Journal

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Studio Air Abpl30048 Semester 2, 2015 Mina Tadrus, 542154

Contents Introduction (1) PART A: CONCEPTUALISATION (2) A.1. Design Futuring (3-4) A.1. Bibliography (5) A.2. Design Computation (6-7) A.2 Bibliography (8) A.3. Composition/Generation (9) A.4. Conclusion (10) A.5. Learning Outcomes (10) A.6. Appendix - Algorithmic

sketches (10)

PART B: CRITERIA DESIGN (11) B.1 Research Field (12) B.2 Case Study 1 (13-17) B.3 Case Study 2 (18-22) B.4 Technique: Development (23-24) B.5 Technique: Prototypes (25) B.6 Technique: Proposal (26) B.7 Learning Objectives and Outcomes (27) B.7 Algorithmic Sketchbook (27) Part B Bibliography (28)

PART C: DETAILED DESIGN (29) C.1 Design Concept (30-33) C.2 Tectonic Elements & Prototypes (34-36) C.3 Final Detail Model (37-41) C.4 Learning Objectives and Outcomes (42) Part C Bibliography (43)

Introduction Mina Tadrus. No, Mina is not short for anyany thing. Yes, I am a male. Yes, the name Mina is predominantly a female name in this world. However, contrary to popular belief, Mina is quite a popular male name within Egypt, the country I derive from. Then there’s my surname, Tadrus. The only Tadrus family in the world if you ask me. Considering it is supposed to be spelled ‘Tadros’, but was misspelled on the immigration papers when my parents moved to the beautiful country of Australia. So yes, a perceived unique name is even more unique than once thought, well, in my eyes at least. Ever since I was brought into this world, design has been a substantial component in my life. As a child, my favourite toy was my art set, with my lego kit being a strong runner up, but that is not where it ended. In primary school, I wanted to be an automotive designer. I designed my first car at the age of 7. As I aged, my creative bones collectively grew. Anything that I could customise, I would.

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I then began my secondary education at Parade College, a secondary school with exceptional design/art facilities and classes. One of the subjects which has stayed with me over the years was 2d/3d Fantasy Art. This was the subject that founded my model making passion. After winning a school art completion, I began to consider a future design based career pathway. As I approached the later years of secondary school, I found a love for Visual Communica tions, a subject with considerable architecture affinity. This is what drew me to the amazing world of architecture.

_____ _______________________ Part A: Conceptualisation__ _______________________

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_______________________ ____ ___ _______________________ ___ The concept of conceptualisation is introduced to us during our week 1 lecture, studio and readings. This discusses Architecture’s role within creating a sustainable environment. It describes architecture as a future fundamental tool in order for our world to move towards a sustainable future. Readings and discussions expressed the standard of life that the average human expects in this world, and how this has considerably increased over the past decades to a consuming lifestyle standard that consumes our world’s resources at a rate considerably higher than that needed for the environment to maintain a sustainable balance. This is where architecture comes into play, it is expressed that the only true way for this world to now move to a sustainable standard is through design. As the people of this world have grown to a particular standard and will accept no less, we must use design to make this forward sustainable movement.

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________________________ A.1. Design Futuring Yorkshire Renaissance Pavilion 2009 marked the year that the Various Architects group designed the Innovative ‘Renaissance Pavilion’, an ultimately modifiable venue space that can take several forms according to its need. The 20x26x10 metre pavilion can be manipulated to create communal spaces small enough for intimate gatherings and large enough for large conferences or public presentations. The facade is made entirely of inflatable plastic tubes that were precisely cut by computer controlled machines. This allows the pavilion to be portable and 100% recyclable through a process names Texyloop.

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The idea of modifiable and portable spaces is a concept that could revolutionize architecture as we know it if it could be appropriately implemented in a modern environment. This is a movement that has yet to be refined to a standard that could be executed to an acceptable benchmark. This does not cheapen the concept in any regard. The idea could ultimately result in a universal purchasable establishment that could be manipulated to cater for each consumer’s desires and requirements.

F3 “A focus on flexibility gives the pavilion multiple configurations which allow it to be used for everything�

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The idea of portable constructions is something that has made a recent progression with the rise of transport crate infrastructures. This concept still lacks the deflatable abilities of the Renaissance Pavilion but is still a step in the right direction. Creating a manipulative structure that can take many forms is something that would require a complex molecular diamond grid like form, unless future designs prove us otherwise.

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________________________ A.1. Design Futuring Gun Architects: Rainforest Gun Architects have designed a pavilion that creates its own micro-climate. The pavilion was installed in London’s Bedford Square during the Summer of 2014. The structure stands five metres tall and replicates the contours of a tree. Equipped with fabric ‘stalactites’, the pavilion lightly weeps water to reproduce the humid, sweltering climate of a Chilean rainforest. Gun Architects have perfectly creates an oasis in the centre of London, a true escape from the ferociousness that comes with the overloaded city. ‘Visitors can sit beneath a canopy of inverted prisms to enjoy a forest-like environment of raindrops, pools and plants’ (http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/ PUBLIC/WHATSON/exhibitions. php?item=290#rainforest-gunarchitects)

The idea of designing a space to create a climate is rather foreign. Instead, conventional architecture usually designs around masking an environment as opposed to creating a new climate all together. One can argue that the same concept is implemented through air conditioning or heating. However, these systems are installed to create a comfortable environment through altering temperature. This pavilion replicates a complete separate micro-climate and fabricates an entire experience.

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________________________ _________________________ “the pavilion is an oasis in the centre of London”

Creating alternative comfortable environments has been existent for as long as there has been buildings. Creating micro-climates is something that lacks necessity, therefore, it is not a concept that has progressed significantly past experimental pavilions resembling the aforementioned. It is something that could be pursued in the future, creating ‘experience rooms’ to replicated acquired climates. F8

A.1 Bibliography ________________________

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Fig 1,2: http://www.archicentral.com/tag/yorkshire-renaissance-pavilion/ Fig 3: http://variousarchitects.no/project/yorkshire_renaissance_pavilion/ Fig 4: http://inhabitat.com/yorkshire-renaissance-pavilionby-various-architects/attachment/19500/ Fig 5,6: http://www.dezeen.com/2014/05/22/gun-architectsrainforest-pavilion-at-london-architectural-association/ Fig 7: http://inhabitat.com/gun-architects-rainforest-pavilion-creates-a-cool-oasis-in-the-middle-of-london/rainforestpavilion_aa_%E2%88%8Fsue-barr_15241/?extend=1 Fig 8: http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/PUBLIC/WHATSON/exhibitions. php?item=290#rainforest-gun-architects ‘Renaissance Pavilion’ (2009) - <http://www.archicentral.com/ tag/yorkshire-renaissance-pavilion/> ‘Yorkshire Renaissance Pavilion Competition’ (2010) <http:// www.ramboll.com/projects/ruk/yorkshire%20renaissance%20pavilion%20competition%20entry> Aleksandra Danielak, Camilla Eduardsen, ‘Yorkshire Renaissance Pavilion’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://variousarchitects.no/ project/yorkshire_renaissance_pavilion/> ‘Inflatable Diamond Grid Eco-Pavilion by Various Architects ‘ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://inhabitat.com/yorkshire-renaissance-pavilion-by-various-architects/attachment/19500/> ‘ICI NOUS RECYCLONS’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://www.texyloop.com/> ‘Gun Architects’ Rainforest Pavilion’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://inhabitat.com/gun-architects-rainforest-pavilion-creates-a-cool-oasis-in-the-middle-of-london/rainforest-pavilion_aa_%E2%88%8Fsue-barr_15241/?extend=1> ‘Rainforest - Gun Architects’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://www.aaschool.ac.uk/PUBLIC/WHATSON/exhibitions. php?item=290#rainforest-gun-architects> ‘Gun Architects unveils Rainforest pavilion at London’s Architectural Association ‘ (22/05/2014) <http:// www.dezeen.com/2014/05/22/gun-architects-rainforest-pavilionat-london-architectural-association/>

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________________________ __ A.2. Design Computation Space Pavilion, A.Dempsey + A.Huang Described as a stunning three dimensional moirĂŠ, the Space Pavilion was technologically designed by architects Alan Dempsey and Alvin Huang to create a pavilion with no inside nor outside, but rather a route for passing pedestrians. The structure is compiled by a series of Fibre C panels, a glass fibre reinforced concrete. These panels were individually digitally designed and numbered, allowing for an easy interlocking design that requires no fixations. The Fibre C panels perform as both skin and structure.

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The high tensile strength of the Fibre C is exploited through the jointing system, the interlocking cross joint system is tightened by slightly bending each panel as it is locked into the adjacent panels. It was calculated that the panels were to flex 15-20mm in order to retain optimum strength and maintain structural performance. The entire panel formations would not be possible without design computation. The complexity of this structure and joining system is something that’s only realistically possible with computational design without a trial and error process.

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Digital Parametric design is expressed to have three significant features. 1. Contemporary form can be characterised by a high degree of internal surface or component variation. 2. Design variation is systematic and design parameters can be linked reciprocally to create constrained design models. 3. Design Fabrication technologies are required to optimise production and coordinate complex assemblies. (Geometric Variation)

“The striking presence of the pavilion invites inspection from a distance and upon closer interaction reveals its ambiguity through the merging of sinuous curves, structural performance, and programmatic functions into a single continuous form.� - Dezeen Group.

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________________________ A.2. Design Computation Shellstar Pavilion The Shellstar Pavilion is a temporary pavilion that was located in Wan Chai, Hong Kong during the end of 2012. The entire structure was designed using the program Rhino with the extensions Grasshopper, Kangaroo, Python, Lunchbox & Rhino script. The design emerged out of a desire to create a spatial vortex whereby visitors would feel drawn into the pavilion center and subsequently drawn back out into the larger festival site. (Matsysdesign) The entire design was divided into three systems that were enabled by advanced digital modeling techniques. These three modelling techniques are as follows:

1: Form Finding This is the digital form-finding process using computation. This utilizes physics engines such as Kangaroo which self organise the form into catenary surfaces. 2: Surface Optimisation This divides the surface into 1500 individual non-planar cells. This was completed using a Python script. 3: Fabrication Planning This utilises a more custom python script where each cell becomes unfolded flat, ready for fabrication.

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This entire design and fabrication process is something that can only be achieved through parametric design. The Rhino technology was utilised as an inspirational tool for design rather than a tool to create a pre designed structure. The physics engines allow for parameters to be discovered within the design process. This therefore redefines the design process as we know it. F16

A.2 Bibliography ________________________

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Fig 9,11,12: http://www.architecturalgeometry.at/aag08/poster/aagpanel. pdf Fig10: http://www.nex-architecture.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ DRL10_SB_01.jpg Fig 13,14,15: http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ Fig 16: http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/ ‘Architectural Association’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://www.nex-architecture.com/projects/drl10-pavilion/> ‘NEX Architecture, Advances in Architectural Geometry’. A.Dempsey Pages 1-2, (2008) <http://www.architecturalgeometry.at/aag08/poster/aagpanel. pdf>

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‘C-Space Pavilion’ (2008) <http://theverymany.com/with/08c-space-pavilion/> ‘Alvin Huang and the Story of [C]Space Pavillion, S.Amandolare (02/2015) <http://www.dwellondesign.com/blog/alvin-huang-and-storycspace-pavilion > ‘Nine Problems in the Form of a Pavilion published’. Y.Obuchi (25/09/2010) <http://cspacepavilion.blogspot.com.au/) ‘Space Pavilion’ (04/11/2007) <http://www.dezeen.com/2007/11/04/cspacepavilion-by-alan-dempsey-and-alvin-huang/> ‘Digital Fabrication Gone Wild’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://gizmodo. com/digital-fabrication-gone-wild-1459781279> Daniel Kudless, ‘Shellstar Pavilion’ (27/02/2013) <http://matsysdesign. com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/> ‘Shellstar Pavilion’ (Viewed 08/08/2015) <http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/>

A.3. Composition/Generation ________________________ ____

Inhabitable Bridge - Tokyo

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The Inhabitable Bridge in Tokyo was designed through exploring the ideas of non linear algorithmic architecture. The form takes shape through algorithmic generation of turbulent spatial and programmatic structures. The algorithm behind the abstract bridge was generated as the designers identified the movement patterns of people and vehicles in the city and modelled their interaction findings as a vector field. Thinking about every form of movement that goes through the simmering city of Tokyo as a generative approach reinvents design as we know it. Fig17: http://www.evolo.us/architecture/algorithmic-architecture-inhabitable-bridge-in-tokyo/ ‘Algorithmic Architecture: Inhabitable Bridge in Tokyo’ (13/07/2011) <http://www.evolo.us/architecture/algorithmic-architecture-inhabitable-bridge-in-tokyo/>

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Parametric Bench - Oleg Soroko

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Oleg Soroko explores the world of parametric design through this simply elegant bench. Created through a series of alternating solids and voids, the bench explores the possibilities behind scriptive generation and ties it in with conventional composition. On this project, Oleg Soroko says

“Parametric method that I use in the design process creates a huge number of shapes. The final selection between them is made due to intelligent intuition based on the perception of the modern information field, some historical knowledge and pursuit of original beauty of the universe.” Fig 18: http://www.archello.com/en/product/parametric-bench ‘Parametric Bench’ (22/07/2014) <http://www.archello.com/en/product/ parametric-bench>

A.4. Conclusion Whilst visiting the Merri Creek site I decided to pay a visit to the CERES community in order to talk to local people that are frequently in interaction with the site and hear of any real issues that the CERES people have come across with. After being forwarded to the Merri Creek Management Team, there were many issues that need resolving, some small, some large. One issue that triggered an interest was the Occupational Health & Safety issues regarding the maintenance of the installed man-made bird houses. These bird houses require inspections and maintenance once every three months and the entire process is something that is not entirely safe. The main reason for maintenance is to inspect whether the local bees have inhabited any of these bird houses and created bee hives. Because of this I am looking at redesigning the bird house in such a way that would deter bees from entering whilst producing a safer maintenance system. Deterring bees to these bird houses will also lessen the inspection requirements to aid in this matter.

A.5. Learning Outcomes Before beginning Studio Air, I was always overly precocious when it came to architectural computing, it has always been something that I am somewhat afraid of. In the past, I have completed assignments by hand drawing/creating tasks that could have so easily been generated through computer systems with such ease and speed. Not only is this the case, but with my now greater knowledge of architectural computing, I believe future designs will emerge in a way that was never previously possible.

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A.6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

This piece would have to be the design that I find most interesting. Beginning with a lofted surface generated by a series of curves, my week one vase created a perceived surface of floating spheres above the actual surface. Week two’s task required us to add an attractor point to our design, altering the shape of selected items depending on the location of this attractor point. Through setting parameters, I was able to control the size of these spheres to create a gradually increasing perceived surface of floating spheres above my loft. This was something I did not imagine possible through the Rhino programming system. I now have a completely new understanding of the design possibilities involved with using 3d rendering programs to computationally design through the use of algorithms and parameters.

____________________________ Part B: Criteria Design

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B.1 Research Field ____________________________ IBA Architects - Canton Tower, Guandong, China

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___________________________ The Research field I have decided to explore is Geometry, incorporating ruled surfaces, paraboloids, minimal surfaces, geodesics, booleans, relaxation and general form finding. I found several of the case studies interesting. The first to grab my eye was Buckminster Fuller’s Montreal Biosphere, the geodesic dome was a fascinating design collectively incorporating simplicity with complexity. Upon further research, I came to the conclusion that the Montreal Biosphere would not be an appropriate precedent for my project. This is when I further looked into IBA Architects’ Canton Tower. At first, the tower looked like it was a series of ellipses rotating along an axis due to its shape thinning towards the tower’s centre. Upon further research,it was evident that the tower was infact circular, but the thinner centre was from each of the columns being twisted from its origin point whilst all staying completely straight. A good analogy for this is if you are holding a number of pencils, and twist the top of them so that all the pencils are still completely straight, but twisted to create an overall surface which narrows towards the centre. This is known as hyperboloid structure.

B.2 Case Study 1.0 ____________________________

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___________________________ Matsy’s Gridshell Matsy’s Gridshell, located at Tulane University, New Orleans, is a project that was developed within three days during 2013. The wooden pavilion was designed using the tools of Rhino, Grasshopper and Kangaroo. The parametric model was designed by the Matsy’s Design Group, whom created an algorithm which would warn the user if certain timber lengths which exceeded available timber lengths in order to eliminate the need for splicing members together.

i Species 1:

Lofted surface, divided surface, projected points, added spheres to projected points.

Lofted surface, divided surface, increased point numbers, projected points, added spheres to projected points, increased sphere diameters and number of spheres Lofted surface, divided surface, projected points, added spheres to projected points, created an attractor point for sphere radiuses, set sphere radius bound. Experimenting with attractor point (Lofted surface, divided surface, projected points, added spheres to projected points, created an attractor point for sphere radiuses, set sphere)

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Species 2: Set curves to individual components, lofted curves individually in a different order, added loft options to loft, changed loft type.

Scaled inner curve, lofted inner two curves, set points around curves, added spheres.

Projected spheres along Z axis, added spheres with attractor point, placed attractor point in centre of loft.

Species 3: Divided surface, added polygons to each point, Segments vary depending on point geometry, capped holes.

Divided surface, added polygons to each point, Segments vary depending on point geometry, capped holes, lofted surface.

Divided surface, added polygons to each point, Segments vary depending on point geometry, capped holes, lofted surface, extruded surface along Z plane by +5

Divided surface, added polygons to each point, Segments vary depending on point geometry, capped holes, lofted surface, extruded it along Z plane by -5

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Species 4: Connected a Delaunay Mesh to to Arc Plane, project the plane, connect dots display to arc, dot colour was chosen through divide points + arc points.

Connected a Delaunay Mesh to to Arc Plane, project the plane, kaleidoscope all.

Connected a Delaunay Mesh to to Arc Plane, project the plane, kaleidoscope all, scaleNU all and move along Z axis.

Connected a Delaunay Mesh to to Arc Plane, project the plane, kaleidoscope all, scaleNU all and move along Z axis, dome in the centre, surface divided, cones added, radius according normal division.

Selection Criteria ___________________________ Constructability This criteria underlines the ease of which the design is to be constructed. This is explored through simple connecting mechanisms and a simple design aspects. This is crucial as the proposed site is mainly run by volunteers, however, There is a Merri Creek Maintenance Committee where trained professionals are able to take care of things.

Functionality/Performance The most vital chosen selection criteria is how the design will perform. Without performing appropriately, the entire brief is obsolete. The design should be able to fulfil its purpose of successfully deterring bees away from inhabiting the bird houses, collectively reducing maintenance requirements.

Aesthetics Besides the constructability and functionality/performance of the bird house, the proposal should still be aesthetically appealing, although these are not priorities.

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Speculation ____________________________ Given my experimentation with Matsy’s Gridshell, i have considered the idea of my final project to be suspended off a tree branch/several tree branches, as opposed to a conventional bird house being fixed to the tree’s trunk. Having something that is suspended may appear more ‘natural’ to the residing birds, along with the potential of bringing a bird house out slightly further along a branch instead of towards the trunk. This will also help with deterring bees as bee’s do not prefer to fly to certain altitudes without having a supporting surface within a proximity. The manipulation of the gridshell allowed myself to experiment with several potential forms that i hadnt previously considered.

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Successful Iterations __________________________________ _

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This iteration was one that was unintentional but created an interesting form that could serve an adequate purpose. I experimented by selecting each curve as an individual component in grasshopper, then lofting in different orders. This created a interesting surface which could function in a similar way as the previous successful iteration above. It once again has a large habitable spaces for birds, whilst eliminating the opportunity for bees to fix a beehive to the roof.

This was deemed the most successful of all the iterations in my eyes, although it is probably one of the only experimentations that hasn’t been drastically altered. The reason I have chosen this iteration is purely due to its possible function from the form itself. Upon researching about how to deter bees from birdhouses, I learnt that adding an additional hole on the reverse side of the entrance stops bees residing within the house as the increase in wind velocity is not ideal for a bee. Having an open but shaded roof also gives the bees no surface to fix a beehive onto, but shade remains for residing birds.

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This iteration created a geometry that transformed simple shapes to a complex outcome. After dividing the surface, I chose to add polygons to each point, with sides and size varying according to the point’s geometry. It was a simple but interesting way to incorporate a basic algorithm into a design, after extruding these varying polygons, an interesting iteration was created, one that also has many inhabitable spaces like the iteration above.

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This iteration was chosen because I incorporated a grasshopper component that really did fascinate me, the kaleidoscope component. This is a component that I was completely unfamiliar with and opens my perspective to numerous new geometry possibilities. Allowing to select how many segments opens up an infinite amount of possibilities of various geometries. This iteration may allow for several bird houses to be incorporated into the one design, reducing maintenance risks as a bulk amount of bird houses would be maintained at once.

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B.3 Case Study 2.0 ___________________________

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____________________________ Canton Tower Canton Tower, located at the intersection of Guangzhou New City Central Axes and Pearl River, within the Haizhu District of Guangzhou, is the third highest tower in the world. The tower was officially opened on the 1st of October, 2010. The form of the tower takes an interesting turn through it’s design intent. As a glance, the tower seems to be a rotating ellipse which narrows towards the centre. Although this is not necessarily the case, the tower’s form is created by a series of perfectly straight columns which have been rotated to create an elegant form which deceptively narrows towards the centre. The design’s inspiration is a fair lady twisting her waist while looking behind. The 600 metre high tower was designed by Information Based Architecture and Arup. Given the design intent, the tower is an elegant and successful example of Geometric Design through its ruled surfaces.

Reverse Engineering ____________________________ At first, the Canton Tower seemed to be an ellipse that was constantly rotating, because of this i constructed a tower that was exactly this (see failed attempts). After some further investigations it was evident that the tower was a series of perfectly straight cylinders that were rotated at one point. So to begin constructing the tower, I began with two circles which I divided and connected lines between points.

From these equally distibuted points and lines, I formed replaced the lines with cylinders, creating a structure of vertical cylynders.

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___________________________ From here, I repeated the first few steps, adding cylinders to the points with a smaller radius.

I then rotated the top set of points which in return rotated the cylinders and created a slim ‘waist’ silhouette for the tower.

Reverse Engineering Continued Scale NU was used to duplicate the points amongst the top circle at an ever so slightly smaller scale (0.95), These points were then rotated anti clockwise to allow for the thinner cylinders to twist to the same degree towards the opposite direction.

A lofted surface was then created through the previously set lines, this loft was then divided into sections to create floors. These sections were then extruded slightly to give the floors depth.

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Final Result After the floors were created, Scale NU was used to bring the points in (0.7), these lengths were divided then extruded to create the body of the building.

Failed Attempt

__________________________________ This was my initial Canton Tower attempt. As previously mentioned, the tower appeared to be a series of rotating ellipses, so this is how I decided to aproach my reverse engineer. After realising that the tower was infact not created in this way, I started fresh. This tower was created by first creating a perfectly modifiable ellipse from a series of cut and joined circles, which were moved along the Z axis in series to create floors. These floors were then rotated within a domain, with the body being scaled and extruded from each floor.

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Parametric Definition

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B.4 Technique:Development ____________________________

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Result Analysis __________________________________ There were many succesfull iterations that were quite unexpected and formed through speculation and experimentation. In regards to the Selection Criteria, there were many iterations that were quite aesthetically appealing in very unique ways. I tried to take approaches which would result in designs from one extreme to another. I attempted to imply various connection types throughout the iterations, using things such as spheres and alternating surfaces to experiment with joining systems.

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Successful Iterations __________________________________ The iteration to the right was quite interesting in my eyes. the deign was created by dividing several surfaces from previous iterations into points, this is when cylinders were added to each point. It is a very simple design in terms of complexity, however created one of the most appealing looks in my eyes.

This iteration is a combination of several previous iterations, lofted together. I maintained my original reverse engineering tapered pipes. These pipes were contoured and extruded. I then added a Diagrid Structure component which was divided and connected to a weaverbird mesh Pyramid component.

B.5 Technique: Prototypes ____________________________ When considering how I was going to go about prototyping, I had to first consider what type of connections I would have, if they were to be simple connections or come up with something more complex. I came to the conclusion that there is no better connection than when two surfaces perfectly fit amongst each other. Materiality would be a big factor in this case, whether the materials are able to withstand such a simple connection type under load, and what materials it is possible to create structures with. Because of this, my prototyping considerations were 3d printing, card cutting and laser cutting. I began with a section of my protoype, which was a series of cylinders connected at each end to create a pipe of connected cylinders. I created this structure to taper inwards progressively as the structure approached the bottom. This would allow for the perfectly placed cardboard platforms to sit into its place without movement due to the fact that the cardboard would be perfectly cut to only fit the tube at one height, with the weight of gravity anchoring it into place. I also experimented witht he idea of having one final (alternatively) fixed ring along the top of the cylinders to disallow the platforms to potentially float upwards in the chance of extreme weather conditions. I do believe that this entire process would ultimately succeed if ever implemented. The design features an open skeleton, something that bees do not prefer.

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___________________________ Image above: The shaped card platforms to fit within cylinders

B.6 Technique: Proposal ____________________________ My area of focus is approximately 600 metres north of the CERES Community Environment Park. I have chosen this location because it is slightly secluded as opposed to the CERES location. However, the topography of the site is still majorily flat, and clears away from the creek. This allows for maintenance to be undertaken in a slightly more safe environment as there will not be any discrepancies within the site. Because this site is quite open, bees are generally not overly present as bees do not like to travel large distances without neighboring support fauna. Also whilst visiting this particular location, I noticed increased bird activity. There was also an increase in breeze due to the openness of the site, this is another factor that bees are not fond of.

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B.6 Learning Objectives and Outcomes ____________________________ Part B addresses the 8 objectives in a way that, at first, was very hard to grasp. However, in due time, it has become evident that Part B has a very strong relation towards the learning objectives. The steps of Part B seem to systematically corollate to the objectives, beginning with interrogating a brief by considering the brief formation in the age of optioneering enabled by digital technologies. Each part of section B has required an alternative approach of thinking which has been foreign to me in the past. There have been many tasks which have required a variety of design possibilities which has broadened my knowledge of the programs Rhino and Grasshopper which has expanded my expanded my perception towards these programs.

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B.7 Appendix Algorithmic Sketchbook ___________________________

This is undoubtably my favorite piece of the algorithmic sketchbook. Although simple in application, it was a task that really made me understand what grasshopper is capable of. Inputting a photo into grasshopper and regenerating the image with circles really amazed me.

B. Bibliography ___________________________

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canton_Tower http://www.cantontower.com/en/ http://www.cantontower.com/en/about.aspx?code=0102 http://www.cantontower.com/en/about.aspx?code=0101 http://smartgeometry.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=ar ticle&id=134:gridshell-digital-tectonics&catid=44 http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/ http://matsysdesign.com/tag/gridshell/ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/attach-birdhouse-tree-damage-58031.html https://generativelandscapes.wordpress.com/2014/08/20/creating-surfaces-with-lofts-example-4-4/ http://www.ehow.com/how_5760670_kill-prevent-bee-hives.html http://birding.about.com/od/birdhouses/tp/Top-10-Bird-HouseProblems.htm http://www.gardenbuddies.com/forum/messages/64189/111155681. html http://www.wikihow.com/Keep-Bees-Out-of-Birdhouses http://www.ehow.com/how_4883220_keep-bees-out-birdhouses.html http://www.rspb.org.uk/community/wildlife/f/901/t/44338.aspx http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/696052/#b http://www.beesource.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-220728. html

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C.1 Design Concept ____________________________

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___________________________ Reflecting back on Part B, I believe I have a great foundation which will allow me to suitably solve the bird house maintenance and bee overturn issues. Reverse engineering the Canton Tower gave me several ideas and techniques that I can utilise in order to create a sophisticated design. However, my initial design did not appropriately address the issue at hand and was not practical. So this made me draw back to my initial objectives, I asked myself a few questions. What exactly am I trying to achieve here? Does my initial design solve these issues? How am I going to achieve what I’ve set to achieve? Through these questions, I refined the concept behind my design proposal by setting an ultimate achievement from clear problems. The maintenance of bird houses is an Occupational Health and Safety Issue. Bird houses need to be maintained once every three months. The reason for the frequent inspections is due to bees taking over these bird houses and building beehives within the houses. Deterring bees to these bird houses will in return reduce the maintenance requirements. This will reduce overall risks. Designing a way safely access these birdhouses will also reduce maintenance risks. to I decided to start from scratch, and find fundamental design based solutions for each problem I am trying to solve.

Technique Diagram ____________________________

Ex

Connect 3 points (triangle)

create 3 equal points

Loft surface

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ce of Divide triangle

___________________________

Orient to multiple planes

xtrude to entre f loft Project on surface

Rotate around pi

Replace lines with pipes

Envisaged Design Process ____________________________

Generate Birdhouse on rhino+ grasshopper

Divide form into five equal pieces

Use mold to recreate multiple plastic pieces + connection pieces

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Assem any

___________________________

Generate ‘lego’ connection system

mbly by ybody

Create plastic mold for each piece + connection

Position Bird house where desired

Site Application ____________________________

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The beauty of the nature of this design allows for a universal application which requires no specific location. It can not only be incorporated to one location within the site but almost anywhere where a tree is available. This also doesn’t restrict the proposal to a Merri Creek specific application, and can be integrated to any bird house application.

___________________________

C.2. Tectonic Elements & Prototypes ____________________________

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___________________________ At this time I looked back at my previous precedent of the Canton Tower and thought about my motives behind selecting the Canton Tower. When researching design techniques which would deter bees, I came up to an interesting concept. Bees do not like excessive winds. Something as simple as adding a second hole to a bird house, creating a draft through the house, is a very effective technique to disallow the presents of bees. This drew me to the design of the Canton Tower. The Piping exterior shell provided a space with perceived privacy and enclosure, all whilst creating a space which is still open and would generate a wind flow. This is something that could be utilized within my bird house design to create a mesh like facade which would not be completely isolated from surrounding winds, but enclosed enough within the right areas to be called an enclosed space. I then looked at how the Canton Tower utilized computation and parametric design to create this space.

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____________________________

___________________________ Final Design

________________________________ My final design utilized the mesh like structure that is featured on the Canton Tower. I used this method to create a space that has an enclosed main body, with porous areas to generate wind flow. The 10 entrance points are also evenly tesselated throughout the birdhouse. These entrances are split into two groups, five which curve clockwise, and five which curve anti-clockwise. This is to encourage wind flow within the birdhouse from all directions, deterring any possible bee activity within the structure. These extruded entrances can also double as areas for birds to rest on. The overall ‘pear’ shape of the birdhouse is an intentional design aspect. This is due to some of my findings whilst researching. If creating a birdhouse which imitates a beehive, local bees will not bother approaching the birdhouse as there is a potential for it being a rival colonies bee hive. The narrowing towards the top of the bird house is also to reduce the surface area for possible beehives to be hung from. The mesh structure of the bird house also contributes to the beehive impression.

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Connections _________________________________ Deterring bees from the birdhouse was all for a larger issue. The maintenance issues behind the existing Merri Creek birdhouses. When speaking to the Merri Creek Management Committee, they informed me about these issues. The maintenance of the bird house is an Occupational Health and Safety issue, the birdhouses need to be maintained once every three months, because bees are known to inhabit the spaces and build beehives. Deterring the bees will reduce how often the houses will need to be maintained, but this does not completely resolve the issue, it just lessens the load. Because of this, I devised a simple connection system which would allow anybody to be able to assemble and dissemble the bird house in a matter of seconds. The bird house is created using five identical body pieces, five identical ‘lego’ upper connection pieces, and one bottom central ‘lego’ connection piece. Because of this, assembly is incredibly easy and if any part/section of the birdhouse was ever to break, the broken piece can be replaced, as hopefully there will be plenty of spares of each of the three pieces. But that is all it is, three simply connected pieces. When it comes a time where the bird house is to be maintained, one can simple ‘pop’ off one of the five body pieces, clean out the bird house, then replace the piece. The mesh shall also allow for ventilation and drainage .This should hopefully result in a very easy, affordable and safe application.

C.3. Final Detail Model ____________________________

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___________________________

38

39

40

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C.4 Learning Objectives & Outcomes ____________________________

___________________________ This entire journal has provided me with a great grasp of what is possible with parametric design. In terms of Part C, I am very satisfied with my final design outcome. I believe that my design not only addressed and solved the issue but is Realistic whilst being elegant in the process. My final design pushed my knowledge barriers of Rhino, Grasshopper and computational design. Evenly dividing a ‘pear’ shaped surface was something that further pushed my abilities day after day to a point where I did not think it was possible, however, it assisted in my final design heavily. Air has been a subject that will definitely not be forgotten and has hopefully provided myself with knowledge I can implement in the future.

Part C Bibliography ____________________________

___________________________ http://www.organizedchaosonline.com/2013/07/23/how-to-keep-bees-away-from-youroutdoor-party-and-you/ http://api.ning.com/files/zxaO-0tvpAK1bvE-c-*drcIfl2WHk8RZZKUgyj82khjjCGLGczLbvKf Zxgt2xVoAu6JD1ASI2HybovOPIO*J971JhNQQp0Sm/PMADome_1.jpg http://geometrygym.blogspot.com.au/2009/11/british-museum-great-court-roof-using. html http://www.organizedchaosonline.com/2013/07/23/how-to-keep-bees-away-from-youroutdoor-party-and-you/ http://www.wikihow.com/Get-Rid-of-Bees http://www.architonic.com/ntsht/fancy-a-joint-innovative-joinery-in-new-furnituredesign/7000508

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