Air Journal Entry 4

Jonathan Ng Cheong Tin_378259

studio_AIR University of Melbourne : Bachelor of Environments : Semester 1, 2012

This design journal will introduce different features and projects studied and researched in this ADS 3 AIR studio. As a start, some state of the art projects were chosen as precedents to explain how they are advancing the architectural discourse and how they Integrate into our Expression of Interest (EOI) proposal for the Gateway Project. Then we looked at unique innovations presented by contemporary computational design techniques that could be integrated into our EOI. Contemporary scripting/programming cultures are introduced through a project precedent that was analyzed. Then a matrix of combinations was produced with a few grasshopper definitions. All the different outcomes were recorded and some were useful for the design process. A case-study project was chosen and was used to combine two or more of the provided definitions to produce an intended architectural effect which should be experimented in many ways.

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CASE FOR INNOVATION 2. Architecture as a Discourse 4. Computing in Architecture 7. Parametric Modelling 8. Case for Innovation Conclusion

RESEARCH PROJECT

I0. Scope of Possibilities 11. Matrix I2. Reverse-Engineered Case-Study I3. Material Effects I4. Assembly Methods 15. Conclusion

E.O.I CONCLUSION

I6. Expression of Interest Conclusion: Competitive Advantage I8. Learning Objectives and Outcomes: Interim

PROJECT PROPOSAL 20. Project Interpretation 21. Project Delivery 23. Project Presentation 25. Project Proposal Conclusion

FINAL CONCLUSION 31. Personal Background and Learning Objectives 32. Learning Progress 33. Learning Outcomes 34. Future Work

DOUBLE HELIX LANTERN_JO NCT, MELBOURNE, 11’.

Coordinator : Dr. Stanislav Roudavski Tutor: David Lister Subject: Virtual Environments My state of the art body lantern ; fabricated totally from paper using NURBS geometry. The design discourse of the design intent is about the feasibility of the double helix shape along with its curvatures and aerodynamic design.

Can it make it to the real world or will it encounter the limitation of the materials used in the design. “Architecture needs to be thought of less as a set of special material products and rather more as range of social and professional practices that sometimes, but by no means always, lead to buildings.”Williams, Richard (2005). ‘architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press), pp. 102-116, p. 108.” From this, we can use this ideology of “experimentation” when we are designing the art form for the Gateway project.

DISCOURSE

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HELIOS HOUSE_ OFFICE DA, LOS ANGELES,06-07.

The design of the Helios House is quite similar to my precedent and the discourse from my personal precedent has been solved as shown in this architectural state of the art project; we can achieve complex NURBS geometry even for a bulky real life project as the Helios House that is seen as an exercise in reinventing a classic American building type: the gas station. Its design conjures a vision that blends contemporary aesthetics, inventive fabrication, and sustainable building practices with a multifaceted communications strategy.“Architect, ‘Helios House LA,’ architect magazine, 96 (2007),7475 (P.74)” Environmental discourse: Critics of this gas station usually point out the huge irony in having an environmentally sustain- able building sell gasoline.

Others find it a step in the right direction, and considering the car culture in Los Angeles, as well as the progressive nature of California in general, it is a perfect fit. Architecturally, it is quite appealing visually and offers a public lesson in sustainable design as well.

All of the faceted stain- less steel panels are recycled, and the ground is composed of crushed glass. It can also produce enough electricity from its solar panels to power three homes. As the project brief stated “an exciting, eye catching installation at Wyndham’s Western Gateway”; people are bound to stare at it, it’s a masterpiece as the first LEED certified gas station and because of its exceptional/unconventional design.

Philip Jodidio, Green Architecture Now! (Cologne: Taschen, 2009), p.255 .

ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

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ANTI-SMOG_ Vincent Callebaut, PARIS,07

BEYOND GREEN...

The architect describes Anti-Smog as an “Innovation Center in Sustainable Development”.“Ali Kriscenski, ‘Anti Smog Architecture: A Catalyst for Cleaner Air in Paris’, Design for Health, (2008) <http://inhabitat. com/anti-smog-architecture-a-catalyst-forcleaner-air-in-paris> [accessed 4 April 2012].”It is a state of the art complex which will use all available renewable energy forms to fight against the Parisian smog. In being a fully functional entity, the building is a utility for the city and also a big uplift to the surrounding. The Anti-Smog complex takes the idea of the “green” building a step further than usual: the architect proposes to reduce ambient pollution rather than simply taking care not to contribute to energy waste. Philip Jodidio, Green Architecture Now! (Cologne: Taschen, 2009),

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p. 94 . This concept can be very well inspire the getaway project because of its breakthrough in the “green” discourse and due to the great help of the computer in enhancing/optimizing the concept; funky shape. The project brief specifies that “It may be a structural or landscape response, or a balance of the two, however, it is a requirement that the gateway will make a significant impact.”In this way,our precedent takes the social discourse of a green building into political stance which has a big impact on the world scene ; a good way to put Werribee on the map.

BLOOM_ DOSU Studio Architecture, 2012

CONTEMPORARY COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN TECHNIQUES COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN

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HOUSE PROTOTYPE_ Greg Lynn, Long Island , NY 97’.

In some of Lynn’s projects, such as the House Prototype in Long Island, skeletons with a global envelope are deformed using inverse kinematics under the influence of various site-induced forces. In contrast to kinematics, the dynamic simulation takes into consideration the effects of forces on the motion of an object or a system of objects, especially of forces that do not originate within the system itself. (Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003), 3 - 62 (p. 20). This new technique/methodology is very interesting in a way that if a design can be shaped by the surrounding external

factors such as kinematic (wind and rain) hence making it suitable for the proposal of the getaway project as stated in the brief “The installation will enhance the physical environment through the introduction of a visual arts component. It will have longevity in its appeal, encouraging ongoing interest in the Western Interchange by encouraging further reflection about the installation beyond a first glance.” How dynamic external factors can shape the architecture of the project which is perfectly located to experience these factors. One of the external factor can also be the flux of cars on the freeway.

INTERNATIONAL TERMINAL WATERLOO_ Nicholas Grimshaw Architects,London , 93’.

This project above offers a clear demonstration of conceptual and developmental benefits afforded by the parametric approach to design.

Instead of modeling each arch separately, a generic parametric model was created based on the underlying design rules in which the size of the span and the curvature of individual arches were related. A new breakthrough in computational design was achieved by Grimshaw architects and, a highly complex hierarchy of interdependences could be parametrically

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modeled, allowing iterative refinement, i.e. the dimensional fine-tuning of the project in all stages of its development, from conceptual design to construction. As stated in the project brief, the object‐centred individual sculpture/ experiential approach; will be a state of the art design due to the high complexity of forms, achievable by such a “savoir faire”.

MOBIUS HOUSE_ UNStudio, Netherlands, 1993–1998.

The organizational and formal structure of the private house is based on a double-locked torus, the mobius loop. The intertwining trajectory of the loop relates to the 24-hour living and working cycle of the family, where individual working spaces and bedrooms are aligned but collective areas are situated at the crossing points of the paths. (Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003), 3 - 62(p. 7)

Through this “Smooth” architectural project, we can analyze that new topological forms such as the torus and the mobius have been used in the construction context. The new balance of these geometries can reflect an interesting discourse about deformation of space. It is definitely striking aesthetically and surely a very desirable key feature of the new gateway project.

COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN

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[near] INSTANT HIGH-RISE_ MESNE Studio, 09

This project recasts the initial ambition for vertical expansion. It envisages a rapidly deployable structure that will provide centrally located resources in areas struck by disaster. The tensegrity principle is explored for its potential to provide a feasible structural system that enables the deployment of a [near] instant skyscraper. This design proposal was developed in collaboration with Cache Studio as an entry to the 2009 Evolo skyscraper competition. The motivation for this project was based on earlier observations regarding the incredible flexibility and adaptive nature of tensegrity structures. From 416 entries in the competition , [near] Instant High-Rise was awarded an honorable

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mention and has been singled out as exemplary in online architectural forums by bringing “some new refreshing ideas [that justify] the persistence of this competition” (Boiteaoutils 2009). Zhou, YY, Li, J, Frumar, JA & Ren, G, Instant Built Tensegrity Structures with 3D Compression Members, Advanced Materials Research (2011), vol. 243-49,pp. 5894-8. This precedent conceptual project illustrates that, “For the first time perhaps, architectural design might be aligned with neither formalism nor rationalism but with intelligent form and traceable creativity.” ‘Terzidis, Kostas (2006). Algorithmic Architecture (Boston, MA: Elsevier), p. xi’.

CONCLUSION After my research on contemporary computational design techniques, my perspective on these new methodologies have changed. I was unaware to what extent the new technology could go in the building industry particularly in the design process.“For the first time in history, Architects are designing not the specific shape of the building but as a set of principles encoded as a sequence of parametric equations by which specific instances of the design can be generated and varied in time as needed.” (Kolarevic, Branko, 2003, pp. 18) So for we, designers, the goals are not fix anymore, it can change with a single difference in the equation.

The design outcome maybe spontaneous and unpredictable in a way that innovation is ensured. Relating that to the project Getaway brief particularly this part where it states that ‘The Western Gateway should propose new, inspiring and brave ideas, to generate a new discourse’; The “hightech” design tool that we will be using will determine not only the outcome but also it will contribute to its discourse by creating positive polemics around the architectural design.

COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN

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SCRIPTING CULTURES

ICD ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION_ Acim Menges and Jan Knippers, University of Stuttgart, 2010.

In 2010, the Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) designed and constructed a temporary research pavilion. The innovative structure demonstrates the latest developments in material-oriented computational design, simulation, and production processes in architecture. The result is a bending-active structure made entirely of extremely thin, elastically-bent plywood strips. The information model was individually programmed computer script (in RhinoScript ÂŽ).

From the two-dimensional drawing of the production-related and machine-specific data to the three-dimensional model .This innovative approach to digital data management in the architectural design process makes use of modern software tools, by expanding this project-specific functionality. The modern script of this 3-D geometric model could be generated with the help of over 6400 lines long code of the information model, all relevant data for the calculation in the finite element analysis software and the CNC machine-specific data.(M. Fleischmann, S. Schleicher, J. Lienhardt, 2010) . Although that the modelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s geometry corresponding shape-determining factors such as non-operating properties to the finished construction, traffic and wind loads have not been taken into

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account, it nevertheless has allowed a realistic evaluation of possible designs in the form of true material; Digital feasibility studies. That this one at all times, especially represented in the earliest design phases present, the central component of the project, were a particular concern and an important aspect of innovation in the digital modeling process. A very interesting feature/asset to have in our future proposal.

From Scripting Culture (Burry,M , 2010) , it is mentioned that the main challenge of the scripting generation is the move from the creation of inventive articulated patterns, and the small-scale installations to the full scale architectural projects where scripting can unleash an entire universe of opportunities for architectural space. (Matias del Campo, SPAN)This is what the research pavilion tried to demonstrate how this is possible. A very good point which the author proposed is that ‘customisation’ enable by the scripting agent is a very powerful motive for using a such design tool as grasshopper, pushing the limits of computational capabilities, its the same as thinking outside the box. In a way the scripting tool is enhancing our creative freedom by not only depending on the presets or database of the software engineers. The role of the computer in the design process,extensively criticized,is suggested to be a practical ‘aide-de-camp’ and a digital design agent. The designer who wants to be completely in control of the results must be in control of the process. To be in control of the process, the designer must be in control of the tools. The tools are computation, therefore a designer who wants to be in control must also be a scripter (or suffer the consequence of the unseen influence of using other people’s tools). (Robert Aish)

‘scripters’ like us to unleash our creative freedom to make the art community proud and generate a sense of place to the locality, Wyndham. Something that people outside Wyndham will find innovative and appealing because as for the moment the region of Werribee is still unknown and regarded only as a residential suburban area.

Today’s scripters are inventive; however, scripting is a relatively new technique for the exploration of architectural designs and designers are still figuring out new potentials for using scripting as a design tool. (Brady Peters) In this way the scripting culture, particularly in our context , the visual script rather than textual, will bring new potential outcome to the Gateway project. The design brief states that the Western Gateway installation should provide an entry statement and arrival experience, and become a new identifier for the municipality. Furthermore a good dialogue between sculpture and landscape to compose the Gateway; original and engaging in form. This is the opportunity for

SCRIPTING CULTURES

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RESEARCH PROJECT CUT_NATURE Kevin Yu_324229

Matthew Harkin_358628 Jonathan Ng_378259

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INPUT :PATTERN AND OVERLAP Pattern And Overlap_Curve Attractor_Rotation

Pattern And Overlap_Image Sampler_Shader

Top

Perspective

Front

ENTER THE MATRIX

Pattern And Overlap_Maths Functions_Extrusion

Pattern And Overlap_Using Sets_Rotation

Right

Perspective

Perspective

INPUT :USING SURFACE NORMALS Using Surface Normals_Image Sampler_Extrusion

Perspective

Right

Using Surface Normals_Attractor Point_Extrusion

Using Surface Normals_Attractor Point_Rotation

Perspective

Right

Using Surface Normals_Maths Function_Components

Perspective

Using Surface Normals_Stream Text_Extrusion

Perspective

Curve Intersections_Image Sampler/ Attractor Point_Components

REFERENCES Ali Kriscenski, ‘Anti Smog Architecture: A Catalyst for Cleaner Air in Paris’, Design for Health, (2008) <http://inhabitat.com/anti-smogarchitecture-a-catalyst-for-cleaner-air-in-paris> [accessed 4 April 2012].

“Architect, ‘Helios House LA,’ architect magazine, 96 (2007),74-75 (P.74)” Burry, Mark. Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming (Chichester: Wiley), (2011) pp. 8 - 71.

Erzidis, Kostas (2006). Algorithmic Architecture (Boston, MA: Elsevier), p. xi Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003), pp. 3 - 62

M. Fleischmann, S. Schleicher, J. Lienhardt, Research Pavilion ICD / ITKE - University of Stuttgart (2010) < http://www.archplus.net/home/ news/7,1-4711,1,0.html?referer=128> [accessed on 21/03/12] PhilipJodidio, GreenArchitectureNow!(Cologne:Taschen,2009),p.94-255 ”Williams, Richard (2005). ‘architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press), pp. 102-116, Zhou, YY, Li, J, Frumar, JA & Ren, G, Instant Built Tensegrity Structures with 3D Compression Members, Advanced Materials Research (2011), vol. 243-49,pp. 5894-8.