PART B. CRITERIA DESIGN
Architecture Design Studio: Air Paulina Pytka Student no. 637869
B1. RESEARCH FIELD: GEOMETRY LAVA – Green Void Green void is an exploration of flexible geometries that can be achieved in tension to obtain more from less. The material that was selected for this was lycra due to its plasticity and lightweight which allowed for efficient digital fabrication. Essentially, the shape of installation was not completely resolved until it was physically assembled in space because the design process was primarily concerned with addressing the parameters of the central atrium of Customs House Sydney (L-a-v-a.net 2015), which it would span in suspension. Nonetheless, the design outcome maintained the initial design principle of making more with less, creating the most efficient connections between the specified boundaries of the context. The result is not unlike a spider’s web or coral reef in the way that it responds to gravity, tension and growth (L-a-v-a.net 2015). SG2012 - Gridshell Gridshell is a study of material as a design parameter on its own (Smartgeometry 2015). Essentially, it focuses on the properties, size and limitations of timber, as well as the fabrication tools suitable to the treatment of it. The timber members used for the construction of the Gridshell were the products of extensive bending stress analysis that considered wood grain orientation and density (Smartgeometry 2015). These calculations were then incorporated into a parametric model where the timber members were visualised and bent along the geodesic lines of a relaxed surface. This synthesis of information later informed the selection of joinery techniques for the design (Smartgeometry 2015). In this way, it is shown how a feedback loop between parametric and structural models can be used to produce economical designs that minimize material waste. This notion is particularly relevant to the Gridshell as one of its design principles was to maximise the design’s ability to define space while minimising the amount of materials used for this. Skylar Tibbits – VoltaDom VoltaDom is an installation that focuses on filling voids and creating boundaries. The system is not unlike a panelled surface. It consists of irregular doubly curved vaults modelled parametrically and unrolled into developable strips to facilitate assembly (Designplaygrounds 2011). The irregularity of these cells can be explained through a relationship of interdependence where each has a boundary that responds to its neighbours’. The result is thus highly adaptable being able to multiply and grow as a cell group to fill any given space (Arch2o 2015).
Conceptual design implications, opportunities and fabrication concerns From the three precedents examined, three principle considerations regarding the research field of geometry have been identified. The first is the idea of efficiency whereby geometry is obtained from minimal use of materials, however striving for maximal architectural expression. The second consideration is that of materials and their treatment as a parameter, particularly their performance, which requires calculated specificity. Finally, there is an overarching implication for easy fabrication whether it be due to the flexibility of the material, the lack of it in its economical use or in the existence of a feedback loop between the parametric and structural models.
B2. CASE STUDY1.0 Gridshell
Variable 1. Number of points that the curves are divided into and subsequently, the number of lines connecting the initial curves.
Variable 2. Factor by which the lines will be offset.
Variable 3. Shape and number of initial curves. Experiment: the inclusion of a flat plate in attempt to model a suspended structure.
Application of VoltaDom principles onto Gridshell
B3. CASE STUDY 2.0 Canton Tower – Information Based Architecture The canton tower is an open-lattice str ucture. The form, volume and structure of the tower are the result of connecting two ellipses, one at ground level and another at a horizontal plane at 450m (Arch daily 2010) . Each ellipse is divided into 1100 nodes with1100 bracing pieces spanning their distance, along which another 1100 rings are distributed. The defining feature of this design however, it’s the way in which these two ellipses are rotated relative to each other, producing a central twist that tightens the form and densifies the material.. By using the relevant offsetting tools of parametric modelling, it has been possible to obtain each unique bracing members size as well as the corresponding ring radiuses for different positions along the height.
INDICATIVE SITE MAP A. Residential area B. Playground C. School
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CHOICE OF SITE An intersection of systems 1. Location The location of the site holds the potential to converge a number of systems, firstly, this concerns the stakeholders such as the residents of nearby houses, families with children attracted to the neighbouring park as well as wildlife 2. Accessibility The site is enclosed by a series of paths in the north and east. The north-most bordering path traverses the site’s highest point while the western offers a descent closer to the river and continues in the eastern direction. The paths vary in width as well as texture, in terms of their ground cover., creating visual as tactile interest. 3. Topography The topography of the site is characterised by gentle undulations that produce valleys with subsequent axial views down their length. The most pronounced of these, is that locate at the centre of the site, leading down to Merri Creek at terminating at a clearing of trees on the bank.
4. Natural process The site’s gently undulating terrain does not only inspire interest, it is believed to have a practical purpose, par ticularly the deepest valley at its centre. This topographical feature may facilitate drainage in the event of rain. And thus, the visual corridor observed to lead from the highest to the lowest point on the site is in fact informed by a natural process that may be incorporated into the design. 5. Technology There is a number of technological features throughout the site that suggest the presence of an underground septic system. These features include a tall vent and two entry pits c ov e r e d b y c o n c r e t e . Although this may be an undesirable form of human intervention on site, sewage is impor tant to the management of human impact on the environment. Therefore, this poses an interesting challenge of raising awareness of its presence while seamlessly integrating it into the living system on the site that would make it a desirable place to visit.
3D SITE MODEL A base map was imported into rhino to use as a reference image for the site’s contours..
The map was then scaled according to the scale bar.
The contours as well as the site boundary were traced with points ,then conver ted into curves. The outcome was patched to create a 3D surface.
References Arch2o.com,. 2015. http://www.arch2o.com/voltadom-by-skylar-tibbits-skylar-tibbits/. ArchDaily,. 2010. 'Canton Tower / Information Based Architecture'. http://www.archdaily.com/ 89849/canton-tower-information-based-architecture/. Designplaygrounds,. 2011. 'Voltadom By Skylar Tibbits - Designplaygrounds'. http:// designplaygrounds.com/deviants/voltadom-by-skylar-tibbits/. L-a-v-a.net,. 2015. 'Green Void » LAVA'. http://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/green-void/. Matsysdesign.com,. 2015. 'SG2012 Gridshell « MATSYS'. http://matsysdesign.com/category/ projects/sg2012-gridshell/. Smartgeometry.org,. 2015. 'Sg2012 Clusters'. http://smartgeometry.org/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=143&Itemid=149. Smartgeometry.org,. 2015. 'Gridshell Digital Tectonics'. http://smartgeometry.org/index.php? option=com_content&view=article&id=134:gridshell-digital-tectonics&catid=44.