Part B Journal

STUDIO AIR 2015, SEMESTER 1, CHEN OLIVIA GUDE

Part B Journal

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 Objectvies & Outcomes B.8 Appendix

B.1

Research Field

P A t r i p r i

Figure one (Spainish Meterol Parasol) has influenced my decision to experiment with waffe grids and skeletal structures. I think that this method of construction shall be time efficient and simple to create as a prototype or model, and as mentioned earlier this can be a progressive foundation for my design proposal.

The multi-layered components of the parasol that act at pathways for human movement provide an interest in my possble design, I would like to use Structure in a way to depict this, figure two shows a perspective shot of the parasol from above, I think that this design typology could be replicated for human and wildlife movement on site of Merri Creek.

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W c t s

Precedent project no.2 The Paris House (Part A journal) has further inspired me to research the benefits of an interactive facade, particuarly relating to vegetation and how this could be incorporated as apart of the skin on my design proposal. I feel that this conceptshall strongly relate the project to its landscape and create interaction between architecture and users.

Whilst on site the growth of a luscious vine commonly appeared, I would like to add this feature to my design to create a relevant sense of landscape to the architecture.

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B.2

Case Study 1.0

Structure Case Study ‘Structure’ has been selected for research to understand how simplistic structures can be created via plug in Lunch box. I think that this shall be an effective start to understand how I can generate a basic structure to facilitate the beginning of my design proposal. I would like to use this phase as a base to begin adding various layers such as panelling, as apart of building my design.

Patterning I would like to experiment with Case Study ‘Patterning’ to build onto the results from Structure, perforation of a surface skin in particular interests me in terms of allowing vegetation to grow on and around the surfaces and skeletal structure of my design proposal.

Material Perfomance I think that Case Study ‘Material Perfomance’ could infuse an interesting aspect to my design proposal, for example a lighting system that could be used to express a certain activity occurring onsite, for example wildlife activity or pedestrian activity.

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Currently, I am basing my design proposal upon the concept of an ecobridge. A structure that has a double platform, the upper for pedestrians, cyclists and walkers and the lower for wildlife. The upper platform shall be designed to connect the cycle path over Merri creek to F A Andrews Reserve.

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Case Study 1.0 Sectioning

Within this case study, sectioning has been used to accumulate a masslike geometry, using a large quantity of frames that stay integral to the contouring of the orignal surface in which the sectioning is surface.

The Z extrusion was also altered by its numerical inputs, the U and V inputs that control the surface division were also large influences upon the outcomes of geometry.

I think that this typology could be useful in terms of creating a geometry that follows the contouring/shape of a given curve, this could be applied to when creating a design that suits the contours of the selected site area.

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Experimentation

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A

B

C

D

E 10

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Patterning

A

B

C

D

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EXPERIMENTATION Lunchbox Plugin

By applying panelling types to a sphere surface, the following shapes were created.

This was a successful experiment given that a structural and tectonic ambition was achieved. I would like to attempt to apply this panelling to the design process and final design proposal.

Skewed Quads 14

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Hexagonal Structure

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D

Diamond Grid

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Material Performance Herzog de Meuron example

A

B

C

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Speculation

A selection criteria has been created based upon the design potential of each iteration.

Each iteration in particular has been assessed by:

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1.

The success of the iteration - Which aspects shall be continued and developed.

2.

Quality of structure - Spatially and aesthetically.

3.

What kind of architectural appli cations could the iteration be used for?

4.

The potential of the iteration: What types of spaces/forms/sur faces could be created based from this iteration?

5.

How the iteration relates to the current design ambition.

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Iteration B5 was created from the Patterning algorithm. I have selected this outcome as my intention was to achieve a sectioned or waffle grid like structure to provide a basis for the design development; this was the nearest example that I wanted to achieve. I would like to continue this structural/skeletal character as apart of the process as I would like to combine this with a panelling system, where the open cavities inbetween the grid structure can be covered.

I feel that this outcome could create a strong connection between architecture and landscape due to the nature of its open form.

Furthermore my intention to allow vegetation to grow on the structure can be explored with this typology.

Given the current expression of the iteration, a pavillion or shelter like space could be developed for users to walk through and explore its spatial qualities, at this stage prodominantely based on the change of light and shade.

The current form relates to my overall design ambition as I would like create a semi-covered ecobridge which is ‘cladded’ with vegetation and panels. I would like to apply this typology to a bridge infrastructure in order to achieve a state of closure for the physical experience of the project.

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Iteration D2 was created from the Herzog de Meuron algorithm under the material performance case study.

I have selected this iteration as I feel that is expresses a simple yet effective texture that could be easily applied to a panelling system for the final design proposal.

The spatial qualities of this iteration lie within its algorithmic formation - An image sampler in this case was used to portray different patternsupon the Z extrusion of the surface. I would like to apply this outcome to the design process - As mentioned before a panelling system as a skin that semi-coveres the skeletal structure is the current ambition for my design development.

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The surface texture justifies the success of the iteration, as it has provided a design inspiration to continue and develop the outcome into a variety of shapes aside from the circle base.

The current form could be applied as a skin to a structure (As I intend to pursue), however it could also possibly be used to depict live data through the use of coloured lights or movement. Furthermore a solar based attraction could be applied to the surface in order to expose the surface to the optimum amount of solar energy througout the course of a day.

Iteration B6 was also created from the Herzog de Meuron algorithm.

This iteration was created before D2, I have included it because of its clustered like effect. I would like to apply this typology specifically to my design process, as I like the overall aesthetic of this clustered outcome. It appears to create an interesting volume to the surface, I would like to test this through panelling.

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B.3 Case Study

Tri

Docklands Webb Bridge Denton Corker Marshal Architects As an outcome of Case Study 1.0 I would like to combine a grid like structure and panellized surface together in the same system.

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I o L p i F a s

iangular Panelling & Triangular Piping

In order to mimic the basic structure of Case Study 2.0 ‘Webb Bridge’ plug in Lunchbox was used to create triangular panelling (As may been seen from the first iteration).

From this, a pipe component was added to attain a realistic skeleton, much similar to steel framing.

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B.3 Re-engineered Project

Nature Boardwalk at Lincoln Park Zoo - Studio Gang

The nature boardwalk was designed with the intention of creating an installation that directly engaged users with nature, create awareness and encourage recreational activity.

The project itself consists of its skeletal system and panelling system (As may be seen in plan from images 97 and 98)**.

The structure itself is prefabricated inspired by the shell of a tortoise. The laminated strips are pinned together at intervals, creating an elegant wave like motion. Fiberglass pods sit flush within the alternated openings, creating an open aired yet semi-sheltered structure.

The project itself is successful as it positively encourages public engagment and activity. Image 96 depicts a rendered image of the site being used by pedestrians, it appears clear that the project intends to and does host a space for heallth and fitness activities and relaxation, furthermore the installation does not associate with hierachy or privacy.

The non-heriachical structure of the project particularly taps into the requirements for a public park space, breaking away from design that is exclusive or private to public use, furthermore it encourages positive social activity versus negative acitivty, which sometimes can result when demographic or social activities are not extensively researched.

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The project also makes an interaction with the park during night hours - This decision appears to support the projects desire to engage and educate users; lighting in particular creates interest and clearly visible site during late hours, which also suggests that the site demands attention and acknowledgement during quiet times of a day.

From this research, two systems can be recognised: 1. Skeletal 2. Panelling For the next stage, a re-engineering of both system shall be attempted.

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Panelling System

To re-generate the structural character of Studio Gang’s pavillion the initial intention was to imitate the skeletal composition of the project. By using LunchBox for it’s panelling components, a diamond panel component was referenced to the arc like surface - resulting in the following iteration (Figure **).

A pipe component was then added to the experiment, resulting in a realistic representation of the skeletal expression of the pavillion itself.

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Vector line diagram displays the intersections of the piped structural system.

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Extended experiment - Diamond Panelling The purpose of this experiment was to understand how a panelling system could be achieved. The issue realized was that the panelling was only two dimensional versus three dimensional - Three dimensional in this case is the achievement for a self-supporting system.

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Hexagon Panelling

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B.4 Technique Development

After developing the B.3 technique, the selection criteria may be categorized into the following:

1.

Constructability

2.

Aesthetic Quality

3.

Context Relevance

4.

Assists to re

solve the identified is sue

Constructability has to be considered when selecting an appropriate design for B.5.

Prototype constructability in particular shall either be created via 3D printing or laser cutting. The design must accommodate for either option.

Aesthetic quality in relation to a structural system and material peformance. Aesthetics must also be sensitive in relation to the environment and possibly adopt a mico-ecological system.

Context relevance must also influence the final design Sensitivity in relation to the natural setting should influence how the final aesthic and systematic purpose of the design works in the selected area.

The design must also help to solve an issue based on the environment, social dynamic or ecological activity.

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Fab Pod

The panelling-pod system that the precedent project adopts has shifted the parametric development over to ‘Fab Pod’.

This system is aesthetically engaging and achieves the three-dimensional ‘pop out’ affect that the Lincoln Park Zoo project uses/ This concept, in combination with the previous skeletal system developments could co-exist in the same system together. The possibility of using the space within each pod could also lead to further developments that will make the design proposal relevant to an issue concerning Merri Creek.

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Half and Full Sphere Iterations

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Arc Iterations

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Speculation

2.

1.

1.

By reducing the radius of the sphere, a half sphere was achieved. The dome like geometry works successfully in relation to constructability; a 2D laser cut or 3D print in this case could create the geometry. However the obvious difficulty with this iteration is how the double skin could be modelled via a 2D laser cut.

I like the aesthetic qualities of this iteration, the seperated panels allow room for development e.g. giving each panel an independent function. The spatial qualities could be light and shade patterning and having visibility acutally into the center of the dome.

This iteration could also be easilly applied on site at Merri Creek, possibly fixed to an object or placed on a flat plane.

There is possible opportunity to develop this iteration in a scale that would allow for users to go inside of the dome; experiencing the outer layer and inner layer. Interaction in this case could be very possible.

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2.

The spherical, sea urchin like pod expresses an extreme aesthetic quality. Its sharp and unwelcoming body language certainly creates an intrigue to the design. However this aspect could also discourage users to interact with the design.

Constructability could be achieved through 2D laser cutting or 3D printing, however I feel that this could restrict the count of each limb on the pod.

This design does not at this point express potential in terms of interaction as it can only be observed, rather than touched or experienced from the inside.

The pod could be collaborated with several other types, possibly in an interconnected system, however the placement could be difficult in terms of sensitivity to the environment and what to attach the pods to.

.

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3.

Iteration 3 could potentially provide a structural and panelling system within the one product. This iteration is aesthetically pleasing in the sense that the length of each pod is shorter, softer and less invasive than the sharper pod iterations.

Fabrication could be achieved through 3D printing to example to whole iteration or 2D laser cutting for producing one cell for example.

Due to the softer nature of this design, sensitivity can be recognised when placing this in a natural enviornment - I would like to develop this iteration with the idea of a ecological system; vegetation growth on the structure itself work create meaning to the design sensitivity not just aesthetically.

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4.

Iteration 4 creates a reversal effect as the pods have been flipped upside down. I feel that this result could potentially create a function, such as collecting rain water for plant irrigation around site or on the structure itself, which could potentially behave as an educational and acting system for recycling grey water.

Aesthetically, the sharpness has inverted into itself which eliminates the sense of caution to the exterior of the iteration, however within the interior this element of sharpness could still remain. It would be interesting to soften the points of each pod and develop how this change could create interaction between the design and a user.

Vegetation in this case, like mosses or vine like plants could further develop the sensiCONCEPTUALISATION 45

B.5

Technique: Prototypes

Due to the nature of the Fab Pod, I was recommended that I should 3D print my prototype if I wished to communicate the system collectively, rather than just singularly.

As I would like to communicate my prototype as a collective system, 3D powder printing seemed like the most efficient and accurate method to communicate my idea.

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During the fabrication process the main objective was to prepare the prototype for powder printing. Initially, a 2mm thickness was required to print the design without its structurally failing during the process, and a flat plane had to be added to the prototype for a base.

However, after further investgation the thickness was made 4mm and solidified, so that the structure was able to stand freely without a base to secure the ‘feet’ of the arc.

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B.6 Technique: Proposal

After considering a new selection criteria, iteration 3 seems like the most approporiate design for the proposal and site.

The arc like geometry of the iteration could help to simulate a bridge like structure that I intend to create for the preliminary design proposal.

The FabPod in particuar shall behave as a structural system and panneling system, due to the sturdy, symmetrical nature of the each panel they can be multiplied into a self-supported system like brickwork.

Interstingly, the research field has shifted more to Biomimicry, particuarly given that the site issue is fragmentation - the abstract, macro form of the design proposal expresses nature based qualities, for example the patterning looks similar to the disk floret section of a flower.

The innovation and intrigue behind this design may be justified through the ecological system in which the ecobridge adopts, and how this creates a deeper meaning to the ecobridge, which is essentially just a crossing that creates connectivity within a fragmented area.

Furthermore, the Fab Pod suggests great potential. When the pods are flipped upside down the concave shape rainwater collection or irrgation of the vegetation growing on the surface.

At this given point, the design proposal shall focus upon the Fab Pod creating a self-supporting system that could be applied to an arc like geometry which shall collectively create an ecobridge.

Further developments shall be made, including random panel culling and the development of an organic geometry, versus a The nature of the FabPod techplain, predictable geometry. The nique applies appropriately to advantages of this shall be having Merri Creek given its naturalistic an organic looking sculpture that setting. I have intended on keep- shall compliment the biomimcry ing this character in order to de- research field, aswell as facilitates sign sensitivly to the site, ensuring the growth of a vegetation system; that the design suits the natural resulting in an environmentally environment, rather than clash. sensitive design.

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Merri Creek Site Proposal

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The following prototype shall be applied to this area of the Merri Creek site. The selected area is past the Collingwood Children’s Farm, where the cyclist track continues around away from the busy area.

Merri Creek itself and the encroaching urban density has seperated the various green spaces in the area, and fragmentation has been caused as a result of this.

The bridge is an installation that aims to better fragmentation, by creating a connection between greenspaces for people and wildlife.

The FabPod panelling shall facilitate the growth of vegetation - By using mosses and vine (As found on site).

This objective is to create a sensitive aesthetic quality to the structure, so that the bridge works with rather than against the natural setting of Merri Creek.

By addressing fragmentation, the ecological system of Merri Creek and human movement on site shall experience a connectivity that shall assist in encouraging wildlife habitats in isolated zones, biodiversity and human awareness about the consequences of insensitive urban development.

In the future this will lead to greater environmental awareness on site from the users of the ecobridge, and hopefully it shall encourage an entourage of environmentally sensitive initiaves onsite and across Melbourne.

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B.7 Learning Objectives & Outcomes In conclusion to Part B of Studio Air, the learning objectvies have been understood throughout the complete process of identifying an issue on site, responding to the issue and creating a design that could respond to the problem; furthermore the design process has also facilitated improvement, development and fabrication. Objective 02. was achieved through the use of iteration matrix tables.

This method of design improvement helped to reach the limitations of a design, test certain aesthetic aspects and understand how relevant the designs are to the brief and site context.

3D fabrication responded to objective 03, especially due to the preparation of the model file before printing and understanding how computational design must consider the limitations of machinery; for example, my prototype requires a minimum 2mm thickness in order to be printed successfully (Without breaking!).

The relationship between “Architecture and Air� can be understood by the above mentioned and by the reverse generation of a precedent project, I think that this assignment created a parametric mind set - Critiquing and understanding the design in relation to computational creation was a positive exercise as this tested my capabilities at that stage of the project. I now can assess projects 52

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and have a basic understanding of how the design could have been created. Grasshopper was a useful tool for quickly making designs (Even if they werent completely accurate).

My understanding for the importance of a design with a strong founding and purpose has been a positive challenge during the project. Whilst on site at Merri Creek, I enjoyed identifiying environmental issues and comtempplating how architectural design could help to resolve a clear problem, not just for people but also for wildlife which are equally as important to the area.

After the progress achieved from the conducted research during Part B, Computational design has taught me the benefits of virtual design when speculating design possibilities. Efficiency and accuracy can be precisely controlled, in such a way to make budget control, fabrication and management also efficient and precise.

Part B in particular taught me the value of making iteration matrixes, and seeing the visual differences between many iteration examples, then from this, improving the design based from this visual investigation (In relation to a criteria). Computation allows for very quick design sketches, grasshopper in particular accelrated the pace of creation - this was a positive aspect for intiating and developing a prototype.

Th tic re na an to pa iss of ce fu gr sis m fo ca an un rit pl sy pa

This aspect of the project parcuarly challenged my ability to esearch and understand the dyamics of a site, in order to create n appropriate design response o an issue. Fragmentation in articular addressed a large scale sue that essentialized the area f Merri Creek, rather than just a ertain zone within the site. My urther research into the demoraphic and activity of the site asssted my decision to select fragmentation and run with the idea or a design proposal. The theretial understanding of geometries nd data structures were useful in nderstanding the Fabpod algoithm, particuarly how the data is laced in a hierachical system and ystematically arranged within a ath system.

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B.8 Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

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