expression of interest case for innovation
_01: h a e s l y n i n e b r i d g e s g o l f c l u b _01: _02:: p e r s o n a l p r o j e c t : w a t e r _02 _03: y a s h o t e l _04: h y d r a p i e r _05: c a s a d e m u s i c a
_01: h a e s l y n i n e b r i d g e s g o l f c l u b
One of our main precedents was the use of freeform timber in parametric design and modeling. Wood is one of the oldest building materials to exist; however it has been off the radar of contemporary architecture for quite some time, being replaced by mostly steel and glass. Driven by the need for sustainable construction, combined with the accuracy and precision of parametric modeling for complex architectural design to ensure all the pieces fit together, freeform timber provides this alternative. An important example that demonstrates this is the Haesly Nine Bridges Gold Club located in Seoul, South Korea. The building itself that shelters the Club House is comprised of a canopy of woven timber girders and slender columns that support 32 roof elements. Whilst this may seem relatively simple, the real challenge is to develop parametric details which are easy to fabricate and assemble while performing well in thousands of different shapes, orientations and loading conditions. Another difficulty within such a design project is that it is actually impossible to reduce the building to a few standardized parts, as it is the wrong way to rationalise a freeform project or parametric design in general. A better approach is to find common rules for all individual parts and to program those into a parametric 3D CAD model. This makes it possible to generate hundreds of detailed components and drawings at the click of a button.
__02: p e r s o n a l p r o j e c t : w a t e r
Considered one of the masters of modern architecture, Frank Lloyd Wright was studied in Architecture Design Studio: Water and his ideas of the organic and Prairie-style architecture were thoroughly explored in relation to its design principles and ideas. Below are examples that are considered embodiments of his work. Firstly, the great masterpiece Fallingwater is striking in the way that it integrates with its natural surroundings so succinct and perfectly - its organic architecture coupled with massive cantilevers are reminiscent of a modern era in the early 20th Century. Whilst Prairie architecture was still an earlier concept of Wright’s work (before that of his Organic architecure), it was still extremely inuential in regards to being the foundations of many canti ilever designs in his later career.
Major examples of Prairie Style include the Frederick C. Robie House, which emphasise the horizontal plane through the use of large protruding cantilevers, coupled with continuous bands of horizontal glass and brick framework The Wingspread tower (image bottom right) was also designed and constructed during the Prairie School era. My design, following Frank Lloyd Wright, is a more contemporary take of an almagamation of these three works aforementioned. It combines that of organic architecture through its integration with the environment whilst also emphasising concepts of huge cantilevers and tall towers that protrude from the superstructure. Overwhelmingly, my design brings together all aspects of the works of Frank Lloyd Wright from dierent points in time, and not just only from a single era.
_02: p e r s o n a l p r o j e c t : w a t e r
_03: y a s h o t e l
_04: h y d r a p i e r
_05: c a s a de m u s i c a
innovations parametric
of modelling
_06: a v i v a s t a d i u m _07: k u n s t h a u s i n g r a z
“
parametric design calls for the rejection of fixed solutions and for an exploration of infinitely variable possiblities
”
Kolarevic, 2003
The development and innovations of parametric models in contemporary architectural practice is imminent as it represents the beginning of a new architectural discourse. A parametric model can be regarded as a representationof a solution space and in order to structure this, a description of the problem is required. Architectural design tasks are typically ill structured, the goals may not be defined and the means unknown. Moving from an incomplete problem description to a functional parametric model is a difficult task. Only through a combination of the acquisition of knowledge and programs can we capture entire parametric models from which we can develop and work upon an incomplete problem description. This demonstration draws on existing strands of design theory which are then used to outline a theoretical framework. This framework is then used to examine a case study of a live project and practical examples of the described theory in action are given.
As parametric modelling emerges as a new architectural discourse, it’s ability to experiment with the parameters of the design is quite overwhelming because it allows the user to take full advantage of the design’s shape, form and size. The Aviva Stadium located in Dublin, Ireland . There were many constraints associated with the boundary conditions of where the stadium could be placed. Parametric modeling not only allowed several entities or types of stadiums to be produced but it also allowed architects to do this with one-click. Engineers would also find this easier, allowing direct correlation between the two fields. The parametric technology allowed for the building geometry to form a dynamic cross-disciplinary link between architectural and structural design at the detailed design phase of a complex project. Using parametric modelling also allowed architects to retain a lot of geometrical control over the stadium as they had far superior control of the shap and form by setting parameters within the programs. This innovation that parametric modeling provides will be a very neat addition when it comes to generating the proposal for the Wyndham City gateway competition because there are boundaries that exist on the site that we must be mindful of.
The advent of powerful computers along with parametric modelling programs allow geometric models being divided into small, interconnected mesh elements which are then used to accurately perform structural, energy, and uid dynamics analyses for designs. This is achieved through a FEM process - an example of this idea being put into use is for the ‘Kunsthaus in Graz’ by Peter Cook and Colin Fournier pictured on the right. The original shape of the design was altered after digital structural analysis by computers revealed that the structure overall could be improved by making minor changes in the shape of the design. This kind of technology can be utilised to outperform human designs, whilst also eliminating human error at the same time. Since it actually improves the design by making subtle yet minor changes, these programs
promise of computation scripting cultures
_08: o r n a m e n t a l s u b l i m e _09: v o u s s o i r c l o u d
“
...associating design with past precedent based design encourages us to look at history for inspiration which is valid. But why must we look at old solutions to old problems when we encounter new problems we need to address? When one considers this, we can see that parametric modeling oers more outcomes and more opportunities to tackle contemporary problems.
�
introduction With scripting, computer programming becomes integral to the digital design process. It provides unique opportunities for innovation, enabling the designer to customise the software around their own predilections and modes of working. It liberates the designer by automating many routine aspects and repetitive activities of the design process, freeing– up the designer to spend more time on design thinking. Software that is modified through scripting offers a range of speculations that are not possible using the software only as the manufacturers intended it to be used. There are also significant economic benefits to automating routines and coupling them with emerging digital fabrication technologies, as time is saved at the front–end and new file–to–factory protocols can be taken advantage of. Most significantly perhaps, scripting as a computing program overlay enables the tool user (designer) to become the new tool maker (software engineer). Though scripting is not new to design, it is only recently that it has started to be regarded as integral to the designer’s skill set rather than a technical speciality. Many designers are now aware of its potential, but remain hesitant.
The use of scripting culture within Grasshopper and parametric model design has become an integral part of architecture with the advent of powerful computers. The process for the “Ornament Sublime” is as follows: firstly, using a grasshopper definition creating the structural wireframe for the entire building, and deforming it based on the location of gallery spaces. Then, piping the lines of the wireframe, changing the radius of each member based on its length and position within the building. These all of these methods of scripting within Grasshopper can be utilised to create parametric modelling of the Wyndham Gateway.
_08: o r n a m e n t a l s u b l i m e
Afterwards, baking the pipes and manually connected them in T-Splines using tsWeld. Next, by bringing the rough T-Spline mesh back into Grasshopper, and using the WeaverBird plugin's Catmull-Clark Subdivision to smooth the mesh. The oors and ETFE cushions went through similar processes, except with no T-Splines. Hence, using such methods of scripting can be of great help in the design of the gateway.
A major precedent for the Wydham Gateway which also plays an integral role in the design is playing around with the element of light using parametric modelling. This includes Voussoirs, the wedge shaped masonry blocks that make up an arch, are redeďŹ ned in Voussoir Cloud using a system of three-dimensional modules formed by folding paper thin wood laminate along curved seams. The curvature produces a form that relies on the internal surface tension to hold its shape and allows for a structural porosity within the constraints of sheet material. The resulting dimpled, concave modules pack together; naturally creating vaulted forms with a light porous surface. The form- nding explorationof the whole is thus dependent on the geometric performance of the individual units and their relation to the gallery walls. Voussoir Cloud intentionally confuses the structural and material strategies.By beginning with a material operation, the design process is focused on calibrating the relationship of digital model to physical result.
_09: v o u s s o i r c l o u d
research project cut defi
initions _10: t h i r t y d e f i n i t i o n s _11: b a n Q r e s t a u r a n t _12: r e v e r s e e n g i n e e r i n g _13: r e f i n e m e n t
_10: t h i r t y d e f i n i t i o n s
_10: t h i r t y d e f i n i t i o n s
The thirty cut definitions were used to explore how parametric design patterns could be utilised to conceive the basic shape, form and structure of our design. We decided to work on optical illusions and speed as the frontier for the gateway project. Even though seen at a distance and at high speed through the freeway, the design would resemble perhaps an illusion or image that formed as you speed through the gateway - much like drawing a static picture at the bottom of a book and flicking through it - allowing the frames per second to increase, and therefore creating a cartoon, but in our case, an illusion of some sort. Therefore, the use of point attractors in the first two definitions from top to bottom, left to right, were explored like the ripple of water. Math function was eventually added with patterns and overlap. Curve attractors and rotation allowed the exploration of such illusions in 3-dimensional quality. Consequently, boolean patterns in combination with attractor points became a major starting point in the parametric design.
_11: b a n Q r e s t a u r a n t
The BanQ restaurant situated in Boston utilises a parametric modeling system on the interior that integrates a wooded-slatted system pattern that hides the ceiling whilst also not interrupting any air circulation which is essential to any restaurant. It was one of the more important precedents in our design because it deploys angles and perspectives as the ceiling height increases and decreases. Hence, such wave elements created by the wood in a parametric design model can be likened to a puzzle; only one possible location for each unit, formulating the continuous member. This parametric design was chosen because it resembles the kind of fast swirling pattern that represents uidity and speed if cars are driving by. Furthermore, such parametric modelling also have the ability to produce the optical illusions we are looking for in a design.
_12/_13: r e v e r s e e n g i n e e r i n g a n d r e f i n e m e n t
shadow and light _15: m o d e l p h o t o g r a p h s from fablab
overall perspective of model
close-up shot of model
experimentation with light
experimentation with shadows
The expression of interest overall has encouraged us to take a keen understanding and grasp at new discourses in architecture such as parametric design modelling in the field of Grasshopper. Even though such modelling minimises the difficulties faced at various periods of time, such as changing the parameters to influence the design’s shape and size, the steep learning curve of learning new programs has indeed been very challenging. For the design, from now on, we shall refine our ideas into more solid concepts and these will further develop our skills towards the design and modelling of parametric architecture. The next few weeks represent a very daunting task as the final presentation for the Expression of Interest comes to an end.
final experimentation and design _16: d e s i g n c r i t e r i a _17: a n e w d i r e c t i o n _17: i n s p i r a t i o n t h r o u g h illusion _18: d e s i g n i s s u e s a n d limitations _19: a p p l y i n g t h e p r i n c i p l e s
project proposal
Our innovative idea for the project was built upon one of the clear objectives that must be completed in the brief which outlined that the gateway should be “eye-catching” and “exciting”. Our personal endeavour was to achieve something different and encourage thought beyond the first encounter. Therefore, we soon came up with the concept of using parametric design to create illusions for the perception of passengers visiting Wyndham. The projected image of a tree came to symbolise Wyndham and its growing community. As the car moves into Wyndham, passengers will be able to see a moving image of a small seedling growing into a large tree through optical illusion on the wall of the structure. Furthermore, while it seems that this only caters for the passengers of the car, the driver only sees the illusion of a boomerang in mid-flight from afar – thereby also considering the cultural and historical significance of Wyndham. The design will also be complemented by a parametric curve on the top and bottom of the structure with a parametric design pattern, thus giving the structure its form. Overwhelmingly, the gateway project will provide visitors of Wyndham with a lasting impression for years to come. In the end, what differentiates our design from other proposals is that the parametric component of our design is focused on functionality rather than form and this is therefore our strong point.
a new direc
how our g
The idea that we started to build on from the very beginning was a curved surface where the driver would see (in the distance) of plane and the shape of a tree forming whilst the passengers would see through the slits and into the open (where there would be grass and trees) along the side as they drove through. However, this was considered illogical (as was stated critically by tutors) because trees gro from the ground instead of growing horizontally and this design eve tually did not conceive. Therefore, we had to think of new ideas that would be based more on the concept of optical illusion and an eyecatching design as stated in the design proposal.
tion
gateway has progressed
es
d
ow ent
inspir
One of our most important inspirations was that we could hide and show things through a long row of pillars that came across a pattern. As the pillars moved across, this would move across the design and would hide and show lines at dierent intervals, thereby creating a moving image. In the scanimation illusion above from [www.blogscoped. com/ďŹ les/stripes.html], the illusion is shown through the slits and hiding/showing unwanted lines. Another minor inspiration through the use of llusion was the Magic Carp-et illusion where similar principles are applied.
ation through illusion
design issues and limitations
One of o ception what is design m not do t the car w is not fe place tw Even th cal prog
our source major design issues is our gateway relies on the perfect angle and pern. Perception is quite dierent between what is seen along the actual road and shown on the computer screen because screens are inherently a at surface. Our mainly focuses on the premise that the slits are moving by themselves, but we canthat in real life. One way to have the illusion work would actually to place slits on windows, so when the car moves, the illusion will start as you look out. Yet, this easible and would be too much of annoyance. Another way around it would be to wo walls side by side (possibly a few metres apart) to hide and show the illusion. hough this changed the basis of the illusion (as Jerome stated), it was the only logigression for our design.
By understanding th plied the growth of we decided on from Wyndham) using slit growth of a seedling dierent parts of the
applying the principles
he principles of the illusion, we aptree (one of our main symbols that m the start to depict the growth of ts to hide and show the gradual g to a tree. The slits hid and showed e tree to create a moving image.
ambitiousn
basic to
ness
o complex forms+problems
Our design gateway went through many phases - from the most basic design of the illusion to more complex shapes and forms based on perception and angles. First and foremost, the most basic design relied on just putting up pillars infront of the illusion (as shown on the image on the left). This would create the illusion of the growing tree as visitors to Wyndham drove along the highway. However, the basis of this illusion is a very simple concept and we wanted to achieve more. With the limited amount of time we had, we tried to change this form into a more owing shape and design by getting rid of the pillars - we began experimenting dierent design aesthetics that tried not to change the basic concept of the illusion too much.
ambitiousn basic t
Moving on from our most basic design to something more complex, we decided that we needed to find a new way to show the illusion through other means. So how could we show the illusion based on hiding and showing lines? Well this idea came to us as we were working in Photoshop - LAYERS. Layers show and hide different areas of what we want and don’t want to see. For example, three layers can be combined to form a whole image, but if one layer is missing, it forms something different - this concept and principle can be applied to our design, where instead of “Layers”, there are physical walls with holes inside each one to hide and show what
ness
o complex forms+problems
ambitiousn basic to co
After the “Layer� concept was u the foundation of our design, w mised that the use of walls with cut through could be done at di ent angles. This will allows us to multiple illusions at the same tim decided it would be best if there two illusions - one for the passe the vehicle and the other for the Furthermore, at angles of 60 an grees, this would work perfectly and show the illusion for passen and drivers who look out their m
ness
mplex forms+problems
used as we surh holes iero create me. We e were engers of e driver. nd 30 dey to hide ngers mirrors.
ambitiousn
basic to
ness
o complex forms+problems
fabrication
The construction process entails that each image panel is separate to allow for easy transportation and assembly on-site. This allows for further tweaking of the distance between each panel both during construction and post-construction due to it’s importance in setting the illusion in motion.
The voronoi curves were added for emphasis on form but also supports the structure from the ground. It also draws on similarities in shape and form to the Wyndham City Council logo which has similar curves that show movement, swiftness and speed. We decided to laser cut our entire model as it was an easier option. However, we ran into some problems in the fabrication process where the holes that were cut were extremely small and bits decided to fall out.
The following images represent a few frames chosen at various intervals from the entire process to show how it would look as they are driving along the freeway. The blue in the background was an attempt to show the tree even clearer. However, to colour-code the design changed our principle of the illusion (as Jerome stated in the crit) but this was the only way to conceive the illusion.
physical model
frontal view of gateway design
reflection and afterthought _16: w h a t d i d i g a i n f r o m this subject
learning objectives: outcomes
f i n i s: w h a t i h
For the subject ADS:Air, it has been simultaneously exciting, challenging, d cause of all the possiblities to design and invent oneself - I have always enjo much but the road has not been easy - Firstly, steep learning curves were r to me (although I do confess I have dabbled into Rhino because I was inter reading and writing) was using the scripting interface known as Grasshopp geometries and forms. This semester has taught me how to use these prog have achieved so much during the semester and now thinking back, we co
The main area of work and research we have put all our effort into this sem I have constructed over 30 matrices and have realised that this type of des course (and if I may boldly say so) breaking away from contemporary archi advantages over architecture that can be designed with a relatively simple be compromised if we split it into a number of standardised parts. A better gram these into a parametric 3D model. The common rules for each individ geometry are tightly controlled and are conveniently adjusted, saving us ti
Throughout this semester, one thing has definitely improved and it is the a the brief This is evident in my design proposal that firstly aspires to make m contextual aspect of the design brief. Through symbolism, our group focus and ultimately, we came up with optical illusions as to what would create a visitors (and leavers) wondering how the structure does what it does.
Another aspect that I feel I have accomplished throughout the semester is ideas that were unconventional and people didn’t normally think of. Whilst ties”, we thought beyond just a simple structure - where most students ap function, not just form. Overwhelmingly, the function of an optical illusion ally probably the most difficult part of the course, because we rushed head tered several problems on the way, and our group had to work together to up and just turn the whole thing into a form with parametric qualities, we d at us made us stronger and even more determined (I think).
Overwhelmingly, our group persisted and overcame these challenging obs achievement in itself. This subject has been extremely rewarding and I hav helped me immensely, however, the road is still very long ahead :)
have learnt
difficult at times but all in all, worthwile for me. The entire subject was exciting at first beoyed Design Studios in the past and this was certainly one of them. I feel I have learnt so required of us: we had to learn the basics of Rhinoceros 4.0 and this was completely new rested before ADS started). Secondly, and also the biggest learning curve (other than per, which would be the graphical algorithm editor to realise complex grams efficiently and I hope that these will be useful for my future career. My group and I ouldn’t have done it without hard work and also the aid of my tutor Jerome.
mester would be nothing other than parametric design. This is shown in the EOI where sign and work will go a long way in architecture. It could even be viewed as a new disitecture. The use of parametric design in architecture is uncanny - where it has extreme e set of script to look very smooth and flowing. It is also special because our design would r approach we realised was to find common rules for all the individual parts and to produal part could then be found easily. Hence, parameters such as form, size. shape and ime and effort from doing each and single one conventionally.
ability to design the basics, refine them and create a final model that follows closely to my design exciting and eye-catching. However, more significantly is its fitting in with the sed on both the present rapid communal growth and the cultural roots of Wyndham Ciy, a long-lasting impression for the users of the freeway - it would be mysterious and leave
s the fact that I dared to do something different and unique. My group and I talked about t the course basically asked us just to design a “structure/gateway with parametric qualipplied parametric definitions to surfaces to create form, we applied parametry towards n through parametric design were the fruits of our discussion and thoughts. This was actudlong into this design intent without knowing just how difficult it actually was. I encouno find and counter each one. However, even though at one stage we were going to give decided not to give up just yet. The satisfaction of fixing every problem the design threw
stacles and what we have achieved above (in the short amount of time we had) is truly an ve only our tutor Jerome (for all his advice) to thank for this. I believe that this subject has