Air journal submission part A+B by keith chan

S T U D I O

A I R

KEITH CHAN 2016 SEMESTER 1 TUTOR:MATTHEW MCDONNELL

CONTENTS

PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION

S E L F - I N T RO D U C T I O N

A.1 DESIGN FUTURING 1 . E C O R E S O R T I N UA E

2. HYPERIONS

A . 2 D E S I G N C O M P U TA T I O N 1. COOPER UNION

2 . YO KO H A M A F E R RY T E R M I N A L

A.3 COMPOSITION/GENERATION 1 . L A S AG R A D A FA M I L I A

2. EDEN

A.4 CONCLUSION

A.5 LEARNING OUTCOMES

A.6 ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

APPENDIX

SELF-INTRODUCTION

Hi, I am Keith Chan. Now I am studying my third year of architecture study in University of Melbourne. I was born and raised in Hong Kong. After finishing my public exam there, I decided to apply for University of Melbourne as this city is one of the most amazing places in the world. At that time I reckoned this will be an unforgettable journey and this feeling still implies at this moment. In the second year of my study, I gained some technical knowledge by attending the Water Studio course. Through the course, I had to use different programs to draw out the site, the building and the plans. Hence, I gained some knowledge of several softwares such as Rhino, Autocad, Photoshop and Illustrator. I am pretty familiar with these softwares but not an expert of using them. Before attending this Air course, I have heard people saying this course is Grasshopper-oriented. I knew that this software enables people to change their designs by plugging in different components. It can reduce the amount of time spent of changing errors and creating some crazy and complex shapes. It will be a tough challenge of getting familiar with this program but I will accept it.

A . 1

D E S I G N

F U T U R I N G

I m a ge re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p s : / / i . y t i m g. c o m / v i / 2 k 6 1 O R G Z 8 h 8 / m a x re s d e f a u l t . j p g A c c e s s e d a t 1 6 M a rc h 2 0 1 6

Figure 1.

Eco Resort in UAE by Baharash Architecture This is a project about designing an eco resort in Dubai, the southern region of UAE. The starting point of this project was because that groundwater could be extracted by deep wells. So the spring was the major focus of the project as the whole building is surrouding it.1 Also, the spring provides various recreational activities there, such as fish farming and crop irrigation. The spring creates a big contrast with the desert as water can be hardly seen in such a remote area.

Eco Resort changes the ways of our usual thinking and practice. Most of the projects in the reality were built with manmade resources. However, this project used the groundwater, a natural resource, to be one of the features of the building. This provides some space for us to consider the choice of materiality of our buildings in the future. Is utilizing more natural resources to be part of the building practical? Is it more sustainable? These are questions and thinkings that can change the whole industry in terms of design futuring.

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Figure 2.

In terms of designing futuring, this project illustrates how to strike a balance between building a project and sustainability. From the roof we can see that there are a huge area installed with solar panels. This allows most of the energy can be obtained from the natural environment, and not using unrenewable resources that can damage the nature seriously.

Figure 3.

The most valuable ideas of this project are the using of renewable resources and the maximum use of the site.These are really useful ideas that can change and inspire our future on designing buildings. Also because of the sufficient sunlight of the site, transparent glasses are used to provide natural lighting to the indoor area. These designs can really reduce lots of unnecessary waste of energy.

Figure 4.

F i g. F i g. F i g. F i g.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Pe r s p e c t i ve v i e w o f t h e E c o re s o r t I n t e r i o r l o o k o f t h e E c o re s o r t S o l a r p a n e l s o f t h e E c o re s o r t H u m a n eye - v i e w o f t h e g ro u n d w a t e r i n t h e c e n t re

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

1 . S m i t h , H o l l i e , V i n c e n t C a l l e b a u t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hy p e r i o n s i s a s u s t a i n a bl e e c o s y s t e m t h a t re s i s t s c l i m a t e c h a n g e , < h t t p : / / w w w. d e s i g n b o o m . c o m / a rc h i t e c t u re / v i n c e n t - c a l l e b a u t - hy p e r i o n s - s u s t a i n a bl e - e c o s y s tem-02-22-2016/> [ a c c e s s e d 1 0 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Hyperions by Vincent Callebaut Architecture

Hyperions is an innovative project held in Delhi, India.The most incredible feature behind it is the idea of using architecture as a way to resist climate change, and to combine sustainable food systems with buildings. This project consists of 6 towers, each of them contains residential and office spaces.We can see that the most of the buildings have green areas on their exterior surfaces, roofs and grounds. This is because the aim of this project is to combine urban renaturation, small-scaled farming and natural environment with the buildings. 1 The idea of this project is to maintain energy consumption level lower than the energy production level. This is a great approach to achieve sustainability of the design futuring topic.

Also, the vertical building structure has some special reasons behind it. For each roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s balcony, there is plenty of space for vegetation to growth. They can obtain sunlight directly and grow healthily. Also for the roof, it contains a transperant cover with a huge space for the plants to grow. With this vertical building design, less land is needed for the growth of vegetation. And the food provided in this building can solve the problem of peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s food need. This intelligent idea really achieve the aim of sustainability because the whole building can work in a long term.

Figure 3.

F i g. 1 . T i m b e r s t r u c t u re o f t h e H y p e r i o n s F i g. 2 . H u m a n eye v i e w o f t h e H y p e r i o n s F i g. 3 . G re e n e nv i ro n m e n t o f t h e ro o f i n t h e H y p e r i o n s F i g. 4 . B i rd eye v i e w o f t h e H y p e r i o n s

The use of the vertical space and the sustainability it aimed to achieve provide an inspiration and change our usual ways of thinking. As our size of the land will be reduced later on, it is our responsibility to think of some ideas to solve the problem. This building provides ideas for us to consider our use of space and how do we obtain resources in the futre.

Figure 4.

A . 2

D E S I G N

C O M P U TA T I O N

I m a ge re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p s : / / o p e n l a b. c i t y t e c h . c u ny. e d u / f u s e l a b / f i l e s / 2 0 1 2 / 1 1 / c o m p Fa b 3 . jpg A c c e s s e d a t 1 6 M a rc h 2 0 1 6

Cooper Union Building by Morphosis Architecture

Figure 1.

1.Bar n, Iwan, The Cooper Union f or the Advancement of Science and Art, < h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 4 0 4 7 1 / t h e - c o o p e r - u n i o n - f o r - t h e - a d v a n c e m e n t - o f - s c i e n c e - a n d - a r t - m o r p h o s i s a rc h i t e c t s > [ a c c e s s e d 1 4 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Figure 2.

Utilizing computers has become one of the most essential and helpful tools in terms of designing, which can also change a virtual concept to a real 3D space in different softwares, helping architects to have a practical image of the building in their mind. In the old times, architects can only use pencils to draw out different plans and sections in their designing process. This method is very time-consuming, it also costs them very long to correct once they had some mistakes. Not to mention that drawing a 3D building was pretty hard at that time. With the improvement of computer programmes, architects can produce their work more effectively. One of the example could be the invention of ‘explicit history’. Even though at a later time there were different 3D softwares for architects to use, it still took them a long time to change their design when they were not satisfied with it.

Figure 3.

Yet, having ‘explicit history’, softwares can now save the datas of the design process and architects can change their design with just clicking their model a few times. For example, the interior parametric design of Cooper Union Building’s roof and the facades (figure 2-3) can be changed quickly by using ‘explicit history’, which could save architects a lot of time. Also by using computation, the atrium appearance can look very organic and complex. 1 The softwares help us to draw out and complete different meshes, which make the atrium to be one of the most amazing features of this building.

Figure 4.

F i g. F i g. F i g. F i g.

1. 2. 3. 4.

H u m a n eye v i e w o f t h e C o o p e r U n i o n B u i l d i n g R o o f a n d t h e s t a i rc a s e o f t h e C o o p e r U n i o n B u i l d i n g Fa c a d e o f t h e s t a i rc a s e o f t h e C o o p e r U n i o n B u i l d i n g D eve l o p m e n t o f t h e a t r i u m i n t h e C o o p e r U n i o n B u i l d i n g

Figure 1.

Yokohama Ferry Terminal by Foreign Office Architects Utilizing computers led to the use of more complex shapes and designs of different buildings in the modern world. By the aid of computer softwares, we are able to create complicated facades and designs for the buildings. In the past, by using hand-drawing or low technology skills, curves, topography, complex shapes can be hardly seen in the buildings as it was extremely hard to create such shapes without the help of computer softwares. Buildings in the past were mostly consisting flat surfaces and there were not much designs on their facades. Even though there could be some special shapes being considered to be built, the structure support to the buildings was another issue to be concerned. Hence, with the advanced computer programmes, it is no longer a fairy tale to build some complex buildings from now on.

Yokohama Ferry Terminal contains so many complex designs because of the help of the advanced programmes. For Figure 2 and 3, the complex shapes of the roof and the changing levels of the pathways illustrate the importance of the help of computer programmes. 1 When designing these elements, advanced programmes provide a medium for architects to see their outcomes in different angles. This allows them to have more room to improve and correct some of the unsatisfying designs. With the help of the programmes, it is much easier and more effective for the architects to create amazing appearances of the buildings.

1 . L a n g d o n , D av i d , A D C l a s s i c s : Yo ko h a m a I n t e r n a t i o n a l P a s s e n ge r Te r m i n a l , < h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 5 5 4 1 3 2 / a d - c l a s s i c s - yo ko h a m a - i n t e r n a t i o n a l - p a s s e n ge r - t e r m i n a l - f o re i g n - o f f i c e - a rc h i t e c t s - f o a > [ a c c e s s e d 1 4 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Figure 2.

Computing brings the design practice to another level and keeps to improve continuosly. There are more opportunities to investigate some particular designs and to improve them throughout different testings. From figure 4 we can see there are some facade studies of the Yokohama Terminal, which allows architects to figure out which facade can fit the building most.

Figure 3.

Computing also ables to transfer 2D drawings to 3D models which could greatly increase the productivity of architects as the models are more practical. They will be able to see the project as a whole and it is easier for them to figure out approaches to fix the existing problems. All in all, computing helps architects to improve and enhance their designs. With the improvement of the softwares, the future architecture field will only get better and better and this provide a great help to the industry.

Figure 4.

F i g. F i g. F i g. F i g.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Pe r s p e c t i ve v i e w o f t h e Yo ko h a m a Fe r r y Te r m i n a l G e o m e t r i c e l e m e n t s o f t h e ro o f a n d t h e p a t h G e o m e t r i c a n d d i f f e re n t l eve l l i n g s o f t h e p a t h w ay Fa c a d e s t u d i e s A - D

A . 3

C O M P O S I T I O N / G E N E R A T I O N

I m a ge re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 6 1 8 4 2 2 / a re - c o m p u t e r s - b a d - f o r - a rc h i t e c t u re A c c e s s e d a t 1 6 M a rc h 2 0 1 6

La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudi

20 Figure 1.

Figure 1.

La Sagrada Familia is a cathedral in Spain that looks similar to the old cathedrals, such as the Gothic cathedrals. Yet its construction process is still ongoing and there are some differences between them. From the old Gothic cathedrals, there are some flying buttresses which were used to transfer the horizontal loads to the ground. However, in La Sagrada Familia, only columns are used to do this job.

Figure 3.

The advantage of using generation in La Sagrada Familia is to create some features in an easier way. The hyperboloids, facades and naves are complex systems that required lots of efforts to design and required computing to help us to do the work. It also previews that is the design suitable to this church.The shortcoming part could be the effect of using generating design does not suit with the old modern looking church. It could look weird for some people and they do not prefer this design.

Parametric modelling can be seen this church (Figure 3). The light come from the vault can come through this parametric facade and become one of the features in this building. 1 The generation approach of this church fusions the old and modern design intro one building, which is a great idea.

F i g. F i g. F i g. F i g.

1. 2. 3. 4.

Figure 4.

Pe r s p e c t ive v i e w o f t h e L a S a g ra d a Fa m i l i a C e n t ra l n ave s o f t h e L a S a g ra d a Fa m i l i a P a ra m e t r i c d e s i g n o f t h e t h e L a S a g ra d a Fa m i l i a G e n e ra l i n t e r i o r v i e w o f t h e L a S a g ra d a Fa m i l i a

1 . Jo n e s , R e n n i s , A D C l a s s i c s : L a S a g ra d a Fa m i l i a / A n t o n i G a u d i < h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 4 3 8 9 9 2 / a d - c l a s s i c s - l a - s a g ra d a - f a m i l i a - a n t o n i - g a u d i > [ a c c e s s e d 1 7 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Eden Project by Grimshaw Architect Eden project is a scheme held in Qingdao, China. The biggest feature of it is the complex and organic faรงade. In fact, the surface is also a structure to the building which has least weight and large area of the curve. The three layers of the building provide strength to the cover of the building. 1

Eden project illustrates how architectural practice react to the change from composition to generation. Back to the old day, buildings usually contain of some normal roofs, truss systems and columns to be components of them. However, the generation approach inverts the traditional thinking process and create a brand new design outcome.

One of the examples of the changes is the choice of materials being used. Traditional buildings used concrete, steel to complete the building project in order to transfer the load to the ground. However, in this generation approach, the double-curved glulam and ETFE windows, which are brand new materials that never used in the past. They can used to create the curve surface that takes huge loads to the ground.

1 . C row, H u f t o n , A rc h i t e c t u re a t E d e n < h t t p s : / / w w w. e d e n p ro j e c t . c o m / e d e n - s t o r y / b e h i n d t h e - s c e n e s / a rc h i t e c t u re - a t - e d e n > [ a c c e s s e d 1 7 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Figure 1.

The advantage of using generation in the design process is that it can bring new conceptual designs and outlooks to the others. The use of the hexagon windows in this example provides some bubble shapes which is very new in terms of architectural design. However, it also has some disadvantages such as the design outcome does not suit the existing context very much. Figure 3.

F i g. 1 . Pe r s p e c t i ve v i e w o f t h e E d e n P ro j e c t F i g. 2 . I n t e r i o r o f t h e s t r u c t u re a n d ro o f o f t h e E d e n P ro j e c t

A.4

CONCLUSION In Part A, we had a simple journey of discovering the future and the change of the context of the design concept. Computation has a great impact in this area and can be a crucial factor in the contemporary architecture designs. This concept also relates to other important areas such as the generation design approach and parametric modellings. They matters a lot in the contemporary architecture.

My intended design approch is to use computation to create contemporary architecture outcomes with the aim of achieving generation approach and sustainability. I hope to create products that can be sustainable, high functionability and great appearance that can be different to the old architecture buildings. This innovative idea can be done by using special curves and materials.

A . 5

L E A R N I N G

O U T C O M E S

The experience of using Grasshopper is the most important and memorable during the past few weeks. When exploring this software, I can really tell that it helps us with the design process a lot. It is because that the invention of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;explicit historyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; have a great impact to us. When we are not satisfied with the design outcome, we can fix the problem without changing the whole model again. It is hoped that in the following few weeks I can explore more from this powerful software and create designs that can really satisfy the contemporary architecture requirements.

A . 6

A L G O R I T H M I C

S K E T C H E S

Creating a vase by grasshopper is the task assigned in week one. In drawing this vase out, the component â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;loftâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is the main idea of it and the basic idea was to create different curves and to loft them into one complete vase.Rotating the vase is also an important theory because it provides a more curvy lines to the body and looks more attractive.

The task in week two is to discover the ways of making a pergoda. For the first step of this production, I first discovered the way of creating the surface filled with hexagon elements. With the help of Grasshopper, I can adjust the size of the hexagon and make the desired outcome. The facade of the pergoda is pretty awesome and this is similar to the generation approach, the conceptual change of the outlook in the architectural field.

This is the perspective look of the pergoda. There are some different in the levels of the components in the roof. This can give a special sense and create a different feeling to the others.

A P P E N D I X

Bar n, Iwan, The Cooper Union f or the Advancement of Science and Art, < h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 4 0 4 7 1 / t h e - c o o p e r - u n i o n - f o r - t h e - a d v a n c e m e n t - o f - s c i e n c e - a n d - a r t - m o r p h o s i s a rc h i t e c t s > [ a c c e s s e d 1 4 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Jo n e s , R e n n i s , A D C l a s s i c s : L a S a g ra d a Fa m i l i a / A n t o n i G a u d i < h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 4 3 8 9 9 2 / a d - c l a s s i c s - l a - s a g ra d a - f a m i l i a - a n t o n i - g a u d i > [ a c c e s s e d 1 7 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

L a n g d o n , D av i d , A D C l a s s i c s : Yo ko h a m a I n t e r n a t i o n a l P a s s e n ge r Te r m i n a l , < h t t p : / / w w w. a rc h d a i ly. c o m / 5 5 4 1 3 2 / a d - c l a s s i c s - yo ko h a m a - i n t e r n a t i o n a l - p a s s e n ge r - t e r m i n a l - f o re i g n - o f f i c e - a rc h i t e c t s - f o a > [ a c c e s s e d 1 4 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

N e i ra , J u l i a n a , B a h a ra s h A rc h i t e c t u re u nve i l s p l a n s f o r wo rl d â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s g re e n e s t e c o re s o r t i n UA E , < h t t p : / / w w w. d e s i g n b o o m . c o m / a rc h i t e c t u re / b a h a ra s h - a rc h i t e c t u re - wo rl d s - g re e n e s t - re sort-uae-03-03-2016/> [ a c c e s s e d 1 0 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

S m i t h , H o l l i e , V i n c e n t C a l l e b a u t â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hy p e r i o n s i s a s u s t a i n a bl e e c o s y s t e m t h a t re s i s t s c l i m a t e c h a n ge , < h t t p : / / w w w. d e s i g n b o o m . c o m / a rc h i t e c t u re / v i n c e n t - c a l l e b a u t - hy p e r i o n s - s u s t a i n a bl e - e c o s y s tem-02-22-2016/> [ a c c e s s e d 1 0 M a rc h 2 0 1 6 ]

Spanish Pavilion by Foreign Office Architects Patterning has been one of the new design for the facades of the buildings. There were development of the patterning design , which now include different combination for the exterior look. Spanish Pavilion contains one of the most appealing facade in recent years. For the exterior look, it has thousands of tiles connecting each other, forming a colorful skin for the pavilion. The starting point of this design was based on traditional Spanish and Islamic lattices found in late-Gothic cathedrals, and different tiles represented different traditions.2 The theme fused together with the hexagonal geometries to form the patterning facade.

The conceptual design of Spanish Pavilion was based on two different tiles, with and without center aperture. The two different tiles create a difference at the facade of the pavilion. And the choice of the conceptual design was based on red and yellow of the Spanish flag, also comes along with different distinctions, such as rose and sun.3 This pavilion provides some idea on the conceptual design implications of our AIR studio project. The patterns of a building need to have a reason to make the project has a explaination and reasonable flow of design process. Otherwise, the developement of the project would be very weird.

I m a ge re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p s : / / w w w. a rc h i t e c t u re . c o m / R I B A / A w a rd s / R I B A I n t e r n a t i o n a l P r i z e / 2 0 0 5 / S p a n i s h - P a v i l i o n . a s p x , h t t p : / / w w w. f a r s h i d m o u s s av i . c o m / n o d e / 2 7 # s p a n i s h _ p av i l i o n _ a t _ t h e _ 2 0 0 5 _ wo rl d _ e x p o _ a i c h i _ j a pan_27_8 A c c e s s e d a t 3 0 M a rc h 2 0 1 6

B . 1

R E S E A R C H

F I E L D

PA T T E R N I N G

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patterns are the sense of paradigms and models, have served as points of reference for architecture since the Middle ages.â&#x20AC;?1

There are also different opportunities for the design of the patterns. Spanish Pavilion used tiles with different colors, dimension and content to make this appealing facade. Thinking oppositely, other than using large shapes, we can use small and density holes to make different patterning outcomes. For example, the Restaurant Aoba-Tei in Japan used perforated surfaces to create beautiful spaces. The use of dark and soft color, the density of different spaces can also create different great patterns. The opportunity is to based on the story and the idea of the design, then to discover and maximize the possibilities to create the patterns.

For the fabrication concerns, the work on connecting the tiles could be a bit tougher than the perforated surfaces. With the advance skill of machines, it is now easier to produce accurate surfaces for the facades of the buildings. However, for connecting tiles or other reality elements, the fabrication is a relatively easy issue, but the connection between them is more complex. For example, if the pattern of the facade consists of stone and steel reinforcing strips, like the Chokkura Plaza4, it will be a bit more labour intensive to build the surface out. So the fabrication concerns are also important issues to concern about.

1 . A n d re a G l e i n i g e r, P a t t e r n : O r n a m e n t , S t r u c t u re , a n d B e h av i o r, ( B i rk h a u s e r Ve rl a g AG, 2 0 0 9 ) , p. 5 5 . 2 . B e n Pe l l , T h e A r t i c u l a t e S u r f a c e : O r n a m e n t a n d Te c h n o l o gy i n C o n t e m p o ra r y A rc h i t e c t u re , ( B i r k h a u s e r G m b H B a s e l , 2 0 1 0 ) , p. 1 6 4 . 3 . I b i d . , p. 1 6 5 .

B . 2

CA S E

Iteration 1

Oxagon

S T U DY

1 . 0

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Unexpected twist

Difference in sizes

Add Circle to intersections

Add attractor curve

Attractor curves

Add attraction point

Add attractor point

Unexpected twist outcome

Change of circle sizes

Change size of circles

Triangles oriented

Change of circle sizes

Add attractor square

Add sharp ends

MATRIX EXPLORATION Iteration 4

Iteration 5

Change base shapes

Add solid pentagons

Add repeatative circles

Change base shapes

Add multiple triangles

Add repeatative pentagons

Change base shapes

Add horizontal elements

Change the shapes

Add horizontal elements

Add large triangles

Add voids to the edges

Add triangles inside

Add intersecting lines

Repeatative of two circles

MOST SUCCESSFUL ITERATIONS

Our brief is to design a bird hide, with the technique of folding and carving. Although these iterations are not totally based on these concepts, they can still be partly applied to the bird hide design.

The bird hide facade can work well with the use of patterning. In this pattern, it allows the sunlight to get in and produce interesting shadows. The difference of the circles also creates a cool surface.

The use of the hidden circle can produce a special facade to the bird hide. The size of the circles are different throughout the design. This can create a repetitive pattern which will be quite interesting.

The most significant feature of this pattern is the contrast of the base and the circles. The dark and light area creates a special pattern and allow people to peek out from the bird hide.

This pattern is pretty different from the other three ones. This pattern mainly uses the positions of the straight lines to create a pattern. It also increases the density when the lines go to another end.

SPECULATION

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Iterations from this design exercise helps me to explore many design possibilities of different geometries. Other than simply being the facade of different buildings, the patterning shapes can also be the structure of some projects (Figure 1). Considering the shape of the outcomes, it is definitely possible to use it as the structure of a pavilion, where the whole structure is linked together to provide strength to itself. For example, using the 4 outcomes in the previous page, they can combined to create a pavilion which allows sunlight to penetrate through and create interesting shadows. The shadow places can be used as spots for people to rest and chat with each others.

I m a g e re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p : / / w w w. evo l o. u s / w p - c o n t e n t / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 0 / 0 5 / p o l a n d - p av i l i o n - s h a n g h a i - 2 0 1 0 . j p g ( F i g u re 1 ) , h t t p : / / d e s i g n a n d m a ke . a a s c h o o l . a c . u k / w p - c o n t e n t / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 0 / 0 4 / p av _ s wo o s h 1 . j p g ( F i g u re 2 ) Accessed at 1 April 2016

Figure 1.

34 Figure 2.

Figure 3.

B. 3

CA S E

S T U DY

2 . 0

Galleria Centercity by UNStudio The Galleria Centercity is a building located at Cheonan, South Korea. One of the most amazing feature of the shopping mall is its amazing facade. The architects use some designto create some effects that creates some curves and patterns. There are some changes of the patterns that seems to fold the exterior of the building and create some light difference within it. There are two layers at the facade, the vertical profiles of the top layer are straight while the back layer was angled.1When people view the building at different angles, they have different kinds of wave-like appearances.

The design intent of the project was to expand the social and cultural experience to the visitors. As the facade of the building was so unique and special, I reckoned the aim of the design intent was achieved as the impression of the facade was so successful that it creates a remarkable memory for every visitor. Creating such a beautiful pattern enables it to become one of the most eyecatching building and can be one of the landmarks of that area, even in the country.

Figure 1.

R i c h t e r s , C h r i s t i a n , G a l l e r i a C e n t e rc i t y Fa c a d e , < h t t p : / / w w w. u n s t u d i o. c o m / p ro j e c t s / g a l l e r i a - c h e o n a n > [accessed 1 April 2016] I m a ge re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p s : / / s t a t i c . d e z e e n . c o m / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 1 / 0 3 / d z n _ G a l l e r i a - C e n t e rc i t y - by - U N S t u d i o _ 8 . j p g ( F i g u re 1 , 4 ) , h t t p : / / d e s i g n a n d m a ke . a a s c h o o l . a c . u k / w p - c o n t e n t / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 0 / 0 4 / p av _ s wo o s h 1 . j p g ( F i g u re 2 , 3 ) Accessed at 1 April 2016

Reverse-engineering of Galleria Centercity Diagram of process of re-producing, different parametric tools

2. Divide Surface and setting attractor points

1. Create Surface

3. Deconstructing and evaluating surface

4. Extruding rectangles

5. Rotating rectangles to according angles

Recording of process (six steps)

Creating the surface of the wall. The wall was created by lofting, creating a surface component.

Dividing the surface into multiple grid lines, using number sliders to control the number of them.This will create different edges and surfaces on the wall.

Getting the points of all the intersections of the small rectangles and creating a list item, which results in producing the horizontal lines.

Figure 1.

By deconstructing the plane, we get all the intersecting points and small planes that we need for the extrusion of the rectangles.

Extruding the rectangles from the intersecting points of different small planes. The extruded rectangles now only faces one direction.

Rotating the extruded rectangles will be able to create different patterning effects. The x,y,z direction can make a big difference to the outcomes.

I m a ge re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p : / / u n s t u d i o c d n 2 . h o s t i n g. k i r ra . n l / / u p l o a d s / o r i g i n a l / 2 e 0 c 7 b 7 b - 2 6 9 4 - 4 f 1 e - 9 0 8 1 - 1 d e e b 3 6 f b 2 6 8 / 2 6 1 9 5 5 8 6 0 4 ( F i g u re 1 ) Accessed at 7 April 2016

Final Outcome of Reverse Engineering Four images of final outcome of the Galleria Centercity.

The outcome of this reverse engineering was pretty surprising. As the major control of this design was the two attractor points, there are many unexpected outcomes and the visual impact was satisfying. There is patterning and there are contrasts between different areas which is quite similar to what I expected to have before starting the exercise.

The similarities between these outcomes and the Galleria Centercity are the contrast of the dark and light area, which forms the pattern of the facade.The exploration uses rectangles to form the patterning design, which is also similar to the Galleria Centercity. The void of the curves form an interesting outcome to the facade. On the other hand, there are also some differences between them. The lines used in the facade of the Galleria Centercity only point to the vertical direction, while the rectangles in my exploration points along with the curve. There are more flexibilities and it is more possible to create different designs.

The form of this patterning exercise has a lot more potential to be developed. Other than simply being a vertical facade, I believe that there will be ways of using rectangles to connect each other and form a structure, for example a shelter. Also, the patterns can be explored even more in order to create facades that are really unique that can respond to the brief accurately.

T E C H N I QU E : D E V E L O P M E N T

Base on smooth contrast and curves

Base on huge contrast of lines

Technique 3

Technique 2

Technique 1

B . 4

Base on mass and density

Technique 5 Technique 6 Technique 4

Base on thin lines

Base on densities

Base on smooth contrasts

Selection Criteria As our brief is to create a bird-hide, or some similar pavilions or cover, it is a great chance to explore more patternings in order to make it part of the design. If the patterning design can become the structure of the pavilion, it will be a great bonus. From this exercise, I would like to explore the difference of the density of the patterns. How would the pattern change with replacing different parameters? How can I produce different contrast of the surface when changing the parameters? These are some of the important questions in my mind when exploring this exercise. Ultimately, I would like to create some patterns that can coherent with the theme of building a pavilion with a shelter, such as allowing sunlight to pass through, allowing visitors to peek out.

Most successful iterations of the Galleria Centercity.

The contrast of this pattern is less significant comparing to the others. However, as the outcome of this pattern is a bit milder, it might provide a smooth surface and feeling to the others. It might be the best outcome as our site will be based on a greenland, so the feeling of it will match our brief perfectly.

The contrast of this pattern is the most significant among the three outcomes. The difference between the density really makes the facade stands out from the others. It is believed that this contrast of the pattern will make the facade of our project to shine in the dark.

Among the three outcomes, the curve of this pattern is the most significant. A clear path can be witnessed at the middle of the pattern.There is also a dark area at the top of the curve which provides some density to the outcome. Hence there will be more contrast to our facade and make it more special.

Unsuccessful iterations of the Galleria Centercity.

The contrast of the patterns are too exaggerated. The connection between the lines are weak and there is no fluent flow from the patterning design. There is also a messy spot at the centre of the outcome which makes the facade looks strange.

The density of the outcome is too high which makes the rectangles can not be distinguished. As a result, there is no flow between them and no vague flow can be seen from the design. It is too hard to see the patterning.

The rectangles in this outcome are too obvious which makes the design look a bit strange. The distance between them are too wide. Also, there is no flow from the patterning although there is some density difference.

B . 5

T E C H N I QU E : P RO T O T Y P E S

Prototype 1.0

As the attractor point and the attractor curve are the major sources that lead to the outcome of the patterning, which means there are no intersections between the rectangles, it is a bit hard to create a rigid model without a solid grid base. As the reverse engineering mainly consists of lots of small rectangles to create the vague curvy patterning effect, the most effective way is to connect the rectangles to the base grid. In order to have some bending effects, thin timber planes would be an ideal choice to build the pattern out. There are two types of joints that I tried in this prototype. The first row I tried to cut the cardboard with a cutter and to join it with the timber plane. However, I found out that this approach does not provide suitable angles to my rectangles, although it provides a rigid base and the rectangles will not move easily. Therefore I tried for another joint approach, which is using two pins to connect the planes to the base grid. This method is much more effective because it does not only provide a firm connection to the grid, the two adjustment pins can help me to tune to the ideal angles in order to create the pattern easier. Since the reverse engineering requires a lot of rectangles in order to obtain the patterning result, this model only consists a small area of the case study. Also because attractor point and curve were used in that process, it is harder to obtain similar outcome in physical modelling. However, we can still see that change in angle and direction of the timber planes that lead to the formation of the vague pattern, which is not a bad result. 44

Prototype 2.0

Other than using a vertical base grid, another approach is to explore the feasibility of connecting rectangular plates to the bending base. This rectangular planes are pinned with a small triangle in order to create an angle from the base. Similarly, there are two pins to connect the planes to the base as to make a rigid connection and make it not to move easily. However, in both of the prototypes, the pins used make the appearance of the model a bit weird, if shorter pins were used it will have a better result. The major reason of creatoing a bending base is because of its flexibility is higher than the vertical grid base. This bending feature allows the design to suit into the topography of the site and make a more fluent connection to the gruond. This prototype only consists of a small proportion of the whole structure. In reality, it should be much longer and wider so the patterns can be seen easier. However, through this prototyping exercise, the rectangular planes prove that it is possible to sit on a bending base and can create a pattern while allowing people to peek out. Hence, it is not a bad exploration.

B . 6

T E C H N I QU E : P RO P O S A L

Site plan (1:500)

“To design a retreat space that focuses on the contrast of natural and manmade sound.” Brief site analysis

During the site visit at Merry Creek, I found out that most of the activities people do there were jogging and cycling. One of inspirations after visiting the site was that people do not really utilize the site. They were literally passing by and ignoring the beauty of this preserved natural area in Melbourne. Base on this idea, we want to produce a project that allows people to focus on the sense of hearing of Merry Creek. And this is the major reason we choose this site, since it combines both natural and manmade sound sources and it is very easy to feel the contrast at this spot. By using the sources of the difference sound inputs, such as the noise level on the road and the Merry Creek, they will be used to help us with the form-finding issue. Different directions of the sound can also be utilized as an inspiration of the patterning skills. Locating between Fitzroy North and Northcote, this area under the St George Road provides a perfect spot of feeling the manmade and natural sound. From the above brief site analysis, we can tell the site is surrounded by multiple sound sources. The unwanted sound, which is the manmade noise, is mainly directed from the St George Road, including both trams and cars. On the other hand, the natural sound mainly consists of the water current and birds’ sound at the spot. The contrast of the sound is significant at this area. 46

Conceptual model side view Combing the previous investigations and the proposal, the idea of this project is to disable most of the views inside the pavilion. This allows people to really rest in the area, and most importantly to feel the site with hearing the surrounding sounds. They will gradually find out that the manmade noise is not a pleasant sound while the natural sound is much more appealing. To achieve this effect, only the roof partly allows sunlight to pass through. Visitors can not easily peek out when they are at this retreat area.

Proposed site location

Site overview

The idea of this pavilion is based on the design futuring reading. Through allowing people to feel the contrast of manmade noise and natural sound, it is hoped that people will realize the beauty of our nature.We have damaged the enviornment seriously and it is now time to start protecting it. Sustainability is an approach to do so. Hence, timber is used in this to make this temporary pavilion as the timber planes can be reused for making furnitures at the site. Also, there are different organizations nearby the site, such as the CERES community park. Timbers will be useful for them to deal with the repair issues.

Conceptual model perspective view 47

B . 7

L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S O U T C O M E S

Through the exercises and investigations in part B, we can tell that there are many ways of producing different design outcomes and the design possibilities are so unlimited. In terms of computational geometry, parametric modelling, the investigations of using different parameters in grasshopper really helped a lot for the process of devloping a proposal. In the two iterations exercises, the exploration of a variety of design possibilities is really a crucial element in this part. By substituting, inserting and editing different parameters, the design outcomes varies a lot and there are some unexpected results. For example, by plugging and changing an input of a parameter, the flow of the pattern differs a lot and its outcome was unexpectedly satisfying. By investigating the process of iterations, my skills and the concept of producing parametric designs are better and clearer. In addition, in the iterations exercise, there are many ways of creating the same design outcome. It is our choice to determine which one has more flexibility so the parametric design can have more unexpected outcomes,which enhance the quality of the final product. Although I could not produce physical prototypes that can connect each other rigidly, I started to gain a sense of the modelling that affects the appearance of the design outcome. For example, I tried two different approaches in the prototype exercise. The first one was to connect the timber plate to the base grid and the second method was to control the rotation and angle of the planes by having two pinnings. The outcome was that the latter was much more better since the control of the angles appeaered to be more flexible. It allows me to create the pattern I wanted to create and ultimately a smooth pattern occurs. Also, although the proposal at B.6 is slightly different from the previous investigations, we can still see that there are still some connections between different design context. For example, in the first half of part B, my major focus was to create a bird hide with patterning skills. However, later we changed the design theme to sound-oriented. Hence, I changed a bit to the parameters I used in the first half in order to suit the proposal, which is closing the planes so people can not peek out inside the pavilion. We can see there are flexibilities in parametric designing and there is always solutions to designing contemporary architecture.

A N D

B . 8

A P P E N D I X

A n d re a G l e i n i ge r, P a t t e r n : O r n a m e n t , S t r u c t u re , a n d B e h av i o r, ( B i rk h a u s e r Ve rl a g AG, 2 0 0 9 ) , p. 5 5 . B e n Pe l l , T h e A r t i c u l a t e S u r f a c e : O r n a m e n t a n d Te c h n o l o gy i n C o n t e m p o ra r y A rc h i t e c t u re , ( B i r k h a u s e r G m b H B a s e l , 2 0 1 0 ) , p. 1 6 4 . I m a g e re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p : / / u n s t u d i o c d n 2 . h o s t i n g. k i r ra . n l / / u p l o a d s / o r i g i n a l / 2 e 0 c 7 b 7 b - 2 6 9 4 - 4 f 1 e - 9 0 8 1 - 1 d e e b 3 6 f b 2 6 8 / 2 6 1 9 5 5 8 6 0 4 ( F i g u re 1 ) Accessed at 7 April 2016 R i c h t e r s , C h r i s t i a n , G a l l e r i a C e n t e rc i t y Fa c a d e , < h t t p : / / w w w. u n s t u d i o. c o m / p ro j e c t s / g a l l e r i a - c h e o n a n > [accessed 1 April 2016]

I m a g e re t r i eve d f ro m h t t p s : / / s t a t i c . d e z e e n . c o m / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 1 / 0 3 / d z n _ G a l l e r i a - C e n t e rc i t y - by - U N S t u d i o _ 8 . j p g ( F i g u re 1 , 4 ) , h t t p : / / d e s i g n a n d m a ke . a a s c h o o l . a c . u k / w p - c o n t e n t / u p l o a d s / 2 0 1 0 / 0 4 / p av _ s wo o s h 1 . j p g ( F i g u re 2 , 3 ) Accessed at 1 April 2016