Design Studio AIR University of Melbourne 2012
Linda Feng 380911
Content Part I: EOI
I.1 Case for Innovation I.1.1 Architecture as a Discourse I.1.2 Computing in Architecture I.1.3 Parametric Modelling I.1.4 Case for Innovation conclusion I.2 Research Project I.2.1 Scope of possibilities I.2.1.1 Input/Association/Output Matrix I.2.1.2 Reverse-Engineered case study I.2.1.3. Material Effects I.2.1.4. Assembly Methods I.2.2. Research Project Conclusion I.3. Expression of Interest Conclusion: Competitive Advantage I.4. Learning Objectives and Outcomes: Interim
Part II: Project Proposal
II.1. Project Interpretation II.2. Project Delivery II.3. Project Presentation II.4. Project Proposal Conclusion
Part III: Learning Objectives and Outcomes: Final III.1. Personal Background and Learning Objectives III.2. Learning Progress III.3. Learning Outcomes III.4. Future Work
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Architectural Discourse
The MAXXI museum in Italy, by the Zaha Hadid Architects is a modern museum, a creation of 20th century. The design and construction process took ten years, the creation incorporates the urban environment into an effective geometric form that speaks for itself and nourishes the spirit of Rome. This relationship with the landscape Hadid has incorporated into the design is an important aspect of the Wyndham Gateway design. As should all good designs consider the structure with the surroundings. Zaha explains the design process of developing a built environment. “We explore a range of solutions from the primary gesture through the use of digital tools within the overall creative process. Numerous, Often overlapping data sources are used for our work and these must be assembled and centralized, formalized and integrated, into a cogent whole. On projects of this scale and complexity, accuracy is as crucial as flexibility and speed because 3D data is a critical component of project execution.”
The design process which Hadid briefly explains gives insight into the system of paths which the design process follows. Much like Kalay’s Architecture’s New Media, it follows a similar system of process, paradigms, and methods. The process: “Exploring a range of solutions” - problem investigation, blend of solutions, evaluation, and communication. Paradigms: “overlapping data” – thus, to solve, recreate solutions, combinations of parts to create a new satisfying answer. Methods: “3D data” – Specific technology to create a unique solution, exploring the limits and range of possibilities of method and should be adopted into the Gateway Design process. The museum creates a form of architectural discourse; no longer in the conventional cell structure found in common buildings. The fluidity encourages movement within. By incorporating parametricism, Zaha Hadid Architects created complex geometry to ‘embed’ the design into the environment. The notion of the museum directly relates to the design brief from Wyndham Council, the design become the ‘central thread connecting people and place’, linking the web of communities and drivers in short distance of Wyndham City.
Ive heard about “Tangled, intertwined, it seems to be a city, or rather a fragment of a city.” Roche seeks to form non-forms of interwoven geometries derived from impulses of human occupation.
‘Ive heard about’ by R&Sie, is a habitable organism, self-reproducing, autopoietic system, grows and adapts to its inhabitants. Francois Roche imagines a programmable construction engine – the Viab, improvises as it assembles the structure (walls, cables, pipes etc.) The Viab produces according to the needs and desires of the dwellers. “Its inhabitants are immunized because they are both vectors and protectors of this complexity.”
I’ve hear about complies with the three developmental stage of ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’ by Richard Williams (2005). It is the combination of architectural development through history. Architecture as art: the digital design of the project certainly appears as a sculpture form of bio-mimicry. Abstract and creative, it associates itself as Architecture as a Sign: a symbol of the future, a unique idea that signifies and introduces a new form of social interaction and living style. This symbolic aspects is to be explored in the gateway design; symbolics of the attributes which Wyndham City presents itself, providing an icon for the city.
New territories< rsie@new-territories.com>, 2005, I’ve heard about, Webblog post, Viewed 14th March 2012, <http://www.new-territories.com/I%27veheardabout.htm
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The architectural discourse of incorporating nature into the designs has been discussed, put on trial and carried out in reality. But none has exploit notion of self-constructing building. (An idea which will put architects out of their jobs). Roche explores computer generated fabrications and applies to architecture. His idea originated from a robot ‘contour crafter’ invented by Behrokh Khoshnevis, much like a 3D printing system which produces wet cement from a nozzle and the programmable trowel levels the cement in position. Similar concept has been seen in nature; termite mounts are created from the molding of mud. Its form is shaped by the activities within, interdependent of the termites. This observation and incorporation of nature into the design is an interesting exploration path that can be used in the design process for the gateway. Once again, the innovative concept interlinks with the requirement of dialogue between sculpture and landscape. I’ve heard about combines nature into the design, creating a unique, exciting and ‘iconic figure’ that will attract and develop the municipality as brief requires.
Herring Island Gallery
Herring Island Gallery proposal. Photograph by author Photo montage, Herring Island Gallery proposal
The design of Museum Space for Herring Island, creating a sense of discovery and anticipation. Its maze like plan is designed to create a sense of secrecy to stimulate by passersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sense of curiosity and expectation. The design intent was to create a new form of interaction socially and with the building itself. The notion of being â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;lostâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; in a building contribution to architectural discourse , as it goes against the conventional designs to direct visitors to certain locations or views within the building. Choice of material was rammed earth to integrating with the surround environment and sculptures to preserve and enrich cultural heritage. Both aims are precisely the aim of the design brief. Preserving historical attractions, and emphasising the significance of nature. An encouragement of interaction and appreciation for nature. As Wyndham City encourages awareness of the surroundings and heritage of the land.
Computational Design
WaterCube The Beijing National Aquatics Centre, inspired by the geometry of bubbles in soap leather, a symbol for water. The entire structure is formed of more than 4000 bubbles using transparent dual ETFE cushion envelope, a lightweight construction, achieving both aesthetics and function (thermal efficiency). In response to Chinese architectural culture, the design team incorporated the latest technologies and materials. Although the concept of soap leather is a simple idea, but the result is ambitious, creative and inventive.
“The ETFE (the ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer) membrane insulates the Water Cube. This advanced membrane structure is formed by 3,065 bubble-like pneumatic cushions of all sizes. The National Aquatics Center becomes the first large-scale public project coated with the membrane, and it also has set up a new world record for its massive deployment.” The advanced technology of digital assembly of three thousand ‘bubbles’ could only have been done digitally. It is the convenience of using digital design, with a single click can create different geometries, this ability which will contribute in the Wyndham Gateway Design, whether it is repetition of forms or irregular geometries.
Gehry’s Tower The nine story building clothed with stainless steel, with a twisted facade on the small property is eye catching at the corner of the block. The twist of the facade directs the view towards a nearby park. Frank Gehry used digital modeling software to create the simple twisting in the facade to form a dialog with the surrounding environment. This can also be done in Rhino and Grasshopper by moving vector points or lofting surfaces. Dialog with the surrounding environment will “enhance the physical environment” by taking “advantage of the prominent location” (Wyndham City)
“Simple, topologically invariant transformations, such as twisting and bending, are particularly effective means for creating alternative morphologies. For instance, Gehry’s Ustra Office Building in Hanover, Germany (1999), has a simple prismatic form, which twists in the direction of the nearby open park area.” - Architecture in the Digital Age (Kolarevic)
The Great Court
The Great Court - British Museum, designed by Foster and Partners, is a two acre court covered with glass roof. Foster reveals as what they call â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a cultural plazaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; through large glass roof design using similar computational technique to polygonal tessellation, using the surface extraction of a sphere, then subdivided into segments. In this case, due to irregular geometry in the roof perimeter, every 3,312 panes of glass are all unique in size, with 4,878 hollow rods and 1,566 connector nodes. All elements cut with Computer Numeric Control; a modern machinery tool interprets command files from CAD and CAM programs in order to process digital design. (Architecture in the Digital Age, Kolarevic) This although can be done in Rhino, it would take a life time of click and drag. This is where scripting programs such as Grasshopper can produce in a fraction of time. Solution to create mass numbers of geometries all in different sizes can be using voronoi pattern, producing a more organic design. And many other solutions to solve such problems in Grasshopper. Once again, the digital technique used allows mass production of unique shapes and sizes to form a roof, and a promising visual art component composed of smaller elements to form an appealing gateway design.
Contemporary Scripting/programming
ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion The ICD and ITKE conducted a research pavilion in 2010, focuses on ‘material orientated computational design’. Using plywood strips the team researches the forces externally and internally and constructs the physical form of the pavilion accordingly. The research team conducted the researched based on the idea which ‘digital processes are rarely able to reflect these intricate relations’ meaning the digital designs and forces are rarely dealt as a single process. The research incorporates innovative ideas and production processes. The physical form relies upon the ‘behavior and material characteristics’. The lightweight building, constructed entirely of strips of plywood that are robotically produced. In this project, scripting was used to test the capabilities of materials in different forms; extent of bending, compression, tension etc. In this case, using scripting provided a much easier option as to dealing with large number of tests and data, allowing the process to be shortened dramatically. Some may argue that using scripting limits the design creativity, but it can be a form of creativity. Scripting allows mass production of designs, condensing the entire process
“The research pavilion demonstrates an alternative approach to computational design: here, the computational generation of form is directly driven and informed by physical behavior and material characteristics.” - University of Stuttgart using only a fraction of what would be without digital aid. This will become evident in the process of digital development of the gateway design. Mass exploration using digital tools (Rhino and Grasshopper, and with a few other programs) rather than producing physical models, 3D digital models save time, material and cost, while exploring more possibilities. This, itself, is a form of creativity, a new form of design process and exploration into limitations and opportunities. Quantity and quality. As history progress, architecture evolves along with ideas, design methods and technology. It is not a limitation but rather a new era of architecture which focuses more upon the design explorations than materiality. It is only if architect chooses to focus the design based on material limitation, as most would agree it is only a sub part of the process. But nonetheless an important issue and aspects that should become more aware of.
Case for innovation conclusion The research process has listed a number of innovative projects, in which carries across the design aim of the Gateway design. Maxxi museum and Ive heard about offer unique notions of living style and social interaction. Herring Island Gallery proposes cultural heritage and preserving the natural environment; all in support of the Wyndham Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new identity: a cultural environment that welcomes all ages and encourages learning the local and national history of Australia. Computational and scripting examples are innovative in the methods used. Computation design explores the infinite possibilities; it is quicker and unlike conventional sketch designs. But it has also explored various use of computational designs, where ICT/ITKE Pavilion explores digital design by experimenting with materiality and its limitations. This shows that computaional design is not just a tool for mass production but also in exploration in materiality, where conventional design process cannot. Lives of designers has also become much easier as files can be directly sent to laser cutters and CNC Routers etc. This can be taken advantage of in the process of model development in the gateway design. The Pritzker architecture award winner Wang Shu once said in an interview that there are two ways of design, one is to begin from scratch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the common method of modern day, the other is to acknowledge that ideas and concepts are often repeated, and from this acknowledgement, you can further enhance and develop a new direction and path. And this is part of the course and design brief to learn and improve on precedents to create a new form of architecture and use it in the design of Wyndham City Gateway.
research project
NATURE
Input/Association/Output Matrix
Rotation inspires motion in design, in addition to image sampler and surface normal forms soft delicate flows of lines and points which demonstrates abstract moving effect of driving on the Princes Freeway.
These matrix were produced using a combination of: Inputs - Boolean Patterning, Surface normals Associations - Image Sampler, Maths functions, curve attractor, attractor point and streaming text files Outputs - Rotation, circle, shading and extrusion Before the experimentation of matrix begun, reflection upon the theme of nature lead to the idea and philosophy of part to whole. It began with the very basic form of nature: plants. From the invisible cells, formulating a physical stem which grows leafs and petals in repetition, generating a flower; it is the concept of parts to whole in architecture: “Part is to part as part is to whole.” FLLW The interrelation between components which formulates the structure from the very foundation. The design process experiments the extent in which seamless dots formulates a line, and lines formulates an image, shadow, light and motion from very simple adjustments in various combination of Input, Association and Outputs; embracing design aim. The entire process of discovery became what best represent the theme of nature, each individual exploration relates to Nature whether it’s in the repetition of lines, geometry or dots and curves. As to the successfulness of the exploration, rather than pointing out a specific definition that proved to be the design aim, the entire exploration process has been - as a whole - successful. As it does explore the extent of which by increasing or decreasing numbers of dots that becomes merely random dots or formulating lines. Then further, when repeating lines with slight alteration in form creates something entirely new.
By using digital tools enable the design process to explore an infinite number of possibilities, covering a large scope leaving only the best of these explorations. Not only is it used as a tool to aid design possibilities but has also become a form of stimulating new designs. Through the matrix explorations, it evident that using digital tool not only helps to create a replica of sketch designs but it can - with the right knowledge and techniques - produce and further enhance existing design ideas to the next level. As proven in the matrix development, by using grasshopper and rhino, slight alteration can create new forms and ideas. The matric combinations were part of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;processâ&#x20AC;? (Kalay 2004): discover the limitations and extents of digital parametric designs, selecting matric and grasshopper definitions which could be useful the next level of development, evaluating design process: what is good what is not good, taking what is good and further develop. This seamless method of design process takes architectural design to the next level of opportunity and prospect. For the Wyndham Gateway design, it denotes the very best of outcomes from this boundless range of process, the design philosophy guides the design process to a meaningful and fulfilling design that complies to the aims of Wyndham City. Nature, being one of the most important aspects of the new city is the focus of the design. Parts to whole also directly relates to the development of the municipality; Wyndham city becomes a small part of a network of communities (Werribee, Hoppers Crossing, Point Cook, Wyndham Vale, Truganina and Tarneit), the gateway will become the physical connection of the part to whole community relation. Unlike any other designs, Wyndham will become the one and only city with a unique design of gateway that physically interrelates to the environmental settings, network of communities and a visual public art that catches the eyes of drivers. These combinations of associations will result in which Wyndham City seeks.
HITOSHI ABE
AOBA-TEI case study
Aoba Tei Restaurant was chosen because of its innovative ideas and flexibility in using simple methods to achieve highly effective results in the built environment. Its context is similar to the requirements of Wyndham Gateway design, the necessity of collaboration and awareness between nature and humanity. The case study inspires innovative methods and using the given context to produce a cost effective, but a superior and classy built environment. A good design is one which is cost efficient, unique in concept, delievers requirements of clients and more. This is the aim for the gateway design.
INTENTION The Aoba Tei to recreate the characteristic natural environment of Sendai into the restaurant. The curvature form of perforated steel imitates the road side Zelkovas tree, and through innovative digital designs of perforation in the material, the backlit lighting projects the image of trees and produces a seamless ‘soft boundary surface’ which show the continuity from roadside landscape into interior space of Aoba Tei.
“our anchestors, forced to live in dark rooms, presently came to discover beauty in shadows, ultimately to guide shadows, heavy shadows against light shadows“ - Junichiro Tanizaki “In Praise of Shadow“ Hitoshi innovatively incorporated the traditional japanese architecture into the modern setting of Aoba Tei restaurant, using the features of progressive shadows and light from the transparency of rice paper in the traditional Japanese home. This subtle intergration of traditional design style into a contemporary design is an important aspect of design process in the gateway design, Intergrating the ideas and design strategies from this case study to produce a unique design for the Wyndham City.
“They limit light, reduce contrast, and have an earthy aroma” The transitional experience from dark to light in correspondance with funtionality of rooms. He cleverly uses modern materials and methods to manipulate light and shadow in an enclosed environment. His project suceeds in which he uses perforated steel and artificial lighting, materials and methods very much opposite to nature and used to frabricate the atmosphere of the Sendai landscape.
ASSEMBLY METHOD
- by using wrapping method of the choosen representative image through the entire curvature form - using CNC router - a standardized peforated hole size of 4mm, 6mm, 9mm with 15mm spacing Using various perforation size can be easily adopted and created through Grasshopper. CNC routers - as only a much smaller scaled model is to be produced, laser cutting is suffice.
CONCEPT
“our anchestors, forced to live in dark rooms, presently came to discover beauty in shadows, ultimately to guide shadows, heavy shadows against light shadows“ - Junichiro Tanizaki(Novelist) , in “In Praise of Shadow“
“compressed shadow space transition”
Hitoshi innovatively incorporated the traditional japanese architecture into the modern setting of Aoba Tei restaurant, using the features of progressive shadows and light from the transparency of rice paper in the traditional Japanese home. “They limit light, reduce contrast, and have an earthy aroma” The transitional experience from dark to light in correspondance with funtionality of rooms. He cleverly uses modern materials and methods to manipulate light and shadow in an enclosed environment. His project suceeds in which he uses perforated steel and artificial lighting, materials and methods very much opposite to nature and used to frabricate the atmosphere of the Sendai landscape.
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Through the study of Aoba Tei restaurant, in this m attempted to explore the silhouette image from the explicit grid + image sampler + circles. From thes parameters changes effect the scale of aperture, d ing image or not), and contrast between having the black. And to be able to set the aperture sizes as w SCALE : 0.35
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matrix developmental stage, we have e restaurant. The two sets of tests uses se tests we also aimed to explore how the density (numbers of aperture formulate objects in black or the background in we want, explicit grid did exactly this.
Further development Definition: SURFACE DIVISION + IMAGE SAMPLER + CIRCLE
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Explorations in manipulation of:
Scale - in Aoba Tei restaurant, the sizes of perforation holes are in set sizes (explicit grids). B foration can either reduce or enlarge light penetration in physical model. Image ‘resolution (abstract) or clear.
Contrast – (image sampler) by contrasting black and white, it is easier to identify the image comes. Density – density of circles will intensity where shadows and darker areas are, or become not present the image used very clearly.
Light and Shadow – circle sizes allow different amounts of light in, density also effect this light, where light is the strongest shows the most vivid part of the image. The situation rev two tests. reverse use of white and black for light and dark in the image.
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After various tests of parameters, there were obstacles we came across. First was the aperture size. At first random sizes of circles were used, however, these prove to be either too small or big enough to overlap one another. This could lead to a disaster if it were sent to the laser cutter. The circles would be cut as one, which is way too big for the effect of silhouette image. Too small, light cannot penatrate, it would just be a piece of etched material. SCALE : 0.25
Secondly, it was tricky to have just enough number of circles to allow the right amount of light to penetrate. Although this was easier after the aperture size were regulated through explicity grids. The sizBy varying in size of per- es still had to be adjusted in relation to the density that was needed. nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; may become blurred
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Selected definition: Present the connection between integration of detail into a large picture and the design concept of Aoba Tei. Integration of nature into the material environment with simple design but clever way of achieving cheap, effective and fast production. The perforated form will become part of the setting long Princes Freeway. When it rains, the perforation will allow a small amount of rainfall to pass through. Sounds will be slightly reduced from each side of the site as cars drives by. When sun shines through it will produce the best visual effect; a combination of light and shadow allows the design to be at the peak of its performance. It is at this point that best present the design. Beauty and serenity are reflected through the tranquility of the moment.
Reverse en
ngineering
ASSEMBLY METHODS The Aoba Tei restaurant was welded onsite with specialised professional craftmanship. Craftman were able to deform the steel panels at key points by heating and chilling. The assembly methods of the model is similar to Aoba Tei restaurant. A thin framing element is used to permenantly prop the steel/cardboard into the desired curvature form; setting the wall in place. The steel walls were assembled from smaller segments; the model presented is at the scale of 1:5 to the steel panels. Perforated steel was precasted and assembled on site. Our model was laser cutted and assembled accordingly to the framming.
The tunnel vision of the design design under the moonlight. The blue creates a romanticised and clarity. A welcoming sign of the Wyndh
is intended to mimic the
d feel of the night, calmness
ham City.
Slight alterations were made for laser cutting, Minimal distance between each circles were set.
MATERIAL EFFECTS Restaurant Aoba Tei by Hitoshi Abe ‘establishes a visual dialogue’ between the characteristic landscapes of Sendai into the internal environment of the restaurant. This case study provides further architectural philosophy, exploring the boundary of relationship between nature and the materiality. What is materiality? What is nature? All material is a formed of nature in one way or another, then where does the line lie to separate the two? Thus leads to the experimentation of physical abilities of cardboard. It is stiff and rigid similar to perforated steel (materiality) used in Aoba Tei, and under submergence it softens, bends like wood (nature) over long period of environmental exposure. Our aim to produce an imitation of Aoba Tei restaurant but also to further explore the transition of space, which cardboard is used as a physical transition medium (distortion of materiality and nature) between the external and internal space. The perforation of material imitates and projects nature and the sensation of natural environment.
“Architecture’s materiality is therefore a composite one, made up of visible as well as invisible forces.” - Moussavi - The Function of Ornament (2006) Visible - the material, the fundamental structure which holds the design dogether Invisible - circular voide allowing penetration of environmental effect: light, rain, wind. The visible and invisible becomes the “contemporary ornaments” itself.
ENGINEERING
The Aoba Tei restaurant was welded onsite with specialised professional craftmanship. Craftman were able to deform the steel panels at key points by heating and chilling. The assembly methods of the model is similar to Aoba Tei restaurant. A thin framing element is used to permenantly prop the steel/cardboard into the desired curvature form; setting the wall in place. The steel walls were assembled from smaller segments; the model presented is at the scale of 1:5 to the steel panels. Perforated steel was precasted and assembled on site. Our model was laser cutted and assembled accordingly to the framming.
MATERIAL TESTING
In process of fabrication, cardboard was tested. Naturally, the cardboard used is rigid and inflexible. Submerged, it became soft and bendable, where water came in contact; the surface became darker, more engaging. Cardboard was also tested with water paint and spray paint to achieve the same painted effect of Aoba Tei restaurant. Water paint, much like the effect of water, darkened the material. Silver spray paint gave a silky, reflective surface. Once dried, the cardboard became rigid once again, but more prone to bending. An interesting phenomenon occurred after the submergence of the cardboard, what was a single sheet of cardboard was able to the peeled into separate sheets. In the long run, if cardboard were to be constantly exposed to weather effects, it would quickly decay and dissolve back into nature. Parts to whole, and whole to parts. Cardboard is an interesting testing material, can be used as a substitute of rigidness of steel, but the similar outcome of testing wood. It is a preliminary study of materials that could be used for final fabrication. Effective in preparation for building the gateway design.
RESEARCH CONCLUSION From the studies of a range of projects, it can be concluded that certain aspects of these projects can be used to produce a design for the gateway. But one of the most important notions that was repeatedly seen is to connect the design with its environment and surrounding. Aoba Tei especially emphasized in this, using nature and dialogue with site environment; as it incorporates the very nature of the environment into the material itself. Not only projecting impression of nature but physically altering material form corresponding to Zelkovas trees. One other aspect that clearly stood out was the use computational design; although Gehry uses digital aid to reproduce his designs, Hadid and Abe uses digital aid as a form of stimulation in the design process. Not just producing a replica of design but using digital tools to its full potential and creating designs that could not otherwise. As seen in the ICD/ITKE Pavilion.Its innovative idea lies with its exploration in materiality through digital aid. Effectively borrow the major advantageous methods in these researches and cultivated according to the aim of Wyndham City Gateway design. Using creative solution, the design uses perforation to produce a “visual art” along the Princes Freeway that will be “eye catching” and exciting. The variation in weather effects demonstrates the dialogue with the landscape and environment and the awareness of environment and heritage associating with neighboring suburbs and the city itself. This will be further enhanced through the next stage of design process. The design will become a symbol and icon of Wyndham city with unique form and approach to interaction and indicating the relationship with natural environment. The seamless design process produces the best design solution to the requirements of the City Council. From exploring in detail of case study, an inspiring project that reached the goals of cost efficiency, original solution to design aim, at the same time delivering a classy interior space for the restaurant. Our designs will incorporate all the respectable qualities to produce an even greater design for the Gateway project.
Expression of Interest Conclusion: Competitive Advantage The process and development of research has shown thoroughness in exploration in ideas, concepts, philosophy, material effects and possible outcomes. It is the learning and using these qualities into the design for Wyndham Gateway that will produce one of a kind design. Digital aid is to be used for the exploration in play of light and shadow: perforation in material as a form of reinterpretation and projection of nature directly onto the design itself. This creates an relationship between the design and environment as a piece of visual art, but more than that, it is visual art in motion, changing through time setting and audience. It becomes a dialogue between motorists along the highway, the gateway, and the environment. The gateway shall present itself as a form of representation of connection between humanity and nature. An indication of the existing surroundings as motorists approaches along the highway. This interpretation varies as individuals shall perceive the gateway through their own subjectivity, but also as they move physically by the gateway viewing it at both sides and within. The gateway should present itself not just visually but also as an experience. From the experiments of light and shadow, it has more or less become light and shades of shadow. It is these shades if light and shadow that represents and effects the mood, interpretation and the representation of nature, This can be directly related and effected by the environment, but as a contemporary design, the gateway will include more complex ways of manipulation of light. ments in its own unique way.
As seen in the Aoba Tei restaurant, use of artificial lighting projects a private and intimate environment within the building. A projected image of the Zelkovas tree gives a sense of exposure to the wilderness. By using computational tools, the design will further explore in interplay of material, image, light and shadow. The convenience of computational aid is to be able to save mass number of exploration, and able to refer back later. Integrating parametric tools, allows diverse and wide horizon of experimental range; particularly in the studies of nature (light, shadow, form, parts to whole). The combination of research, digital exploration and case study, the design has complied with the design requirements in its own unique way.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes Research is an inevitable part of design, but as the very first part of the course was to research into architectural discourse and computational design it has presented a different (or at least made clearer) understanding of architecture. Not just simply creating designs through sketches, but it is a whole network of thinking and understanding ideas and use of technologies. This helped in deeper understanding of designs, and the ideas behind works of architects. Through the first part of the course, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve also learned to recognize aspects of design that may help in the development of my own creations, and how to reinterpretation and blend into a new form. Learning the functions and understanding how grasshopper operates was not exactly straight forward, but through weekly tasks, basic understanding of operation in grasshopper was established. Using digital aid in design has become one fo the key aspects of modern architecture, it will help with efficiency in design process, and extend the scope of development. Its ability to create indefinitely is now become a form of stimulation in the design process. It has also shown me that it is not just in engineering which mathematics can help in structural explorations, but it can also be of use in architectural design.
Furthermore, it was a surprise that a design tool could produce and create not through typical click and drag, connecting lines, but through generic algorithms. However, what stood out the most which I found to be useful is the argument for design intent and exploration in knowledge of architectural philosophy. Key skills which help in project competitions and persuading clients and the wider architectural network. Learning from projects and case study, critical reflection will further develop design argument and process. Seeing the positive and negative qualities in projects prove to be useful in learning and absorbing key ideas and concepts.
Part II: Project Proposal II.1. Project Interpretation Through the research and exploration in various matric designs, there were key aspects which were intended to be carried out in the design proposal that also complies with the city council brief. To relate the design to the site; enhancing the physical environment, creating a unique experience through light and shadow, and use of parametric design. As the Wyndham City Council requires an installation which “will enhance the physical environment through the introduction of a visual”, and also “have longevity in its appeal”, to comply with the brief, it is proposed that the design to be a tunnel stretching across the site. The tunnel will merge into the landscape, becoming a part of site. The tunnel consisting of two layers, skin and ribs as the structural element.
Although the intention is to submerge the tunnel and blend into the earth, the top of the tunnel will remain visible above ground; giving drivers a glimpse of the sculptural form of the tunnel. And to present a design that brings more than just the brief, the proposal further enhances the experience of the gateway, as it allows drivers to enter and drive through a unique visual experience.
II.2. Project Delivery To produce the design, a small segment of the tunnel is produced using grasshopper. There are two sections of grasshopper definitions - one for the ribs (structural frame), skin (perforation and patterning). Then separate definitions were used to unfold the tunnel for easier fabrication. The skin was unrolled in strips, so that once laser cut out, all there is to do is piecing the strips together. It became an obstacle to align the perforation pattern with the layer of skin, thus, for fabrication, they were done separately. The tunnel as a simple geometry was unrolled first, then the pattern was laid on top. This method although takes longer, produces the results we wanted. Plugins such as LUNCHBOX have components which help in unfolding this in a single step. Or, could use the LAN surface subdivision. Once everything is unfolded, rearrangement and labelling is done in CAD file, which is directly sent for laser cutting.
A few issues that we came across was fabricating the testing models. Due to the size of the tunnel an extremely small scale had to be used to include the entire tunnel, and each layering - both skin and frame - were also reduced to smaller scale, As the perforation sizes were tiny in size to begin with, laser cutters werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to produce such details. A large segment of the tunnel was produced to demonstrate the tectonics of the structure; however, miscalculation of size, the layer of skin did not match the size and shape of the framing. This was due to missing steps in unfolding the layer of skin, and neglecting double -checking before sending the file to be laser cut.
PR PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODU PRODUCED BY AN AUTODE
II.3. Project Presentation The project presentation aims to show some key parts of the design. Through phtographs, we aims to show the structural system, the layers of structure, and derive of concept. The three large photos shows the waffle grids which is the framing of the tunnel. The joinery at the end of the framing, and how it relates and connects to the ground. But it also gives the impressions and feel of passing through the tunnel. The three elevations represents the stages of concept development, which at the beginnging was not much, a plain field wtih grass plane. Then the incorporation of nature, thus the philosophy behind the design emerges. Then lastly the proposed design.
SILHOUETTE NATURE WAFFLE FRAMING
empty grass field, non-existing purpose
towards natural setting and environmentally aware - revitalise with trees
PRODUCED BY AN AUTODESK EDUCATIONAL PRODUCT
an architectural design and reinterpretation of relation to nature - through structure, form, space and experience
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DE ROA
N
PRINCESS HWY TO MELBOURNE
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ONG GEEL
PRINCESS HWY TO GEELONG
INTENT
the intent of the gateway design aims to produce an explorative sculpture that promotes nature. interplay of:
light / shadow fluidity / solidity materialisation / nature form / unform
the product is a combination of these ideas and formulates a dynamic, creative and interactive design.
STRUCTURAL JOINT
SKIN
II.4. Project Proposal Conclusion The design proposal aims to merge with the landscape, become part of a unique experience for drivers, the tunnel with its long sculptural form becomes an iconic symbol of the Wyndham City. As shown in the photographs of the tunnel, the light penetrating through perforation creates a relaxing and serene environment, an artificial setting of natural environment. The proposal succeeds in taking innovative idea from Aoba Tei, reinterpreting and applying to the Wyndham City gateway design. The flow of the form extends above the plane of the landscape; drivers are able to see glimpses of the tunnel, as if a preview of the artistic and cultural values which Wyndham City possesses. However, the project lacked in materiality exploration. Experimentation with material effects would have been more stimulating in visual effects. Pattern design, although relates the design to nature and a clear demonstration of parts to whole, further development and exploration into abstract patterns would be desirable. Persuasion and argument for the proposal in project presentation did not bring out the best aspects of the proposal. As to improve on presentation of project proposal, main innovative ideas and best features of the design are to be presented and clearly indicated how the design relate to the brief.
Part III: Learning Objectives and Outcomes III.1. Personal Background and Learning Objectives The main learning objectives that studio air attempts to teach students are persuasive arguments for design outcomes, computational techniques, design techniques and detailing. It was surprising how learning to persuade and argue for design proposals were emphasized during the course, as previous studios, presentation techniques were not a main part of the studios. This area of architecture is not my strength, but is interesting as it forces me to develop my ideas further. Learning Grasshopper and Rhino - which I previously had no experience of - was challenging. It was especially confusing once definitions became longer and more complex through the online tutorials. It was easy to copy and follow steps, but once it was time to create and explore possibilities of my own designs using these tools, it was difficult. To understand better of what I am trying to accomplish, I had to revisit the online tutorials and attempt to understand better. And it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t not all in vain, as I have at least a basic understanding of using grasshopper. Most importantly, from the comments from tutors, I have observed that it is especially to cover even the tiny details in every aspects of the design. This of course takes time and thorough process, that in the short time of the course, the design is still vague and lack in details.
III.2. Learning Progress It has always been clear that presenting a design requires persuasive arguments. But this wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really emphasised on during previous studio classes, But through studio air, it has really shown the imporance of selling a design, not just with a good solution but it also needs a good argument by using visuals such as photographs, using words of persuasion to create a logical presentation of ideas and notions which why the design should be selected. In the final presentation, it was pointed out that photographs of the model were of poor lighting, the materials appeared more yellow, when it was meant to represent cool colour of silver. To persuade clients, it is essential to comply with design briefs that give a set of guide to the direction of the design. Understanding and interpreting the brief with an open mind, can help in producing unique and innovative designs. Such as by using computational design as a form of stimulation in creativity and diversity of design. New capabilities and possibilities. Learning these computaion techniques has been challenging and interesting. As contemporary design envolves more technologies, it is essential to have at least the basic understanding of operating these softwares. In ITC pavilion, the philosophy behind the design was to break free from the restain of computaional design. In this sense, by learning a wider range of technique and tools, it will help in solving this problem. At the begining of the course, I had no knowledge of either Rhino or Grasshopper, but after weeks of online tutorials and step by step learning, I have familiarised myself with the basics of these tools.
III.3. Learning Outcomes In terms of actually learning all the learning objectives that studio air attempts to teach, I may not have mastered these objective, but have certainly gained a great deal of more understanding. This has also help me in understanding architecture, that it is not just about designing, but also in publications, ideas, technologies and persuasion. Through writing of journals and researching into architectural projects, I have learned to connect the arguments and relation back to design briefs. It was common mistake to focus solely on the research project and neglect the learning objectives. Also, use of different tactic to persuade clients. Such as using visual effects; photographs, physical models that will provide a preview to the design outcome. Depending on the scale of models, different levels of details should be demonstrated in the models. Especially in smaller scales, where fine details are essential. As for photography, lighting, and photoshop can help in the quality of printing, thus carry out the ideas more clearly.
Learning new tools such as grasshopper and rhino has proven to be useful in parametric designs, and brought better understand of both advantages and disadvantages of these modern tools for design. The matrix produced was successful in a way; it was through random creations and manipulation in grasshopper that I had an epiphany. Which helped establish the philosophy and direction which the design proposal took. Digital tools has proved itself not only a tool to recreate a design but a stimulant in ideas and creativity. These skills and knowledge learned gives a greater idea of what architecture is about. Learning grasshopper and rhino will help in future projects, with the time and quality of designs, Presentation skills needs improvement, but knowing what needs to improve on is the first step to improvement, I would never have guess that studio work required so much writing, but it is the repeating effort to improve the arguments and connection between brief and research that helps in generating ideas and also organizing thoughts a in a logical steps. This of course is valuable in any design projects, to be able to deliver and present a proposal clearly and persuasively.