Synthetic City

synthetic city

design team: Antoniya stoitsova arnold tejasurya parantap bhatt CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

Abstract As an urban intervention at the Isle of Dogs in London, the project “Synthetic City� has been developed as a tissue of interactive systems that operate at various levels of an urban fabric. Similar to a biological system the project is realised as a composite system of landscapes, networks, and building morphologies. An integrated approach is used to develop the project in terms of performance and experience where the design process tries to synthesise relationships between environmental conditions, programmatic distribution and demographic growth.

The proposed design takes into consideration current urban issues of sprawling, population growth and climatic impacts with an aim to develop a coherent environment between all the layers of a highly dense urban fabric. The design approach initiates with data mining and future projections which provide targets for developing the urban tissue. The processes involve biological models and computational techniques like diffusion limited aggregation and Schelling’s segregation model to device a method of response to climatic risks and functional distribution. A pragmatic approach coupled with evolutionary computation is used to develop articulated networks and morphologies which are further evaluated and optimised according to environmental, spatial and programmatic criteria.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

. . Introduction 1 4 .1.1 Prologue .1.2 Flow chart ---------------------------------------Data mining and Performance Targets-------------------------Phase1 . . Isle of Dogs Research and Analysis 2 .2.1 Site research and Observations .2.2 Future Development Projections

6 x x x 3. Ambitions 8 x 4. Data Catalogue 10 4.1 Population x 4.2 Public Transport Capacity x ---------------------------------------------Responsive measures-------------------------------------Phase2 x x 5. Flood response(Soft Defence) 12 5.1 Research x 5.2 Soft Defence Topography Manipulation x 5.3 Risk Zones x x 6. Transport Network 16 6.1 Canals x 6.2 Station Positioning x ----------------------------------------------Re-informed Development ------------------------------Phase3 x x 7. Density Distribution 20 7.1 Density Gradient x x 8. Functional Distribution 22 8.1 Functional Epicentres 8.2 Maximum Social Interaction x x 9. Road Network 26 9.1 Primary Network x 9.2 Secondary Network - Canals and Roads x 9.3 Tertiary Network - Pedestrian Roads, Green Network, Evacuation Path x ---------------------------------------------Performative augmentation-------------------------------Phase4 x 10. Building Morphology 10.1 Building Morphology Optimisation 10.2 Detailed Functional Distribution 10.3 Urban Network Analysis

28 x x x x 11. Building Typology 40 11.1 Single Building Typology Experiment x 11.2 Urban Block Experiment x 11.3 Urban Patch Experiment x -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------x x 12. Conclusion 46

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1 Introduction 1.1 Prologue The evolution of cities is built upon interaction of people in an urban context. Current global scenarios are leading towards densification of major cities which emanate challenges and issues such as increase in unusable spaces, unwanted spreading, abolishment of communities and lack of interaction amongst social and environmental systems in order to accommodate growing demands of the people. The project aims to define a design approach which is divided into four phases.

The first phase involves existing site analysis and future projections.

Data collection and analysis pertaining to demographics, functional zoning and environmental conditions is undertaken where the mining process formulates the issues for the design process. Research on the same factors and future projections also form the basis for setting goals and performance targets for the project.

Phase two starts with designing the selected areas of Isle of Dogs by responding to the issues and meeting the performance criteria from the initial phase. This phase is subdivided into two distinct parts in which the first part generates branches on the site periphery for valleys and levees to be created. Diffusion-limited aggregation algorithm is used to create the branches that sprout from impact points calculated depending upon the flooding directions and intensities. The second part is a development of transport network where major channels are introduced to improve river water flow and revive existing water communities. Generative algorithms were used to optimise number and positions of train stations and piers required for target populations.

The third phase re-informs the initial development where risk and safe zones are identified and a population density gradient is derived.

The gradient combined with demographic research defines density epicentres and programmatic clusters which are then optimised through evolutionary computational and Schelling’s segregation model. Functional distribution is developed by an emergent model that reaches a state of equilibrium and the agents within are expected to live in a neighbourhood of an optimised percentage of varied functions. The clusters also act as nodes where they are considered as a connection between links or paths for travel.

Delaunay triangulation is used to create a base for the network where the nodes are interconnected with each other resulting into plots. Recursive subdivision is used to divide larger plots and derive building plots on which the morphology can be developed. Minimum spanning tree path connecting all major clusters of population is defined as the maximum social interaction zone between majority of population and the grid is also used as a base for syntactical analysis which arbitrates hierarchy of road network.

Phase four is an output of all the initial phases where urban morphology, functional distribution and network emerges. In this phase a critical analysis is undertaken for all the parameters, ambitions and targets along with optimisation of the same for meeting the performance criteria. A series of typologies are selected from and further designed in detail where generative algorithms are used to develop quality of space along with a synthesis of initial environmental, functional and demographic criteria.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

1.2 flow chart Data mining and Performance Targets------------------------------------------------------------------------site analysis

Future projections

issues Phase1

Targets criteria Environmental Demographic Programmatic

Responsive measures------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------river

soft defense canals

revival population

station

Phase2

Re-informed Development -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

density distribution Phase3

nodes segregation gradient Functional distribution

transport Network

Performative augmentation-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Morphology

repulsion

Phase4

social provisions

Performance

activity typology

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------4|5

2 Isle of dogs research and analysis 2.1 site research and observations

Isle of dogs is the largest meander in the river Thames which is

The image shows a diversity of building typologies at the site; however

surrounded by water on thee sides.

there is a clear separation in terms of interaction between them.

London Borough of Tower Hamlets and Isle of Dogs in particular has historically attracted new immigrant communities. The area is rich in heritage and diverse in terms of demographics, with a population of various ethnic backgrounds. As Canary Wharf is an established key employment source of East London and one of the most economically deprived areas in the UK, there is a noticeable migration influx.

The current population consists of 49% foreigners, 70% of which are impermanent residents for 2 to 10 years. The transient settlement character of the area explains the youthful population, prevalent family structure of 58% singles and couples with no children, as well as the low property ownership of 28%.

Isle of Dogs has three major environmental issues currently - reduced sky view factor, water bodies’ pollution due to slow water flow and raising flood risk. The highly dense residential area mainly consists of newly built large-scale residential blocks with a considerably reduced sky view factor. This leads to undesirable results, such as largely shaded public spaces, lack of direct natural light in the buildings and preconditions for urban heat island effect. Another environmental issue is the constantly raising flood risk - tidal and fluvial. Tidal floods are caused by the rising ocean tide. Fluvial floods occur when rivers overflow due to rainfall over an extended period of time. Although the Thames barrier has successfully secured London against tidal floods until now, there is a higher risk of tidal waves higher than the barrier capacity. However, there are plans for tidal flood defence upgrades. When it comes to the flood defence plans, the focus is mainly on tidal flood risk and such plans are insufficient regarding fluvial floods.

Isle of Dogs is characterised by contrasting levels of socio-economic prosperity. This can be easily followed through the building scale and design, which differ significantly in the functionally predetermined zones - business and residential area.

The residential area itself consists of sub-sections with distinctively different nature - luxurious newly built large-scale blocks positioned close to Canary Wharf, small-scale housing from various periods, as well as a traditional houseboat community. What unites the separate areas of Isle of Dogs are the existing water bodies, which are mostly decorative and functionally underused. However, the strong connection to water is an important asset of the area and it has been preserved throughout centuries.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

2.2 FUTURE DEVELOPMENT PROJECTIONS

The graph shows the future projections for population in London for

The above image shows the predictions for what would happen

the coming 20 years

incase the Thames barrier is non existant.

Although currently the prevailing area of the business sector in Canary Wharf is banking and finance, there are plans for business sector expansion, which is a potential opportunity for rethinking of the functional distribution of Isle of Dogs and more particularly diversification of the entirely residential area. This would lead to the development of a polycentric fabric, which would be more flexible and adaptable to changes in functional demand. Following the current trends for migration influx towards Isle of Dogs due to the vast employment opportunities, the projections indicate a concentration of even more culturally diverse population with different ethnic background. Therefore socio-cultural factors are an important driver for the development of an urban system that not only has the capacity to accommodate large number of people, but also reflect and meet their individual needs.

Another major environmental issue that should be taken into consideration is the raising temperature due to urban heat island occurrence. By the 2050s, one third of London’s summer may exceed the Met Office current heat wave temperature threshold (day-time temperature of 32°C and night-time temperature of 18°C). A threefold increase in anthropogenic heat emissions on top of climate change has a sufficient impact on temperature. The risk of overheating in buildings is likely to increase as outdoor temperatures increase. In London, the number of days per year when overheating could occur is projected to rise from 18 days to between 22 and 51 days by the 2020s. Having in mind these environmental projections, buildings and urban tissue should be designed using techniques for achieving both outdoor and indoor lower temperatures by reduced anthropogenic emissions, larger areas with vegetation, increased sky view factor and reduced building exposure to sun.

A large percentage of the fluvial flood risk is due to rainfall and raised water levels of the rivers that flow into Themes. There are over 20 main tributaries that flow into the river. Trends suggest that heavier rainfall can often overcome the current drainage network as it is experienced more frequently during winter. Studies indicate that the frequency of heavy rainfall events could double by the 2080s leading to an increase in the frequency of fluvial flooding.

Estimated 1.25 million people in London are at risk and nearly half a million properties. Hence, flood risk should be a leading factor that influences urban planning strategies development for London.

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3 Ambition 3 .1 AMBITION

The project aims at dealing with existing & emerging issues of Isle of Dogs, which were detected by conducting research and analysis on demographics, functional zoning, network and environmental conditions. The overall ambition is focused on three major aspects – urban fabric organisation, environmental response and functional distribution.

Environmental Response Global climate change and lack of precautionary urban planning strategies are the reason for increased risk of flooding and urban heat island effect. One of the aims of this project is to react to the consequences of these environmental changes to develop an urban fabric with an effective defence system to flooding and incorporates design techniques for reducing urban heat.

Polycentric Urban Fabric Various notions are conceivable in terms of urban polycetricity – transport network nodes, functional distribution, density distribution, etc. Due to the traditional urban planning practices, cities nowadays usually have a distinguished centre. In metropolitan areas, however, there is a tendency for emerging polycentricity due to their large scale and dynamic socio-economical changes. On a local level polycentric organisation of the urban fabric provides efficiently accessible services to the population, which is one of the current issues in the area that will be tackled in the design.

Functional Diversification As a logical continuation of the urban polycentricity this project also aims at designing a functional diverse fabric. This would lead to a homogenous service distribution and increased accessibility.

Moreover, a larger capacity of the transport network can be reached, as well as more balanced public space usage. A mixed-use building development would allow increased flexibility and adaptation to the current demand, therefore a more efficient usage can be achieved.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

3 .2 Process diagram

ambition Environmental polycentric Programmatic

New Network Created

Density Distribution Map

PROPOSED TOPOGRAPHY

Applying Topography modiďŹ cation to reduce the flood impact risk and also distributed the flood water to many area

PROPOSED TOPOGRAPHY w

EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY

- Density distributed base on water body as repellent and network station as attractor - 5 new centre point created

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E

data catalogue 4 .1 population Data catalogue forms the basis for demographics, functional zoning and environmental aims for the project. Research and future projections form a template for evaluating the design and set a base for setting goals and performance targets for the project.

Existing Network Transport Capacity Statistic in Isle of Dogs CALCULATION of new tube station proposal

floating population

permanent population

Current

TOTAL population

4

Isle of Dogs : 55,000 people Canary Wharf : 100,000 people How do they commute : 75% public transport, 18% private, 7% walk/bicycle Just 10% of people living in Isle of Dogs - work in Canary Wharf

Proposed

Population in Isle of Dogs 70,000 working ; 130,000 living Increased percentage of people living in Isle of Dogs - work in Isle of Dogs become 20% How do they commute : 60% - DLR - 118,400 = 6 stations 10% - water network - 19,800 = 3 piers 10% - private transport - 14,800 20% - walk/cycle - 26,000

Current

Isle of Dogs : 105,000 (190% of existing workers) Canary Wharf : 95,000 (95% of existing workers)

Fac

Proposed

working 66,500 people (95% of existing workers ) resident 197,500 people (190% of existing residents)

Total Aim Population

118 Tota mea min All o

permanent population floating population

174,000 264,000

Sol

TOTAL

438,000

pre aim

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

| CALCULATION

Population Projection of Isle of Dogs Area (2.21km2) in 50 years

Population Calculation for Isle of Dogs Area (2.21km2) in 50 years

SINGLE (50%) TYPE one bedroom flat two bedroom flat three bedroom flat

SIZE 70m2 85m2 100m2

Average area/person

Person 1 2 3 50%

Area/Person 70 m2/p 42.5 m2/p 33.3 m2/p

48.6 m2/p 24.3 m2/p

40% Living Population 36.85 m2/p

COUPLE without kids (20%) TYPE one bedroom flat two bedroom flat

SIZE 70m2 85m2

Average area/person

Person 2 4 20%

60%

28.13 m2/p

Average area/person

Person 4 4 30%

Area/Person 21.25 m2/p 25 m2/p

23.13 m2/p 6.93 m /p 2

additional population 100,000

Canary Wharf 30,000

FAMILY with kids (30%) SIZE 85m2 100m2

5 m2/p

current population 100,000

Area/Person 35 m2/p 21.25 m2/p

5.62 m2/p TYPE two bedroom flat three bedroom flat

Working Population

Living population in 50 years

130,000

New City 70,000

Working population 200,000 in 50 years

Aim fixed Population to be Distributed in New Urban Fabric 200,000 with 200,000 floating population

Fact of DLR Tube in rush hour : 118,400 people for 6 station which mean 19,733people/station Total of 60 DLR trains from 8.00am - 9.30am mean this transport able to commute 328 people every 1.5 minutes All of the commuter come from 2 station (BANK and STRATFORD)

Solution 2 additional Tube Station previous population to accommodate aim population to accommodate

200,000 438,000

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EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY

5

EX

Flood response . .1 Overview 5 Current environmental and climatic issues for urban cities are increase in temperature, cumulation of extreme weather phenomena, EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY when waterlevel rise 3m increase in pollution, polar cap melting and others. Similar to many cities around the world, 3 Total Flooding water water level rise 3m = 793,367.87 m3 Total when Flooding London also faces such environmental riskswater when water level rise 3m = 793,367.87 m but one of the most important risk is flooding which is considered to be of greater importance for the project. thames barrier open

thames barrier open

London is prone to flooding from five sources – tidal, fluvial, surface, sewer and groundwater flooding. Fifteen per cent of London is in floodplains,and Thames being a tidal river thames barrierthames barrier makes London more vulnerable. Flood threats closed closed have increased over time because of a slow Total Flooding water when water level rise 3m = 793,367.87 m but continuous rise in high water level by the slow ‘tilting’ of Britain caused by post-glacial rebound. London also has an average rainfall on 49 mm each month with maximum rainfalls The diagram shows how tidal flooding occurs by Thames barrier thames barri existingthe tides are higher than predicted and existing In extreme scenarios of 95mm in peak months fluvial and surface failure. proposed open topography topography topography floods are caused majorly due to these factors. the water level rises leading to breaching of Thames barrier even at closed conditions. However these scenarios are once in 10 year However measures have been taken to control 3 and also the m floods are controllable because of the barriers do stop Totalflooding Floodingby water level wall rise 3m the 180when mileswater of flood and= 8793,367.87 majority of flooding. barriers on the thames alone but there are thames barri some events in the past where they haven’t closed been fully effective. thames barrier Significant Thames floods since 1947 have open occurred in 1968, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006 and 2014 and thames the risks are increasing with time. It is believed by 2050 the existing barrier would have to close on every tide will be topography thames barrier overtopped on some tides and major reforms closed are taking place to solve these problems.100 quarter million people and 80 billion pounds of infrastructure and buildings are at risk. The city is also vulnerable to surface water and sewer flooding from storm during heavy rainfall events. existing This is due to the large areas of impermeable proposed surfacing such as roads, roofs andtopography pavements. topography In such cases the older reactive measures will only be helpful for the time being but a shift to proactive measures is necessary. Adaptation such as green space, green roofs, permeable surfacing, sustainable drainage systems, The above diagram shows the current topographical manipulations and resistant and resilient development, are essential for reducing London’s flood risk.

Wetlands and soft engineering techniques for defense are effective ecological solutions.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

5.2 Research Wetlands and soft engineering techniques can be an effective ecological solution for london’s environmental and climatic flood risks. Such methods are not only efficient and green but are highly beneficial to the urban tissue.

Wetlands help in erosion control,preventing floods, groundwater recharge and discharge, filtering for pollution, and providing platforms for recreational activities and marine wildlife habitats.

For the project a research was done on river valley networks, their mathematical formations and their effectiveness to flow and distribution of water. Diffusion limited aggregation (DLA) algorithms were used to form valleys for soft defenses. DLA algorithms are applicable to aggregation in any system where diffusion is the primary means of transport. These system clusters are an example of fractals in nature seen in many processes of biology like tree branching, valley formation, river formation etc.

Such geometries are also found in human tracheobronchial tree found in lungs.The fluid dynamics of human lungs also show a smooth transmission of air along with a great resilience to high pressure flow which is similar to fluid dynamics seen in flowing waters of rivers.Hence these techniques were used in developing soft defense branches for the project.

A topographic map of a section of the central Amazon River Basin near in Manaus, Brazil showing the branching formation of valleys.

A 2d diagram of emergent forms generated through diffused limited aggregation.

4a

45<β<60 2a

β

2a

a

a β

a

a

β resources : www.people.rit.edu/rjreme Micro-Particulate Behaviour in Biological Systems Risa Robinson, Ph.D

The diagram explains how the angles between the branches work. The cfd analysis also shows how smooth fluids can pass through containers generated using the DLA algorithms..

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4a

45<β<60

5

Flood response a 5.3 Soft Defence Topography Manipulation The process followed was by developing a computational technique to finding the impacts of west fluvial flooding and east tidal flooding along with vectors showing their dimensions.

Once the flood velocities were used as inputs and directions as parameters DLA algorithms generated the branches on the site where the branching lines will be used as the valleys for new topological formation. The algorithm could generate multiple variations but the selection process included criterias like maximising the amount of useable area and maximising resistance to floods.

Although the branching can be designed for maximum flooding amplitudes tidal storms which take place once in ten years were not Branching Method taken into consideration because lot of land Applying topography manipulation with brancing was unusable in that case. Hence for the method for the fluvial and tidal flood impact points maximum branching option, a more pragmatic approach was used where the performance values were outrun by logical thinking during the selection process.

β

2a

β

2a a

a

a

β

West Fluvial Flood Vector

Flood Impact Points

resources : www.people.rit.edu/rjreme Micro-Particulate Behaviour in Biological Systems Risa Robinson, Ph.D

East Tidal Flood Vector

Branching Topography

Diagram explain how Impact points and flood directions help in generating the branching for topography manipulation .

Above is an image of the mouth of the Norman River Karumba in Australia is surrounded by wetlands. The design process developed for topographic manipulation leads to similar outcomes of formations in nature.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

5.4 Risk Zones An average of 3m raise of the water level was considered for flooding keeping in mind the projection calculations and current measure of the thames barrier.The drawings show the risk zones after the topology manipulation.

These risk zones are considered as repel points during the further design developments for density gradients, functional distribution and morphology generation.

EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY

EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY when waterlevel EXISTING TOPOGRAPHY when waterlevel rise 3m rise 3m

Major climat Maj 1. Tidal river 1. T 2. Fluveal2.Flo F

Existing Topography when waterlevel rise 3m 3

Existing Topography

London Lon has 180 mile has

Total Flooding water water when water 3mrise = 793,367.87 m Total Flooding when level waterrise level 3m = 793,367.87 m3

Project-tham Pro

by Sarahby LavS defense expe defe (SOFT DEFE (SO ECOLOGICAL ECO

Total Flooding water when water level rise 3m = 793,367.87 m3 thames barrier thames barrier open open

London has Lon area area There should The buildings in f buil

thames barrier thames barrier closed closed

existing existing topography topography

proposed proposed topography topography

By 2050 the By 2 overtopped ove today which toda 100 quarter m 100 400 schools 400 26 undergrou 26 u 15 hospitals 15 h Powerstation Pow

1 in 10 year e 1 in

After Manipulation Topography

SED TOPOGRAPHY PROPOSED TOPOGRAPHY

After Manipulation Topography

PROPOSEDwhen TOPOGRAPHY when waterlevel 3m waterlevel rise 3m waterlevel rise 3mrisewhen PROPOSED TOPOGRAPHY

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6 public transport network 6.1 overview After studying Isle of Dogs demographic projections, specific project goals were set regarding population growth and transport usage. Firstly, we address the public transport accessibility issue. Although there is currently a bus service available for the residents of the isle, the considerably faster DLR transport is accessible from four stations, which positioning and 15-minutes walking distance radiuses do not cover the isle completely.

The second driver of the public transport network improvement we take into consideration is our goal for polycentric urban fabric development and functional heterogeneity. This leads us to the assumption that larger percentage of Isle of Dogs population will work on the isle and commuting would be reduced. As a result larger number of people would walk or cycle to work, private and public transport usage would decrease (60% DLR, 10% water network, 10% private transport, 20% walk/cycle).

The third aspect of the public network development for this project are the proposed water canals. Their purpose is connecting the Isle of Dogs to Central London, increasing the public transport capacity, as well as maintaining and even enhancing the historical connection of the area to water.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

6.2 CANALS

Existing Canal

C

Water transport on Themes and man-built canals has been historical part of London and Isle of Dog in particular for centuries.

The existing water bodies on the isle are an opportunity for water network development.

Although private boats are currently used in the area, the water bodies have mostly underdeveloped leisure function and their potential has not been used fully.

1/ existing water bodies and public transport network

Existing Canal

- Pro Dogs - Cre - Pot - Pro

Canal Connect Thames River

We propose connecting the existing water bodies to Themes at four points, by modifying and widening existing canals, as well as developing completely new ones. The planning includes three new piers, which increase the Themes network accessibility and improve the Isle of Dogs connectivity to Central London, which is one of the major drawbacks of the area at the moment. The water canals would not only serve as public transport network, but also the surroundings would function as space for leisure and attractor for daily activities in the area. The possibility for private boat transport is incorporated as well.

water canaland thatpublic connect Thames RIver through Isle of 1/- Proposed proposednew water bodies transpot network Dogs - Create new Pier for public transport - Potential for socio-cultural activities - Provide better precondition for people who lives at Thames

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6 public transport network 6.3 dlr stations

ChoosenNew New Choosen

Choosen Choosen Ne

Option 01

Option 02

Option 02 Option 02

Option Option 02 0

Option 04 Option 04

Option Option 04 0 Option 03

Option 04

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

Proposed New Network Logic

Fittest individual

Principle for development

Although water canal network is being introduced for both public and private usage, due to the large projected population growth, the current DLR capacity would be insufficient.

Two new DLR stations are being proposed based on population growth projections and public transport capacity calculations.

CONSTANT PARAMETERS:

A generative algorithm experiment was conducted in order to find the optimal DLR stations and piers location according to several fitness criteria. Our goal was to achieve maximum accessibility and homogeneous network nodes distribution at a safe distance from Themes. Having in mind the environmental projections for increased risk of flooding, one of our concerns was the accessibility of the stations as evacuation points in case of flood.

- distance between stations and piers - distance between DLR stations and Themes

- number of piers - number of DLR stations - existing DLR stations position - existing piers position VARIABLE PARAMETERS:

FITNESS CRITERIA: - equal distance to existing DLR stations - equal distance between proposed DLR stations - maximum distance between DLR and Themes - minimum distance between piers and DLR stations

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7

density distribution 7.1 URBAN DENSITY gradient After proceeding with the topography . manipulation and soft defence development, we identified the flood risk zones as the areas that would be affected by a 3-meter flood. For generating the density distribution gradient, we set the water canals and lowest topography points in the flood risk zones as repel points and the public transport nodes as attractor points. The attractor points can be divided in two groups with different intensity based on the importance of a node. We consider the DLR stations to be with higher importance due to the higher percentage of usage (DLR stations â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 70%, water piers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 10%). Due to the fact that Isle of Dogs will not be flooded most of the time throughout the year, the repel points are with lower intensity than DLR station attractor points and as a result there are areas of high density in risk zones. This disadvantage of the density distribution can be compensated with building typology development.

Proposed New Network Logic

Risk zones as repel points

PROPOSED TOPOGRAPHY when waterlevel rise 3m

Station and safe nodes as attractor points

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

Density gradient base on water body as repellent and network station as attractors.

13.3% - 26,700 16.4% - 32,800

- Density distributed base on water body as repellent and network station as attractor - 5 new centre point created 13.9% - 27,800

15.5% - 31,300

9.6% - 19,400

11.7% - 23,400 19.3% - 38,600

By density distribution based on repellent and attractors, 5 poly centres were created resulting in different values of percentage and population for each centre.

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8

Functional distribution 8.1 functional epicentres

After population density distribution and formation of density epicentres each of them were associated to a percentage of population with respect to the projectected targets. The defined design strategy for density distribution was to develop a polycentric urban fabric and hence each epicentres consisted of 60% residence and 40 % offices.However the calculations for average area needed for a resident is 25 sq.mt and worker is 10 sq.mts., along with 10 sq.mt public space per resident which were considered as green spaces. All these values associated to the epicentres lead to fragmentation of each polycentre into group of functional clusters. Each clusters are 5000 residents, 5000 workers and green spaces represented according to the size differentiation.

After the fragmentation process each cluster is allowed to move on the topography to a fixed amount of radius. in relation to its polycentre.

Evolutionary computational techniques are used on the relationship between all the clusters to optimize the location of each cluster where the optimisation criterias are interrelationship of clusters, relationship with context and relationship between functions. The model used for optimisation is Schellingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segregation model which is based on preference of an agent and its neighbors.This model operates on the rule that for every cell, if greater than 33% of the adjacent cells are of a different color or type, the cell moves to another randomly selected cell and this goes on until maximum number of cells reach the happiness quotient. The models shows how such small rules applied in local level could lead to total segregation of functions at a global scale. Hence after the optimisation process the clusters are scattered around the isle and majority of them have a happiness quotient.

initial state

30% happiness threshold

50% happiness threshold

80% happiness threshold Schellingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segregation model CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

1 circle : 5000 resident population 1 circle : 5000 ofďŹ ce population 1 circle : 10m2 public space

Defining clusters

Optimising using segregation rules

Schellingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segregation model used for functional distribution 22 | 23

8

Functional distribution 8.2 Maximum social interaction

After the generation of a new cluster diagram, the centre of each cluster is used to form a grid using delaunay triangulation. The emergent grid is taken as a base for developing networks of links and paths for travel as it connects all the clusters and functions. Minimum spanning tree algorithm is used to to connect all the major clusters forming a path where all functions meet. This path was considered as an important outcome of the design process and hence the path is treated as a Highest social interaction path. The emergent path is used to re inform and generate a more detailed functional distribution as cultural spaces and public amenities are later located close to it.

The design decision was taken to maximise interaction where social and functional organizations can interact with each other.

Minimum spanning tree algorithm was used to finalise the social interaction path. The algorithm works in a way in which distances between all the points are calculated and a path with minimum length that connects all the points form the minimum spanning tree.

The Grid also formed plots which were too large to be considered as building plots hence each plot was subdivided into smaller parts using recursive subdivision algorithms. The algorithm evaluates the plot area and if it is big it selects the maximum two sides of a polygon and a line divides the plot into two parts connected their centres and this goes on in recursions. The process goes on until the area of the polygon falls within the domain area for building plots.

Above diagram explains a recursive subdivisioning of a basic square.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

Generation of the maximum social interaction network using minimum spanning tree.

Division into patches

A> d Div=yes

selection of two longest edges

A> d A<d Div=yes Div=no

connecting the centres to subdivide

A<d A<d Div=no Div=no

selection of two longest edges of the divided plots to make the process recursive

A<d Div=no

Resulting grid after applying recursive subdivision to the grid patches

A=Area d= defined footprint

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9 network 9.1 transport network .

Using the base grid from the older phase a syntactical analysis was done and the network with maximum connectivity was considered as the primary network. However the primary network was just a highly connected ring but didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have any connections with the site edges and the city; hence connections with the external city via bridges were considered as the major primary nodes and a road passing through it became the primary road too. Each primary network was place no more than 600 m apart from each other in order to optimize connectivity and flow.

The secondary network was created by dividing the each segments of the primary network into two parts and the remaining paths were planned to be treated as tertiary. However the amount of tertiary network was a lot so one path was deleted for each building that had three roads around its plot resulting into the actual tertiary network. All the other roads were just pedestrian walkways and footpaths.

building

pedestrian

road

3

6.5

1

road

pedestrian

6.5

3

building

20

Primary Network

building

pedestrian

2.75

road

3.25

3.5

pedestrian

road

1

3.5

3.25

building

2.75

20

building

pedestrian

road

3

6.5

1

road

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Social interaction Network

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

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Revival of water communities was also one of the initial intent of the project and after the diagram for the grid was generated DLA algorithms were used to introduce a water network. The branching points for the algorithm were the lowest points in the topography and their number was dependent on the new water stations. The output from the algorithm was not considered final and syntactical analysis and logics was used optimize it. The new water network was developed as a unified interconnected water channel.

building

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building morphology 10.1 dwelling density distribution .

The building morphology was developed following a top-down approach, with the urban density distribution gradient as a starting point.

The dwelling density was therefore distributed according to the gradient with a set maximum number of floors of 60 and minimum of 3. The building footprint was formed as an offset of the previously generated plots. According to the plot size, in some cases perimeter blocks were aggregated with a building depth of 17 meters in order to ensure that natural light would provide effective internal lighting throughout the day. The perimeter blocks were subdivided into units, followed by a deletion of 1 or 2 units dependent on a network, connecting the perimeter blocks to the DLR stations.

This network was optimised for minimised length, providing evacuation path in case of flooding. Triangular plots, which are considered inefficient for being built on and plots with central point on a smaller distance than 70 meters from green space functional epicentres form parks.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

The plot perimeter offset, which defines the building footprint, is a variable parameter dependent on the density distribution gradient (3 to 20 meters). Assuming that buildings in areas with high density would be generally higher, the offsets for these plots are larger, providing better sky view factor. Building footprints with the longest side longer than 50 meters become perimeter blocks.

1/ building footprint

The height of the blocks follows the density gradient â&#x20AC;&#x201C; risk zones and canals as repel points and public transport nodes as attractor points with different intensity.

2/ building height

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building morphology 10.2 BUILDING MORPHOLOGY OPTIMISATION The preliminary dwelling density distribution has several issues. Firstly, the used generative algorithm for aggregating the morphology was not optimising neither for area, nor for volume.

Therefore the achieved overall gross floor area is considerably higher than the one that was set as a goal according to the population and area calculations. Secondly, the density distribution is uniform, following the gradient, which resulted in high concentration of high-rises. The larger plot offset in these areas is insufficient for providing enough natural light in the buildings and satisfactory sky view factor. This can lead to more urban tissue problems, such as the occurrence of urban heat island. Another issue due to the uniform dwelling density distribution is the lack of open public space in the areas with highest population number. Reduced terrain sun exposure is also not a desirable result in the situational context of London. A morphology optimisation experiment was conducted to address the aforementioned problems with the goal to improve terrain sun exposure, building exposure and optimise the building volume for the aimed population.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

CONSTANT PARAMETER: building footprint VARIABLE PARAMETER: building height (scale in Z direction with a factor 0.1 to 0.8) FITNESS CRITERIA: minimum building exposure, maximum ground floor exposure, volume

1/ patch 01

1/ patch 02

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building morphology 10.2 BUILDING MORPHOLOGY OPTIMISATION

1/ patch 03

1/ patch 04

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

The generative algorithm was run for 25 generations, 20 individuals per generation.

Images 1,2,3,4 and 5 show the fittest individuals when a priority is given to the aimed population.

The morphology experiment is successful in terms of optimisation for volume, building exposure and ground floor exposure. However, the provided park space in the urban tissue (1.3m2 per person) is insufficient. The soft

defence area is not included in the park space calculations, as well as the perimeter blocksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; courtyard. Another negative aspect of the topdown approach is the lack of open public spaces in the areas with highest population density.

Although through the morphology optimisation process some of the environmental conditions were taken into consideration, one issue of great importance was not addressed â&#x20AC;&#x201C; flood risk.

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building morphology 10.3 URBAN LANDSCAPE

The urban landscape consists of a dwelling and population density gradient along with functional distribution.

The design intents of environmental response, polycentric urban fabric and functional diversification are evident in the landscape, however quantifiable data is carried out in the analysis section to evaluate the actual performance.

A

B

C

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

A

B

C

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building morphology 10.3 URBAN network analysis

The urban network analysis was used to evaluate the current network and modify it in relation to syntactical analysis. However the analysis helped the earlier experiments but providing quantifiable data to measure the performance of the city.

The diagram shows how many stations each building is connected to in a 2 min walking radius where blue is one and red is 4.

The diagram explains stations at the buildings are connected too in a 600 mt radius (2min walk) CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

The closeness diagrams shows the primary networks are most close to each other and easily accessible.

The connectivity diagrams shows the network connectivity where there is no blue meaning the network is high and mid connected throughout the urban fabric.

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building morphology 10.5 detailed Functional distribution After Global morphology optimization a detailed functional distribution was derived by amalgamating the outcomes of the schellingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segregation model and defined network. Data mining research already helped the target values to be projected and all the floors were associated with the required function.

The social provision distribution also had hierarchy and parameters which are as follows Education sector are closer to safe zones,residences and between one to five floors higher Health sector closer to safe zones,DLR stations and ground level Security sector closer to risk zones, offices and ground level Cultural sector- closer to maximum social interaction path and not higher than 10 floors Service sector- closer to residence,and ground level Public parks- closer to risk zones and ground level Office spaces- closer to primary network and ground level Living spaces- closer to safe zones and top levels

LIVING -60 percent people living- 36 m2 per person WORKING -40 percent people working- 7 m2 per person PUBLIC -10 m2 per person green spaces EDUCATION -0.16 per 1000 people education HEALTH- 0.10 per 1000 people health CULTURE- 0.28 per 1000 people culture SECURITY- 0.08 per 1000 people security SERVICE- 7.15 m2 per 1000 people

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

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building typology 11.0 TYPOLOGY overview .

A more detailed building typology design was needed due to the foregoing negative aspects of the urban morphology generation. The problem with insufficient open public and park space is resolved by subdividing the building blocks into units and deletion of a variable number of them. The flood risk environmental factor is also being addressed by deletion of units. Scaling in X and Y direction is applied on a variable number of units in order to compensate for the reduced by the deletion volume, as well as minimising building exposure. A microscale network on a superblock level is being generated with the goal to create a local public space between the buildings and improve the spatial characteristics on a human scale. The height of the blocks is also being developed in greater detail within the boundaries set during the building morphology optimisation.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

1/ type one- in safe zone having high density

2/ type two- in risk zone close to soft defence having low density

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building typology 11.1 TYPE 01

B01_G20_05 Green Area: 11 686 Population: 5 005 Building Exposure: 112 463 Ground Floor Exposure: 225 697 Pedestrian Path Length: 555 This superblock consists of four perimeter blocks. Every one of the buildingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; footprint is being subdivided into 16 units, 4 units in the centre are deleted to form the inner courtyard, 2 or 3 units from the perimeter are being deleted to form a path, connecting the superblock courtyards. The separate units are then given a variable height within boundaries set according to the building morphology optimisation, creating a building profile, allowing higher ground floor sun exposure. A following deletion of cells along the height of the blocks forms open green spaces in vertical, optimised for the aimed population (2m2 per person). A variable number of cells are being scaled in X and Y direction to compensate for the reduced by the deletion volume.

The aimed population was exceeded in all individuals from the last generation. The one that is considered fittest (B01_G20_05) exceeds the aimed population with 339 people, has a green space of 2.33m2 per person, short pedestrian path and is performing proportionate to the other individuals in terms of building exposure

CONSTANT PARAMETERS: - blocks footprint offset from plot boundaries - number of blocks in the superblock - number of subdivisions VARIABLE PARAMETERS: - height of blocksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; units - number of deleted cells - number of scaled cells - scale factor of the cells FITNESS CRITERIA: - aimed population - aimed green space area according to population - minimised pedestrian path between courtyards - minimised building exposure - maximised ground floor exposure

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

B01_G20_01

B01_G20_02

Green Area............................................................11 283 Population.............................................................. 5 092 Building Exposure............................................112 557 Ground Floor Exposure..................................223 746 Pedestrian Path Length..........................................689

Green Area.............................................................12 433 Population.............................................................. 5 306 Building Exposure............................................121 545 Ground Floor Exposure..................................233 119 Pedestrian Path Length..........................................625

B01_G20_03

B01_G20_04

Green Area............................................................12 456 Population.............................................................. 4 822 Building Exposure............................................111 564 Ground Floor Exposure..................................224 363 Pedestrian Path Length..........................................498

Green Area.............................................................11 413 Population.............................................................. 4 693 Building Exposure............................................106 823 Ground Floor Exposure..................................214 000 Pedestrian Path Length..........................................618

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building typology 11.2 TYPE 02

B02_G20_01 Green Area: 7 117 Population: 3 634 Building Exposure: 116 112 This superblock consists of two high-rise blocks. Every one of the buildings’ footprint is being subdivided into 16 units. The buildings are then given a variable height within boundaries set according to the building morphology optimisation. A deletion of cells forms open green spaces, optimised for the aimed population (2m2 per person). A set number of cells are being deleted dependent on their distance to a repel point indicating the risk zone as a flood defence mechanism.

Lastly, a variable number of cells are scaled in X and Y direction to improve building exposure and increase building volume.

CONSTANT PARAMETERS:

The aimed population was reached by only one individual (B02_G20_01) with green space of 1.96m2 per person. Since in this experiment ground floor exposure is not a fitness criteria, the fittest individual’s blocks are with relatively equalised height, which also leads to a reduced building exposure.

- aimed population - aimed green space area according to population - minimised building exposure

- blocks footprint offset from plot boundaries - number of blocks in the superblock - number of subdivisions VARIABLE PARAMETERS: - height of blocks’ - number of deleted cells - number of scaled cells - scale factor of the cells FITNESS CRITERIA:

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

B02_G20_02

B02_G20_03

Green Area...............................................................4 602 Population...............................................................2 320 Building Exposure...............................................76 260

Green Area..............................................................5 663 Population.............................................................. 3 140 Building Exposure............................................102 336

B02_G20_04

B02_G20_05

Green Area...............................................................4 923 Population.............................................................. 2 779 Building Exposure...............................................87 330

Green Area...............................................................5 688 Population.............................................................. .2 841 Building Exposure...............................................94 464

44 | 45 CORE STUDIO 2 | 2015 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

12 conclusion conclusion The project was categorized into four phases where every phase led toward design implementations at varied scales of the urban fabric. The major focus of the project was to tackle challenges and issues such as increase in unusable spaces, unwanted spreading, abolishment of communities and lack of interaction amongst social and environmental systems in order to accommodate growing demands of the people.

The first phase involved existing site analysis and future projections where data collection and analysis pertaining to demographics, functional zoning and environmental conditions were undertaken to formulates the issues for the design process. Research and future projections formed the basis for setting goals and performance targets for the project. However each performance target was based on a current city which has itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own proâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and conâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s . If a model city would had been taken as a goal setter then the reults could have been more performative. A comparitive study with cities and an evaluation strategy would have also been helpful.

Phase two started with designing the selected areas of Isle of Dogs by responding to the issues and meeting the performance criteria from the initial phase. This phase was subdivided into two distinct parts in which the first part was about generating branches on the site periphery for valleys and levees to be created. There were more ways to respond to floods but the selected method was exceeded in performance as it was inexpensive, culturally beneficial and coherent to environment. Diffusionlimited aggregation algorithm was used to create the branches that sprout from impact points but problems such as turbulent flow and resilience arise as flood intensities increase. The second part was to develop a transport network where major channels were introduced to improve river water flow and revive existing water communities.

Generative algorithms were used to optimise number and positions of train stations and piers required for target populations. Measurable results by quantifying and accommodating the increase in population had less problems but however no methods could be used to justify the revival of existing water communities as behaviour is autonomous.

CORE Studio 2 Emergent Technologies and Design, Architectural Association

The third phase of re-informing initial developed risk and safe zones to identified and a population density gradient were effective in response to environment but self-organizational rules would make the distribution more stable. Schellingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s segregation model was used for programmatic distribution but generative algorithms were used to recreate the same model. A cellular approach from the start would have helped the project. The clusters were considered as nodes to define a social interaction path,; although the control over their positioning and aggregation would be benificial for network developments or the network development could reinform the the positioning to have a more integrated approach.

Phase four where urban morphology, functional distribution and network optimization occurs tries to evaluate the outputs in response to set ambitions and targets in the earlier phase but a lack of feedback strategies are missing to a synthesis all environmental, functional and demographic criteria.

The overall process was a top down approach however the techniques in each phase took place bottom up systems. It would be great if the whole process would be bottom up making the design more self generating than current design. The phases were intended to generate feedback loops to refine the outcome but the logic was not well defined and hence was more linear as opposed to integrated. The performance criterias defined in the first phase clearly helped the outcomes to directed towards a fitter product but the synthesis of the sub systems would have helped the resilience towards design problems.

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