Raw Nature - Natural Playground

RAW NATURE MAEB STUDENTS 19/20 DARIA BYCHKOVA MICHAEL SALKA

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

INTRODUCTION About Design team Chekharda TRACEABILITY Site Forest management Idea Tree selection Photogrammetry Tree scanning DESIGN 3d modelling Final design Joinery PRODUCTION Tree cutting Cutting Debarking Test assembly Sanding Treatment

ON-SITE INSTALLATION Preparation of site Set up tools & fittings Foundation Deployment Final assembly THE PLAYGROUND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT

The Valldaura design team showcases four weeks of hard work following what began as a blurry concept then emerged into a playground prototype.

The presentation is organized to guide the reader through each step of the development, following sustainable and architectural process from tree evaluation to construction. Each section explains the steps of the design within every phase and decisions taken as a group.

Our journey through the Raw Nature project drove us closer to natural materials through research, excursions, and hands-on building. Although the workload was extensive, we learned to slow down and listen to the earth around us. This is our story on how we were able to design and work with materials found in Valldaura to create a natural playground.

DESIGN TEAM DARIA BYCHKOVA SENA KOCAOGLU

ANFISA MISHCHENKO

FILIPPO VEGEZZI GIADA MIRIZZI IRENE RODRÍGUEZ ESTER CAMPS YUE ZHANG ZHIQIAN LIU

ALEX HADLEY MICHAEL SALKA

SHREYA SHARMA

NATHALIE BOTBOL

MAITRI UKA CAMILLE GARNIER DANIA ABUROUSS

CAMILA FAJARDO

RAFAEL ABBOUD

JUAN SECONDO

CHEKHARDA

Founded by Daria Bychkova and Maria Pomelova, Chekharda Bureau focuses on designing playgrounds for children out of natural materials. Using primarily wood, every playground is designed to be one of a kind. The idea behind the design is to invite children and their families to play and strengthen their connection to nature.

TRACEABILITY

SITE

Located in Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola along highway Horta-Cerdanyola, the site is 1288 m² in area and 145 m in perimeter.

The site is located in a lookout with a beautiful sight of Cerdanyola. Although the site is located farther from the city, the area has several visitors due to its amazing views and recreational space.

PARC NATURAL DE LA SERRA DE COLLSEROLA

BARCELONA

SITE

EL Mirador de Collserola Park is a very central location for adventure and nature lovers, with breathtaking views of the city and the mountains. It is located at the end of tree hiking paths, and some excellent route for road and mountain bikers. We aimed with the natural structure to bring more families and kids to this beautiful place to reconnect with nature and take a break away from the city.

FOREST MANAGEMENT

Parc Natural de la Serra de Collserola has a long-term forest management plan to reduce the amount of biomass in the park as a way of preventing fires and increasing the amount of biodiversity and the health of the forest. If biomass is reduced strategically in Valldaura, there is less risk of fires and gives other species the opportunity to thrive in the forest and a greater biodiversity of flora, which in turn increases the biodiversity of fauna.

The team learned about responsible forest management in order to select trees gradually meet the 40% reduction of biomass that the park requires. The team decided to cut pines as these are a colonizing species that have long outcompeted other species in the forest, considering it essential to increase the biodiversity in the park.

IDEA

We had to conceive the final design for the playground structure. During the process, many changes were supposed to occur in order to obtain a valuable and accurate result. Therefore, the architects’ main role was to coordinate an efficient design process, considering Chekharda’s expertise and previous designs and our own artistic and technical approach.

Our first applied technique was to experiment with branches from the forest in order to see how the actual tree trunks and branches can relate with each other in order to obtain a stable and harmonic design. The scheme obtained was an organic structure containing a high level of improvisation in order to connect children and parents to nature through play. Therefore, the natural shape of the branches and trunks was the main inspiration for the generation of the structure, avoiding to affect the unaltered forest environmental in which it will be inserted.

As in every construction process, many unexpected situations occurred. In our department, the main problems we found were regarding the actual correlation between the real and digital trees. In this way, a group of people helped us verifying the actual measurements and model accuracy.

TREE SELECTION

Before selecting the trees needed for the playground, Dr. Arbol, an expert for forest management and trees, explained through an ecological point of view how trees and forests works. His knowledge was significant to justify which trees needed to be cut to help the sustainable management of the Collserola Park. Pine was identified as the main enemy of the forest because it is a colonizing species, it grows a lot in height, and it prevents the sun to reach the surrounding vegetation. The instructor of the Raw Nature workshop, Daria Bychkova, chose the pines, trying to think which of the Valldaura pines tree could be better for the playground from an aesthetic and structural point of view. They selected and cut four trees, though we just needed and used three for the playground, following the instruction of Daria.

VALLDAURA LABS

SITE

PHOTOGRAMMETRY

Once we had the trees chosen, we used advanced digital technologies to scan and model them with propose of using o be 3D software to design the playground.

To scan the trees, we used a software called Agisoft Metashape that performs photogrammetric processing of digital images and generates 3D spatial data.

Since none of us knew how to use this software he had a class with a specialist who taught some of the basics of the program. Then we divided in 4 groups and did a practical exercise, each group was in charge to scan one tree.

TREE SCANNING

We spend some time taking at least 50 pictures of each tree, the photos needed to be taken from a similar distance and have some overlap data between them. The problem faced was that when the tree is inside the forest, surrounded by other trees, it’s complicated to get clean images and consequently the model was not as precise as we were expecting.

Once the trees were cut and on Iaac’s yard we scanned them again, to get a better model, and this time we were facing another problem; since there were lying on the ground it was impossible to get photogrammetry of the lower part. But it was no big problem because we found an intelligent solution; remodel them in Rhinoceros 3D. With this system we also decided to scan ten extra logs that we founded in Valldaura tree storage and would be used in our design.

Our process to remodel the trees began in Metashape, creating a mesh and exporting them as object, this object has the shape of our trees, but a small part was missing. Then we imported into Rhino and scaled it into its real dimensions.

DESIGN

3D MODELLING

Then, we used the command contour, which creates a spaced series of planar curves resulting from the intersection of a defined cutting planes through our mesh.

This planar curve, that were the sections cuts of our tree had a piece missing, corresponding to the lower part of the tree, so we redraw them.

After having the curves, we used the loft command, that fitted a surface with the form of our tree through our profile curves.

We can say that the final result was really good and learning how to scan trees has been a great experience. For sure will help us a lot in our future ecological designs, especially if we work with unaltered trees.

FINAL DESIGN

Another crucial role regarding the architects’ department was to control the actual process of design and building taking into consideration the selection of trees, their cutting and processing, and their precise positioning on the building site. For conceiving the design, it was crucial to count on reliable information.

Playing with the tree shapes in a digital way meant to have them as accurately scanned as possible. In coordination with the shop drawings team, architects managed to obtain the final pieces with excellent accuracy. In this way, the whole team managed to complete three scanning stages: the trees in their original location, the trees cut before being de-barked, and finally the actual pieces to be positioned in place.

VERTICALS

H O R I Z O N TA L S

JOINERY

Dealing and trying to connect natural wood is not an easy task because the wood is not tested to know what and how it is inside.

We had to be as precise and careful dealing and testing ways to make successful joints.

Finally we managed to come up with a great way of dealing with the natural wood and succeeded in applying safe and strong joints.

The joints request few steps in order to be assembled correctly. First, we started drilling down the big washer that would hold a bigger surface of the wood. Second, we took the center and we drilled the hole that the screw would go through. Third, on the other side we needed to make another space for a washer, so we could put a spacer in between both of the woods. The spacer is used to give a measured space between the two peace’s of wood for safety reasons such as for kids not to get stuck.

The same methods were applied to the other trees.

PRODUCTION

T R E E C U TT I N G

Wood is one of the main sources for sustainable design, therefore it is important to learn about ecological tree cutting techniques. There are several methods to cut down a tree, but every tree and situation requires different styles not to harm the tree and surrounding trees. In this specific situation, trees are mostly selected according to their accessibilities. Axis of falling is determined by different parameters such as length, diameters, branches, and accessibility. Also the position, after the tree falls down, can be estimated by really simple but useful methods. If branches are really big and heavy, they can be cut by foresters climbing up on the tree. Falling direction can be directed by ropes connected to different directions, back cuts and notches. Mostly notches must be carved as 1/3 of the diameter and wedge must be inserted in back cut with an axe.

C U TT I N G

Criteria: - Avoid sharp edges and “hooks� which can be dangerous - Branches with smaller diameter were cut from the base, while larger branches were retained but smoothened.

Method: - hand saw was used to cut the branches to size - Grinder was used to round the sharp edges

DEBARKING

Methods: - Hammer and chisel - Back of the hammer - The bark itself - Waterjet

- Grinder - Sander

Challenges:

-Every tree was a different case.

DEBARKING

Freshly cut trees: - Bigger trees had thicker bark: water jet, then sanded - Smaller branches and trees had thin bark: water jet/grinder, then sanded - Trees with thick enough bark the is not fully hardened: bark pieces/back of hammer Trees cut months ago: - Bark was peeling off already -> debarked by hand or hammer and chisel

- Either sanded or treated with a grinder to remove infected spots and to achieve a clean and smooth surface.

- Achieving a similar quality of finish despite the use of different techniques.

T E S T A S S E M B LY

We first placed V1, since we were sure of the position. The second element was the dragon head. We tried three different positions for the dragon head to figure out the best position in terms of aesthetics, structural stability, functionality, and safety. We had to forgo one position for DH which looked good but wasn’t suitable for safety.The last step was to bring the V2 and try different positions for it in relation to the other two elements. The position for V2 on the test site was not satisfactory, but because of limited time with the crane we had to settle for one of the positions and secure it with cables. The position of V2 according to the test assembly was not retained in the final site. The design for the final structure was changed a lot due to unsatisfactory positioning and issues with the location of the foundation.

SANDING After debarking the horizontal and vertical trees, we went ahead with grinding both the areas of wood that had stubborn bark attached and the areas that suffered any splintering or cutting. The final step was to leave the wood as clean and soft as possible, and to do that we had to sand the still-rough areas and clean the whole structure to proceed with the treatment. We went back and forth with the grinder and sander to find what was best to use for each surface. Finally, we decided to use the sander to make a transition between the very white areas that the grinder created and the natural wood color that the rest of the wood already had.

T R E AT M E N T

As for the treatment we proceeded with three different layers. The first one was anti-insect, water-proof was the second and as for the third we did sun protection liquid. There are differ types of liquid with different characteristics in the market. The aim was to save the pure texture of trees. However the water-proof liquid was orange and tinted the trees this color.

ON-SITE INSTALLATION

P R E PA R AT I O N O F S I T E

Before getting started, we needed accurate information to be translated into 1:1 geometry on site. Carefully measuring the vertical trees’ contact with the topography was our first task.

We decided that the most accurate method would be to use ropes to know the circumferences’ total length, as well as the distance between them, to finally use digital tools (Rhino 3D) to draw them quickly.

Analyzing the dimensions of the final foundations, the next step was to relocate the design accordingly, and by triangulation, draw the location and angle of the verticals on site.

P R E PA R AT I O N O F S I T E

After this, everything became mechanical. The jack hammer started working, breaking the soil layer by layer, while the rest of the digging team removed the earth and placed it on the designated areas, separating earth from vegetation. After four hours working, the result was a bit disappointing.

The bobcat was not supposed to help us dig because it could not make deep holes and it would widen the geometry of the already enormous foundations. However, we realized it fitted perfectly and what we had done in four hours, could have been done in 30 minutes.

We ran into an unexpected problem.

While digging the second hole, we found public facilities built in reinforced concrete. The whole project had to be redesigned.

S E T U P TO O L S & F I TT I N G S

To properly organize the necessary tools throughout the process, understanding each step and element is crucial. Therefore, three groups of tools were distinguished: joint tools, wood treatment tools and cutting tools.

Joint tools: Every joint in this project employs the combination of the same elements: Zinc plated metal threaded stud + washer to flatten the finish + spring washer + nut for final fixing. In specific situations (trunks of clear continuous use) the safety cylindrical separator appears to avoid unwanted hooks.

Depending on the material that needed to be perforated the drillers had specific characteristics. This is why they were also divided in stone and wood. The drill bits came from Russia and needed an adaptor to be used by our tools.

The wave cutters provide the security cavity to hide the nut and metal stud and level them with the surface of the trunks.

S E T U P TO O L S & F I TT I N G S

Cutting tools: Needed both for wood and metal.

Wood treatment tools: Combination of different liquids to secure the maintenance of the trunks.

F O U N D AT I O N

As the first step of the foundation, the students started excavating on the exact areas measured and marked by the architects’ team.

Since its been decided to not use any concrete in the design, the foundation has been made a lot deeper to achieve the required stability of the structure.

The trees were precisely lowered into the marked positions in the foundation pit by the crane. As soon as this was done, rocks were used to fasten the verticals in place. Finally, gravel was used to fill the pits and compacted to properly lock the verticals. After every 20cm depth of gravel, the compactor was used, until the foundation was filled to the top.

DEPLOYMENT

Transporting the whole structure from behind the house to the site for preparation was quite a challenging task, which took into account not only the vehicle, but also the test assembly in the back yard and the final transportation.

Fortunately, we used a crane and the operators were professional and patient.

Firstly, for the test assembly we used ropes, bricks and rocks to hold the trunks to ensure their position and to be able to disassemble easily. Then, for the site transportation we chose to move the vertical and large horizontal trunks first, as they still needed to be treated on-site.

Finally, we transported all the small horizontal trunks to the site with help of the bobcat and the team for the final assembly.

F I N A L A S S E M B LY

With the help of cranes, we transported the pre-processed tree trunks to the work site for final treatment. We continued to peel and paint some tree trunks on-site.

We first digged holes in the ground according to the size of the stone, drilled holes in the stone, placed threaded rods, and finally drilled holes in tree trunks and connected them with nuts.

We first placed the larger stones in v1 as the base, then put them into the trunk, then placed the smaller stones as further fixing, finally put the gravel to fill the gap, and used the machine to compress.

So the trunks can be set upright in the pit.

THE PLAYGROUND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

MAEB TEAM 19/20

MAEB DIRECTORS

Designers

Producers

Vicente Guallart

Maitri Uka

Nathalie Botbol

Daniel Ibañez

Yue Zhang

Dania Aburouss

Juan Secondo

Shreya Sharma

Giada Mirizzi

Filippo Vegezzi

Zhiqian Liu

Camille Garnier

Foresters

Builders

Rafael Abboud

Ester Camps

Daria Bychkova

Alex Hadley

Anfisa Mishchenko

Maria Pomelova

Sena Kocaoglu

Sergey Anufriev

Irene Rodríguez Camila Fajardo

PARC DE COLLSEROLA

Special thanks to Collserola Park Director Maria Martí Viude for the ongoing support and providing us with with the necessary tools and equipment to accomplish the project.

CHEKHARDA BUREAU TEAM

DOCTOR Ă RBOL

VOLUNTEERS

Gerard Passola dedicated to the research and promotion of modern arboriculture.

Luis Carlos Leveri

FORESTERS

Layth Sidiq Daniel Nahmias VALLDAURA LABS TEAM

Xevi Pujolar Jochum Bax Fede

Laia Pifarre Marziah Zad Michael Salka

MRAC

Thanks to the MRAC Team for their collaboration and support during the project.

Special thanks to MRAC Junior faculty Soroush Gharivani for instruction and direction in 3D scanning and photogrammetry.

Jonathan Minchin

Jose Antonio Riosalido Xavier Molons