ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO
AIR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Semester 2 2013 Name: Kailing Wang Student No. 514464
CONTENTS 1. PART A EOI: CASE FOR INNOVATION
2 5 11 17 23 25 26
2. PART B EOI: DESIGN APPROACH
29 30 31 33 35 37 45 47 48 49
A1. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE A2. COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE A3. PARAMETRIC MODELLING A4. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATION A5. CONCLUSION A6. LEARNING OUTCOMES
B1. DESIGN FOCUS B2. CASE STUDY 1.0 DESIGN CONCEPT B3. CASE STUDY 2.0 B4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT B5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES B6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL B7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES B8. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATION
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PART A
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST CASE FOR INNOVATION
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INTRODUCTION My name is Kailing Wang, and I am 20 years old. This is my third year to study architecture in the University of Melbourne. I am from Beijing, China, a really mysterious city that has a very long history. I do appreciate the traditional architecture of Beijing, because it represents the unique soul of architecture, such as the ‘square’ plan for the urban planning. I have been interested in drawing and designing since childhood, and just did some little sketches of trees and other objects. I also liked to design and make clothes for my dolls. After I studied architecture in Melbourne University, I thought good hand drawing is very important to an architect because it is the easiest and fastest way to show the general ideas of the project. Therefore, I started to improve my hand drawing skills during the holidays. I believe that architecture is a very special as well as interesting way to communicate our ideas and feelings of life. Sometimes, the simple objects of our daily life will influence us to think out a very creative design idea and to illustrate the concept idea through the form, structure or the materials is the most challenge thing to do in architecture.
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In my last studio (earth), I found that the conceptual ideas of architecture are very important because they are the soul of the project and they support the form of the project. Sometimes, a good architectural project should have a good story to support it, and the architects should have an ability to design a project that can communicate well with society. Although, I think the aesthetic values in architecture are quite important, I do believe that the function and communication of the building are more than its appearance. Coming into the air studio, I found it is quite different from what I have learnt in the past. The Gateway project is more focused on the innovative design using parametric modelling tools. It is an unfamiliar design area for me because of my lack experience of software. However, I think it is a very interesting aspect of design because it is innovative and it uses the new technology of the contemporary world.
PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE My previous experience with Rhino was in the Virtual environments subject in my first year of architectural studies. The brief of the project required us to design a lantern that could be worn or held by ourselves. Its form and patterns were aimed to represent a concept that was abstracted from the natural process. This is an interesting project because it asked us to search outside and to find the patterns in the natural environments. My design focused on the wave movement of the ocean, because I really appreciate the form and the bubble patterns of the wave. It is a kind of natural process that illustrates the power of the ocean. For the fabrication, I used six threedimensional triangular boxes to create a hexagon, and I used different colours to illustrate the arrangement of bubbles.
The fabrication process of my lantern was quite complicated, because there were one hundred triangular boxes with different form in total and each of them should be unrolled separately for cutting. However, after testing the prototypes, I built my final model for the presentation at the end of the semester. I find that the lantern project is quite relevant to the gateway project because they both focus on the exploration of the ideas through the computational design methods. The Grasshopper in this project will help us to create more refined forms that we cannot do just in Rhino.
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A1
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ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE Architecture is an area that can illustrate the technology and performance of the contemporary city. Many people thought that architecture is just the form and the aesthetic values of the building, but in my opinion, the concept of architecture is more than this. Dutton believes that: “Architecture, then as discourse, discipline, and form, operates as the intersection of power, relations of production, culture, and representation, to shaping how we know the world”. Therefore, architecture is a way that architects can use to communicate their ideas with others. The concept of architecture is required to create technical systems, forms and structures to support the social, political and commercial relationships. The discourse of architecture has different approaches through each period. In my opinion, the discourse of the contemporary architecture is moving towards a new way by engaging with the society and culture. Architecture is composed by four components; form, structure, material and performance. Architecture can communicate with the society and illustrate the cultural values by using these components.
In contemporary architecture, it is very important to create new aesthetic values and outcomes by using the form, structure, materials and performance of architecture. Due to the development of technology and society, to find a new contribution to architecture is quite significant for architects to think about. To move forward in architecture, one thing that the architects should do is to find what society is looking for. Moreover, when looking at a building, they should have ability to find the conceptual ideas and exploration through its form and structure. The brief of the project requires us to design a gateway sculpture on the highway to the Wyndham City that illustrates the connection between the urban area and the suburb, and stimulates interest for the local people in Wyndham City. Moreover, it should reflect the landscape of the site. This concept can be seen as the combination of architecture and culture. Therefore, this project should demonstrate the understanding of the site and local culture through the architectural forms, structures, materials and performance.
Resources Dutton, T., ‘Reconstructing architecture: critical discourses and social practice’, 1996, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, pp. 1-2 Dobson, J., “A Framework for Architectural Discourse”, http://www.ncl.ac.uk/kite/assets/downloads/discourse1.htm Ana Martins, ‘ICD and ITKE learn from the lobster’, MARK, Aprial 2013, ISSUE 43, p.49
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SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
ARCHITECTS: OMA AND LMN ARCHITECTS
The Seattle Central Library is the flagship library of the Seattle Library system known for its innovative distinctive facade and interior design. The collaboration between the OMA and LMN Architects are the principal architects for this building. The Seattle Public Library is a radical building and it is a good example to look for the functions of the library in the twenty-first century. The innovation of the library is to change the way of use and to recognise the different attitudes towards such a building. Koolhaas believes that the new library in the twenty-first century is a custodian of the book. It is a dynamic presence for thought, discussion and reflection that contains much new information. Additionally, the digital content of all libraries can be stored in a single library by using current technologies, and it can be rethought as: “new forms of storage enable the space dedicated to real books to be contained; new forms of reading enhance the
The interior space of the library that was designed by Petra Blaisse is a kind of innovative system that supports the communication between social, political and commercial relationships. The individual areas in the library are defined not by internal walls, but through the use of textures and ornaments such as the carpet and curtains. As a public discourse, the function of the library is not only to provide the best services and materials, but to stimulate the aggressive engagement of people in the library. Therefore, the huge, open warehouse like interior space is a good example that people can engage with the whole space of library, because there is no internal walls to obstruct any part of the library. In the contemporary architecture, the interior design of the Seattle Public Library is an innovative and risky idea that the soft furnishings are used to fix specific functions in a definite area.
But what I find most interesting is its design of facade and it was all achieved with the computer software to create the diamond geometric louvers. These diamond patterns can provide interesting shading on the floor which can reflect the innovative design techniques in the twenty-first century.
aura of the real book.” figure 1: The ‘library stack’ of soft furnishing.
Resources Brooker, G., ‘Basics Interior Architecture’, 2010, Switzerland: AVA Publishing, pp.56-57 Alstad, C., ‘Public Space, Public Discourse, and Public Libraries’, http://libres.curtin.edu.au/libres13n1/ pub_space.htm ‘Seattle Public Library’, 29/03/2004, http://www.arcspace.com/features/oma/seattle-public-library/ Figure 1: Brooker, G., ‘Basics Interior Architecture’, 2010, Switzerland: AVA Publishing, p.57
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figure 2: The open space of the library
Resources Figure 2: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seattle_Public_Library.jpg
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ION ORCHARD SINGAPORE
ARCHITECTS: BENOY ARCHITECTS Ion is a shopping centre on the Orchard road, which is a landmark of Singapore’s architecture. This shopping centre was designed by Benoy Architects and received “The Grand Award for Best Project outside Hong Kong” at 2010. The Ion Orchard illustrates the first pure monocoque facade and canopy structure in Singapore to support the loads that are imposed on the building. In addition, this building becomes an iconic monumental architecture in Singapore because of its innovative design techniques.
Benoy’s design idea for Ion Orchard was inspired by the contour lines of fruit and nuts. They imagined the natural process of growth in the orchard as an original point and then continued this theme in the design: “from seed to stem to tree”. Therefore, the canopy structure of the Ion Orchard is visually influenced by the roots and branches of the trees so that the powerful organic presence and uniquely free form facade will stimulate the interaction and communication between visitors and architecture.
Cartledge, the chairman of Benoy said that: “We are delighted that Ion Orchard has been recognised for its outstanding quality and innovative design. Ion Orchard makes a meaningful, breath-taking urban contribution to the built environment”. Therefore, the design intention for Ion Orchard is to create a space that has overtaken the commercial values of the shopping centre in the contemporary innovative architecture.
Resources ‘Ion Orchard: Singapore’s most Iconic Mall Opens’, http://agfacadesign.com/images/Layout-on-ION-Orchard.pdf ‘Ion Orchard’, 2013, http://www.ionorchard.com/en/about-ion-orchard ‘Benoy’s Ion Orchard, Singapore Recieves Quality Building Award’, June 2011, http://www.benoy.com/press/ benoy%E2%80%99s-ion-orchard-singapore-receives-quality-building-award
figure 3: Ion Orchard at night
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Top: figure 4 Ion Orchard with lighting effects Left: figure 5 ‘tree’ structure of Ion Orchard
Resources Figure 3: http://www.shkp.com/Pages/press-release-detail/1266 Figure 4: http://www.shkp.com/Pages/press-release-detail/1363 Figure 5: http://www.flickr.com/photos/naterobert/4008129237/
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A2
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COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE Computational architecture is a part of the discourse of architecture, which represents the technological aspect of design. In contemporary architecture, sometimes the architects should represent their works through computer based language. This kind of computer language can promote architecture to a new level. Therefore, it is very important to know how things can be worked and defined in the computer program at the first stage. Architects should consider their conceptual ideas in a different way compared to the traditional design, because they should to know the meaning of each command in the software and how they work. For instance, architects need to know that the algorithm of the program will explore different outcomes through various modifications. Currently, the use of computational design is reasonably effective in each stage of the design process. Sometimes, design can be seen as a problem solving process, because the architecture is quite complicated due to its connection between the social and cultural aspects.
Therefore, the computational design becomes an essential way to analyse the data in order to solve these complicated problems in design process. The computer programs are able to organise and analyse the information through the design process. By considering the different approaches of the computer based design for the contemporary architecture, it can be categorised into two groups, which are computerisation design and computational design. Computerisation design is defined as using computer program to improve the conceptual design ideas that already exist or have been generated by architects. Therefore, for me computerisation design simply transfers the conceptual ideas into the computer. Compared to computerisation design, computational design is aimed to develop the conceptual idea with the computer in the first stage. Architects can use the computational design tools to create a database to improve the design and the outcomes can be changed according to the various modifications.
Resources Terzidis, K., ‘Algorithmic Architecture’, 2006, Boston: elsevier, p.xi
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BEIJING NATIONAL STADIUM ARCHITECTS: Herzog & de Meuron
The Beijing National Stadium is a kind of monumental architecture because it is the main stadium for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing and it was designed by a computational design group: Herzog & de Meuron. At this time, the group decided to design something with the Chinese traditional elements. Therefore, the structure of the stadium is in the Chinese traditions. For instance, the patterns of the structure can be found in the Chinese grid type of windows or in the surface of porcelain and vases, where cracks are like very fine grade. These Chinese traditional patterns inspire them with the structure of the stadium.
The structure, surface and the space are the main components of architecture, and the most interesting and creative idea of this is to make these components falling together in one. As a monumental architecture, the national stadium has a size from south to north of almost about 326 meters, from east to west, it spans approximately 313 meters and nowhere in sight do we have any columns or anything holding the whole stadium up. This kind of size and this scale, a steel structure like this has never been done before.
To fulfil the aesthetic values of the Bird’s Nest has brought tremendous challenges to the constructors. To meet the mechanical requirements of such a large steel structure, 700 tons of high strength rolled steel was used in the construction of the Bird’s Nest. The connection of the steel components was achieved without the use of a single rivet, it was accomplished through welding. To achieve this, the chief evaluated and formalized 206 welding techniques, thus effectively providing accurate parameters for complicated welding in constructing the stadium. Therefore, it is a monumental design of China and it is also a very significant design to represent the computational architecture in the world.
Resources ‘The National Stadium, a new kind of public space for Beijing’, 2002, http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/ projects/complete-works/226-250/226-national-stadium.html
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figure 6: Beijing National Stadium Resources Figure 6: http://www.pixhd.net/wonders/View/1/preview4.html
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ABSOLUTE WORLD TOWER
ARCHITECTS: MAD Studio and Burka Architects “The Absolute Towers stretch the limits of paired sculptural form to create a marker on the skyline for a regional center.” The Absolute World Tower is located in Mississauga, Ontario and its construction stage was completed in 2012. It is a residential condominium twin tower skyscraper complex. This project was designed by MAD Studio and Burka Architects. The twin twisted tower is around 160 meters to 180 meters with 50 to 56 floors. And the recreation centre is around 2800 square meters. The form of Absolute World Tower brings distinctive views to the suburb of Toronto, which is a significant example of a private and public approach to the development of city. A natural, human feeling of the building can be evoked by the torsional form of it. In addition, the Absolute World Tower becomes an iconic architecture in Mississauga because of its connection to the natural landscape.
This is a computational architecture because of the torsional structure of the tower. It twists 209 degrees from the base to the top, making it very similar to Turning Torso in Sweden. The structure design was done by Sigmund Soudack & Associates, a Toronto-based almost 40-year-old structural engineering firm. As a monumental design, this building became the landmark architecture of Mississauga. In addition, the amazing structure of the building is a very successful computational design, especially for such a 56 floors skyscraper.
Resources ‘Absolute World Towers, Mississauga’, February 2013, http://www.ctbuh.org/TallBuildings/FeaturedTallBuildings/ FeaturedTallBuildingArchive2012/AbsoluteWorldTowersMississauga/tabid/3840/language/en-US/Default.aspx
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Top: figure 7 Absolute World Tower Left: figure 8 Conceptual diagram of torsional degrees of each floor
Resources Figure 7: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread. php?p=5951440 Figure 8: http://archweekpeopleandplaces.blogspot. com.au/2012/12/mad-architects-in-mississauga-ontario. html
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A3
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PARAMETRIC MODELLING Parametric modelling is a kind of digital architecture, which uses geometry as the parameters to write an equation for the design. These parameters and equations can be used as defining and shaping the form or the geometry of the contemporary parametric architecture. Parametric modelling tools are not only the new technology to digitise the model in computer program, but it also provides a new approach to improve the design both through the design process and the final outcomes. It is very important to consider the outcomes of parametric modelling. For instance, when you change one parameter, the other relevant parameters need to be calculated to finalise a new outcome. Therefore, the final outcome can be different according to the changing of parameters. Moreover, designers should know as much as possible about the relationship between computational design and traditional design. They should learn how to become more creative through this new technology and language of architecture.
Parametric modelling is that all elements of architecture have become parametrically malleable, and it is the way we do urbanism and architecture now. However, there are some disadvantages of parametric modelling. The first one is you cannot always illustrate your ideas using the parameters or equations in the computer program, such as some details of the idea that cannot be dealt with database. To develop a perfect database, which is optimum to the site is quite complicated, because you need to input much information about the site context into the database. Moreover, the mathematics based design such as the parametric design can result in a lack of creativity because the program will calculate and finalise the outcomes for you automatically. Despite the disadvantages of that, this new technology will provide an efficient way of design and encourage designers moving towards parametricsm.
Resources ‘Parametricism and the Autopoiesis of Architecture’, 2010, http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/ Parametricism%20and%20the%20Autopoiesis%20of%20Architecture.html
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SERPENTINE GALLERY PAVILION
ARCHITECTS: ALVARO SIZA AND EDUARDO SOUTO DE MOURA WITH CECIL BALMOND
The Serpentine Pavilion provided an opportunity to designers to create the temporary structure. Mainly, this is a parametric structure that is based on the landscape of the parkland. The aim of this project is to look more natural on the site. This is a good example in illustrating the relationship between the nature and the structure. Basically, the flow of the structure is quite coherent with the landscape of the park. The material of pavilion is timber and it is a natural material of the site. It also helps the whole structure look natural to the site.
Resources
In addition, the facade of the pavilion is a corrugated grid and it uses 427 wooden beams joined together. And it also used a lot of polycarbonate panels to create some shading on the inside cafe during a sunny day. The structure of the pavilion uses parametrical design method to control the final outcome of the pavilion. However, in this model, the parameters can only control the count, density and thickness of the waffle system. Therefore, it shows that the parametric design cannot always get a creative outcome although it is a reasonably innovative design method, and this is a kind of negative side of the parametric modeling.
As a discourse of architecture, the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion is quite successful in combining the structure and surrounding environments. It uses the language of architecture to illustrate the properties of the site. In addition, the furniture of the pavilion is also made with timber and it shows a good relationship with structure. As a temporary work of the site, the architects use the parametric design technique to show the context of the site. Additionally, the materials used in its construction reflected the interest in technical innovation mixed with tradition.
Brooker, G., ‘Basics Interior Architecture’, 2010, Switzerland: AVA Publishing, pp. 58-59
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Top: figure 9 Serpentine pavilion 2005 Left: figure 10 detailed waffle structure of the pavilion
Resources Figure 9: http://architecture.about. com/od/outdoorart/ss/London-Pavilions_7.htm Figure 10: http://www.flickr.com/photos/megapiksel/59985013/
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SNOWFLAKE TOWER
ARCHITECTS: Laboratory for Visionary Architecture The Snowflake Tower is located in Abu Dhabi and it was designed by LAVA – Laboratory for Visionary Architecture. The concept idea of the Snowflake Tower was influenced by the geometrical order of a snowflake, such as the changing process of the form. The snowflakes of the tower illustrate the natural patterns of the organization. In addition, architects also reflect the idea of speed, fluid dynamics, future technology by using the aerodynamics of a Formula 1 racing car. Architects learnt from the natural geometrical orders creating the efficient structures and intriguing spaces. The Snowflake Tower is a strong example, which uses parametric modelling tool to control the form of snowflake in each layer. As shown in the picture, the form of the snowflake can be changed by controlling the parameters of the geometry. Therefore, for the Snowflake Tower, the parametric modelling tool is the best way to control the form of snowflake in each layer.
This building becomes an iconic architecture because of its brilliant facade with minimal surfaces. The facade of the tower characterised by vertical slots with private balconies. The vertical dynamic of the facade was generated by the reflective fins and it can constantly change the appearance of the facade. In addition, the fins are able to control the solar shading in order to maintain the appropriate temperature in the building. Unlike the Serpentine Pavilion, architects tried to design a creative structure for snowflake tower with parametric modelling tool rather than the simple waffle system. They controlled the form of snowflake in each layer by changing the parameters of the geometry. As a result, parametric modelling is an innovative design method in contemporary architecture if you make an effort on avoiding the negative
figure 11: parametric form of snowflake
figure 12: parametric form of snowflake
side of it.
figure 13: parametric form of snowflake
Resources ‘LAVA- Snowflake Tower’, 12/04/2013, http://gbssmag.com/2013/04/lava-snowflake-tower/
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figure 14: example tower with corresponded snowflake configurations and parameters
Resources Figure 11-13: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/photo/snowflaketower7-1?context=al bum&albumId=2985220%3AAlbum%3A22665 Figure 14: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/photo/snowflaketower18-1
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A4. ALGORITHM EXPLORATION
Lofting and offset surface
In the first three weeks, I have learnt the basic parameters in Grasshopper, and I tried to write some simple definitions with these parameters. This is a very important stage that allow us exploring the ideas by using parametric modelling tools. In addition, this is the first time that I touched this design area, which the outcomes are controlled by the parameters in Grasshopper.
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A5. CONCLUSION By exploring the thinking of readings and precedents, I found that the computational design techniques are reasonably significant in defining the discourse of architecture. The computational design of architecture is a kind of innovative technology of architecture but it is currently widely used. It not only requires us to refine the design ideas, but also influences the ways of thinking during the design process. Through this exploration of precedents, I found that they adopted several computational design techniques and these techniques achieved different outcomes which will influence our exploration of the Gateway Project in Wyndham City.
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Our topic of the project is monument that should influence the site significantly. I would like to approach the project by exploring the relationship between the site and residents, and it is similar to the public discourse of Seattle Public Library, which focuses on the communication between the visitors and space. It influences us a lot about how to use design method to communicate between people and space, and it allows us to explore the relationship between materials and space in order to become more creative and innovative. In conclusion, I am required to design a project that is related to the site conditions. Additionally, it should provide a monumental influence to the site and enhance the attention to the suburb area with a strong and well thought.
A6. LEARNING OUTCOMES Initially, I was quite confused about the brief of the project in how I started and addressed the concept of the design and how it related to the practice of architecture. However, after I did the readings and attended to the lectures, I found that this subject is less about designing a building or a structure. It is more about the designing process that you undertake to achieve the certain design state. From the first part of the project, I have learnt the deeper meaning of architecture. Architecture is a discipline, which is more than the space and form.
Therefore, I am able to learn how to improve my design ideas during the design process. In my opinion, the Wyndham City project focuses on the design process that was undertaken and the exploration of thinking of the project. This subject provides an opportunity to us by thinking differently in architecture. In the next stage of the project, we are able to explore the advantages of computational design and parametric modelling for the Wyndham City Gateway Project, and how to realise and interpret the concept with computational design method.
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REFERENCES Dutton, T., ‘Reconstructing architecture: critical discourses and social practice’, 1996, Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, pp. 1-2 Dobson, J., “A Framework for Architectural Discourse”, http://www.ncl.ac.uk/kite/assets/downloads/discourse1. htm Ana Martins, ‘ICD and ITKE learn from the lobster’, MARK, Aprial 2013, ISSUE 43, p.49 Brooker, G., ‘Basics Interior Architecture’, 2010, Switzerland: AVA Publishing, pp.56-57 Alstad, C., ‘Public Space, Public Discourse, and Public Libraries’, http://libres.curtin.edu.au/libres13n1/pub_space. htm ‘Seattle Public Library’, 29/03/2004, http://www.arcspace.com/features/oma/seattle-public-library/ ‘Ion Orchard: Singapore’s most Iconic Mall Opens’, http://agfacadesign.com/images/Layout-on-ION-Orchard. pdf ‘Ion Orchard’, 2013, http://www.ionorchard.com/en/about-ion-orchard ‘Benoy’s Ion Orchard, Singapore Recieves Quality Building Award’, June 2011, http://www.benoy.com/press/ benoy%E2%80%99s-ion-orchard-singapore-receives-quality-building-award Terzidis, K., ‘Algorithmic Architecture’, 2006, Boston: elsevier, p.xi ‘The National Stadium, a new kind of public space for Beijing’, 2002, http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/ projects/complete-works/226-250/226-national-stadium.html ‘Absolute World Towers, Mississauga’, February 2013, http://www.ctbuh.org/TallBuildings/FeaturedTallBuildings/ FeaturedTallBuildingArchive2012/AbsoluteWorldTowersMississauga/tabid/3840/language/en-US/Default.aspx ‘Parametricism and the Autopoiesis of Architecture’, 2010, http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/Parametricism%20and%20the%20Autopoiesis%20of%20Architecture.html Brooker, G., ‘Basics Interior Architecture’, 2010, Switzerland: AVA Publishing, pp. 58-59 ‘LAVA- Snowflake Tower’, 12/04/2013, http://gbssmag.com/2013/04/lava-snowflake-tower/
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ILLUSTRATIONS Figure 1: Brooker, G., ‘Basics Interior Architecture’, 2010, Switzerland: AVA Publishing, p.57 Figure 2: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Seattle_Public_Library.jpg Figure 3: http://www.shkp.com/Pages/press-release-detail/1266 Figure 4: http://www.shkp.com/Pages/press-release-detail/1363 Figure 5: http://www.flickr.com/photos/naterobert/4008129237/ Figure 6: http://www.pixhd.net/wonders/View/1/preview4.html
Figure 7: http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?p=5951440 Figure 8: http://archweekpeopleandplaces.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/mad-architects-in-mississauga-ontario.html Figure 9: http://architecture.about.com/od/outdoorart/ss/London-Pavilions_7.htm Figure 10: http://www.flickr.com/photos/megapiksel/59985013/ Figure 11-13: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/photo/snowflaketower7-1?context=album&albumId=2985220%3AA lbum%3A22665 Figure 14: http://www.grasshopper3d.com/photo/snowflaketower18-1
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PART B
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST DESIGN APPROACH
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B1. DESIGN FOCUS In this section of the journal, the combination of the case studies was exploded to explain our initial design ideas and design approach. There are varieties of material systems that we can choose and then develop our design ideas step by step. Our group’s topic is the monumental and we chose the grid and lattice as our material system and at the first stage we focused on the repetition of the basic geometry, which we found was a very interesting aspect. According to the analysis of the precedents, we found that we cannot explore our design idea well if we only focus on one precedent. This allowed us to focus on different perspectives to find the most relevant one to our design approach. As a result, in this stage, the analysis of the case studies gave us a strong understanding of the parametric modelling and the grasshopper plug-in
According to the brief of the project, we need to design a gateway sculpture beside the highway to the Wyndham City. In my opinion, this gateway sculpture should provide a unique feeling to people when they traveling to the Wyndham City. Therefore, our group wants to design a sculpture that touches the visitors visually and emotionally. We hope this representative gateway is not only a landmark of city, but also could bring very strong emotional impact and rational thinking to all visitors. Therefore, we chose Canton tower as the reverse engineering and outer connection inspiration, ‘B of the Bang’ by Thomas Heatherwick studio as the emotional and visual expressing inspiration to develop this project.
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B2. CASE STUDY 1.0-- LUNCH BOX
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In case study 1.0, we tried to create as many variations of design outcomes as possible by controlling the parameters in grasshopper. We tried a lot of ways to produce grid and lattices outcomes in order to find the most interesting direction of our design approach. After producing the matrix, we found that the LunchBox in case study 1.0 is limited in regular patterns and structure, and we were not happy with these outcomes because they were lack of creativity. Therefore, we decided to produce custom grid that can reflect our ideas of touching the visitors both visually and emotionally.
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DESIGN CONCEPT
figure 15: people was isolated by barbed wire
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At the initial point of the whole design, we were inspired by a fiction called ‘Blueprints for a Barbed Wire Canoe’ to generate our design approach. This book reflects a serious social issue by discussing the life experiences of people who live in an isolated suburb. Though the contemporary city is developing quickly and everexpanding, problems still occur in many aspects in daily life of people who live in outer areas. For those people, one of the most serious problems is being isolated as lacking of transportation methods and this problem could result in a lower quality of life.
“In the fiction, as the old neighbours move out of the community, residents left there are unavoidably becoming more and more hopeless, empty and aggressive. They huddle tightly but stand lonely and fearfully in that forgotten wild. Their life looks like a journey to death.” As our design topic is “monumental”, we considered that a monumental project should concern more about the social issues rather than its powerful visualization. Hence, we want the project to be criticisable to the isolation problem by reflecting the inner emotion of the isolated residents. In addition, we want this project could not only show the cultural and social context but also wake the public to notice the existence of the problem.
Resources Macauley, W., ‘Blueprints for a Barbed Wire Canoe’, 2004, Melbourne: The Text Publishing Company Figure 15: http://www.blackbirdtree.co.uk/Barbed%20wire.html
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B3. CASE STUDY 2.0 CANTON TOWER
Architects: Information Based Architects The Canton Tower is a building that was designed by Information Based Architects with a twist structure. The tower illustrates the practical uses of structural design and the connection of the structure is a good example to enhance the concept about the relationship of individuals. Then we try to create the digital model with grasshopper. Through the parametric design process, two ellipses are joined together in a twisting motion, which was rotated around the central point. Then, we created the grid using divided curve command in grasshopper and rotated it in using the slider command.
In Canto Tower, the tight and complex connection of twisted curves supports the stable structure of it. Hence, the reverse engineering processes of the Canton Tower is very important, because the connection of the twisted curves inspired us most about expressing the inner relationship of people in Wyndham City. In the further stages of design process, we need to make an effort to change the form of the model using the parameters in grasshopper to find the most suitable design technique of the Gateway project in Wyndham City.
RESOURCES http://www.archdaily.com/89849/canton-tower-information-based-architecture/
CURVE CURVE
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LOFT SURFACE
GRID BRACED REVERSE SURFACE
GRID BRACED
LINE
PIPE
LINE
PIPE
figure 16: the structure of Canton tower
EXPLORATION OF MAKING SPIRAL PIPES
EXPLORATION OF MAKING STRIP PIPES
EXPLORATION OF MAKING SPARIAL CUSTOM RECTANGULAR LATTICE
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B4. DESIGN TECHNIQUE MATRIX ROTATIONAL DEGREE VARIATION 1: 0 NUMBER OF LINES DIVIDED POINTS ON CURVE
1
3
6
9 37
2
3
VARIATION 2: 45
5
10
2
3
5
10
VARIATION 3: 90 2
3
VARIATION 4: 180 5
10
2
3
5
10
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B 4.1 TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT After exploring the matrix of canton tower, we found that the outcomes of line work are too general to achieve our design concept. As they cannot satisfy our design approach, we did a deeper analysis of the ‘B of the Bang’ sculpture, which was designed by Thomas Heatherwick Studio. We found that this project not only shows the idea of powerful, but also reflects the sense of gravity, extensive, as well as aggressive. This project inspired us significantly about the method to express the inner emotion of people. We considered using the ‘thorns’ of the sculpture to represent their personality, emotion and living status in Wyndham City. For people who live in the isolated area, it is difficult to communicate with the outside world because of the relatively poor telecommunication infrastructure development. Therefore, they would feel mute and adrift. After searching the living status of isolated area, we want our project to achieve the outcomes that can appeal the society to pay close attention to the people who live in Suburb.
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We chose Canton Tower as the reverse engineering project and it provided the method by building curves through a set of controlling points on surface. As mentioned before, this method linked each single strip together which shows the tight and complex inner relationship of these individuals. Therefore, the Canton Tower mainly provided a structural connection inspiration to reflect the strong relationship of people in Wyndham City. However, the ‘B of the Bang’ project deeply influenced us by its aggressive visualization in order to express the new generation of the community. In addition, we used the life of star to express the emotion of the residents, because the self –compression energy of the star imposes the force towards the center while they expand to achieve a sphere outward.
Top: figure 17 the B of the Bang sculpture Left: figure 18 the self-compression energy of the star
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B 4.2 TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX OF THE NETWORK SURFACE
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In order to represent the isolation of the area, we considered to use a network outside to separate the people with outside world. We think that the left residents are relatively separated with the outside world just like birds in a cage. Hence the representing vectors should be limited by a half transparent geometry, and we chose wired sphere, which is simple, pure, partly seeing through and powerful. Therefore, the exploration of matrix is very important in order to find the final outcome.
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B 4.3 TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT
We believe that the left residents might experience deeply upset, helpless and even angry feeling. To translate this into visual language, firstly, we symbolize each individual into a sharp 3D triangle segment, and array it into a strip to represent the life process of a resident. This is inspired by the Heatherwick’s work about the ideas of aggressiveness. Then we oriented the strips in order to express the emotion of the residents in isolated area. We decided to make all strips pointing to the center of the network structure, which was inspired by the process of becoming a neutron for a star (the self-compression of energy).
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In the next stage of the project, we want to random split the strips and attach them to the network surface. The number of the strips mat represent the groups of people in Wyndham City or people in different cultural. For the arrow strips, we want them to reflect the force that against the network. It means that the people in Wyndham City want to burst the isolation to the outside. Therefore, the connections between the surface and inside become and an innovative and risky design technique, because in order to make the suspended strips successfully, we need to find a really strong connection method to solve the gravity problem.
THE CONNECTION TECHNIQUE OF ‘PEOPLE’
MATERIAL AND METHOD TO PRODUCE THE NETWORK
The process of construcing the network surface is really difficult. Therefore, we consider to use the basketball as a reference. However, the size of it is too small and out of the scale. Then, we used a box as a reference to make a plain network and then bent it into a curve.
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B5. TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES
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After exploring the ideas with grasshopper, we made some prototypes in order to achieve the design approach physically. For the prototypes, we mainly focus on using different materials to achieve the final outcome. We cut a small circle in the centre of the connection pieces in order to connect them into a strip by using wires. However, this time we failed in connection them with triangle pieces because of its size. Moreover, we want to use these connections to represent the people that are controlled by the barbed wire (side view: similar to the knot on the barbed wire).
Therefore, another innovative idea of our design is the combination of the material. We want to use materials to reflect the innermost being of people. Hence, we tried three kinds of material and two connections to text which one can reflect our design idea more effective. The most interesting trial of materials is to combine the MDF and plastic together to achieve a different view of “people�. We thought that they could have positive emotion to the site although they are isolated. Therefore, we tried to use clear materials to reflect their positive emotion and pure inward.
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B6. TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL
As the monumental meaning of the project, the location of it is reasonably important because it should stimulate the exploration of thinking of the site when visitors see it at the first time. Hence, we decided to put it on site A, because this is a good consideration of the site that the visitors are able to see the whole project from both side of the freeway, especially when they access to the Wyndham City.
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Further development for this project for us meant a stronger connection between the network surface and inside, as well as in grasshopper. According to the prototypes, we found that the connection between the surface network and the inside is a challenge work in both digital model and physical model. We need to write definition in grasshopper to connect them as a whole structure in order to make it strong and stable.
B7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES After the mid-semester presentation, the feedbacks we received could help us improve and refine our design approach more effectively. A very challenge development that we need to explore in our further design is to test another connection method of the “people” instead of the arrow. Because the arrow form in architecture is too strong that could interrupt visitor’s understanding of the whole project.
Another problem is our concept is too absolute in criticizing the negative side of the site. However, we need to consider in the future about how to express the positive emotion of the residents in order to achieve a harmonious condition of the site. Additionally, the light effect of the project is also quite important that we need to consider as it will allow our project to have an interesting visual effect.
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B.8 ALGORITHMIC EXPOLRATION
Blue Block The definition in the blue block represent the first stage of the waffle system. It divided the surface into x and y direction and created a box with 8 corners. And then divided the curves on the x-plane and y-plane. Next, it oriented the planes in it direction of each division point according to the reference point A.
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Green Block The definition of the green block is made so you can set up the number of sections in the X and Y axis separately , also you can set up the height of each sections as well as the thickness of the material you are going to work with.
Pink Block The next stage is to make the x and y oriented plane into a surface to form the waffle system. Finally, the lattices in the x and y direction are created the grid of the waffle system. Then, we can bake the planar surface in the x and y direction to form the waffle system.
Red Block The definition in the red block shows the method to create the gap for the construction of the physical model. Finally the definitions orients al the parts to the X-Y axis with an ID tag so you can easily organize them and get them ready for the CNC mill or the laser cutter.
Y direction
X direction
Perspective view
Right view
Top view
Front view
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REFERENCES http://www.archdaily.com/89849/canton-tower-information-based-architecture/ Macauley, W., ‘Blueprints for a Barbed Wire Canoe’, 2004, Melbourne: The Text Publishing Company ILLUSTRATIONS: Figure 15: http://www.blackbirdtree.co.uk/Barbed%20wire.html Figure 16: http://wordlesstech.com/2010/12/19/canton-tower-guangdong-china/ Figure 17: http://www.kakinan.com/alex/archives/2009/06/Dismantling-B-of-the-Bang.php Figure 18: http://scitechdaily.com/colliding-neutron-stars-produce-gold/
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