TUTOR: ADAM & FINN
CONTENT Introduction 4 A1.0
PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION Architecture as Discourse A1.1 Precedent: Centre Pompidou A1.2 Precedent: The Hinging Tower
8 9 10
A2.0 Computational Architecture 13 A2.1 Precedent: Wood Pavllion - Wing Hui & 14 Lap Min Wong A2.2 Precedent: Differentiated Wood Lattice 16 Shell - Jian Huang & Minhwan Park A3.0 Parametric Modelling 19 A3.1 Precedent: AA/ETH Pavillion 20 A3.2 Precedent: Urban Adapter - Rocker 21 Lange Architecture A4.0 Grasshopper Exploration 23 A5.0 Learning Outcomes and Conclusion
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INTRODUCTION JOVITA HALIM
Hi, my name is Jovita and I come from Indonesia. I have been staying in Melbourne since 2010. I am doing my third year first semester now, as I got in the middle of the year intake. For computational program, I don’t really have a lot of experience using grasshopper, though I have used Rhino software for Visual Communication in my first year. Sometimes, using software can limit my design when I do not understand it well. I will try harder for this subject and I am hoping that I can use the computational program to create such a design I wanted.
The last project in Virtual Communication, using digital computation for the design. The idea come from morning glory that were transform into 3 words abstraction, which is focal point, modular and sensitive as the main ideas. After i finalised the idea, I started to explore the design using Rhino to do the main shape, loft, patterning, mesh and unroll. It is quite hard and challenging for me to use the Rhino software. The last stage after the computation things, I need to do the prototype in which i need to check is my model is able to built. I also played with the lighting and developed my design before built my final model. By doing this subject I become more aware that i need to understand how to operate a software, so it will not be barrier for our design.
PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION
“The architect is a special kind of artist who works in three dimensions, but unlike the sculpture, he … works to enclose space as well as simply making objects in space.” Richards William
ARCHITECTURE AS DISCOURSE Architecture is hard to define, it can be said a profession that relates art to building, urbanism and town planning (William 2005). It is not a quick process to be an architect, it needs experiences, technique and training. It is more philosophical, and engages with visual culture. As an architect, critical thinking is needed to be able to evaluate previous projects for improvement. Architecture as a discourse is important to push to go to the next level. In the discourse of architects, the new meaning of design is drawing appliances., in which architecture is not only about building, but about drawing, text and concept that brings harmony and balance. It also being influenced by the client, preference, site and another variables. This ‘new architecture’ explore of a new geometric and amorphous shapes, concepts, color, lighting and technological aspects such as computation (Sebestyen, G. & Pollington, C. 2003). One of the trend of architecture which is ‘Blob’ concept, as an example using technology and digitation to create a form of spaces in tectonic discussions. It also suggests another strategies of structural organization and construction to provide a new way to relate the homogenous or general to heterogeneous or particular (Greg, L. 1998). Blob concept is used in film making, but the concept and systems can be applied for architectural.
Centre Pompidou - Metz by Shigeru Ban and It was designed by Shigeru Ban from Japan and Jean de Gastine from France. I think Shigeru was trying to use tectonics form to create space under the roof. To find the form Shigeru and Jean used computational form-finding software to find the appropriate and suitable design. They chose wood as the strcutural elements because it is an inexhaustible and easily recycled material. They tried to meet the environmental quality and sustainable development criteria.
The undulating laminated timber roof structure.
From the picture 2, I can see that the design looks quite similar with University oiof Melbourne Union House North Court, using synthetic material, it directs the water to flow down. I think it is a good solution to manage the water for tectonic shape, so that the water in the lowest position can flow away from the building.
The roof structure was construct by intertwine or plait six beams into a hexagon http://www.dezeen.com/2010/02/17/centre-pompidou-metz-by-shigeru-ban/ http://www.arcspace.com/features/shigeru-banjean-de-gastines/centre-pompidou-metz/
The Hinging Tower - Ana Maria Flor Ortiz and Rodia From ‘The Hinging Tower’ project in Singapore, Ana Maria Flor Ortiz and Rodia Valladares Sanchez adopted mathematical approach for the design as mechanics to control the form and possibilities of random and not predicted influences. Computational generates and explores the potential form or pattern for the design faster and more accurate and reduce the uncertain key by finding the formula. I think there is another variables, such as site, function and program used contributes to the final form of the design. These variables need to consider the program required, type and function of the building suitable in the specific character in the site. As Singapore is a modern city, Ana and Rodia started the challenge to build a skyscraper by extrude and stack the floors. The project start, with a loop, twist diagram consist of combination of sinusoidal, continuous and periodic functions.
The application of Fast Fourier transforms (FFTs) reduces the discontinuity of the complex three-dimensional geometries develop surfaces simply.
Along the same lines, the integrity of the square plan gives efficiency and simplicity. In mathematical terms, square is equivalent to a ‘coarse’ circle plotted within 4 points (Ana & Rodia 2011).
Catalogue of distinctive spaces, qualitatively and quantitatively being provided, through the simple repetition of the square plan, the diagram of the tower aims to generate new organizational potentialities capable of producing difference. The connected areas of the ‘towers’ form critical spatial diversity, by using the program, it automatically generates the most suitable spot for the connection. This tower is not being built in real, as the circulation is very poor. The inclination of the building makes the lift cannot connect all the levels within one line. Though the design looks amusing, it still needs to considerate some basic principle of design. The forces flow, the arrangement of material in space, the pattern of distribution, directly influences the efficiency of the flow of forces and direction of flow and the intensity give some effects to the design formation (Kotnik, T. & Weinstock, M. 2012)
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/store/10.1002/ad.1277/asset/1277_ftp.pdf?v=1&t=hkc4czfk&s=9 1443b9ef9b3999ffe2f7e8d85c2c602b17c6e46
COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE COMPUTERIZATION VS COMPUTATION Most of architectures is using computer as a visual board and easier to edit the design and it called computerization (Peter, B. 2013). For example, software for rendering being used to create a 3D drawing, some improvements to the design can be add or eliminated, and using the computaion, we dont need to redo all the drawing, just need to correct the wrong part. It makes the design produced better. According to Menges, A. (2012), computational provides a strong relation between informing the design process through material behaviour and characteristics, in different scales based on feedback with the environment. Computation means using computer to process information that is expressed as alogarithm. Wilson, Robert and Frank (1999), algorithm is a recipe, method or technique that is made up by a number of operations set systematically that is clear, precise and simple to follow. Algorithms being used as the language of inputs and outputs functions, mathematical system to be the tool that allows the generation of the ‘proto-power’ diagram of the project. As the development in technology, computation helps architect to generate the form of the design by decreases the number of failure and time needed. The last few years, digital design has been popularly used with information manipulation of NURBS-geometry in a computational environment without considering much to material aspects. However, in design process, form cannot be treated separately with material. The properties and characteristics of material can influence the ability of the material to create the shape.
Wood Pavillion - Wing Hui and Lap Ming Won
Wing Hui and Lap Ming Won trying to find the equilibrium of precise control and natural response of the intrinsic wood capacities and aims to transform an everyday life material and methodology. The pavilion is made up of several laminated strips of wood that have been bent in the middle and joined together, forming a diamond-shaped lattice-work In my opinion, understanding the characteristic of material, in which in this case is a wood, they tried to cover the disadvantages with maximize the advantages.
They tried to perform its intrinsic properties, innovative and suistanable methodology of architectural production to be emerge as a natural response. Wood can be deformed due to moisture they used to create such a shape they desired. Using the digital computation can help to imagine and explore the pattern and shape that suitable with the function. However the performance of the material will gives some varying effect. “The computational tool predicted the approximate dimensions, global geometry and compositional curvature while physical tests are carried out to combine the material performance with computer-generated data for further evaluations( Hui & Wong 2010).
http://www.dezeen.com/2010/07/07/wood-pavillion-by-wing-yi-hui-and-lap-ming-wong/
Adding moisture to the thin wooden elements resulted in them curving across the grain, this increasing their structural capacity. Further research been done on the hygroscopic performance and anisotropic behavior of wood that influence the surface moisture result in curving across grain and increases the structural capacity of a flat piece of wood. I think the used of plywood give a huge distribution for the success of this project, using another type of wood or material will be hard to bend and create that shape. A special treatment also need to be tested and researched to achieve a significant moisture the wood needed. It gives attribution to the development of swelling significant when moisturizing the veneer.
http://archdoc.mr926.com/wood-pavilion-wing-yi-hui-lap-ming-wong-archdoc/5898/
Differentiated Wood Lattice Shell by Jian Huang & Minhwan Park
This project tried to explore the extend possibility of lattice geometries based on the bending behavior of oversized sheets of plywood with varying cross sectional dimension along their length.
It is starting by exploring of the sheet material and manipulation of its bending properties by controlling the number of layers of ply and the fibre direction. I think trying to create layers that the fibre being laid in differents way can create stronger systems, as the fibres in plywood is quite easy to crack , so the direction of cutting need to be noted.
http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=4339
I think by using machine to cut the wood it will produce an accurate size and shape wanted. It also reduces the cross section without damage to the perimeter fibres, and the risk of splitting during the subsequent bending process. The type of the timber used has different level of elasticity and stiffness, which influence the shape or form of the timber. I think the exploration of the type of timber need to be done to achieve the possible form that we would like.
This project needs to do a lot of research and prototype to find the suitable and appropriate size, lenght, thickness that can maintain dead and live load and the bent needed to achieve the design idea. I do believe by using computational it helps in the design process, so the process will be much faster and easier, and the designer or architect can think out of their limitations. For me myself, I will not create such design like this without the help of computerization and computation. Computation and algorithm contribute a lot in architecture world. By using computation, it is possible for architect to made more variety and interesting design.
http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=4339
PARAMETRIC MODELING “Post modernism and deconstructivism were mere traditional episodes” and parametricism will be “the great new style after modernism” Schumaker 2010 Architectural projects are being criticized and assessed by comparing to other projects. The idea of unified style, in which constituency, ambitions and value are used to create a constructively competition rather than battle over fundamentals (Schumacher, P. 2010). Based on Zaha Hadid prediction the trend style in 21st century will be parametricm. Parametricism is a new style after modernism and still able to manage classical, modernist, postmodernist, deconstructivist and minimalist. Parametricism indicate the transformation of classical and modern geometrical fugures to be more dynamics system like ‘hair’, ‘cloth’, blobs’ and ‘meatballs’ that reacted to attractors and resonate with each other with the formula (Schumaker, P. 2010). Parametric is a new type of aesthetic expression that is made possible using computer modeling software (Mayer, A. N. 2012). It uses variables and algorithm to generate a hierarchy of mathematical and geometric relations that we can generate a certain design and explore the whole possible solutions. I do believe that using parametric in computation helps people designing and undertand the design. Using one term of programing language universally so that everyone able to understand.
AA/ETH Pavilion, Zurich “No material is without form and no form exists without materialisation”. Kotnik & Weinstock
Lightweight structures are associated with membrane and pneumatic construction. EmTech Programme (AA School) and the DARCH (ETH Zurich) explored the use of lightweight to work as structural design. The exploration of plywood sheet and the manipulation of its bending properties by controlling the number of layers of fibre direction of these layers were the starting point of the design process. Cutting within the sheets influence the bending resistance of the sheets, enable a larger spatial enclosure and reduced wind load acting upon the structure, and additionally produces a shadow pattern on the stairs that are used as seating area during summer time. I think by locating one edge in higher level helps to reduce the bending before it deforms.
I think based on the characteristics of plywood, it is the best to explore by scoring, cutting and bending to create a creative interested design. They also used computation to define the shape and the pattern to play with the lighting created why the light pass it. Doing prototypes can help to see the strength and bend ability of the wood. I like the idea how they tried to attract people pass the pavillion, as it is built in open space and creating a ‘guide’’ path for people to walk pass under it and can work as a shelter as well.
http://uemfab.blog.com/2012/04/10/pavilion-emtech-aa-eth/ http://www.archdaily.com/221650/pavilion-emtech-aa-eth/pav_08/
Urban Adapter - Rocker-Lange Architecture This project used a holistic design problem and is based on a digital parametric model. At its core the model utilizes explicit site information and programmatic data to react and interact with its environment. That way the model’s DNA structure is capable of producing a variety of unique furniture results.
I think using parametric design can help to explore the shape by dig up all the pattern. Sometimes I do feel stuck when I tried to find some inspiration, by using parametric, I think it can help architect to get some inspiration or general idea for the design. It also makes the process faster, rather than drawing by hand or calculating one by one using mathematics formula, using parametric design we can put the algorithm in the computation. In this project, we can simply change the pattern such as cylinder, cube or specific pattern that can be applied to the surface has made to achieve different design. By trial all the pattern, we can decide the prefference pattern. Thinking about the material also need to be consider, I think using another material will suitable for this furniture, however the pattern and balance to nature can be found by using wood.
http://www.evolo.us/architecture/new-parametric-urban-street-furniture-for-hong-kong/
GRASSHOPPER EXPLORATION
Using Loft and Bake
Triangulation Algorithm
Understanding Geometry, Transformations and Interseections.
Creting a surface, using contour, projecting, loft and unroll all the plane using reference plane and set the points with x and y grid.
Using Contour, Divide Curves, Plane and Orient.
Using ‘Divide Surface’
Using ‘Divide Surface’, ‘Plane Normal’, ‘Surface Curvature’ and Cylinder’.
Chair Exploring to create a furniture by using loft, section and pipe in grasshopper, the first attempt the pipe cannot cover the whole surface. By playing with slider, it can create change the number of
Trying to create a lgorithm with sphere Creatinga gridhshell
CONCLUSION & LEARNING OUTCOMES Become an architect it is not an easy things, it needs a lot of experience, reading to open our mind, be creative and critical thinking. Analyse the past projects and critical thinking can help architect to improve their design. Through this process, i also understand the system and important of computerization and computation. Back there, I missunderstood computation as computerization and vice versa. It is become clear now. Through the first part, I also realise that digital computation has been used a lot in architecture. Using digital computation and algorithm can helps architecture to pour the ideas into the computer, it also easy to be edited. In this subject that mainly focus using Rhino and plug in Grasshopper, I realise that without practise and trial i will not be able to create a desing I want. Beside computation, other thing such as material need to be researched and noted, it can influences the design shape. In this case I am interested with wood. Wood, has its own unique pattern that is naturally grow. However, it need time for a tree to grow as big as the size we want. Plywood is quite elastic and brittle, it also can be bent into the maximum ductility before it deforms. Doing prototypes can be a good way to test the material.
Reference Etherington, R. 2010. Centre Pampidou – metz by Shigeru Ban. De Zeen Magazine. Retrieve 14th Aug 2103 from http://www.dezeen.com/2010/02/17/centre-pompidou-metz-by-shigeruban/ Evolo. 2011. New Parametric Urban Street Furniture for Hong Kong. Retrieve 17th August 2013 from http://www.evolo.us/architecture/new-parametric-urban-street-furniture-for-hong-kong/ Greg, L. 1998. ‘Why Tectonics is Square and Topology is Groovy’, in Fold, Bodies and Blobs: Collected Essays ed. by Greg Lynn. Bruxelles: La Lettre volee. pp. 169-182. Kotnik, T. & Weinstock, M. 2012, Material, Form and Force. Architectural Design. 82(2), 104111. Mayer, A. N. 2010. Style and the Pretense of ‘Parametric’Architecture. Retrieve 8th August 2012 from http://adamnathanielmayer.blogspot.com/2010/06/style-and-pretense-of-parametric.html Menges. 2009. Differented Wood Lattice Shell. Archimenges.net. Retrieve 14th Aug 2013 from http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=4339 Menges, A. 2012. Material Computation: Higher Integration in Morphogenetic Design. 82(2). 14-21 Ortiz, A. M. F. & Sanchez R. V. 2011. The Hinging Tower. Architectural Design, 81(4), 112-117. Peter, B. 2013. Realising the Architectural Intent: Computation at Herzog & De Meuron. Architectureal Design, 83(2), 56-61. Schumacher, P. 2010. Patrik Schumacher on Parametricism – “Let the style wars begin’. Architects Journal. Retrieve 15th Aug 2013 from http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/the-critics/ patrik-schumacher-on-parametricism-let-the-style-wars-begin/5217211.article Sebestyen, G. & Pollington, C. 2003. New Architecture and Technology. Great Britain: Architectural Press. William, R. 2005. ‘‘Architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions,
http://www.dezeen.com/2010/07/07/wood-pavillion-by-wing-yi-hui-and-lap-ming-wong/ http://uemfab.blog.com/2012/04/10/pavilion-emtech-aa-eth/ http://www.archdaily.com/221650/pavilion-emtech-aa-eth/pav_08/ http://www.evolo.us/architecture/new-parametric-urban-street-furniture-for-hong-kong/ http://archdoc.mr926.com/wood-pavilion-wing-yi-hui-lap-ming-wong-archdoc/5898/