STUDIOAIR KRISTIAN TAGLIAVENTO Architecture Design Studio: AIR ABPL30048 Semester 1 2012
CONTENT THE CASE FOR INNOVATION Discourse in Architecture New Media in Architecture Computation in Architecture Topology in Architecture Scripting in Architecture
THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST The Project Brief Material Joinery Structural Topology Tensile Structures Genetic Algorithms The Research Project The Concept
THE GATEWAY PROJECT
PREFACE THE EVOLVING PARADIGM
‘For the first time perhaps, architectural design might be aligned with neither formalism nor rationalism but with intelligent form and traceable creativity’ (Pawlyn, M. 2010) Architecture can be described as the schematic collaboration of specific influences including mathematics, biology specifically genetics and cellular, molecular structures, social and psychological factors involving the human sensations of which provoke thoughtful interaction, economics and of course, design. Architecture cannot be simply defined by any specific logic or formal taxonomy - it can, however be critiqued and analyzed in a pervasive manner in order to comprehend and definitively understand the scope and breadth of the very term. This is so, due to the evolutionary nature of the discipline; over the centuries, architecture has evolved from the vernacular, to a delicate craft shared only by the stonemasons, engineers and mathematicians of the Classical era, through the Renaissance and Baroque styles into Enlightenment, and into the Modern and the Post-Modern movements of the twentieth century.
As we will see in the following twelve weeks of studio at the University of Melbourne, architecture will begin to be interpreted in a contemporary manner, whereby the critical analysis and driven emphasis on precedent studies will advance our very grasp on an continuously evolving discourse. Primarily, through the cooperative challenge of determining relevant case studies in conjunction with the development of our very own expression of interest documentation, we can begin to develop specific techniques and methodologies crucial in our contribution to the discourse. These instruments, including the essential tools of parametric modelling found within Grasshopper, an intuitive tool for Rhino3D, will enhance the ability to inform and evoke a varying perspective, altering the variable paradigm and enforcing a case for innovation and integration in contemporary computation design and modelling whilst considering the fundamental variables of generative and performative technologies.
These definitions will assist the outcome of the precedent studies to formulate or facilitate the process of deriving new and innovative explorations in the fields of parametric, genetic and topological algorithms from detailed analysis from iterative manipulations and modifications of the precise parametric variables to develop and refine a relevant and ingenious outcome that will not only respond to the requirements of the Wyndham City Gateway Project brief, but also the definitive contributing factors in the schematic advancement of the twenty-first century, architectural discourse.
German Pavilion, Barcelona ARCHITECT: LUDWIG MIES VAN DER ROHE. 1929 Constructed to showcase the renaissance in German design at the International Exposition in Barcelona, the German Pavilion evokes what is essentially the cornerstone to the simplified ideal of 20th century Modernism. The simplicity in understanding and utilizing geometric forms and materials provides for the distribution of spaces for habitation and order - it therefore served a formal function. This very notion was to underpin the prevailing discourse of Modernism as an architectural and social style. Mies understood his building as a inhabitable sculpture, defined by a conjunction of horizontal and vertical planes. Working on from the formulaic grid system which had been used to achieve a sense of volume, weightlessness and openness through blurred spatial organisation and intuitive circulation - framed views would induce movement where the interior becomes exterior and the exterior become interior. source: www.archdaily.com/109135/ad-classics-barcelona-pavilion-mies-van-der-rohe/
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Parc de la Villette, Paris ARCHITECT: BERNARD TSCHUMI. 1987 Evoking what is truly characterised as a Deconstructivist portrayal of urban life, Tschumi’s rendition of the Parc de la Villette in the French Capital is seen to be withdrawn from the normal, traditionalist mind-set that the French had been accustomed to in the decades leading into the urban rejuvenation experienced in the late 20th century. This was indeed conceived in stark contrast to Europe’s predisposed Modernism discourse - order, rationality and function. Tschumi succeeded in producing a fragmented, dystopian architecture that had been likened to the Soviet Constructivists of the early 20th century - manipulation of what is known to be architecture to form a controlled chaos. Tschumi’s overall goal was to induce exploration, movement and interaction either quite literally or ambiguously. Therefore, Tschumi’s park was organised spatially to enable a user defined interactive experience within the context. 02
source: www.archdaily.com/ 92321/ad-classics-parc-de-la-villette-bernard-tschumi/
The Yas Marina Hotel, Abu Dhabi ARCHITECT: ASYMPTOTE. 2009 Characterised by a curvilinear form, acting as a canopy constructed of steel with pivoting glass panels over the adjacent towers and connecting bridge structures, the Yas Marina Hotel embodies the aesthetics and forms associated with speed, movement, and spectacle to the artistry and geometries forming the basis of Islamic Art and Craft traditions. The notion underpinning this elaborate scheme is that of digital innovation which in turn informs the predisposed nature of contemporary architecture. The emergence of new digital methods, defining parameters in architecture has been seen to alter the general discourse informing architecture in the 21st century. This new practise has been utilised in the digital and technological fabrication of sculptural architecture. Understanding parameters as a discourse dictates a new awareness in the field of architecture - providing a tool for innovation, adapted to analyse and respond to both an environmental solution and the design intent without compromise to the performance of either criteria.
source: www.archdaily.com/ 43336/the-yas-hotel-asymptote/
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Architecture’s New Media: Architecture v Engineering ARCHITECTURE V ENGINEERING Understanding how the profession has developed and evolved from it’s preliminary understandings, from initially evoking the meticulous artistry of the stonemasons and craftworkers through the onset of the Renaissance paradigm shift which simultaneously facilitated the idealization of architecture as a profession. Stemming from the readings of Kalay and Kolarevic in conjunction with the notions of established in the lecture series regarding the concepts of architecture v engineering and computation v computerisation; several implications can be analyzed from this discourse, primarily in the case of architecture v engineering. Prior to the evolution of the profession: buildings were constructed not planned. Leon Battista Alberti through the use of representative language in architecture, helped establish the architectural paradigm as a profession, therefore coming to symbolise the separation of the concept from it’s construction. Ultimately as architectural discourse evolved, the gap between architecture and engineering as professions continued to widen. With the development of new technologies of digitalization in architecture towards the end of the twentieth century, the discourse once again altered. The ideals of parametric and performative architecture as a means of generating new, innovative and responsive designs enabled architects to began to utilise digital technology, logically, to recombine the concept to its construction and to therefore challenge the preconceptions of how spaces should be designed within a set form or function.
Sources: Kalay, Yehuda (2004) Architecture’s New Media : Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design
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Kolarevic, Branko (2003) Architecture in05 the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing
Architecture’s New Media: Biomimicry in Architecture BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURE “For the first time perhaps, architectural design might be aligned with neither formalism nor rationalism but with intelligent form and traceable creativity” Michael Pawlyn in Biomimicry in Architecture. The concept of Biomimicry informs the process of applying biological and genetic structures as a means to inform the architectural ingenuiety - when programmed and scripted using parametric and generative design process, the outcomes will develop the notions of environmental and social performance criteria. Therefore, exponents of the discourse such as Michael Pawlyn suggest that biomimicry can be utilised as a process whereby current twenty-first problems are solved using innovative biological informed solutions. The examples developed by Grimshaw Architects - the Eden Project and Exploration Architecture - the Sahara Forest Project highlight the extent of at which pervasive architectural problems can be viewed, analysed and solved by implementing new, rational and innovation digital techniques of parametrics in conjunction with biological and genetic algorithms to inform the implementation of sustainable architecture. Therefore, it can be stated that biological forms, processes and deemed to be sustainable on the heavily on the components of the
by logically and innovativley mimicking the functional basis of systems to produce sustainable solutions,t hese examples are basis of exercising efficiency, both of space and material, relying biomes geometrics shapes to be clad in high performance ETFE.
sources: http://www.exploration-architecture.com http://grimshaw-architects.com/project/
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Vitra Fire Station, Weil am Rhein ARCHITECT: ZAHA HADID. 1993 Zaha Hadid’s first realized project provided the precedent and analysis for most of her later work in the new millennium. Revolutionizing the prevailing discourse of the era with her own blend of dynamism with that of technological innovation in materiality and engineering; the Vitra Fire Station is articulated through deconstructivist notions imbedded within the ideals of an evolutionary paradigm known as New Structuralism. New Structuralism as discourse evidently informed the development of the technological advancements in digitalization particularly, parametric and performative architecture which was seen to respond to the growing environmental and social needs of the population in the new millennium. Furthermore as with parametric and performative design, Zaha Hadid utilized artwork and other informative means to inform the relationships and evoke spatial form and arrangements for occupation - connecting context in the form of landscape with the seemingly instable 06 architecture that has been known to inform the discourse.
source: www.archdaily.com/ad-classics-vitra-fire-station/
National Gallery, Astana ARCHITECT: BJARKE INGELS GROUP. 2009 Developed from the geometric and mathematical notion of a Mobius Strip; the National Gallery in Astana evokes the very substance of parametric and performative digitalization that informs the transition in architectural discourse. Utilizing innovative technologies and extensive mathematical analysis, BIG successfully responds to the performative design implications primarily schematics, connectivity within spatial arrangements, hierarchical configurations as well as environmental and social ideals involving views and performance in terms of formal organization, function and awareness. Furthermore the Möbius form can be contextualised as social symbol: “The clarity of the circle, the courtyard of the rotunda, the gateway of the arch and the soft silhouette of the yurt are combined to create a new national monument appearing local and universal, contemporary and timeless, unique and archetypal at the same time.” Bjarke Ingels.
source: http://www.archdaily.com/33238/national-library-in-astana-kazakhstan-big/
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Danish Pavilion, Shanghai ARCHITECT: BJARKE INGELS GROUP. 2010 The pavilion represents the essence of the Danish urban environment - how spaces are occupied, by whom and for whom, and what defines a space for habitation, whether it is social arrangement or spatial organization. BIG succeeded in structuring and applying a form inspired by the Mobius Strip to the urban scale by informing the parameters of the context, determining how and why the site and the building will be utilized as a public venue in order to respond to the issues of environmental and social performance criteria inherent within the discourse of parametric and generative design notions. The architecture represents the sustainable outcome of social performance. It is necessary to understand that the representation of the structure evokes a transformation of surface geometries in response to functionality. This promotes the notion that a better quality of social living can be achieved through sustainable, and constructive adaptations from digital, parametric technology. 08
source: http://www.archdaily.com/ 57922/denmark-pavilion-shanghai-expo-2010-big/
Topological Transformations Topology is the intensive mathematical notion concerning the properties of geometries that are preserved under continuous deformation. This definition is serviceable in the contemporary context of architecture as a discourse. Examples including OMA’s CCTV Tower in Beijing (2002), UNStudio’s Burnham Pavilion in Chicago (2009) and Snohetta’s MaxLab (2012) exhibit the specific topological transformation known as a Mobius Strip. The Mobius Strip is determined to be a geometric surface with only one side and only one boundary component. Mathematical concepts including these are becoming increasingly useful and applicable to the architectural discourse. Parametrics, scripting and programming using digital technologies enables architects to ascertain new and innovative design outcome through the utilisation of extensive mathematical and geometric formulae as a means of creating new geometries which were not previously conceivable to develop a new architectural scheme. 09
Scripting: Architecture PROJECT: PAVILION , ROMANIA. 2011 The temporary pavilion is fabricated from tessellating voronoi geometries used to represent a Mรถbius structure; the object, through its tectonic characteristics, attempts to make legible the new discourse which is defined by computational architecture and thus becomes a showcase for the design processes empowered by digital technology. Specifically, the advanced utilisation of parametric design techniques such as Grasshopper to inform the extent of design production and fabrication. This approach ensures that the process was to be controlled from exact geometry generation adapted from known mathematical algorithms to piece together the assembly from fabrication in a logical manner. This construction experiment provides an insight into the means of parametric iterations, in response to topological transformations of geometries at various phases of the process. The result was a resolved social experiment pertaining to the performance of parametric modelling on the urban environment. source: http://www.a-ngine.com/2011/06/clj02-za11-pavilion.html 10
Scripting: Voronoi Diagram The Voronoi Diagram is a mathematical algorithm derived from the tessellation of non-standard geometries informed by the principles of topological transformations. This mathematical notion can be explored further by applying the established ideas of the Mรถbius strip and the concepts involved with biomimicry to adapt and inform the innovation of certain parametric representations to challenge and redefine how architects understand the limitations of spatial organization as defined by a space. This new discourse in contemporary architecture can be utilized as a proliferation of known constraints to be applied to new contexts under unknown variables to inform and facilitate the innovation of new representative structures. The application of topologically transformed geometry to formulate the Mรถbius strip in coordination with the use of patterns constituted from the voronoi diagram, could be generated, developed and defined to implement as a working scheme for the Wyndham City Gateway Project, Such forms can be explored as a performative tool to achieve efficiency in materiality through fabrication, resulting in environmental and social cohesion through architecture. source: http://matsysdesign.com/tag/voronoi/
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SUMMARY OF THE CASE FOR INNOVATION
The Case for Innovation provides a definitive investigation of previous and current precedent studies which are dissected, analyzed and critiqued on the basis of relevance, impact both environmentally and socially as a means of interpreting and developing a discourse which is beneficial to the generation and development of the future design proposal for the Wyndham City Gateway Project. Essentially, through the comparative explorations and iterations of weekly definitions involving parameters, we can begin to further embrace the computational design theory, that aims to pursue the development of generative innovations in the architectural discourse and technological advancements. These new and liberating tools will enable the architects of the present and future to challenge the very archaic notions that have become imbedded within the sociopolitical framework by innovating through robust discussion. We, as students, are fortunate to be existing in the new, exciting age of ecological and information emphasis whereby biological and genetic simulations are explored and refined through avant-garde digital techniques such as parametric modelling, generative algorithms and material fabrication. This spirit of the age, informs the explorative facilitation of precedent studies to find and extrapolate interpretive notions, developed and refined through digital media, to further the possibilities for design outcomes; therefore the key ideas that evidently resonate throughout the Case for Innovation include: • DECONSTRUCTIVISM: Though an ageing architectural concept, the inherent notions will become beneficial in the design development, from conception to refinement in response to the expression of interest and the ultimate design project. The notions of induced exploration or a user defined interactivity through either literal, ambiguous or chaotic movement and interaction by investigating the effects of materiality in the arrangement of spaces and organizational hierarchy, are derived from the examples from Bernarch Tschumi and Zaha Hadid. •TOPOLOGY: Based simply on the integrated mechanism of mathematics and digital techniques as a means of deriving innovative geometric transformation that respond to genetic, biological and material algorithms. The exploration of the Mobius Strip appeared beneficial at first instance, however through the eventual investigations of scripting and its subsequent impact on topology, a new exploration had been conducted into the effects of Voronoi patterning on surface skins. The fundamental idealization of complex algorithms which could be implemented in conjunction with material investigations to inform the structural qualities and fabrication methods. •MATERIALITY: Primarily concerning the imperative structure and joinery components necessary to communicate the construction outcome through digital fabrication from developed definitions driven by parametric modelling techniques. Synonymous to the intrinsic principles entrenched in the investigative nature of topological transformations; material explorations emphasized the necessity to conduct thorough analysis of the effects of geometry and fabrication techniques concerning structure on the selective principles of various materials including plastics (EFTE), timber, steel and the consideration of how such materials could be integrated into structure through joinery. Importantly, it will be necessary to continuously evaluate the underlining question of how these notions will, while adhering to the client’s aspirations eventuate, facilitate and inform the design process and outcome, throughout the design development. Ultimately it is imperative to formulate a succinct conceptual understanding as a means to procure a design intent which evaluates, considers and responds to the Wyndham City brief and the target audience in general. 12
Expression of Interest: Wyndham City Brief PROJECT: WESTERN GATEWAY DESIGN, WYNDHAM. 2012 The Client: “Develop a proposal that inspires and enriches the municipality” thus, the installation will enhance the physical environment via the introduction of a visual arts component: • LONGEVITY IN APPEAL to encourage interest and reflection by procuring an entry statement and experiential sense of arrival i.e. identifiable. • the design should become a focal point with regards to scale and meaning, therefore the ICONIC FEATURE will connect the community to the design. • the design will permit DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE LANDSCAPE AND SCULPTURE with respect to the traditional owners of the land, the unity and synergy facilitated through the design will evoke the relationship between traditional and contemporary materiality and fabrication techniques. • the design will promote both DAYTIME AND NIGHTTIME VIEWING through the experiential exploration of the structural and surface geometries to procure the silhouette in relation to the concept of traditional stories of dreaming in Indigenous culture. 13
Expression of Interest: Wyndham City Brief The Concept: In order to achieve the client’s aspirations it is necessary to deliver a vision of the proposal: this can be conceived through thematic associations and digital technologies, both of which are constantly related back to an innovative discourse in computation and parametrics: • WERRIBBEE - literally means - “backbone” therefore the relationship of the contemporary community to the indigenous traditions can be utilized as a spiritual and cultural predisposition to inform the development of the iconic feature. • DREAMTIME - the rainbow serpent - “mother-nature” fluidity, dynamism, spirituality, celestial and totemic forms = relating to notion of AIR. • NEW BEGINNING - the rainbow serpent represents rebirth and regeneration in the landscape - the City of Wyndham aspires to ‘move forward and be recognized as a cultural entity. Therefore it is possible to respond to the contemporary needs of the brief by analyzing and interpreting history, culture, associations and symbolism within the environment through the discourse of digital architecture, techniques, parametrics and performative responses. 14
Expression of Interest: Wyndham City Brief In delivering the proposed project’s design intent, several imperative notions must be first understood and then secondly evaluated in order to substantiate the impact each notion will have on the variable outcome: • DESIGN TECHNIQUES - the manifestation of the expression of interest document assists in analyzing and labelling the relationships between architecture, technology and the environment by attempting to develop a discourse which exemplifies the innovative and performative qualities of the Gateway Project. Specifically, computational design techniques utilizing parametrics and generative ideas will be used explicitly to facilitate the design intent which will endeavour to respond to the client’s aspirations through methodologically embodying the innate properties of the site and the immediate city. • PRECEDENT - understanding the discourse through caste studies and research investigations will decipher the relevant notions and ideas pertaining to architecture and computational design techniques which will facilitate the development of the design intent and outcome. Design speculation, constraints and outcomes will ultimately drive development when responding to the client’s brief 15
Expression of Interest: Geometric Patterns Within Indigenous Australian Culture, throughout the millennia, communication in the form artistic dot paintings, representations and symbolism have come to epitomise the cultural and spiritual significance in the landscape and the immediate environment. In particular, the utilisation of combining primitive geometries to inform the topological generation of new and innovative forms have been a prominent tool in Aboriginal representations of the Dreamtime stories, primarily the dreaming of the rainbow serpent, exemplifying the unity between land and people, and cycle of life, spiritually and physically. This preludes the notion of “timeless time” - the notion of formative creation and perpetual creating - informing that the process of design in continuous motion. • TOPOLOGY - geometric patterns and construction investigated in the EOI including the Mobius and Voronoi notions will be adapted to inform the simulation of biological structure i.e. the embodiment of creation = the rainbow serpent to respond and adapt to the sites topography at varying scales and detail. This will enable the exploration of the genii loci or “the spirit of the place” hence connecting traditional, archaic values to the present discourse. • MATERIALITY - concerning the intended use of prescribed geometric and topologically transformed notions in relation to simulated biological replication i.e. serpent scales, “backbone” and topography. The design will preferably utilise a combination of timber and steel i.e. oxidized components while further analysis will divulge the applicability of durable fabrics to facilitate a skin-like surface treatment in replicating or embodying Indigenous culture. • FABRICATION - using innovation in interpreting and responding to the client’s aspirations, the employment of tooling and fabrication methods i.e. weaving to simulate biological logic i.e. scales, rainbow serpent in conjunction with digital technologies to promote design outcomes through automated simulation of design variables and iterations - parametric/dynamic manipulations with an inherent cultural resonance to procure a legible genii loci in spatial quality and relevance. Such technical practicalities will enable the efficient and sustainable resolution of construction i.e. geometric patterned forms associated to represent the described design intent. 16
THE BRIEF THE EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
“Interaction between technology and the user creates the possibility for qualitative cultural transformation through the transmission of behaviours that are replicated� Rahim, Ali (2002) Contemporary Techniques in Architecture. Ali Rahim and other predominant exponents of the contemporary discourse in architecture, including Farshid Moussavi stipulate and promote the methodological and schematic contributions of digital computational design techniques to the ensuing advancement and perspective of architecture into the twenty-first century. Primarily related to the expression of interest and the consequent aspirations of the Wyndham City Council, research previously conducted in the Case for Innovation will progress and as a consequence, inform the definitive explorations and refinement of intrinsic concepts found within the extrapolated formulations of Genetic, and Topological Algorithms and Structural, Material Joinery. The key design principles that will be developed extensively will relate to the notions of producing an iconic, experiential feature that provides a responsive connection between the landscape and its user through an open dialogue to the sculpture. The design outcome will also endeavour to explore the inherent silhouette within the formal representation of the rainbow serpent structure in response to the archaic, vernacular spiritual belief held by the local indigenous population whereby a connection must be maintained between the land, the biosphere and the people. This will be achieved by associating the design intent with the meandering environment thus creating a harmonious, singular entity with respect to indigenous culture. Further evaluation has suggested that the concept must initiate a materialized formulation that responds to these notions and those outlined by the client and prior precedent studies ; the computational systems and techniques will inform a sense of lightness in structure through a biodynamic, honeycomb or hexagonal morphology in response to the topography of the site and the kinetics of breathing and living within sculptural form. Lastly, discussion has facilitated the intended critique of economic forces that have been seen as a driving force of gradual and unsustainable resource depletion, degradation and pollution. Formulating a dialogue between the sculpture and the landscape by imposing an interactive definition on the users, we can juxtapose the notions of regeneration and cellular growth to the concerning global economic conditions driving atmospheric disintegration through methane 17 emissions from vehicles and the ever-increasing toll of oil refinement as an unsustainable, non-renewable function.
1:1000 SITE PLAN. Showing the extremities of site with boundaries concerning feasibility of usable sites, and their subsequent proximity to the highway boundary. Must adhere to VicRoads space requirements for servicing and maintenance when deciding on the appropriate site footprint This will ultimately drive the design decisions regarding materiality, structure and to what degree dynamic interactivity could be permitted.
1:500 SITE PLAN. Consideration given to site parameters and the explorations of possible sculpture footprint given to site boundaries. The preliminary concept model showing the possibility of cast shadows to suggest a play with lighting and texture, as well a responsive analysis of parametric modelling tools to compose a dynamic, meandering structure formulated through topological algorithms simulating a hexagrid pattern. 18
Material Joinery: Structural Topology PROJECT: SHI LING BRIDGE PROPOSAL, 2010. Shelling is the topological mathematical notion of geometric optimization, whereby simple geometries are transformed to adopt a skin meshing or a subdivided surface deriving from planar alterations to form and parametric modifications and mathematical manipulations. This example relates the notions of biological simulated structures to geometric formulations, to facilitate and enhance the perceived relationship between architecture and environmental responsiveness. Such notions inherently evoke a connection to the Deconstructivist notions of expectations and reasoning, however, the development of a generative discourse characterized by decomposing configurations and kinetic, scale driven manipulations to inform controlled, perforated patterning and geometric simulations are incidentally linked to the outcome of the E.O.I. The use of digital technology advances the experimentation and design processes in order to respond to and develop alternatives at varying complexities. Here, the interaction between architecture and topological intricacies aid the conceptual understanding of motion, scale and air to explore a site specific response. source: http://www.tonkinliu.co.uk/projects/shi-ling-bridge/
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Material Joinery: Structural Topology PROJECT: THE CUBE, 2012. The Italian firm, Park Associati conceived the notion of a nomadic, stateless, cosmopolitan pavilion. The skin architecture has been generatively produced through the use of digital fabrication methods, utilized in conjunction with parametric design developments to evaluate and formulate a perforated or CUT surface treatment. The explicit use of perforated geometries informs the underlining conceptual motivations of movement, speed and texture by accentuating the ideas of a clean, light form. Effectively, the notions developed and critiqued from this example coupled with the topological understandings of geometric transformations of nonuniform objects and shelling, succeed in informing the conceptual design development specified in the E.O.I; whereby the interactions between materials and geometry coexist to advance and emphasise the digital alternatives to contemporary architecture. These alternative processes are fundamentally dictated by the intriguing outcomes of parameter manipulations and modifications, instrumental in the generative response to the exploration of the ideal design outcome. source: http://www.metalocus.es/content/en/blog/cube 20
Material Joinery: Tensile Structures ARCHITECT: PTW ARCHITECTS, 2008. The National Aquatic Centre in Beijing, China was conceived on the basis of the cultural relationship between Chinese traditions and mythology. Furthermore, the structural form is a derivative of the complex analysis and formulation, stemming from the exploration of genetic algorithms implemented to conduct a thorough generative and performative calculation with the aid of parametric tools in digital technologies. The advancement of such technological tools informed the capacity to generate a complex, network or tensile structure based on the understanding of nonuniform, geometries and topological transformations. The Water Cube showcases how a steel tensile structure can promote unique aesthetics through the introduction of delicate skin or surface materiality; in this case, EFTE. The adaptability of these algorithms permeate throughout contemporary architectural discourse; as seen with the Allianz Arena in Munich, and the Eden Project in Cornwall before that, such complex mathematical formulations allow for the unique and innovative approach to new design problems which in turn respond to the contemporary issues of changes in environmental and social frameworks. Source: Kruger, Sylvie (2009) Textile Architecture (Berlin: Jovis Verlag GmbH) pp. 196-197
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Material Joinery: Tensile Structures ARCHITECT: GRIMSHAW ARCHITECTS, 2001. Pneumatic membrane structures have become synominous with the evolution of the contemporary architectural discourse. The use of a lightweight structure was influenced by the topography of the site and which, in turn influences the investigation of an adaptive, reinterpretation of the geodesic dome structure. This hexagonal tensile structure promotes the advantageous utilisation of EFTE membrane to perform as a skin or surface within the tensile structure. This formulation derived from primitive digital tools involving parameters at the turn of the new millennium, instigated the extensive research and development of such structures along with materiality, that now inform the basis of genetic algorithms and their applicability to architecture and structure. The construction methods evident at the Eden Project will assist the informative notions of structural and material joinery; the use of lightweight steel and aluminium members to define and house the topological skeleton and facade detailing will provide an intention for adaptation into the EOI and furthermore, developed in conjunction with parametric definitions to produce an innovative design with replaceable members. 22 Source: Koch, Klaus-Michael (2004) Membrane Structures (London: Pretsel) pp. 236-239
Material Joinery: Articulated Cloud ARCHITECT: NED KAHN. 2004. The facade design for the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania is derived from the generative notions of patterning and layering to achieve a dynamic, somewhat kinetic surface treatment which can be further manipulated and adapted through the use of parametric tools to deliver a responsive outcome in terms of sustainable strategies, adaptiveness and interactivity. Characterized as ‘Turbulent Architecture’, Kahn, particularly in this example, attempts to simulate and replicate the forms and associations of complex natural systems through the extensive study of scale manipulation, kinetics, fluid motion, disturbance and materiality, primarily patterning in an artistic, aesthetic manner. Such notions emphasise the key concepts of the E.O.I, particularly, Air (Wind), Light and Interactivity in Motion; understanding the experimentation requires extensive critique of the discourse where the utilisation of digital technology will enable environmental interaction through informative systems and sequences controlled by functions and parameters to suggest the conceptual design ideas of vibrations, visibility, and perforations in geometric modifications. Source: Killory, C. and Davids, R. (2008) ‘Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh’, in Detail in Process. 1st edn (New York: Princeton Architectural Press) pp. 112 - 117
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CUT/DEVELOP THE “ENTERTHECOMBINATION” MATRIX
INPUT: BOOLEAN_OUTPUT: ROTATION Using 2D Boolean Patterns in association with attractor points, image sampling, math functions and multiple math functions to derive and inform a design outcomes inherent to the stipulated Grasshopper logic. The resulting outcomes specifically centred on perforations in surfaces to create texture and patterned depth.
INPUT: SURFACE_OUTPUT: EXTRUSION Surface normals characteristically imply a lofted surface between two or more relevant curves referenced into Rhino via Grasshopper components. The outcome proceeds to create a design which is neither relevant nor appealing to the intended direction of the EOI or concept development for the Gateway project.
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The objective of the Research Project: CUT is to apply the knowledge that we have attained through the lecture series and tutorial explorations. Utilizing the intuitive parametric tools at our disposal, we can investigate a complex network of associated definitions, employed to ascertain an appropriate, if not interesting and innovative outcome. The principles learned from this program should be beneficial in the pursuit of a design proposal relevant to the EOI and Project Brief.
INPUT: ARBITRARY_OUTPUT: EXTRUSION The use of Arbitrary Points on a 2D surface geometry enables the exploration and consequent investigation of random perforations within a skin. This notion will be investigated further as a means to ascertain a depth of parametric knowledge in order to develop an innovative outcome for the EOI.
INPUT: CURVE INT_OUTPUT: ROTATION Curve Intersections appeared to produce a rather regimented and somewhat boring outcome. It was possible that the use of such input parameter simply does not produce anything of substance when associated with the rotation output. Either way , exploring the input did not provide any interesting explorations.
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TURBULENCE
REVERSE-ENGINEERING NED KAHN’S ‘ARTICULATED CLOUD’ The second phase of the case study analysis, as advised by the Cut/Develop experimentation, required the investigation of a definition series or sequence as a means to re-interpret or rather, reverse engineer a relevant case study, in this case, the Articulated Cloud by Ned Kahn. Using the associative inputs and outcomes, it was necessary to regenerate the architect’s design intent of textured or patterned repetition to facilitate a sense of depth and kinetic transitory which has become a primary aspect of Kahn’s work to date. Furthermore, these notions may materialise into an effective component in the development of our own concept and design proposal outcome as stipulated by the EOI brief.
INPUT: SURFACE GRID FRAMES_ASSOCIATION: MATH FUNCTION_OUTPUT: ROTATION
INPUT: SURFACE GRID FRAMES_ASSOCIATION: IMAGE SAMPLER_OUTPUT: ROTATION
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The snake skin is comprised of geometric shapes which through the utilisation of complex genetic algorithms, can be transposed into architecture, ultimately, to inform new and more complex and innovative design outcomes through the simulations of natural phenomena at the cellular, molecular or scalar level. Using the referenced the thumbnail image into the Image Sampler component on Grasshopper, the desired, reverse engineering outcome can be feasible. Along with the Attractor component, an produced effects of kinetics and patterning through depth, materializes into the intended qualities which inform the simulations of a surface being subjected to wind loads and other extraneous variables.
INPUT: SURFACE GRID FRAMES_ASSOCIATION: ATTRATOR POINT_OUTPUT: ROTATION
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Feedback from the previous discussion informed the notion of investigating the application of Pressure Gradients, a meteorological measurement, that could be explored effectively to generate and represent the effects of wind loading onto the delicate and complex surface to promote movement and unique texture patterning. The attempt at simulating the effects of Pressure Gradients resulted in mixed outcomes: it appeared that ambitions outweighed application. A definition refining the previous methodology explored the impact of Graph Mapping, particularly the Perlin line graph, that generated random noise effects that could represent or simulate the effects of wind loading on a surface.
INPUT: SURFACE GRID FRAMES_ASSOCIATION: PRESSURE GRADIENTS_OUTPUT: ROTATION
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SERPENTINE DREAMS RESPONSIVE MORPHOGENESIS IN CONCEPTUAL DEVELOPMENTS
The preliminary concept development explores the genetic and biological simulations how the living system inflates and retracts in breathing. This undeniably relates to the notion of indigenous culture, whereby the land represents a living and interactive life-form. The concept applies the notion of morphogenesis , a biological process that informs the development of an organic structure; cellular development, growth and differentiations are also inherent characteristics of this notion, and when applied to the responsive algorithmic morphologies including the kinetics of honeycombs and the voronoi patterning structure, new and more innovative iterations can be achieved in response to the evolving paradigm. Through the use of digital computational techniques, for instance Grasshopper, we were able to reference two separate NURBS curves from Rhino to generate a complex structural compositions through the translation of related points into interfaces and then to divide the generated surface volume into individual cells of varying geometric complexities. These geometric complexities are variations in apertures, perforations and scale which create a dialogue with the themes of air and cellular alterations. 30
Analysis through preliminary explorations led to the studies of intrinsic environmental geometries. Specifically, the notions of biological simulation through the understanding of genetic algorithms to drive the formal compositions of the design. These provide an evolutionary simulation or a systematic process of configurations and variations to drive the prescribed concept. Apertures within the structure have been seen to provide a spatial gradient effect whereby opaque, translucent and transparent porosities are existent within the one surface. This re-articulates the aim in producing aesthetic effects through varying transparencies and lighting variation as an interactive, user defined composition.
PARAMETRIC EXPLORATIONS CONDUCTED WITH HEXAGONAL GEOMETRIC VARIATIONS
PERFORMATIVE PERORATED SURFACE IN RESPONSIVE TESSELATING GEOMETRIC ITERATIONS Further explorations into the tensile structure drew the exploration of the connections between structure and materiality. It was concluded that the material, EFTE would be most suitable in achieving the underlining concept while also promoting accordance with the tessellating hexagonal structure. This cellular structure derived from the repetitive simulation of scale textures and patterns will house the material through simple joinery systems applied from examples including the Eden Project. This design response will drive the concept to new and more innovative levels to ultimately achieve the aim of generating a iridescent structure that responds to contemporary issues and aspirations. 31
Case For Innovation/Expression of Interest/ Research Project/Gateway Project ‘For the first time perhaps, architectural design might be aligned with neither formalism nor rationalism but with intelligent form and traceable creativity’
Parametric Modelling as a design alternative to the traditional mind-set, informs the underlining notions of the contemporary architectural discourse. The practical ability to generate a performative response to the fundamental questions of the twenty-first century provide for the basis of an evolving paradigm which attempts to challenge the definitive notions of architecture by facilitating an emphasis on the innovative exploration into the spontaneous and variable methodologies of the advancing discourse. Precedents and iterative outcomes set the scene for the development of a detailed understanding and acknowledgement of the vast horizons that are yet to be explored or questioned whether it be mathematical algorithms which provide the generative tools needed to pursue biological and genetic structures, or simply a logical response to the formal challenges concerning the environment and social capital. These contemporary issues will be evaluated in the projected outcome of a site specific response which can contribute to or formulate an adaptable response to be later extrapolated into the wider environmental and social context.
STUDIOAIR Cover: Detail of the ‘Eight-Foot Wind Tunnel’ from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia, United States of America, 1958 (photo: Unknown Photographer @ http://www.nasa.gov/centers/langley/news/ factsheets/windtunnels.html) The back cover shows the image resolution in its entirety.