STUDIO AIR NAME: YITAO LIU TUTOR: CAITLYN
There are three responses to a piece of design — yes, no, and WOW! WOW is the one to aim for. – Milton Glaser, named the Most Influential Graphic Designer of the Past 50 Years
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CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 4 PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION A.1. Design Futuring 6 A.2. Design Computation 14 A.3. Composition/Generation 20 A.4. Conclusion 26 A.5. Learning outcomes 26 A.6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches 27 REFERENCE 35
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INTRODUCTION
My name is Yitao Liu. I currently study the major of architecture in the university of melbourne. This is my third year of a Bachelor of Environment. I was born in China and came to Australia when I was 16 years old. I have learnt a Chinese traditional instrument called ‘Guzheng’ since I was a little girl, it is a kind of Chinese zither. I also do well in drawing and painting. I like cosplay, litterally, ‘costume play‘. I enjoy dressing up and pretending to be the character I like.
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It is very interesting to change myself into a totally different image.As I like fine art very much, It is not hard for me to decide the major I want to study and my future career. Personally, comparing to design in other disciplines, architecture is more magnificent. It is not only important for our daily life, but also shows the character of one city or maybe become a landmark for one city. It is my dream to become famous and to leave some great works in the world.
Acturally, as I said before, I’m good at free hand drawing but weak at using techniques. I am a beginner of Rhino and AutoCAD. I did some work with AutoCAD and I found my skill has been improved by doing more practice. As digital design becomes more and more important, using the softwares like Rhino, Grasshopper and Auto CAD must be considered as a necessary skill for an archcitect. I hope to improve my skills through this subject and also throught doing more practice. Personally, the theory of digital architecture is using computer techniques modelling, programming and imaging some structures that can not be done by free hand. By considering the development of techniques, digital design inspires designers and will bring a better future.
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Part A CONCEPTUALISATION
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A.1. Design Futuring It has been pointed out that architecture should be seen as a design practice that contributes ideas to the ongoing disciplinary discourse and culture at large. With this concept of architecture, the designed projects will be more willing to achieve a better future.
According to the readings, the earth is facing many problems such as global warming, water shortages and overpopulation. Nowadays, the sustainable design is demanded urgently in order to welcome our future.
HOK/Vanderweil, Process Zero: Retrofit Resolution (GSA building retrofit for Metropolis magazine’s ‘Get the Feds to Zero’ competition), 2011 ‘A network of systems operates in concert to maintain occupant comfort, provide ventilation, and generate power while minimising consumption. Solar thermal heats water for the radiant floor and domestic water heating. A geothermal system distributes cold water to chilled beams, which are fed conditioned ventilation air from a central energy-recovery unit. During swing seasons, these systems do not operate and the building is naturally ventilated.’ This project tried to define the ways of creating sustainable architecture. According to the journal Experimental Green Strategies, it presents a state of the art in applied ecological, architectural research. It is a new way to make a building ecological. It is a kind of revolutionary but not as radical as the previous architectural movements such as Futurism. The HOK design team encourge the green building and appeal people to participate in ‘green strategies‘. It explores the way that pioneering designers are advancing sustainable architectural design, moreover, contemporary practices are understanding the emerging brief of ‘sustainability’. They also developed sorts of new design tools and design approaches to achieve their goal.
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According to the research, this project is not acctually built as there is no real photoes for this building. It is kind of important for architects to discover whether sustainable designs equal sustainable buildings. It is impossible to conceive of a successful ecological building without ecologically mindful building users. People play a huge role in how buildings perform. According to Simos Yannas from the journal, creating adaptive architecture that responds to specific inhabitation and specific
user needs is a necessary step towards a more ecological approach. This project illustrates emerging approaches to ecological design research that point to new ways of understanding ecological design. They hold the view that the future of applied architectural research lies in integrated, systems-based strategies of understanding ecologies at various scales, relating to design process, building and place.
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Roland Snooks, Composite Wing, ‘The Future is Here’, Design Hub, RMIT University, Melbourne, August–October 2014 ‘We are told that search engines and social media incorporate algorithms that record our desires and serve them up to us, for sale. Corporations are well aware of this, using pop-ups to invade public and private space.’
Roland Snooks, whose work uses relatively autonomous swarming algorithms, created a pavilion-cum-parasol-cum-pop-up for the ‘The Future is Here’ exhibition at the Design Hub at RMIT University from August to October 2014. The work, Composite Wing, was also shown at the Shanghai Biennale. This project is inflenced by the chrysalis-to-butterfly transitions of Godsell’s MPavilion.
In this evanescent and embracing project, coiled structural stiffeners assemble themselves in differing densities within a breglass skin, supporting its shifts from the vertical to the horizontal, and creating a delicate spatial magic. This hazy view of the parasol reveals its architectural qualities. The pavilion-cum-parasolcum-pop-up is a new spatial hybrid, creating a poetics that is part swarming, part fabric, part translucent.
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The composite fibre installation compresses surface, structure and ornament into one intricate and irreducible assemblage. The complexity of the project is made possible through the development of robotic fabrication techniques including the extrusion of the fine-scale surface articulation. The surface gains its strength through the location of the articulation that operate as structural beams within the surface. This strategy enables the surface to remain only a few millimetres thick while spanning and cantilevering considerable distances.
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The Composite wing installation is an architectural prototype exploring the relationship of robotic fabrication, composite materials and algorithmic design. For the future contribution, the prototype is intended to test composite tectonics for the future application to larger architectural projects.
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A.2. Design Computation
COMPRESSED COMPLEXITY, Peter Mitterer and Matthias Moroder, Studio Hadid(Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher), University ofApplied Arts, 14Vienna, Austria, 2006
The development of design compitation has nearly 50 years. It can be seen as a digital continuum from design to production, from form generation to fabrication design, which is called Vitruvian effect according to Oxman[2]. This new continuity begun to evolve as a medium that supports a continuous logic of design thinking and making. It also enabled a set of symbiotic relationships between the formulation of design processes and developing technologies. In order to accommodate these developments, a new and comprehensive domain of architectural theories is beginning to emerge in the intersection between science, technology, design and architectural culture.
A grasshopper algorithm was developed to facilitate the conversion of the geometry into a wireframe structure, compatible with the engineer’s analysis tool. This enabled both teams minimize the time that would have been required in creating an engineering-specific model. The parametric algorithm also had surface analysis integrated in it to test for the planarity of each petal. Kangaroo physics has also been used in combination with a visualisation script to envision, tensile, compressive forces and areas of maximum stress. Having this integrated at the early stage of design also improved the collaboration between the structural and design teams.
Compressed Complexity rethinks the typology of the classicalskyscraper by combining a largely horizontal public shopping baseand a mono-functional stacked private office or housing slab. The typical horizontal system of public programmes is superimposed on to a vertical organisational pattern and subsequently developed as a diagonal spatial prototype. Adaptations of this basic prototype are generated to produce various functional formulations. The diagonal allocation of the public programme enables a continuous vertical public space that enhances the mix of functions and facilitatesnavigation around the site. As the surface folds up from the landscape into the tower, the geometricfeatures are mutated and do not repeat.
FIBROUS TOWER, Kokkugia (Roland Snooks, Rob Stuart-Smith, Juan DeMarco and Timo Carl), 2008
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This fibrous concrete shell tower for Hong Kong emerged from aseries of earlier studies, undertaken with Rojkind Arquitectos, of exoskeleton tower typologies. The project compresses the structural and tectonic hierarchies of contemporary tower design into a single shell whose articulation self-organises in response to multiple design criteria, incorporating structural, spatial,environmental and ornamental imperatives. The initial topology of the shell’s articulation is algorithmically generated through a cell division procedure in response to the tower geometry. The shell is both performative and ornamental, and operates as a non-linear structure where load is distributed through a network of paths,relying on collectively organised intensities rather than on ahierarchy of discrete elements.
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The load-bearing shell and slender floor plates enable the building to remain column-free. Although the external articulation is geometrically complex, it operates within the thickness of comparatively simple shell geometry,enabling the use of conventional formwork techniques to construct a highly differentiated tower. The localised spatial complexity and intensifications in the shell geometry suggest are reading of the shell as epidermis – a performative outer skin that integrates a set of discrete concerns through the cellular structure of a continuous surface. Computational swarm processes have already been developed by experimental architecture research practice Kokkugia to design architectural projects.
Studio Robert Stuart-Smith/Void student team (Karthikeyan Arunachalam, Maria GarcĂa, Alejandra Rojas and Mel Sfeir), The Thread, Architectural Association Design Research Laboratory (AADRL), London, 2014
It has been pointed out that computers were capable of more than just automated calculation. With artificial intelligence programming now utilised in many industries, will construction also look beyond automation. Studio Robert Stuart-Smith has been investigating the design possibilities of a robot swarm-constructed architecture. The research speculates on the use of flying multicopters (UAVs)2 to additively manufacture (3D print) buildings on-site by layered deposition using bespoke 3D printing hardware attachments. As an automated robotic technology, 3D printing reduces the time, cost, material and waste of construction while enabling design variety and complexity at minimal additional cost.
These 3D printers deliver economically competitive construction, yet their linear production process and fixed build volume are not ideal for many on-site scenarios. While current prints are not yet suitable for construction, although the AADRL studio has developed a number of printing techniques that mitigate a lack of precision in multicopter fight and demonstrate aerial 3D printing is achievable, informing design research into robot fight-control strategies.
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Above: Three multicopters undertake the cooperative building of the tensile installation through autonomous choreographic movement. Rather than 3D printing, in The Thread (2014) (above) Void delivered a tensile-structure installation composed of lightweight nylon thread. Multicopters undertook aerial weaving and bundling operations that are theoretically scaleable and able to be used to construct larger structures. The swarm performed in an autonomous and choreographed manner, achieving a three-dimensional weave of threads only repeatable if constructed with the same specific fight sequence. Left: The pedestrian bridge design is intrinsic to a locally determined construction sequence.bottom: The bridge design exhibits variations of material density and direction in relation to structural stress and deflection.
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As an automated robotic technology, 3D printing reduces the time, cost, material and waste of construction while enabling design variety and complexity at minimal additional cost. The Swarm Bridge (2014) project (below) was a bridge constructed incrementally from two opposing sides, hence, joined in the middle to create a unified structure. This strategy involves a change in structural type during construction, converting two independent cantilevers into a single-span beam. Both conditions distribute stress and deflection differently, requiring different optimal organisations of material. SCL proposed 3D printing a bridge between two cliffs using lightweight fibre-composite construction while sensitively responding to this change in structural type.
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A.3. Composition/Generation According to Robert and Frank, the core idea of an algorithm is a finite set of rules or operations with all foundational mathematical ideas that are unambiguous and simple to follow. Although the connection between algorithms and computation is quite tight, algotithm still can be constituted by pencil and paper without computer. But it will become more precise when using computer. They also indicate that thinking itself is an algorithm—or perhaps better, the result of many algorithms working simultaneously. One of the important techniques used to study the mind into levels is Virtual machine. In order to completely and truly understand the mind, theories at all levels are going to be needed. Advantages: Unambiguous Precise Subtle Effective Simple operations Easy to follow Creative Specific Important for the movement from statics to dynamics Shortcomings: Definite Finite Always halts or terminates on purpose or accidentally
Terreform ONE, Super Docking, Brooklyn Navy Yards, New York, 2014 ‘The future is often envisioned as a perfectly organised utopia, just like this theoretical white, latticed monolithic structure emerging from an urban industrial site in Brooklyn, as envisioned by Mitchell Joachim and Terreform ONE.’
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As a form of Urbaneering, this project continues to explore the possibilities of the architectural retrofit. The designed landscape is adapted to local climate dynamics and is outfitted for a living infrastructure to seamlessly connect land and water. The project interfaces the historic dry-docks, which are retrofitted into five distinct research and production facilities; massive 3D digital prototyping/ scanning, replicable test beds for studies in limnology and restorative ecology, freight delivery of raw materials and finished goods, automated shipbuilding, and phytoremediation barges for CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) issues. The surface of the site mitigates architectural space and river flows. It supports programs to clean polluted water and sets the terrain for privileging pedestrian movement throughout the site. The project docks are highlighted by shapeable deployable structures and membranes. It is an industrial ecology landscape established to manage both man made and natural systems, with reinforced land use needs. The current urgency to aggregate areas for innovation with social and economic diversity is necessary. Their project encourages research, both as an industrial activity and as an ecological intervention. They appeal to promote new products, jobs, green office spaces, and areas of exchange.
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Aedas R&D, Al Bahr ICHQ Towers, Abu Dhabi, due for completion in 2012
‘The design integrates parameters of form, geometry and structure, shown here for the curtain wall and dynamic shading screen.’
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A quick glimpse at the upcoming weather for Abu Dhabi will show a week of intense sunshine, temperatures steadily above 100 degrees Fahrenheit with 0% chance of rain. With the extreme weather conditions of Abu Dhabi, the top priority for design principle must be environmental design. The design is based on the concept of adaptive flowers and the “mashrabiya�. It is a wooden lattice shading screen, which are traditionally used to achieve privacy whilst reducing glare and solar gain. The geometry of the shading screen folds and unfolds in response to the movement of the sun, reducing solar gain by up to 50%, whilst simultaneously improving admission of natural diffused light into the towers and improving visibility. Al Bahr Towers fuse the principles of bio-inspiration, regional architecture, and performance oriented technology with an underlying performance criteria, grid-guide, and geometric composition that generates a highly efficient integrated system. Traditionally, circles and orbits are used to reflect the concept of unification and unity evident in nature. The towers were awarded the 2012 Tall Building Innovation Award by the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat. Such an award acknowledges the importance of the necessary integration of architectural form, structure, systems, and sustainable design strategies.
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A.4. Conclusion Without doubt, design computation becomes a major part of architectural theory, culture and practice nowadays. According to Peters, computation is redefining the practice of architecture. With the digital tools, many opportunities in design process, fabrication and construction can be created. With the benefits of design computation, my intended design approach is to combine the ideas of hand drawing and digital design. I think there should be a way to connect them together. Personally, hand drawing can bring me more feelings when I get the design agenda. After I make sure the main design direction, I will use digital tools to generate my design in different ways and choose the best one. I think computation design is mainly used to design the appearance of the building. But for the interior design and structure, hand drawing may suit me more.
A.5. Learning outcomes Learning about the theory and practice of architectural computing provides a significant skill for my future development. Through the researching of case studies, many impressive projects have been seen and my sight has been broader. Obviously, algorithmic thinking and design computation can be considered as the major part of design theory and practice nowadays. At the begining of the semester, I simply understand the digital design as using computer and some softwares to design. At that time, I did not consider about the algorithmic thinking and other benefits of developing design ideas. With the learning of Grasshopper these weeks, I become understand the advantages of using techniques in a real way. Comparing to hand drawing, digital design is more effective and convinient. For example, with my experience of using Grasshopper, adding a slide to a component and changing the number of slide could make the whole project become very different. Not like hand drawing, it is no need to redo the whole project by using grasshopper. Moreover, the outcome of the design is unthinkable. Grasshopper always surprise me! As computation design can make the project more specific, unique and creative, I will try to improve my past design by setting the main components only and using the algorithmic way to creating a variety of design outcomes and choose the best one.
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A.6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches Loft with 3 Curves
(with the loft option of closed loft)
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Loft with 4 Curves
(with the loft option of closed loft)
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Triangulation Algorithms
Through the learing of theories of design computation, it is obvious that having the skills of an algorithmic thinking, parametric modelling and scripting cultures are necessary for an architect in the future. Without doubt, Grasshopper is a very useful tool to achieve this point. As I am very new of using techniques, it was a difficult start for me. The Grasshopper online tutorials help a lot. Following the tutorials, I created many interesting geometries. Personly, these works should be hardly done by free hand. However, with the use of Rhino and Grasshopper, it becomes convinient and effective.
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From creating a surface to a geometry, then a gridshell, the parametric logic and algorithmic method using in the stuctural systems of the projects become more and more complex. I chose these examples to show the development of my work. In addition, these algorithmic sketches also show the charactertics of specific and creative of digital design. Changing a single factor can make the whole project transform to an unthinkable shape.
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Surface Development with Character Mesh
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‘THE IRON WINGS’ This project looks like iron wings, therefore, I used silver to render it. It is made up by two exactly same parts as I mirrored the left one to get the right one. The mesh is a line work type. Computational design brings both advantages and drawbacks for me. For the positive aspect, it is very interesting to observe the huge changing of my project by altering the orignal inputs. For the negative aspect, it is too hard to recreate a similar project. Every one of them (my works) is unique.
(I lost my original grasshopper definition as the rhino crashed aftering rendering without saving the grasshopper&rhino files. This definition should be similar to my original one.)
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‘THE SNOWY WEDDING’ The design of this wapped dress looks simple with the colour of pure white. However, the pattern of the surface could be seen by observing the hightlight parts and the shading parts of the dress. The dress is made up by two exactly same surfaces, one for the front and one for the back.. Further improvement: The shape of the dress could be improved by having a better connection between the front part and the back part.
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Reference http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/doi/10.1002/ad.1314/epdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/doi/10.1002/ad.1895/epdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/doi/10.1002/ad.2024/epdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/doi/10.1002/ad.920/epdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/doi/10.1002/ad.1317/epdf http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/doi/10.1002/ad.1920/epdf http://www.rolandsnooks.com/#/compositewing/ http://www.terreform.org/projects_urbanity_navy.html http://www.ahr-global.com/Al-Bahr-Towers http://www.archdaily.com/270592/al-bahar-towers-responsive-facade-aedas
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