9. Technology

Week 09

People, Process & Technology

Technology

By Amal Shah Faculty of Design CEPT University

Teaching Associates Chandni Chhabra, Sachi Motiwala & Shikha Mehta

IR3609 | Monsoon Semester 2020

Technology? ‘a manner of accomplishing a task, especially using technical processes, methods, or knowledge.’

Etymological understanding - ‘Techne’ : the science of craft . ‘Logia’ : the skill or art of the hand.

Technology evolves and advances based on human needs and an effort of enhancement of human lifestyle.

It is affected by people, society and culture.

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1 System

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Requirements

Control

Processes

Core Concepts of Technology

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6 Optimization

Resources

Trade-Os

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Core Concepts of Technology

1. SYSTEM A system is a group of interrelated components designed collectively to achieve a common goal.

Structural System

A system requires all components to function properly in order for the system to function.

Conditioning System

The human body and our electrical grid are examples of a system. If one part fails, all other parts are impacted, and may result in the failure of the entire system.

Circulation System

Pompidou Centre, Paris

Core Concepts of Technology

2. REQUIREMENTS Requirements are the “parameters” placed on the development of a product or system. These are the “must do” components of a design. Criteria identify the desired features of a product or system. Constraints involve the limitations of a design. We often say that we are working within certain parameters.

3. RESOURCES

A stock or supply of materials, money, people, facilities, funding, and other assets in order for a system to function effectively.

Core Concepts of Technology

4. OPTIMIZATION & TRADE-OFFS Optimization involves making the product as functional as it can be, given the criteria and constraints. A trade-off involves a choice of one quality over another.

An example would be making a product out of plastic (which would be cheaper) over using more expensive aluminum or other material.

6. CONTROL Controls are the mechanisms or activities that use information to cause systems to change. Controls may be manual or automatic. Controls are the essential ingredient in a “closed-loop” system.

Core Concepts of Technology

7. PROCESSES A process is a sequence of actions used to combine resources in order to produce an output. An example would be measuring ingredients, combining, and baking the mixture to make a cake The technological process is the work method used by technology and consists of the ordered sequence of steps that must be followed in order to meet a need or solve a problem.

Pompidou Centre, Paris

What was the role of technology in the design project?

Analyse the process of the design project How was technology applied ?

What did the application result in ?

What was the nature of the application and the impact ?

Skills Tools

Data Integration Response to Context

Techniques

Understanding

Operation of Production

Concepts & Sciences Applied Knowledge Methods of making/ thinking/ approaches

Technology as the driving force?

Production Viability

Generation of Geometry/ Form Finding

Technology as an Enabler or a catalyst?

Tectonic Articulation Material Application & Articulation

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What was the role of technology in the design project?

Analyse the process of the design project What were the outcomes of the process?

How was technology applied as a response?

What was the nature of the application and the impact ?

Skills Tools

Data Integration Response to Context

Operation of Production

Production Viability

Generation of Geometry/ Form Finding

Tectonic Articulation Material Application & Articulation

Technology as an Enabler or a catalyst?

Techniques

As a doer?

Understanding

Concepts & Sciences

Technology itself as the outcome?

Applied Knowledge Methods of making/ thinking/ approaches

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What is the role of technology in the design project?

Analyse the process of the design project How was technology applied ?

What did the application result in ?

How was technology applied as a response?

What was the result ?

Skills Skills

Data Integration

Understanding

Concepts & Sciences

Operation of Production

Generation of Geometry/ Form Finding

Tectonic Articulation Applied Knowledge

Response to Context Techniques

Response to Context

Techniques

Tools

Production Viability

Concepts & Sciences

Material Application & Articulation

Methods of making/ thinking/ approaches

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Innovation or Problem solving What comes ďŹ rst? and Why?

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Paper Houses, Shigeru Ban Emergency Relief Modular Houses for Seismic-hit zones

Design of system and details according to resources and situations

“Ban’s work is a brilliant example of the innovative possibilities that are able to spring forth during times of great need” Courtesy :https://thursdaygroup6.wordpress.com/2010/11/16/61/

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Paper Houses, Shigeru Ban Emergency Relief Modular Houses for Seismic-hit zones Material, structural and assembly systems incorporating local techniques, and, for low ďŹ nancial resources.

In Nepal

Courtesy : Google Images

In Philippines

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Cardboard Cathedral, Shigeru Ban

Do you have ideas for the future development of your paper tubes structures?

Emergency Relief Building for Seismic-hit zones SB: Not unless I have a new problem to solve‌

Use of paper tubes and wood based on proportioning system derived from destroyed cathedral.

Cardboard Cathedral Material and system adapted for the project Reminiscent of bamboo joints in traditional Japanese construction Courtesy : https://architectureau.com/articles/christchurch-transitional-cardboard-cathedral-1/

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Kath Khuni Architecture Technology to resolve site constraints

Kath-Kuni is an indigenous construction technique prevalent in the isolated hills of northern India, especially in the region of Himachal Pradesh.

Kath-khuni is a type of cator-and-cribbage building which employs locally available wood and stone as prime materials for construction.

Factors/issues/concerns to consider ● ● ● ● ● ●

Context Geology and Geography Climate Resources Technique of construction (Technology) Lifestyle of the users

Courtesy : DICRC

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Kath Khuni Architecture Technology to resolve site constraints The indigenous buildings of Himachal Pradesh reect a remarkable understanding about appropriate use of local materials, construction techniques and joinery details that stand strong against the climatic and seismic forces of nature.

The intricate interlocking of joints without nails is the hallmark of indigenous construction ingenuity. The construction, society, values and building knowledge are continuously transforming, new materials are replacing the old.

Courtesy : DICRC

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Tatami Mats Technology evolved through context Tatami mats are rectangular mats made of rice straw with a soft rush covering. The mats are sized on a 1:2 scale, the length being double the width. Tatami is typically 90cm x 180cm, but there are slight geographical dierences between the traditional mat sizes in the ancient capitals of Kyoto (kyoma), Tokyo (Edoma) and other areas (chukyoma).

The basic structure of tatami is simple, comprising doko (base), omote (cover), and heri (border). The base (tatami doko) is made of multilayered rice straw, tightly fastened, and compressed. The cover (omote) is natural igusa (rush). Tatami consists basically of a base, omote and heri edges crafted in to a rectangle.

Courtesy : https://360niseko.com/niseko-construction-basics-scale-and-pr oportion/

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Tatami Mats Technology evolved through context The Japanese Tatami mat building tradition sets the plan of rooms in a house according to a six, eight, twelve, fourteen etc mat rooms, making up the proportional relations of room sizes according to the human form.

Factors/issues/concerns to consider ● ● ● ● ● ●

Context Availability of resources Optimisation of resources Technique of construction (Technology) Ergonomics Standardising construction

Courtesy : https://360niseko.com/niseko-construction-basics-scale-and-pr oportion/

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ICD /ITKE Pavilion 2013 - 14

Collaborators : Biologists, Paleontologists, Architects, Engineers.

The project showcases the potential of novel design, simulation and fabrication processes in architecture.

It involved development of natural fiber composite shells and of custom robotic fabrication methods for fiber reinforced polymer structures.

It relies on the geometric morphology of a double layered system and the mechanical properties of the natural fiber composite.

Courtesy : http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=20800

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Collaborators : Imaging specialists, Biologists, Paleontologists, Architects, Engineers.

ICD /ITKE Pavilion 2013 - 14 The technological process resulted in the development of a winding technique for modular, double layered ďŹ ber composite structures in order to reduce the required formwork to a minimum while maintaining a large degree of geometric freedom.

An in-depth analysis of this role model was possible through high resolution 3D models of beetle elytra were extracted through micro-computed tomography

The process develops from study of elytron, a protective shell for beetles’ wings

Courtesy :https://www.designboom.com/architecture/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2013-14-interview-08-18-2014/

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ICD /ITKE Pavilion : Process Component system derived from material resource and biological systems, processes determining novel fabrication technological processes

21 Courtesy:https://www.designboom.com/architecture/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2013-14-interview-08-18-2014/

ICD /ITKE Pavilion 2013-14

Technique of winding fibre through robotic fabrication

Custom robotic fabrication system strategy with master robot and a slave robot to make fibre pattern in changing orientations

58 km of glass fibre & 42 km of carbon fibre It also explores novel spatial qualities and expands the tectonic possibilities of architecture.

22 Courtesy :https://www.designboom.com/architecture/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2013-14-interview-08-18-2014/

Barcelona’s Olympics Fish Pavillion, by Frank Gehry 1992 The various construction impasses and subsequent revelations that have helped establish Gehry Technologies as a significant player in the realization of many major architecture projects today.

While designing a 50 meter undulating fish sculpture, Gehry realized that the available 2D programs were unable to model the sculpture’s curvature.

However, with CATIA, (Computer Aided Three dimensional Interactive Application) contractors were able to (i) become involved earlier in the design process and (ii) refer directly to Gehry’s 3D digital models, saving time, money, and making the entire design chain more efficient.

Courtesy : http://www.rpbw.com/project/prometeo-musical-space

The golden steel-mesh fish sculpture, Frank Gehry created a technological breakthrough for the architect’s studio, which used three-dimensional aeronautical-design software.

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Barcelona’s Olympics Fish Pavillion, by Frank Gehry 1992 The program which was used to design the Mirage fighter jet was used to design a fish sculpture.

CATIA version 3, in 1988 Courtesy : http://www.rpbw.com/project/prometeo-musical-space

To capitalize on this innovation, Gehry Technologies (GT) was founded in 2002 to facilitate visionary designs while keeping cost and schedule in line for clients.

A 3d software with surface with control points

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Prometeo Musical, by Renzo Piano 1983 - 1984 The design came to life in 1984 for the ďŹ rst performance at the deconsecrated church of San Lorenzo, in Venice.

After which the structure was dismantled and reassembled a year later at factory in Milan.

The structure nested inside the existing skin of the builtform, adaptively reusing the space.

Structure was erected, turning the space into a huge musical instrument, a resonant box housing the stage, the audience and the orchestra.

Courtesy : http://www.rpbw.com/project/prometeo-musical-space

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Prometeo Musical, by Renzo Piano 1983 - 1984 The idea of designing a giant musical instrument originated from the awareness that the space had to be created for and according to the music by Luigi Nono, and was therefore exceptionally part of the same creative process.

The experience of a luthier combined with shipbuilding construction techniques made the creation of this large soundbox possible, simple in its design, but yet functionally eective.

The project revolutionised the concept of a traditional concert hall, as the audience (up to 400 people) was planned to be sitting at the centre, while musicians were to stand around at various heights.

26 Courtesy :http://buromilan.com/en/project/prometeo-musical-space-venice-italy/

Prometeo Musical, by Renzo Piano 1983 - 1984 The structure, simple and essential, was made of laminated wood and steel, and assembled with mechanical joints.

The large horizontal, vertical and curved beams of laminated wood supported the entire system as a structure closed on itself, by following the pattern created by the wooden hulls.

Courtesy : http://www.rpbw.com/project/prometeo-musical-space

Problem was that the concert was to be held at two dierent places which lead to an innovation of a structure that can be dismantled and reassembled,

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Prometeo Musical, by Renzo Piano 1983 - 1984 A secondary steel structure held the yards and supported the inďŹ ll walls, some of which were straight others curved, and which served as a sound box.

Metal supports made it possible to raise the parterre, leaving a space below for the foyer and getting the stage closer to the church vault in order to further improve acoustics.

Courtesy : http://www.rpbw.com/project/prometeo-musical-space

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La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí 1882 - 2026 (expected) The Sagrada Família began its path of innovation and transformation under Gaudí, two centuries ago.

In fact, he was the one to promote the use of three-dimensional representations in designing the Temple, as well as geometry as the base of his architecture and the use of recycled materials, plus a long etcetera that we still use at the Temple.

30 Courtesy : La Sagrada Familia under construction, 1887. Photo by PHAS/UIG via Getty Images.

La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí 1882 - 2026 (expected) Construction of Sagrada Família Accelerated by 3-D Printing Technology.

The process uses powder-based stereolithographic 3-D printers, which build prototypes layer-by-layer, resulting in a material similar to plaster.

This is important to the workshop at the Sagrada Família, because it allows craftsmen to easily alter the prototypes by hand, to meet the demanding specifications of the building.

Another type of technology being used at the temple, which saves us time, is virtual reality.

Problem here was that the complex structure took enormous amount of time this lead to an innovation of 3-D printing and various technology and process for control were developed to speed up the construction process..

Courtesy : La Sagrada Familia under construction, 1887. Photo by PHAS/UIG via Getty Images.

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La Sagrada Familia by Antoni GaudĂ­ 1882 - 2026 (expected) Technology controls the process of assembling the various pieces that make up each panel on the central towers we are currently building.

There is a system consists in using sensors on each building piece to automatically control the process from beginning to end: from drying the resins at the right temperature to the hardness and tension of the steel rods that hold the panels together.

Drawing at the beginning of church

3-D printed model

32 Courtesy : La Sagrada Familia under construction, 1887. Photo by PHAS/UIG via Getty Images.

La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí 1882 - 2026 (expected) Design Optimization: Parametric Design As Part Of An Analytical Process

Wire-frame and part surface rendering of digital model of Gaudí’s original 1:25 plaster model of the Sagrada Familia nave roof.

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La Sagrada Familia by Antoni GaudĂ­ 1882 - 2026 (expected) Design Optimization: Parametric Design As Part Of An Analytical Process

Nave Roof variants: Original, too short and, too long iterations with the close match

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La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí 1882 - 2026 (expected) Design Optimization: Parametric Design As Part Of An Analytical Process

Six parametric iterations looking for the correct parameters to make a close match to Gaudí’s original model

Digital model of clerestory window

1:10 scaled plaster model of clerestory window—photographed before Gaudí’s death.

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La Sagrada Familia by Antoni Gaudí 1882 - 2026 (expected) Design Optimization: Parametric Design As Part Of An Analytical Process Gaudí’s use of ruled surfaces provided an invaluable codex for communication between distanced collaborating parties, in this case relying principally on the Internet for all communication.

In this instance, faith in the flexibility of a committed digital approach, where the numbers were fundamental to the design and design flexibility mid-construction, was taken one step further to embark on a fast-track process.

In this situation, neither the geometrical tangible manifestation of the design nor the communication and construction process were resolved at the commencement of construction. The digital model has provided comparable tactile prototyping opportunities with accelerated production times with the overall increase in speed of design and construction.

Spreadsheet to drive parametric model second order surfaces as part of the associative geometry manipulations for the Passion Façade rose window.

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Technology and Architecture

Mies presents technology as both method and things in inself. As a thing, technology has a history and form, and is itself generative of meaning.

Thus technology, given the opportunity, transcends itself to become an expression of the spirit. In doing so, it expresses itself through the components of its own construction.

Technology is rooted in the past. It dominates the present and tends into the future

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Technology and Architecture

Technology is far more than a method, it is a world in itself. As a method it is superior in almost every respect. But only where it is left to itself, as in gigantic structures of engineering, there technology reveals its true nature.

There it is evident that it is not only a useful means, but that it is something, something in itself, something that has a meaning and a powerful form—so powerful in fact, that it is not easy to name it. Is that still technology or is it architecture?

And that may be the reason why some people are convinced that architecture will be outmoded and replaced by technology. Such a conviction is not based on clear thinking.

The opposite happens. Wherever technology reaches its real fulďŹ lment, it transcends into architecture.

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Technology and Architecture

I hope you will understand that architecture has nothing to do with the inventions of forms. It is not a playground for children, young or old.

Architecture is the real battleground of the spirit. Architecture wrote the history of the epochs and gave them their names.

Architecture depends on its time. It is the crystallization of its inner structure, the slow unfolding of its form.

That is the reason why technology and architecture are so closely related. Our real hope is that they will grow together, that some day the one will be the expression of the other.

Only then will we have an architecture worthy of its name: architecture as a true symbol of our time.

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