BRANCHING CITY : Applied Technical Report

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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Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

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[16]

Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

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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

[21]

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

[24]

Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

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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.

Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

[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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Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

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05.0

Construction Phases

[38]

Routes

Circulation

Structural Framework L8

Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

[39]

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

[42]

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

[44]

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

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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=

Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

[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]

Applied Technical Report_Branching Systems

[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>