STUDIO AIR 2017, SEMESTER 1 TUTOR: MANUEL MUEHLBAUER NOUR EL-LEISSY
PART
T B...
Table of Contents B.1. RESEARCH FIELD B.2. CASE STUDY 1.0 B.3. CASE STUDY 2.0 B.4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT B.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES B.6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL B.7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES B.8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES
B.1 RESEARCH FIELD: STRUCTURE
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“Architecture should be an expression of structure� Mies Van Der Rohe Structure is know to be one of the most fundamental elements of architecture. The relationship between structure and expression is important in determining the identity of the building. It is the primary element of every building, it focuses on connections and how elements connect. Structure can be best defined through parametric methods, it is through computation that the limits of structure can be pushed furthest. Computation allows us to design a structure knowing it will function well structurally through testing loads, this can be done through inputs such as kangaroo. Structure includes forms such as lattice grids, waffle grids, contours and expressive forms. These techniques can be used to develop a structure both structurally solid and aesthetically pleasing. Through computation we can design structures ready for fabrication, we are then presented with the opportunity to test these structures further through modelling for performance requirements, material choices, and connections.
FIGURE 1:
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B.2. CASE STUDY 1
PROJECT: KING’S CROSS STATION CONCOURS ARCHITECTS: JOHN MCASLAN + PARTNERS
The kings cross station pavilion design is a solid example of how structure can be used to achieve both a structural and aesthetically pleasing form. An extension was required for the previous king cross station, this extension would work as a multi-use development which included a plaza. As a part of the new extension the architects strongly wanted to reveal the previous bold architecture, as a result a mesh was best choice for this due to its semi-transparent structure.
The extension consists of a steel diagrid which forms the largest single span in Europe. The form itself consists of five joint structures, this consists mainly of tree like structures radiating into a single- span mesh roof. Due to the fact that the design mainly relied on structure it was designed in close collaboration with structural engineers to ensure the quality of the structural connections.
FIGURE 2:
B.2.1. ITERATIONS
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B.2.2. SUCCESSFUL ITERATIONS This structure has potential in the sharp edges created by the twisting of the mesh. Due to the sharp twists it is unsure if this structure would function structurally, however adding 3D nodes would be a potential.
Potential for waffle like connections due to the reduced mesh numbers. This structures mesh can be pushed in many ways as it suits many connections, although it would not be idea for 3D printed connects, it would suite most physically made connections. This can also easily be widened to create a pavilion.
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Effective connections which can be easily put together. Depending on the material the structure can be tied with wires or knots since the main structure is supported by the intersecting meshes.
Mesh integrated with a solid structure. This would work well if you wanted to include a specific mesh design however it would not be structurally solid alone, this is where the structurally solid member comes into place.
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B.3.1 CASE STUDY 2
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PROJECT: SEVILLA METROPOL ARCHITECTS: JURGEN MAYER H
The Sevilla metropol pavilion design is another example of how structure can be used to achieve both a structural and aesthetically pleasing form. This design focuses specifically on the use of a waffle structure to create a solid structure. The waffle slab is known to be one of the easiest and most efficient structural connections.
The design consist
of waffle wooden panels
which sit on a concrete reinforced based for structural purposes. Unlike most pavilions this pavilion design had to account for pedestrians/ tourist walking on its roof this resulted in them having to create a lift and stairs. As a result the tree like structures were created by timber and steel as a support, the structure used high performance polyurethane resin. The pavilion is one of the most important structurally functioning pavillions as it is held together by foam seal, while the majority of the loads are transfered through the waffle structure.
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FIGURE 3:
B.3.2. REVERSE ENGINEERING
STEP ONE: DRAW CURVES IN RHINO + LOCATE IN GRASSHOPP ER
STEP FIVE: ORIENT CURVES FOR FIRST FACE THEN SECOND
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STEP TWO: LOFT BOTH CURVES
STEP SIX: X AND Y FACES ARE NOW CUTTING THROUGH LOFT
STEP THREE: SPLIT INTO INDVIDUAL FACES
STEP SEVEN: BREP INTERSECTI ON TO FIND WAFFLE SHAPE
STEP FOUR: HIDE FACES + DIVIDE CURVES
STEP EIGHT: CHANGE CURVES TO SURFACES + CREATE NOTCHES + THICKEN CURVES
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Algorithim of structure created in B.3.2. The structure orginally began with curves and resulted in a waffle surface. The initial curves can be adjusted in rhino to create a diffrent shape with a waffle surface.
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B.4. SPECIES/EXPLORATIONS
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SCRIPT 3THICKEN
SCRIPT 2- SCALE
SCRIPT 1CHANGING NUMBER OF SECTIONS
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SCRIPT 7: WEAVE BIRD
SCIPT 4 : CHANGE IN Z DIRECTION
SCRIPT 6LUNCHBOX
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SCRIPT 1CHANGING NUMBER OF SECTIONS
SCRIPT 8CHANGE SHAPE
SCRIPT 5CHANGE IN INITIAL SHAPE D
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B.4.1. SUCCESSFUL ITERATIONS After experimenting with many iterations I realized the waffle structure is slightly limited in the way that its surface cannot be changed. The only changes that can be made are through the thickness, shape and number of members. However, this is not as limiting as endless shapes can be created through the waffle structure all which would function solidly due to the waffles rigid connection nature. As a result, the main outcomes I have chosen consist of a series of different shapes which can be played around with/ developed further to create a pavilion.
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B.5.1 PROTOTYPING + EXPLORATIONS
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Based on script 5 Material: 0.5mm white polypropylene, string, 0.2mm thick paper, glue Method: Cut strips and interlock them at notches to create a solid structure. Cut strips of paper and tie at notches. Aim: To test the modulability and connection methods of two
Outcome= At such a small scale it was abit difficult to test the modulability, however, through cutting the strips at different contours the desired curves can be achieved. The connections were very solid as the notches were made to tightly fit the two surfaces. Although the string did not do much to the waffle structure it worked well to stick the external surface on.
Also tested was the potential for an external mesh layer which could work either as an aesthetic feature or a structural feature in terms of looking at different structural connections. I believe the shadows when the lights shine on it give a nice feature to the pavilion. CONCEPTUALISATION 29
B.5.2 PROTOTYPING + EXPLORATIONS
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Based on script 4 Material: white paper Method: Cut strips and interlock them at notches to create a solid structure. Aim: To test the modulability and connection methods.
Outcome= Through creating more notches I was able to test the modulability easier. I found that the structures shape could easily be changed without influencing its structural factors. However, I believe its modulability may have been due to the fact that I was using a thin material. This is still relevant as this can still be done on a larger scale so long as the pavilion is not carrying anything onto of it.
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B.6. TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL
FIGURE 5: 32
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PAVIILION AT BIG BANG STUDIOS MERRI CREEK SITE The site located by the Merri creek which is known for its rich aboriginal history. It consists of a 4x 5 wide plot at a slope of 45 degrees. The area is mainly an industrial area, however, it is changing to a more community friendly environment. As a result the design should be modern and community friendly.
USERS The main site consists of an artists hub which experiments with photography, film, dance and arts. As a result the proposal shall be a performance pavilion.
CLIENTS REQUEST The pavilion can be designed as either a user pavilion or a user and audience pavilion, however, it is encouraged to be designed as a user pavilion located on the bottom of the 45 degree slope with the audience watching from the top podium. The pavilion should be designed to host approx 250 people around it. It is also encouraged to use glow in the dark materials/ lighting which could further be used as a part of the performances, enhancing the user experience.
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FIGURE 4:
B.6.1 REFERENCE PROJECT
Forest Pavilion / nArchitects The forest pavilion was a pavilion designed for shaded meeting and performance space. The space consists of a series of green bamboo shading vaults. The deck serves as either a seating or performance space. What is most relevant is the relationship to the site, both historically through its construtability and environmentally. through the use of locally produced materials. Its most important feature is its lighting creates a “beacon at night... underscoring the relative emptiness of the valley�. 34
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FIGURE 1:
B.6.2 DESIGN RESPONSE/ THEMES HISTORY
ABORIGINAL HISTORY/ SITE
PERFORMANCE
STRUCTURE
Due to the sites location by the historic merri creek it would be interesting to integrate traditional architecture with the design. As i am focusing on structure i thought it would be interesting to incorporate traditional structural connections and modern 3D printed/ laser cut connections. This combination of connections would create a symbolic meaning as it shows the evolution of connections over time in a modern way.
PERFORMANCE
The big bang studios have recently incorporated advatete pixlite LED lighting to their exterior facade. A way of linking the pavilion and the main studio could be the use of this lighting in the pavilion. This lighting could be incorporated into performances as it can be controlled over wifi, as well as being used to light up the space for night events.
NEW VS OLD
One of the main concepts will be the idea of new vs old, this will be shown through the construction methods/ connections. The idea of a new structure emerging yet the old covering it is a way of rembering that history will always be the most prominent.
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B.6.3 PROPOSAL
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B.6.3 PROPOSAL
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Intergration Of Lights As discussed in the design response i belived including lights would be extremly beneficial to the pavillion as it could be used for performances. Similarly to the main offices exterior the led lights can be controlled over wifi, the lights can either be a soft colour to that it does not distract from the performance or it could be colourful to become a part of the performance. In this case the led lighting would be tied in a traditional way as discussed in the design response and as shown in B.6.4.
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B.6.4 PROPOSAL
Ideally, the structure would consist of a waffle structure constructed to the desired shape as shown in the proposal. The shape is important as shown in the diagrams to the right depending on where you view it from you experience a different pavilion, this also allows for the pavilion to be used for multiple uses. The shape of the waffle structure follows the 45 degree slopping ground, this is done through matching the waffle contours with the ground contours. As a result the pavilion design reflects the site conditions. The structural connections would consist of two main structures: the first being laser cut connections and the second being traditional structural connections. Both these connections work together to provide a symbolic/ historic, aesthetic and structural purpose. 40
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FIGURE 1:front view
FIGURE 3: view from top of hill
FIGURE 2: view from right side
FIGURE 4:view from left side
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B.7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES Through this part of the studio i was
why certain plug-ins were used
introduced to the physical part of
and how I could use them to
computation. I realised i was able
develop other scripts further.
to personally confirm my outcomes of part A as grasshopper truely
I believe being exposed to a different
does give us endless oportunities
range of methods including digital
for aesthetic and structurally
programming and computation,
functioning designs. Due to my lack
design response and prototyping
of experience with grasshopper i
improved my understanding of
found the prototypes helped me
parametric computation and
get my ideas across more clearly,
the methods taken to design a
however, with more practise with
parametric building. I believe through
grasshopper I could easily get my
including prototyping I was really
ideas across more clearly. Pro-
able to understand the importance
typing also helped my understand
of converting ideas to reality and
how the structure would function
how materials and connections
with different materials physically.
would have an impact on this.
Reverse engineering helped me to understand how real life projects were fabricated, through backtracking the process I was able to understand step by step 42
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B.8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES
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FIGURE ONE: FIGURE TWO: FIGURE THREE: FIGURE FOUR: FIGURE FIVE: FIGURE SIX:
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