STUDIO AIR 2015, SEMESTER 1, BRAD PUI YEE CHEW
Table of Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 Design Futuring 2.1 Sagrada Familia in Spain 2.2 Digital Cloud Skyscraper in Singapore 2.3 Project Eco Link in Hong Kong 3.0 Design Computation 3.1 Swiss Re 3.2 ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 4.0 Composition/ Generation 4.1 Subdivided Columns 4.2 Beijing National Aquatics Centre 5.0 Conclusion 6.0 Learning Outcomes 7.0 Bibliography
INTRODUCTION
About Me Pui Yee Chew. From Malaysia. Third Year Bachelor of Environments (majoring in architecture) in University of Melbourne. From the age of 9, I started following my father to the construction sites. Feeling excited when looking around and exploring all the interesting things at the construction sites. Father is a builder. Thus, he taught me how to mix cement, how to lay bricks, how to saw timber etc. This is how my passion in architecture started.
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I adopt simplicity as my philosophy in architecture. I like to explore the form of buildings and its spatial arrangement. Like most of the modern architects, I believe form follows function. Decoration is minimal. Good architecture allows us to live/work in a comfortable environment, making our life better. It is interesting to see how human and architecture interacts. Like Winston Churchill once said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.�
Computational Design The emergence of technology has shifted towards digital. Knowing that computational design is an essential skill in architecture, I have learnt a few programmes in my first year. I have learnt Rhinoceros in the subject Virtual Environment, using it for modelling and fabrication. I have also learnt Illustrator, Indesign and AutoCad in the subject Visual Communication. Also I have taken the initiative to self-learn Photoshop, SketchUp and Revit. With the lack of knowledge in these programme, I always got frustrated when I could not get the product of what I want. It constrained my design outcome. Thus, my aim for this year is to brush up my computational skill. I believe that Studio Air provides a great opportunity in developing computational skill.
Rhino
Illustrator Indesign
AutoCAD Photoshop SketchUp
Revit Grasshopper
Fig.1: my knowledge in programming skill
CONCEPTUALISATION 5
DESIGN FUTURING
Architecture: a kind of problem solving The definition of architecture is controversial. Many people claimed that architecture is an art piece. However, I believe architecture is not just about aesthetic and not just about appearance and style. Instead, architectural design should be functional and critical. Critical architectural design uses critical theory as an approach to design.[1] “We are more interested in critical thinking, that is, not taking things for granted, being sceptical, and always questioning what is given. Designers start by identifying shortcomings in the thing they are redesigning and offer a better version.”[2] Thus, design should help us in solving our problems in life. Architecture, the design of space, is to allow people live/ work comfortably. The space is designed to suit our life.
“It is hard to say that what today’s dreams are; it seems they have been downgraded to hopes-hope that we will not allow ourselves to become extinct.”[3]
The problem of today’s world: environment The persistence of the global environment is highlighted for the recent years. Many people have realised on the environmental issues as there are many alarming signs of the unsustainability such as global warming, speeding climate change, rise of the sea level etc. Population growth is continuing. However, the resources are not able to sustain. Likewise, the planet’s renewable resources are being used up at a rate 25 percent faster than they can be renewed.[4]
[1] Anthony Dunne & Fiona Raby, Speculative Everything: Design Fiction, and Social Dreaming (MIT Press, 2004), p. 34. [2] Ibid., p. 35. [3] Ibid., p. 1. [4] Tony Fry, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 4.
Design for sustainability We certainly need to think about how to sustain the world with the scarce resources. If we ignore this problem, our future will be at risk. There are two elements: design intelligence and technology that can help us in moving the world towards sustainability.
“Architecture is an expression of values. – Norman Foster”
Architecture reflects the culture of the society: A change in culture
a) Design intelligence
During 1980s, building is designed to generate wealth and to provide a layer of designer gloss to every aspect of our daily lives.[8] This capitalism has driven the overuse of resources.
Design intelligence is important in realising the qualities of form and content of the designed environment.[5] This is a sense that helps us in judging about actions that increase or decrease the sustainability.[6] With the design intelligence, architects would not sacrifice sustainability for the sake of aesthetics. Architects, as involved in part of the action, have the responsibilities in creating the buildings that have no harm to our environment.
However, in today’s world, green buildings are the new trend. For example, we can see that few modern buildings in University of Melbourne campus such as The Spot, Alan Gilbert and MSD are environmental friendly. This is because the society has realised the importance of sustainability. Thus, when designing a space, we should not only look at the behavioural and social science, but also the environmental aspect.
b) Technology
“The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization. – Frank Lloyd Wright”
With the advent of technology, many works are becoming easier. As such, the rapid prototyping in industrial design, rendering programmes in architecture, photographic retouching programs in graphic design and fashion to the full-blown design ‘democratic software’.[7] They are able to show us the details of the architecture and how the architecture affects nature. Also, with the technology like pre-fabrication, resources are fully utilized.
[5] Ibid., p. 12. [6] Ibid., p. 12. [7] Ibid., p. 14. [8] Dunne & Raby, p. 8.
The first precedent focuses on the design process takes many factors like material, structure system into consideration. The second and third precedent look at two examples of sustainable architecture, how these architecture are designed for sustainability.
SAGRADA FAMILIA IN SPAIN
Interior The interior’s columns designed by Gaudi look like trees and branches. The branching helps supporting the load of the building. The columns are formed by different geometric shapes. As evidence, one column starts from a square base evolving into octagon, 16 sided form and then ended up with a circle on top. The interval of the transformation gets proportional shorter as going up to the column.
Fig.: THE EXTERIOR OF SAGRADA FAMILIA (SOURCE: www.tripandrate.com)
The Sagrada Familia located in Spain is designed by Antonio Gaudi. The construction begins at 1882 and the construction is ongoing now. The Sagrada Familia combines Gothic style and curlinear Art Nouveau. There are a total of 8 spires and 3 facades. They are decorated with the sculptures of traditional symbols.
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Fig.: THE iNTERIOR OF SAGRADA FAMILIA (SOURCE: http://www.architectural-review. com/gaudis-sacred-monster-sagrada-familiabarcelona-catalonia/8633438.article)
The reason why the columns are designed like that is because to supporting the load of building as mentioned earlier. The branches connect with the ceiling at several points, allowing the load transferred down to the columns. Apart from that, it is to suit the interior surface that is rich in ornamentation of abstract shapes. It is believed that these columns are inspired by nature. “All forms are developed from the transformation of basic geometric shapes without discontinuities, as Gaudi found in nature.”[1]
Vault-and-pillar system These columns are the result of Gaudi’s research -- the vault-and pillar system. “It is a knotted rope construction in which the columns correspond to the ropes. He turned the construction of the pressure points and hung small weights to stimulate pressure gradients in the columns.”[2]
Material
Fig.: THE iNTERIOR OF SAGRADA FAMILIA (SOURCE: http://www.rovenko.com/2011/10/27/ interior-of-the-sagrada-familia-barcelona/)
These columns are made up by different materials. The longest and thickest columns are formed by red porphyry (a kind of hard volcanic rock). Smaller ones are made up of basalt, granite whereas others are made up by the soft rock from the mountain of Barcelona.
Influence Richard Rogers’s split columns and Estudio Lamela’s Terminal 4 at Barajas Airport in Madrid are under the influence of this design.
reference [1] david cohn, gaudi’s sacred monster:sangrada familia, barcelona, catalonia (2012) <http://www.architecturalreview.com/gaudis-sacred-monster-sagrada-familia-barcelona-catalonia/8633438.article> [accessed 18 march 2015] [2] barcelona.de, the interior of the sagrada familia <http://barcelona.de/en/ barcelona-sagrada-familia-interior.html> [accessed 19 march 2015] CONCEPTUALISATION 9
DIGITAL CLOUD SKYSCRAPERS IN SINGAPORE
The digital cloud skyscraper by Kay Ngee Tan was a pavilion design for World Expo 2010. The design has a theme: â&#x20AC;&#x153;My Dream, Our Visionâ&#x20AC;? to bring in the Singapore culture: efficient, dynamic, progressive, and futuristic.
The users will first enter a dark underground space with services in the city as background noise (signifies the city), then this space will lead them to the bright digital cloud where the users can post their dreams.
This design uses a total of 3866 blocks to form a sculpture. More blocks are arranged differently and most of the blocks are accumulated at the upper part to give a feeling that these blocks are floating like clouds.
This design promotes the spirit of transforming life. It captures the culture of Singapore trying to promote.
Fig.2 Digital cloud skyscrapers
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Fig. 4: It is located at the slope to allow the visitors to have a full view of site.
Fig.3: the transparency level of each cube is different. It makes use of natural light.
reference [1] Design for Tomorrow, Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stunning Digital Cloud Skyscraper (2009) < http://www.designingfortomorrow. org/projects/view/singapores-stunning-digital-cloud-skyscraper> [accessed 11 March 2015]. [2] Sharn, Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Stunning Digital Cloud Skyscraper (2009) <http:// inhabitat.com/?p=22155> [accessed 11 March 2015]. CONCEPTUALISATION 11
PROJECT ECO LINK IN HONG KONG
Fig.5: Project eco link
Project Eco Link by Junkai Jian and Jinqi Huang is a passenger terminal building sited on a river side (Liantang/Heung Yuan Wai Boundary Control Point). The design form is asymmetrical and organic. The design connects both sides of the river with the use of spatial elements like nodes, branches and collective spaces. Apart from that, design also focuses circulation, viewpoints and accessibility.
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Sustainability? The crisscross form allows natural light enter to the building. It has solar panel roofing for power consumption (create zero carbon environment), rainwater harvesting for irrigation and a self-sustain green landscaping system.
Functional It allows people to reach the other side of river easier as it joins distant destinations with rail and wheeled conveyances.
Fig.6: Project eco link in different perspective
Fig.7 & 8: Project eco link makes use of natural light in its design to create shadows
Reference [1] Ecofriend, Project Eco Link: The Next Generation Iteration of Natural and Sustainable Architecture (2011) <http://www.ecofriend.com/project-eco-link-the-next-generationiteration-of-natural-and-sustainable-architecture.html> [accessed 10 March 2015].
[2] Amelia Roblin, The Project Eco Link Building Bridges City and Nature (2011) <http:// www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-eco-link> [accessed 10 March 2015]. [3] World Architecture Community, Eco Link â&#x20AC;&#x201C; International Design Ideas
Competition for Liantang/Heung Yuan Wai Boundary Control Point Passenger Terminal (2011) <http://www.worldarchitecture.org/world-buildings/mphh/
eco-link-international-design-ideas-competition-for-liantangheung-yuan-waiboundary-control-point-pa-building-page.html> [accessed 10 March 2015].
CONCEPTUALISATION 13
DESIGN COMPUTATION
Computer is not just a tool in communicating ideas. Many people will think that computation comes after architects identify issues of the site, research and come out with idea (or solution). Computation is to communicate the ideas in mind, and then document it and fabricate the design. The former is actually computerization. In this new era, computer is used during the design process. This means that it provides assistance designing. As such, architects can insert the parameters found from the site into computer and the computer programme can help generate a range of solutions. These solutions can then be modified after the architects judge the solutions. Thus, there are generally two forms of design process: come out with design ideas and then computation and use computation to come out with design ideas.
[9] rivka oxman and robert oxman, theories of the digital in architecture (London, New york: routledge), p. 3. [10] Ibid., p. 3. [11] Ibid., p. 7. [12] ibid., p. 4.
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There are many benefits of using computers in the architecture design process. Firstly, architects are able to use their algorithmic thinking to understand parameters of the site and materials.[9] With inserting these constrains (site and materials), computer is able to generate a range of solutions.[10] This can stimulate the creativity of the designers. As computer can generate different forms of solutions, we saw a shift in the design style, from imaginable and achievable geometries into a more organic form of design. Also, with computers, architects are able to see the 3-dimensional form of the design. As our brain may not be able to imagine the form of the design, computer can assist us in this way. Apart from that, manufacturing process is easier now as the presence of digital fabrication[11]. Every parts that are produced with the use of computer would be more accurate and less time consuming. The material used can be minimised and cause less wastage. Not forgot to mention, the dimension would be very accurate if we communicate our design in computer. Last but not least, we can know the workability of the design. We can know the performance of the design before we construct the design.[12]
Change in design process
Architecture in the near future
Other than the advantages mentioned earlier, computation has changed the design process. People involving in the architecture (not only architects, but also engineer, builder) are brought together at the design phase to work out how to design/construct the architecture. The design outcomes then are more integrated compared to the ‘normal’ design process. Before this, architects design the architecture and the engineers only come in during the construction phase. In that case, engineer and designer need to reach a compromise before building the architecture.
With computation,
The integrated design process is important because the decision-making process is non-linear. It involves many elements and complex relationship between the elements. Not forgot to say that some of the elements are variable. Everything is co-related.
“The dominant mode of utilizing computers in architecture today is that of computerization; entities or processes that are already conceptualised in the designer’s mind are entered, manipulated, or stored on a computer system. In contrast, computation or computing, as a computer-based design tool, is generally limited.
The symbiotic relationship between computer and architects The relationship between computer and architects is described with the word symbiotic.[13] This is because computer is good in rational and analysis. But it cannot feel and lack of creativity. Human can feel the site, is able to identify the problems and is creative. Thus, computer and architects should work together.
1. We will have more complex form of architecture. 2. We will have more pre-fabricated buidings. 3. The possibility to have green buildings is higher as we can have the performance test of the buildings.
–Terzidis, Kostas (2006), Algorithmic Architecture (Boston, MA: Elsevier), p. xi.
Precedents The two precedents focus on the benefits of computational design. At the same time, the approaches architects used is studied.
[13] yehuda kalay, architecture’s new media: principles, theories, and methods of computer-aided design (cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004), p. 3.
CONCEPTUALISATION 15
SWISS REINSURANCE COMPANY IN LONDON
Fig.9: the design of swiss reinsurance company in london fig 10: main entrance of swiss re (source: http://ming3d.com/DAAP/ARCH794su2011/?p=85)
Swiss Re, is also named as Gherkin, is located at the financial district of London. This building is designed by Foster and Partners. It has 40 floors and 180 meters high.
Problems of the site There are many old low rise buildings surrounded Gherkin.
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So while designing this building, the architects need to consider how this building can fit into the limited land, and also avoild passengers be affected on the sidewalk. The other concern the architects have is the existence of turbulence at ground level if architects adopt the normal rectangular shape. These two issues are the parameters of the design brief.
Fig.12: the design of the ceiling (source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/770/2111972360/)
Fig.11: model of air currents flowing around the gherkin (source: http://plus.maths.org)
Form
Structure
With the use of computer tool, the architects got a range of design solutions: curved shaped buildings. The building is narrowing at the bottom so that it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t take more space at the ground level and that allows the passengers can still walk around the building. Computer also can help the architects in testing with the wind digitally.
Like all other skyscrapers, it has a steel framework structure. Walls are suspended.
Material Although this building has a curved shape, however, but the glass used is flat (only the cap at the top is curved). Computer is also used in the fabrication. It transforms the building into individual flat pieces of glass.
Sun Apart from that, parametric tool is also used to experiment the curvature of the building. This is to ensure the building got right amount of sunlight entering the building. As a result, the building is just like a bullet, has a big circumference at the centre and got narrow down to the top and bottom of the building. With this approach, more light can be penetrated to the offices in the middle part of the building. fig 13: the window facade showing the flat window (source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/770/2111972360/)
Reference [1] molly wimmel, parametric thinking and non-linear design (2011) <http:// ming3d.com/DAAP/ARCH794su2011/?p=85> [accessed 10 march 2015]. [2] giuseppe dominijanni, norman foster, gherkin (2008) <https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=uZKd31Gx5wo> [accessed 10 march 2015].
CONCEPTUALISATION 17
ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION
fig 15: tHE INTERIOR OF THE PAVILIO
(source: http://visuall.net/2012/05/22/icditke-research-pavilion-2011
fig 14: THE SITE OF THE PAVILION LOCATED (source: http://visuall.net/2012/05/22/ icditke-research-pavilion-2011/)
Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) have done many parametric design and fabrication. One of the famous examples is the Pavilion 2010.
How design came about? In 2011, they came out with a pavilion with the biomimicry of
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sea urchinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plate skeleton. The presence of computer-based design has allowed the architects to transform the principles of sea urchin to different types of geometries. Also, the study of material (in this case, 6.5mm of plywood) generates the parameter for design in computational design process.
ON
1/)
fig 16-19: FABRICATION PROCESS (source: http://visuall.net/2012/05/22/icditke-research-pavilion-2011/)
The morphology of sand dollar The basic principles of sand dollar were realized before design came about. The skeletal shell of the sand dollar is the modular system. These modules are connected with the finger-like calcite protrusions.
Testing performance Computer is also used in testing the performance of the design especially the spatial and structural material-system. This design has proven that it is a strong structure that can withstand high bearing load. This is because the idea of three plate edges meet at one point trans misses the shear forces at the rigid joints (no moments). Due to the material used (very thin and lightweight), it is needed to anchor to the ground to resist wind loads. Before construction, the joints were tested.
Fabrication For the fabrication, computer modelling tool allows the adaptability of the plate components and the fabricated finger joints. We are able to know how these plates are connected with the finger joints. These plates are prefabricated before construction. All the digital information is computer numeric machine controlled. This project has fabricated 850 plates of different sizes and 100000 joints. Then all these modules/elements were jointed together.
fig 20 & 21: USING COMPUTATION IN DESIGN PROCESS (source: http://visuall.net/2012/05/22/icditke-research-pavilion-2011/)
Reference [1] molly wimmel, parametric thinking and non-linear design (2011) <http:// ming3d.com/DAAP/ARCH794su2011/?p=85> [accessed 10 march 2015].
CONCEPTUALISATION 19
COMPOSITION/GENERATION
The emergence of computation has led to a shift in architecture practice. Many of the architecture firms not only use computer to express the imagination of the architects but also use in the design process. Computation helps us to sort the complex information and interactions of the elements and thus generate solutions. This is refered to generation.
Why do computation? Today’s world issue, sustainability, is a complex issue. Sustainability is not just dealing with nature, but also human interaction with nature, social influence time and so on. Computation can increase our capacity to solve these complex problems.
[14] bardy peters, ‘computation works: the building of algorithmic thought’, architecture design, 83 (2013), 2 (p. 4). [15] Ibid., p. 4. [16] Ibid., p. 4. [17] ibid., p. 4. [18] ibid., p.4. 20
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Shift in architecture practice 1: All sorts of computation programme are developed Due to the increasing importance of computation, computation programme has been developing from initial “Sketchpad” in the early 1960s to Grasshopper/ Revit computer programme. The scripting languages are then become important. Architects need to understand the scripting language and use it to write algorithm. Shift in architecture practice 2: Architecture firm structure has changed The term ‘computational designer’ is used in today’s architecture firm. There are 4 ways of how computational designer is integrated with design process: internal specialist, external specialist consultancy, computationally aware and integrated practice, and the lone software developer/designer. [14] Internal specialist is the most common approach among all whereby the computational designers work separately with the design team.[15] Other than this, computational designer can be hired as consultant for architecture firms. [16] The third approach is that computation is fully integrated with design.[17] The last approach, which I believed will be the future trend, is hybrid software engineers/architects.[18] This is because importance of computational design is growing.
“ When architects have a sufficient understanding of algorithmic concepts, when we no longer need to discuss the digital as something different, then computation can become a true method of design for architecture”[19] Shift in architecture practice 3: Architecture literature shapes future thinking
Benefits 1. Generation approach allows us to generate complexity. 2. The interconnected relationship of the elements (nature, human) is well studied and analysed. Thus, more relevant to the site and it produces more integrated design.
Many of the architects introduce computational design through architecture (physical form) and architecture literature. This architecture literature talks about the advantages of using the computational design, encouraging the society moving towards this practice.
Short comings
Generation-Good or Bad?
2. Architects might impose unnecessary constraints on the design process so that the outcome looks novel to them. This might leads to redundant forms.
“Generative systems offer a methodology and philosophy that view the world in terms of dynamic processes and their outcomes. It offers a paradigm shift for the process of design and the expression of that process. Conceptualisation shifts from primacy of objects to envisaging interacting components which in turn generate new artefacts”[20] By studying the interrelated elements and developing the algorithm, we generate and explore architectural spaces and concepts.
1. The use of generation approach does not preclude the architect’s recognizable style. Thus, every building is unique in a way that they are formed by different parameters of the design brief. However, they look similar as they all formed by the adoption of complexity.[21]
Process Generative design process always starts with idea. The abstraction of idea forms the algorithm. These parameters form source code and thus generate output. Architects therefore hold the role of judging the output and make modifications.
Precedents The two precedents focus on the approaches architects used.
[19] bardy peters, ‘computation works: the building of algorithmic thought’, architecture design, 83 (2013), 2 (p. 12). [20] jon mccormack, alan dorin, troy innocent, ‘generative design: a paradigm for design research’, proceedings of futureground, 2004 < http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/ download?doi=10.1.1.146.3398&rep=rep1&type=pdf> [accessed 16 march 2015] (p. 1). [21] abid., p. 7.
CONCEPTUALISATION 21
SUBDIVIDED COLUMNS BY MICHAEL HANSMEYER
fig 23: the form of columns (source: http://www. michael-hansmeyer.com/ projects/columns_info. html?screenSize=1&color=1)
fig 24: the details (source: http://www. michael-hansmeyer.com/ projects/columns_info. html?screenSize=1&color=1)
An abstracted doric column, which contains topographical and topological information, acts as the input of subdivision processes. Before subdivision, these columns have data of proportions of the columnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shaft, capital, supplemental base, fluting and entasis.
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Subdivision defines the column order with ornament, generating the form that we saw now. This allows us to differentiate the individual components.
fig 24: divide into smaller surface (source: http://www. michael-hansmeyer.com/ projects/columns_video. html?screenSize=1&color=1)
fig 25: divide into smaller surface (source: http://www. michael-hansmeyer.com/ projects/columns_video. html?screenSize=1&color=1)
fig 26: subdivision with different division ratios (source: http://www. michael-hansmeyer.com/ projects/columns_video. html?screenSize=1&color=1)
This is generative approach, different from just designing the column. With the information of proportions of column, fluting and entasis, the parameters are found. Then these parameters generate the form of the columns. Subdivision process generate from overall until the very detail part of the column.
Result/Outcome and then fabrication The columns formed have high complexity and very detailed. They do not have a single motif in common. They are different. These columns were fabricated by using 1mm cardboard. They are then undergo lasercutting and stacked together.
Reference [1] michael hansmeyer, subdivided columns (2010) <http://www.michael-hansmeyer. com/projects/columns_info.html?screenSize=1&color=1> [accessed 16 march 2015]. [2] michael hansmeyer, subdivided columns (2010) <http://www.michael-hansmeyer. com/projects/columns_video.html?screenSize=1&color=1> [accessed 16 march 2015].
CONCEPTUALISATION 23
BEIJING NATIONAL AQUATICS CENTRE IN CHINA
fig 22: the exterior of beijing national aquatics centre (source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2183785/Beijings-aquatic-centre-The-Cube-transformedmulti-coloured-water-world-high-speed-rides-floating-jellyfish.html)
National Aquatics Center was built in 2003 for the Olympics 2008. Its construction finished in 2008. It is located at the Landscape Avenue in Olympic Green, next to the Bird’s Nest National Stadium.
Design concept National Aquatics Center has a soap bubblelike structure. China’s tradition conceptualised Earth as square and Heaven as round. Its shape has allowed it to work in harmony with Bird’s Nest by Swiss architectural team, providing a visual of ‘yin and yang’. fig 22: the interior of beijing national aquatics centre (source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2183785/Beijings-aquatic-centre-The-Cubetransformed-multi-coloured-water-world-high-speed-rides-floating-jellyfish.html) 24
CONCEPTUALISATION
Structural It is a combination of architecture and technology. A total of 3065 bubble-like cushions of all sizes are used. They are hold with the external structural framework, forming roof, ceiling and walls. The internal steel frame is based on geometry of biological cells. Polyhedrons if arranging in recurring pattern can create space (Weaire-Phelan structure)
Material used The material used in the façade is Ethyl tetrofluroethylene (ETFE). This material contains only 1% of glass. It is a very good thermal insulator and it puts off fire immediately when fire is approaching. (1) Material used help in passive design As the material used (ETFE) is a very good thermal insulator, part of the solar energy is trapped inside the architecture for heating. During the day, sunlight enters the architecture to light up the space. With that, it can save up to 55% of the energy load. ETFE is in blue to reflect sunlight. At night, it is like LED-lit bubbles. (2) Performance based Material encounters problem because ETFE is a bad sound insulation. Several tests is undergo to reduce the acoustic impact.
Elements related to environment 1. Water recycling system: the wastewater pass through two-stage filtration system before returning it back to the swimming pools.
2. Thermal insulation system: vent regulates indoor temperature of the building through heat exchange. During winter, the vent is sealed off.
Construction A total of 22000 stainless steel and 12000 spherical steel nodes are prefabricated and then bolted together onsite.
Design approach Generation approach was used on the building’s design, engineering and construction. Arup used MicroStation, MicroStation TriForma, Bentley Structural and Bentley’s generative design technology in designing the building. Unlike parametric design that generates multiple outcomes for architects to decide which the best is, National Aquatics Center uses complementary approach. Architects use computation to look for the structural solutions. They are formed by the genetic algorithm. “Arup wrote parametric software that automated the drawing and analysis process. Based on specified design constraints and less than 190 loading scenarios, the algorithm iteratively checked the distribution of forces through the entire structure based on specific member sizes, allowing the team to test different design configurations and receive feedback within 25 minutes. The result was a spectacular building with a sophisticated structure that is optimized in terms of material weight-to-strength ratio, and it was achieved with relative ease.” Steel members and connecting nodes are analysed in terms of their configurations.
Reference [1] Arup, national aquatics center (water cube) (2013/2014) <http://www.arup.com/ Projects/Chinese_National_Aquatics_Center.aspx> [accessed 14 march 2015]. [2] travel china guide, national aquatics center (water cube) (2015) <http://www. travelchinaguide.com/attraction/beijing/water-cube.htm> [accessed 14 march 2015]. [3] design build network market, water cube - national aquatics centre, china (N.D.) <http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/watercube/> [accessed 14 march 2015]. [4] angus w. stocking, generative design is changing the face of architecture (2009) <http://www.cadalyst.com/cad/building-design/generative-designis-changing-face-architecture-12948> [accessed 14 march 2015]. CONCEPTUALISATION 25
CONCLUSION
Computation is the leading trend in architecture practice. The use of digital tool in architecture brings many benefits to us. Generative approach is very useful as the outcome of designing is formed by a set of data (algorithmic) which is developed from the constraints in the site, material and so on. Generative approach focuses on the interconnected relationship between these elements (constraints) and the powerful computer programming is able to analyse and produce us a range of solutions in a short period of time. This certainly led us to a more efficient way of designing. Apart from that, generative approach widens our possibilities in design outcomes. It is interesting to see many approaches for computational design. What I am very sure of doing is incorporate the factors in designing. In design futuring, i have mentioned some of the designs in the past developed from the political/social influence. I would like to focus on the inter-connected relationship of the elements (like site, material and so on), taking them into consideration while designing the architecture.
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The benefits talked about in the precedents Swiss Re in London and Pavilion 2011 has reinforced my idea of using computation in looking at the complexity of the relationship of the elements. Swiss Re in London is specifically uses parametric design in solving the wind issue whereas Pavilion 2011 is looking at bio mimicry and then develop the algorithms. Beijing National Aquatics Centre uses the same approach too. I am more interested in this kind of approach in which we look at natural form or problem of the site and then develop the algorithm from there. I am also interested in exploring more on the material performance. It is interesting to see how Beijing National Aquatics Centre brings in the use of plastic-like material into design; making use of the opportunities that material brought us. This plastic-like material is very useful in the thermal insulation and energy saving system.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
It is really a new insight into architecture practice. By studying the precedents, I know that the computation provides us new possibilities of design outcomes. I learnt about many benefits of different aspects such as parametric designing, digital fabrication, performance testing and so on.
The invent of technology has provided us many new opportunities. Since the use of computer gives us many new opportunities (that s digital fabrication, parametric design) in designing architecture, we should fully utilize it. Architects and computer have symbiotic relationship, we complement each other.
Before this, I was always wondering about is computation a kind of design process? Do architects really design when computer programme generate the form of architecture from the algorithms? I soon realised that the role of architects in the future designing will not be the same as the past. Architects develop the algorithms and justify on the design outcome. Not to say that architects do not design. It is just that architects are using computer programme as tool in designing (problem solving too).
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