Studio air journal

architecture design

studio:air

Keli Murray 5179128

: contents

architecture as a discoure 04 computing in architecture 12 parametric modelling 19

: architecture as a discourse

: architecture as a discourse Hi, I’m Keli, 22 years old and I’m a third year Architecture student. This is my second year at Melboure University as I transferred from Monash. I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula but have lived in Melbourne for the past 2 years. I’m interested

in design and making jewellery, particularly with the use of laser cutters. I have a very basic knowledge of Rhino and various CAD programs, but my expierence with digital architecture is very limited. I do wish to learn Rhino and Grasshopper well, though I do find it a bit daunting, particularly Grasshopper.

This is a project from one of my previous studios in which our task was explore architectural geometry thtrough digital means.

By combining archimedian solids in 3D modelling I was able to create a seamless physical model through the use of laser cutters, from what was a purely conceptual computational design.

EAMES HOUSE

ray & charles eames I find the Eames house, built in 1945, interesting particularly because of the idea of prefabrication. Built with the intention to create a house using prefabricated materials that would not interfere with the natural site, be easy to construct and showcasing the modernist style. I believe this house achieves that through it’s simplicity in design. I like the idea of designing from a ‘kit of parts‘ rather than having a design then figuring out what materials are required to achieve that. I also think their idea of prefabrication off site was very pioneering. Although I don’t particularly like the modern/minimalist style of the house because it can be quite cold and unhomely, this idea of an ‘IKEA’ like house was very forward thinking of them at their time as I think architecture is headed in a prefabricated direction.

image sources:

http://www.archdaily.com/66302/ad-classics-eames-house-charles-and-ray-eames/ http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Eames_House.html

NATURAL HISTORY MUESUM

alfred waterhouse (london) I find the Natural History Muesum in London, built between 1860 & 1880, particularly inspiring because of the intricate details used throughout. Built in German Romanesque style, the architect, Waterhouse commented on this building in particular saying, ‘to clothe over practical necessities with such beauty as they were capable of receiving.’ I think his intention was to not just build a practical building, but to completely ‘dress‘ the building with delicate and intriacte details as to simply create a truly beautiful building. By envoking the the German Romanesque revival style, Waterhouse achieves this through his use of the dramatic arches, towers and heavy detailing. I like his idea of not wanting to create a purely practical building, which was probably all that was being built in London during the time, but rather him trying to create a really beautiful building just simply because he could. image sources: http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Museum_of_Natural_History.html http://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/history-architecture/

: computing in architecture

ARCHITECTURE’S N

benefits of using computers in the desig

Design is a process in which we engage in activities that are aimed at achi goals with a specific set of conditions.As architecture moved away from the t builder’ construction method towards a ‘planned’ process, new ways of comm to be developed for an architect to demonstrate their vision. Drawings were used to communicate these ideas with builders and clients, but a experimentation to produce alternative design ideas. This also allowed more p involved and visualise the building during the

The use of computers in architectural design is an extension of this and has the design process. Ultimately is allows for fast and effective communicatio through drawings, renderings and 3D modelling. As the design process is o includes a combination of problem solving and puzzle making, and solutio being evaluated, often specific aspects of the design or constraints nee Computers allow for changes and revisions to be made much faster. Com for complex geometires and ideas to be explored that would not otherwise b the limitations of our imagination. This aspect alone has benefited architect construct and explore structure, materials not possible without the u

Projects such as the BMW Welt by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU in Munich, Germ the benefits of computer aided design. This projects explores the comp changing cloud and translates tha

NEW MEDIA

gn in the design process

ieving pre-defined traditional ‘mastermunication needed and scale models also as a means of people to become e design proccess.

s many benefits in on of ideas visually on-going and often ons are constantly ed to be changed. mputers also allow be possible due to cture in the way we use of computers.

many demonstrates plex geometry of a at into architecture.

The use of non-convention unimaginable, complex and dire

Within comp ‘Performance Ar design principle a of design broadly It’s as though t The building is enhance

The Yamaha Gin architecture as t wanted to de by calling upo theme for the b the building is

ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGE

of computer-aided design has opened architecture up to way of designing in a nal way. New forms and shapes can be explored in a way that was previously , and from that the representation and construction of the design can be more rect because the information can be extracted, manipulated, exchanged and utlized much easier and quicker.

putational architecture a range of discourses have been developed, including rchitecture’. Performance architecture uses building performance as a guiding and focuses on the performance of abuilding over form-making. This concept y looks at the financial, social, spacial and technical aspects when designing. the building is a shell for activities and experiences, and is shaped by it’s use. g is then understood by the effect it has on those experiencing it. This concept ed through the use of digital means as the performance of the building can be analysedand altered to achieve it’s optimal performance.

nza building by Nikken Sekkei architects in Tokyo, Japan explore performance they try to express the essence of Yamaha’s brand through this building. They esign a building that ‘exudes the feel of sound and music’. They achieved this on the concept image of a woodwind instrument in a glass case, using it as a building. The facade aims to reflect the rythmn and change in music. Internally s very acoustically complex as it aims to accomodate a hall, shops and music teaching rooms.

ARCHITECTURE IN THE DI

The use of computer-aided design has opened architecture up to way non-conventional way. New forms and shapes can be explored in a way th unimaginable, and from that the representation and construction of the de complex and direct because the information can be extracted, manipulated utlized much e

Within computational architecture a range of discourses have been dev ‘Performance Architecture’. Performance architecture uses building performa design principle and focuses on the performance of abuilding over form-mak of design broadly looks at the financial, social, spacial and technical aspects It’s as though the building is a shell for activities and experiences, and is s The building is then understood by the effect it has on those experiencin is enhanced through the use of digital means as the performance of th analysedand altered to achieve it’s opti

The Yamaha Ginza building by Nikken Sekkei architects in Tokyo, Japan exp architecture as they try to express the essence of Yamaha’s brand through t wanted to design a building that ‘exudes the feel of sound and music’. T by calling upon the concept image of a woodwind instrument in a glass c theme for the building. The facade aims to reflect the rythmn and change i the building is very acoustically complex as it aims to accomodate a hall,

IGITAL AGE

y of designing in a hat was previously esign can be more d, exchanged and easier and quicker.

veloped, including ance as a guiding king. This concept s when designing. shaped by it’s use. ng it. This concept he building can be imal performance.

plore performance this building. They They achieved this case, using it as a in music. Internally , shops and music teaching rooms.

: parametric modelling

PARAMETRIC MODELLING

Parametric architecture involves the process of designing based on raltionships and rulesusing the computer. Through the use of parametric software objects are easily manipulated to quickly generate multiples and form complex free form shapes. Parametric modelling works un-like conventional modelling, in which the whole design is modelled as a whole. Parametric design works bottom-up where the relationship of the individual elements work together to create the overall design.

There are many advantages to parametric modelling, mainly that it allows for development and change throughout the design process, making it a generative and reactive process as you are able to change and rework designs quickly and effectively.

Though working from the bottom-up approach, as you do parametrically has it’s benefits it also has its disadvantages. Whilst working on a system rather than the whole design itself, the logic behind the design may be lost if it is not looked at holistically.