA. Global Climate Change : Vital Signs of the Planet : Carbon Dioxide. Available at:<https://climate.nasa.gov/vital-signs/carbon-dioxide/> NASA. Video: Super HD view of global carbon dioxide. Available at <https://climate.nasa.gov/ climate_resources/142/video-super-hd-viewof-global-carbon-dioxide/> Space Applications Centre, India Space Research Organisation, Government of India. Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India (Based on IRS AWiFS data of 2011-13 and 2003-05). Available at <https://www.sac.gov.in/ SACSITE/Desertification_Atlas_2016_SAC_ISRO. pdf> Suvrat Kher. (Nov, 2009). Mapping India: Land Degradation and Desertification. Available at <http://suvratk.blogspot.com/2009/11/ mapping-india-land-degradation-and.html> Wei, D., Liu, Q., Zhang, H. et al. (2013). Boxcovering algorithm for fractal dimension of weighted networks. Sci Rep 3, 3049. <https:// doi.org/10.1038/srep03049>