Design Journal - Air

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: AIR DESIGN JOURNAL 2012

nilusha samarasinghe 378889

UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE _ BACHELOR OF ENVIRONMENTS

expression of interest

THE BOX

THINKING

OUTSIDE

case for innovation

CONTENTS WEEK 01

ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

WEEK 02

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING IN ARCHITECTURE WEEK 03

INTRODUCTION TO PARAMETRIC MODELLING

WEEK 04

INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGN PROJECT: PUBLIC ART & MOTORWAYS WEEK 05

Why Computing? Performance-Driven design WEEK 06

Project Conceptualization: Materiality/Performance/Ornament WEEK 07

Project Theme: Air in Architecture WEEK 08

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST PROPOSAL: pRELIMINARY

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WEEK 01

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ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

PERSONAL PROJECT

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Headspace was a practical project held during my first year in the subject Virtual Environments.

The task was to essentially create a digitally fabricated headpiece that could securely sit over the dimensions of our heads. Sketchup was used to fabricate the design and then the model was created through the process of folding and cutting. Hence this virtual model was created by integrating concepts such as apertures , geometry and shadow. The design was intended as an introduction to the use of representation in architecture, landscape architecture, urban design and other disciplines.

It particularly required learning about design precedents and encouraged the understanding of digital architectural design theory.

Oxman (2008) persuasively argues that contemporary design teaching needs to be founded on new digital design thinking rather than on templates typical for paper-based work flows.

During the pre-digital era computational commands were not possible therefore giving us many advances and opportunities in the most fundamental categories as form making and material. Henceforth the rise of computing in architecture brings a endless scope for innovation and design in practice.

Digital technology has played an enormous part in the field of communication today. And as with the phenomenon of architecture, it can be most adequately grasped if it is analyzed as an autonomous network (autopoietic system) of communications (Williams, 2005). The theory of architectural autopoiesis collaborates the divisions of artefacts, knowledge and practices into a network of communications. The Expression of Interest proposal suggests the necessity of communication in relation to the case of innovation towards constructing a convincing argument for the parametric approach in the upcoming design challenges.

HEADSPACE

“architecture needs to be thought of less as a set of special material products and rather more as range of social and professional practices that sometimes, but by no means always, lead to buildings.�

Williams, Richard (2005)

STATE OF THE ART PROJECTS

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The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is noted to be one of the most magnificent works of contemporary 20th century architecture. This structure with its abstract geometries and innovating design is definitely a monumental landmark. The complex curvatures of the glass and titanium facade were designed through new computer advancements, CATIA (Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application). Digital tools have made this building to be the structural backdrop to its surrounding visual and cultural context today.

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Overlooking the Pearl River the Guangzhou Opera House is the largest performing arts centre in South China, Designed by Zaha Hadid, a most inspiring and forceful architect this structure evokes her radical approaches and multiple perspectives to designing. art in architecture

Combining art and technology this design is unique as it holds traditional art and music while expressing a modern and ambitious outlook on the outside.

Hence creating this mixture of old and new which is a captivating idea for further explore with the Expression of Interest Proposal. organic architecture

The design also evolves from the concepts of a natural landscape and the fascinating interplay between architecture and nature; engaging with the principles of erosion, geology and topography. Like pebbles in a stream smoothed by erosion, the Guangzhou Opera House sits in perfect harmony with its riverside location. This synthesis between the building and nature is another consideration that needs to be implemented and experimented with further.

GUANGZHOU OPERA HOUSE Guangzhou, China Zaha Hadid 2003-10

GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM

Guggenheim Museum Bilbao Frank Gehry 1997

The manner in which the facade of the museum catches the natural light and floods it into the interior space is ingenious in many ways. It creates an illusion of mass space possessing soft smooth edges, making the ends of the room disappear almost into nothingness. This manipulation of light and shadow is an aspect that is quite interesting and should be further explored in the course of the journal. It will also be a path to consider in relation to the Expression of Interest proposal.

Furthermore the smooth but solid exteriors fashions a statue-like quality. It is quite dramatic but also seems to blend into the surrounding with its smooth and curvy facade. These design solutions could be integrated into the Whyndham City Western Gateway Project as it delivers to a number of criteria. Including designing an iconic structure, day and night conditions and integrating it into the landscape.

Since the proposed structure is to be fabricated using digital software Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum is a suitable, state of the art representation of modern architecture at its best.

WEEK 02

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COMPUTERIZATION VS. COMPUTATION

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Computers, by their nature, are superb analytical engines. If cor­rectly programmed, they can follow a line of reasoning to its logical con­clusion (Kalay, 2004). Therefore it is vital to have a sound communication between humans and computers.

When starting of with any software program it is important to have a good understanding and background of the digital tool before beginning and after that as realized its all about practice and dedication. With the Expression of Interest Proposal we move into using Rhino along with the plug-in Grasshopper. This is definitely a challenge as this is the my first time with using either programs but keeping in mind the advantages of computerization and helping forming our ideas with the aid of computer-aided and not letting them limit our designs. Once you strike gold with the program there will be endless possibilities from then on.

INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING IN ARCHITECTURE

Hence, the majority of computer-aided design research over the past fifty years has been directed toward developing computational systems that provide varying levels for assistance to human designers by taking care of smaller or larger parts of the design process (Kalay, 2004). They range from drafting and modeling systems, where the role of computers is limited to supporting human designers in drawing lines and other geometrical entities that have no meaning to the computer; to analytical systems with enough “understanding” of the data to be able to provide rational appraisal of human designers’ solutions; to knowledge-based, “intelligent” design sys­tems that can actually propose design solutions for appraisal and further development by human designers.

Aelous is a sculpture designed to resonate and sing with the wind without any electrical power or amplification. Vibrations in strings attached to some of the tubes are transferred through skins covering the tops, and projected down through the tubes towards the viewer standing beneath the arch.

The light pipes act to frame, invert and magnify the landscape around the pavilion enabling the viewer to contemplate an ever changing landscape of light. As the clouds and sun move across the sky throughout the day, the visual experience for the public will dramatically alter minute by minute, hour by hour.

“the dominant mode of utilizing computers in architecture today is that of computerization; entities or processes that are already conceptualized in the designer’s mind are entered, manipulated, or stored on a computer system. In contrast, computation or computing, as a computer-based design tool, is generally limited.”

Terzidis, Kostas (2006)

The intergration of computeraided design and accoustic engaging software made it possible for Gerram to create such as harmonical design.

Aelous - Accoustic Wind Pavillion Luke Gerram Canary Wharf, London 2011

WEEK 03

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PARAMETRIC ARCHITECTURE

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The technological explosion of the 21st century, besides the new way of treating three-dimensional geometry, has to offer different possibilities as the collaboration of the architect with the computer in solving various problems. Richard Williams, ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’ suggests that in recent years, parametric architecture has, as digital possibilities are explosively increasing, made up ground in the design industry, replacing the traditional architecture which cherishes the purpose of traditional shapes of buildings. Therefore, the process can easily result in a number of different spatial solutions by replacing parameters.

During the pre-digital era computational commands were not possible therefore giving us many advances and opportunities in the most fundamental categories as form making and material. Henceforth the rise of computing in architecture brings an endless scope for innovation and design in practice (Kalay, 2004)

INTRODUCTION TO PARAMETRIC MODELLING

The project “Urban Adapter” is based on a digital parametric model created using computer-aided software. At its core the model utilizes explicit site information and programmatic data to react and interact with its environment. In this way the model’s DNA structure is capable of producing a variety of unique furniture results. Together they generate an endless family of new urban bench furniture.

Hence, we can see parametric design in many forms and patterns. This new technology creates endless solutions in architecture and there is much to be seen in the future. The Whyndham City Gateway Project will be designed using parametric modelling offering an endless road of design possibilities.

‘Urban Adapter’ Proposal by Rocker Lange Architects Hong Kong 2012

This design proposal for a contemporary city bench seeks to understand the concept of street furniture as a holistic design problem.

“With a generative approach to creative production it is possible for there to be a clear distinction between what is generated and what generates, between the code and resultant objects.”

(Burry, 2003)

SCRIPTING CULTURES

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Pavilion ‘130008252010’ Digital TeaHouse Workshop Tokyo 2012

Scripting offers a significantly deeper engagement between the computer and user by automating routine aspects and repetitive activities, thus facilitating a far greater range of potential outcomes for the same investment in time. Burry (2003) describes scripting as effectively a computing program overlay, the tool user (designer) becomes the new toolmaker (software engineer).

The Digital TeaHouse Workshop, a project held by the University of Tokyo for architecture students who explored the japanese tea ceremony culture that served as a pretext for further exploring digital design and fabrication tools. The pavilion ‘130008252010’ focused on the precise moment of 13:00 p.m.when the tea ceremony took place, for which to design a space with specific lighting conditions. interior space was determined by the software in terms of the angles and depth of triangular patterned sun-shading device over a semi-conical surface of the arch structure. The software grasshopper for rhinoceros was used into creating this delicate structure. This form of scripting realtes directly to the Wyndham Gateway Project with its similiar software and exploration of light and shadow.

The Webb Bridge situated here in Melbourne, Docklands is experiential in form which is an aspect of our key considerations with the Gateway Proposal. When you approach or enter a building you move through the space, the scale changes, the proportions shift around you. This is what makes architecture glorious; the way it manipulates light. This structure definitely fulfills this criteria as well as usinf 3-dimensional computer-aided software to deisgn this creation.

As you approach the south bank, the hoops regain their intensity and evolve into a filigree cocoon. This gradation of pattern was intended to create a life, a moment in time. The resulting structure suggests a new connection, or a knot, between the old and new, past and future. From afar, it is perceived as an object that becomes, in turn, a place of action and transition as one uses it. Space is seen as atmospheric, dynamic and transitional. These aspects are all to be implemented into our Expression of Interest Proposal.

Designed by Denton Corker Marshall Architects (2004)

WEEK 04

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WESTERN GATEWAY DESIGN PROJECT

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The Western Gateway installation offers a high exposure location to those entering the urban precinct of the municipality, as well as to those travelling along the freeway. The City is seeking for a design that is exciting, eye catching, provide an entry statement and arrival experience.

On reading the brief given it is obvious that the scale and location of the structure can be taken into our own advantage. There were a list of key considerations and issues to be resolved and addressed in the development of the design. As a group we narrowed this down to a few significant points that would relate back to the explorations made in the Case for Innovation and could potentially be carried out.

These are:  Prominent location of the site at the entry to metropolitan Melbourne;  Consideration of how the installation integrates with and/or sits in the immediate and surrounding landscape;  Dialogue between sculpture and landscape to compose the Gateway;  Original and engaging in form;  Object‐centred individual sculpture or a more experiential approach;  Daytime and night time viewing.

INTRODUCTION TO THE DESIGN PROJECT: PUBLIC ART & MOTORWAYS

The site of the future Western Gateway installation is located on the road reserves adjacent to the Princes Freeway, at the interchange with the Princes Highway, commonly known as the Western Interchange

We did an initial study about the speed and interference of the installation with the motorist travelling on the freeway. Therefore, when travelling 100 kilometers per hour on the freeway you will travel approximately 277 meters per 10 seconds.

For the initial chosen site location (shaded in blue) it will take around 45 seconds to pass that area.

MATRIX INVESTIGATION

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OVERLAPPING PATTERNS

surface norms

SURFACE GRIDS

surface grids

MATRIX STUDY

MOIRE PATTERNING

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SURFACE NORMS

This Matrix Study evaluates the preference of the cut definition created in order of largest to smallest; the largest being the one we went ahead with further explorations.

The Surface Norms + Image Sampler + Rotation was the chosen cut that was to be explored further in detail.

`` SURFACE GRIDS

EXPLICIT GRIDS

OVERLAPPING PATTERNS

Moiré is an optical phenomenon that may appear as a wavy, rippled or circular pattern under certain lighting conditions. The term “moiré”is referred to “an irregular wavy finish usually produced on a fabric by pressing between engraved rollers” Moiré patterns may be created when one semitransparent object with a repetitive pattern is placed over another and the two are not aligned.

The idea of using moiré patterns was thought of when creating the matrix functions as the overlapping pattern created a moiré effect whilst I was moving them around the screen.

Also, relating this technique back to my interest in nature, when trees are swaying in the wind it creates a natural moiré effect. This inspired the way of creating the illusion of movement in a still object.

This effect could be potentially explored more in depth in relation to the cut definitions and integrated into the Expression of Interest Proposal.

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WEEK 05

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This design by Michielli & Wyetzner Architects displays the use of moiréing in architecture and large scale structures.

The three-dimensional open parametric façade consists of two cables, material more commonly seen in DOT road barriers, extended in a continuous weave-like pattern.

The front layer folds in and out from the flat-planed one behind, creating large-scale moiré patterns that move across the building as the viewer walks or drives up the street.

The use of cables was an idea in holding up our structure, whilst adding to the moiré effect. This could potentialy create a delicate pattern of interweaving cables.

Why Computing? Performance-Driven design

Winner of the 2011 design award from the NYC Design Commission Design, by Michielli & Wyetzner Architects

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BANQ RESTAURANT

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REVERSE-ENGINEERED CASE STUDY

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The Banq Restaurant was the chosen case study project for the reverse-engineered project.

This restaurant was selected due to its organic form and landscape-contoured patterns. This parametric form of natural architecture was an inspiration into further developing our Expression of Interest Proposal.

The continuous members are fastened to the main structural ribs running perpendicular to the lattice, tracing both the overall ceiling topography and the steel supports of the base building. Spacing between the visible ceiling ribs is variable; compressing and releasing to maintain visual densities of the overall surface as seen from different angles.

Acknowledging the historical setting of the building, the ceiling hovers away from all interior walls and instead finds its support in suspension from above. Nearly running the entire width of the space, each rib of the undulated ceiling is made from unique pieces of three-quarterinch birch plywood adhered together in a scenario that likens to a puzzle; only one possible location for each unit, formulating the continuous member.

BANQ Restaurant Office DA Boston, MA 2006-08

The integration of attractor point association to control extrusion lengths enabled to create a similar attempt of this restaurant interior facade, Grasshopper with Rhino software was used to generate this contoured design with the combined knowledge of the cut definitions previously experimented with last week. This form has potential to be applied in the upcoming deisign and explored further in detail.

Contour + Attractor Point + Extrusion

Contour + Attractor Point + Extrusion

WEEK 06

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CUT EXPLORATIONS

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Proceeding with the Matrix Study previously done the Surface grids+Image Sampler+Rotation was chosen to be laser cut into a 2d model on ivory card. With that a uniform grid of circles was also cut in order to create the moire effect that was hoped for. We experimented with light and shadow and took images to view the different perspectives that could form various effects and patterns.

Project Conceptualization: Materiality/Performance/Ornament

For centuries artists and architects have been fascinated by cast shadows and perspective – the two shaping factors of spatial representation. Today the direct control of production machinery by means of digital design tools imparts an entirely new complexity to ‘optical reliefs’, which not only enable any image to be created as a cast shadow, but also make it possible to represent a multiplicity of images in one relief surface.

CREATING A MOIRE PATTERN EFFECT

WEEK 07 & 08

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MIRROR TREE HOUSE

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The Mirror Tree House is a four meter glass cube built in Sweden by Tham & Videgard. This structure reflects all its surrounding landscape making it almost invisible and a part of the forest it is located in.

This concept of camouflaging the structure into the surroundings is an aspect that we want to create with our design. The use of the material, mirror has made this possible as it reflects the trees surrounding, the birds and even the sky. It sits as a form floating in air and creating a lasting illusion.

Here materiality is explored with the use of a mirrored surface, an almost old architectural trick. The renderings are told to be as accurate as the real-life image making this a ingenious successful project.

Blending the form into the landscape and creating an experiential experience is one of the main considerations when designing our parametric form.

Project Theme: Air in Architecture

MODELING

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Combing the cut definition explored earlier (Surface Grids+Image Sampler+Rotation) and combining it with the contoured form experimented with during the reverse-engineered case study we came up with two parametric models made with clear perspex using the laser cutter.

We wanted to design something that would blend into the surroundings whilst creating an illusion of movement, using the moire patterns. We experimented with light and shadow and also explored the different angles of light falling onto the structure creating different patterns and effects during various times of the day.

As mirrored material was not available we used clear perspex as an alternative. In conclusion, we didn’t get the exact desired result as the moire effect was not pronounced enough and the material used would not allow to envision how it would be if it was mirrored.

FUTHER DEVELOPMENT

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After receiving feedback from the Expression of Interest mid-semester crit there were a few changes that had to be considered. The form of the contours did not really serve much of a purpose as it did not exactly matter what its shape was as it was to disappear into the landscape.

Finally we decided to take a few steps back and further explore our first cut models as the pattern created was something quite interesting and needed to be taken to the next level of design outcomes.

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