Air
RONG CHEN 584445
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DESIGN STUDIO AIR RONG CHEN 2014 / SEMESTER 1 TUTOR: BRAD & PHILIP
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Contents PART A Introduction 6-7 A.1 Design Futuring 9 Loop 10-11 Pizoelectric Generator 12-13 A.2 Design Computation 14 Spanish Pavilion 15-17 Research Pavilion 2012 18-21 A.3 Composition/Generation 22 Shellstar Pavillion 23-25 Guangzhou Opera House 26-27 A.4 Conclusion 28 A.5 Learning Outcomes 29 A.6 Appendix 30 References 31-32
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Introduction
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My name is Rong Chen (Renee), a third-year architecture student at the University of Melbourne. I come from China, and have been in Australia for six years. I am interested in architecture as it is a course that involves comprehensions of various fields, such as arts and technologies, enables me to develop holistic design skills. My first experience with digital design tool was Rhino in the Virtual Environment. The lantern model is the realisation of the abstractive idea of expressing the natural process of mimosa pudica. From ideation to fabrication, the process was challenging for me, but it was surprized to see my concept transformed into a real product. However, I have limited skills on CAD and Sketch Up. It was difficult for me to learn the computer software as I never ever used design software before I studied in Uni. I think the air studio provides a great opportunity for learning the software and innovation designs, and it will be useful for my design career path.
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A.1 DESIGN FUTURING
“It is not just that many contemporary practices harm the world of our dependence but also that so few of them deliver the means to actually know the consequences of their activities beyond a horizon of immediate concern�1
1. Fry, Tony, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 25 9
LOOP 2012 Land Art Generator Initiative Entry Artist Team: AMIR KRIPPER, MICHAEL GROGAN, CHRISTOPHER LI,
KRISTEN BARROW, ALENA PARUNINA
This project proposal is designed for the Fresh-
the site, rather than a single landmark. Further-
kills Park, which aims to dissolve the traditional
more, as every built construction has impacts
boundaries between landscape, architecture,
on environment, Loop uniquely designed the
public art and renewable energy infrastruc-
circular planters that are able to collect the rain
ture.
water which filtered and returned to the creek, significantly mitigate the effects of water runoff.
This building can be treated as a design for the future, as it generates renewable energy by
Loop is an excellent example of design which
mounting a system of flexible solar panels on
integrate sustainability, nature, and design
construction. In fact, this installation can gen-
into a whole one. Visitors not only enjoy the
erate around 1.20 MW of power which can
leisure time in the park, but also inspired af-
provide electricity to more than 1,200 homes
ter discovering the installation and engag-
annually. Aesthetically and functionally de-
ing with the amazing views, the journey be-
sign a sustainable architecture where installa-
comes a transformative experience for visitors.
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tion corresponds to the unique topography of 10
Figure 1 Loop ELevation
Moreover, this proposal established as a learning facility which provides visitors great opportunities to interact with state of the art technology and renewable energy while discovering a new built environment.3 They can be educated about the process of clean energy, and be conscious of benefits of sustainability. Overall, the Loop is a unique sustainable, athletic, functional and educational design, engaging the public in the reinvented FreshKills Park in an unprecedented way. Figure 2 Analysis of Loop 2.”Loop,” Land Art Generator Initiative, Last Modified 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/ 3. ”Loop,” Land Art Generator Initiative, Last Modified 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/
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PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATORS
Figure 3 Havested Energy
“Convert
mechanical strain
into electrical energy. They can be inserted into shoes or in walkway pavers to harvest the energy of walking or jumping
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Piezoelectric generator is one of the kinetic energy harvesting. The mechanical strain harvested by this technology, which comes from human motion, low-frequency seismic vibrations, and acoustic noise, can be converted into electric current or voltage. However, the amount of produced power is small, ideally supply for low-energy electronics, such as pedestrian lighting, way-finding solutions and advertising signage or be stored in a battery.4
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As an emerging technology, the use of piezoelectric materials to harvest power has already become popular. Piezo elements are being embedded in walkways to recover the “people energy” of footsteps, and one of the great examples is the Pavegen systems paved in a London sidewalk.5 The energy harvested by the Pavegen tile can immediately power off-grid applications, and have ability to send wireless data using the energy from footsteps and can be interred with API as a key technology for smart cities.
Figure 4 Pavegen Tile
Recyclable materials are used for majority of the flooring unit, 100% recycled rubber utilized for the top layer, and slab base is constructed from over 80% recycled materials.6 It has ability to withstand harsh outdoor locations with high footfall, and waterproof to efficiently operate in both interior and exterior. The technology is interactive as it offers the tangible way for people to engage with renewable energy generation and to provide live data on footfall wherever tiles are. Even piezoelectric generator has limitations on energy production, and requires certain amount of movement, it greater benefits for the nature as environmental friendly technology, and sustainable for future generations.
Figure 5 London Sidewalk 4. “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, Last Modified 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/technology 5.“Pavegen system” Pavegen system, Last Modified 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/technology 6. “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, Last Modified 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/technology
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A.2 DESIGN Computation With the evolution of the digital technologies
In the use for the design process, computa-
in architecture, computation as a computer
tional techniques help represent the design
based design tool has changed the design
graphically and numerically, fabricate and
methods in an efficient way, and the compu-
construct the resulting, and capable to mod-
tational design as a process supports design
el the structure of material system, provid-
exploration rather than design confirmation.
ing powerful paradigm for material design.7 These breakthroughs provide architects the knowledge and expertise to discover differentiating potential of topological and parametric algorithmic thinking and the tectonic creativity innovation of digital materiality. Furthermore, it allowed more people to become involved in the design process, integrate process in a holistic manner to the realisation of the design. 8
7. Oxman, Rivka and Oxman, Robert. Theories of the Digital in Architecture, (London; New York: Routledge,2014), 5. 8. Yehuda E, Kaylay, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge,
14 MA: MIT Press, 2004), 17.
Spanish Pavilion The Spanish Pavilion was constructed in 2010
was solved by experimentation of structures
for the World Expo in Shanghai, and demol-
to find a metal system that meet the complex
ished after the event. The abstract idea of
geometry. Furthermore, the ability to model
this pavilion is an expression of the climate of
the materials system provides architects op-
Spain on architecture. It is characterised by
portunities to determine various materials
the highly complex curvature form, and the
densities and orientations of the panel along
utilization of the wicker materials.
the surface, experiencing the performance in simulations method.10
Digital in architecture support the emergence of certain distinctive geometric preferences
The 3D models were also used as a system of
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and aesthetic effects. The unique complex
communication between the architecture,
geometry of the pavilion was manipulated
engineer and the manufactures in the work-
using the Rhino software, but computational
shop. It enables the explorations of the struc-
techniques not only create the desired ge-
tural expression, by this process, the archi-
ometry surface, also help in finding solutions
tects and engineer simplified the structure by
for design where the challenge of structure
adapting variable curve that was produced to a limited number of different curves, which reducing the complexity of fabricating the elements. 3D model graphically presents the design idea and efficiently formulates a specific solution through manipulating the preset parametric, allows the complex form to be achieved with readily available materials and a streamlined assembly process at minimal cost, instead of the traditional trail-anderror methods.11
Figure 6 Exploration of Structure and Material 9. Oxman, Rivka and Oxman, Robert. Theories of the Digital in Architecture, (London; New York: Routledge,2014), 6 10. “Spanish Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010,� World Buildings Directory Online Database, Last Modified 2010, http:// www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=2681 11. Rivka and Robert, Theories of the Digital in Architecture, 6
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Figure 7 Spanish Pavilion
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Figure 8 Research Pavilion
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Research Pavilion 2012 by ICD/ITKE The Institute for Computation Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at the University of Stuttgart have completed the pavilion that is entirely robotically fabricated from carbon and glass fibre composites in November 2012.12 The inspiration of the project comes from the exoskeleton of the lobster, as a source been analysed in greater detail for differentiation of local materials in order to explore a new composite construction paradigm in architecture by simulate method. By utilizing the computational techniques, architects are capable to transfer the biomimetic design principles to the design of a robotically fabricated shell structure based on a fibre composite system.13
12. “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges. Net, Last Modified 2012, http://www.achimmenges. net/?p=5561 13. “Research Pavilion 2012 By ICD/ITKE,” A As Architecture, Last Modified 2013, http://www.aasarchitecture.com/2013/05/Research-Pavilion-2012-ICD-ITKE. html
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Figure 9 Model of Researcj Pavilion in Matrix Principle
Figure 10 Fibre Orientation
Architects directly coupling of geometry
In this way, architects are able to explore
and finite element simulations into compu-
possibilities of using the shell structure as
tational models allowed the generation and
computation conceptualises how the struc-
comparative analysis of numerous varia-
ture will work, and preciously analysis mate-
tions. The ability to model the structure of
rial properties through parametric values, as
material system as tectonic systems in com-
a way in achieving the spatial arrangement
puting enables the determination of fibre
of the carbon and glass fibres, as well as as-
orientation, fibre arrangement, stiffness and
sisting in realization and assurance structure
layer arrangement, integrating the mate-
functionality in a productive 3D simulation.
rial and structure design in the process, thus
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complexity of interaction of form, material,
The computational design process opti-
structure and fabrication could be distinc-
mized the material and form generation
tively communicated to the architects and
regarding to the biomimetic principle, and
engineers.
ensures architect’s creation met the desired
Figure 11 Fibre Orientation
geometry through evaluating process in
Computational techniques enable the
computations, reduces the likelihood errors.
creation and modulation of differentiation
If the project communicates in traditional
of the element of a design, it advanced en-
pen-and-paper ways, the complexity of
vironment for interactive digital generation
geometry is less efficient to present, as there
and performance simulation. It is beneficial
are concerns with time consumption, diffi-
for designers to acquire new knowledge of
culties of obtaining accurate measurements
computational techniques which neces-
of material hence lack of performance pre-
sitates a design strategy to be developed
view, which results in reducing the variability
at the initial phase of the design process. In
of design options. Thus the synergy of modes
the LAGI project, by utilizing of computation,
of computational and material design,
performance of energy installation will be
digital simulation, and robotic fabrication
obtained which helps evaluating the sustain-
provides opportunity for exploration of the
ability of the design project.
completely new architectural possibilities, and lead to development of highly efficient structure with minimal use of materials.14 14. “Research Pavilion 2012 By ICD/ITKE,� A As Architecture, Last Modified 2013, http://www.aasarchitecture.
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A.3 Composition/Generation Composition is defined as the rules or process
The emerging computational techniques in
of the architecture. It is the organization of the
nowadays has shifted the architecture from the
whole out of its parts, by this process, an ordered
composition to generation. Computation has
expression is created by architects. Throughout
brought along a new process to architecture,
the history, the perfect composition architec-
as it augments the intellect of the designer and
ture is characterised by the idea of “balance
increases capability to solve complex problems
and contrast” with establishments of primary
through the ‘sketching by algorithm’.16 In the
and secondary focal points and arrangement
generation process, the understanding results
of climax. However, the composition only forms
of generating codes and scripting enabling ar-
a traditional architecture that designed based
chitect to write and modify of algorithms that
on the order rules, without any design innova-
relate to element placement and configura-
tions in geometries, presentation, and architec-
tion, which generating the exploration of archi-
tural elements.
tectural spaces and concepts.
Parametric modelling software like Rhino and Grasshopper, develop the computational simulation method that generates the performance of feedback, offers architects an analysed performance regarding to the material, tectonics and parameters of production machinery in their design drawings, hence providing new design options for architectural decision during the design process. Nevertheless, the generation approach has shortcomings in problem of overly complex forms, which is doubted with its practicality regarding to the limitation of current construction technology.15
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15. Peters, Brady, Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Though,(Architectural Design,2013), 12. 16. Brady, Computation Works, 10.
Figure 12 Shellstar Pavillion
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Shellstar Pavilion Location: Hong Kong Shellstar pavilion is designed as a social hub
The design process was completed in six
and centre for the art and design festival held
weeks and fully working within a paramet-
by Detour in Hong Kong in December 2012.
ric modelling environment that provides the
The design goal of the project is to achieve
quick development for design. Three parts of
the maximized spatial performance while
design process can be divided by advanced
minimizing structure and material in a tempo-
digital modelling techniques:
rary, inexpensive, and efficient method.
surface optimization and fabrication plan-
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form-finding,
ning.
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Figure 13 Shellstar Pavillion Realisation
Form-Finding By utilizing parametric programs, Grasshopper and the physics, the self-organized form is emerged based on the creation of thrust surfaces that are aligned with the structural vectors, it allow for minimal structure depths. The generation approach in this stage allows designer to quickly explore different variables of structure design in a holistic comprehensive representations, and investigate the results efficiently to single out the applicable scheme. Surface optimization
Figure 14 Design Process in Computation
The structure is composed of 1500 individual cells, in order to achieve the complex geometry, the custom Python script is used to optimize each cell as planar as possible, which greatly simplifying fabrication. Even though the generation approach limited in directly generating the buildable non-planar cells, the parametric modelling adapted as problem solving tool to deal with material property, enable the feasibility of the design
Fabrication Planning The orientation of shell was analysed, and then unfolded flat and prepared for fabrication with labels on each individual material pieces. The generative approach enables the design outcome successfully constructed. 18
before realization. 17. “Shellstar,” MATSYS, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/ 18. “Shellstar,” MATSYS, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/
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Guangzhou Opera House By : Zaha Hadid Location: Guangzhou, China
The Opera House is located in Guangzhou, China. The design evolved from the concepts of a natural landscape and the fascinating interplay between architecture and nature, engaging with the principle of erosion, geology and topography. The utilizing of Rhino program generates the outer crystalline, and inner complex and fluid surfaces inside the auditorium generated in Maya. The organic forms are achieved through logarithm, splines, blobs, NURBs, and particles on organized by scripts of the dynamic systems of parametric design, which implies that parametric tool gives the possibilities of curves. 19
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Figure 15 Guangzhou Operation House
Furthermore, development in Maya as NURB
Overall, in the generation process, param-
surfaces of the auditorium geometry repre-
eters are interconnected as a system. The
sents the different mathematical species,
parametric design creates systematic, adap-
the parametric tool allows final material be
tive variation, continuous differentiation, and
cast precisely based on its unique paramet-
dynamic figuration from different scales that
ric data. In this way, the parametric design
from urbanism to the furniture.
makes the fabrication easier as all material prefabricated in factory and construction on site. Moreover, the generative approach leads to the formation of the continuous, seamless surfaces due to the parametrical design in early stage.20
19. “Guangzhou Opera House,” Architect Magazine, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://www.architectmagazine.com/ cultural-projects/guangzhou-opera-house.aspx 20.”Guangzhou Opera House,” Architect Magazine, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://www.architectmagazine.com/ cultural-projects/guangzhou-opera-house.aspx
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A.4 Conclusion Nowadays, architecture is not only defined
Regarding to the proposal for the LAGI
as a building or form, it also expresses the
(Land Art Generator Initiative) Competition,
responses to the environment regarding to
the computation is useful in determining the
the current facing issues, and the design
performance of energy generating strategy
goal of architecture puts more emphasis on
through algorithmic exploration of param-
the long-term development and the sustain-
eters, as well as tests the feasibility of the
able future.
fabrication. Furthermore, utilization of Rhino and Grasshopper in the design process helps
With the advanced development of com-
in optimizing the structure and material, thus
putations, architects and designers gained
make the sustainable proposal of an land-
new design approach to find a suitable
mark for energy-saving achievable.
and efficient outcome, as the computer lets architects predict, model and simulate the encounter between architecture and the environment. The generative approach expands possibilities for architect to explore complex geometry in a productive way that traditional pen-and –paper method cannot apply, hence encourages innovations in architecture.
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A.5 Learning Outcomes Over the past few weeks, through the
Also, the weekly Grasshopper exercises al-
readings and research on precedents, it
lowed me to gain the understanding of the
broadens my new views in architectural
parametric design, it not only a geometry
design. At the very beginning, my thoughts
design tool, it also benefits the architectural
were limited by the traditional composition
industry in design performance. I expect that
architecture and thought that the design
use of this parametric modelling program
of architecture only generates the interest-
will significantly contribute to the proposal of
ing forms. By looking at the precedents that
the LAGI project.
involves the computational design, I realized the architectural design is currently shifted to a high level of approach with computation, and concerning more on the sustainable solution in regards to posted environmental challenges.
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A.6 Appendix Computational design is very important for designers, it help designer to generate ideas and develop models. When I doing the exercise, I realize that doing parametric design is not only a study for design but also a study for computer program. I get lots of surprise from the computer since it always provides amazing outcomes.
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References Brady, Peter, Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought, Architectural Design, 2013. Rivaka, Oxman and Oxman, Robert. Theories of the Digital in Architecture, London: New York: Routledge, 2014 Kaylay, Yehuda E, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004.
Image References Figure 1 AMIR KRIIPPER, Loop Elevation, 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/, (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 2 AMIR KRIIPPER, Loop Elevation, 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/, (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 3 “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/,(accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 4 “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/,(accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 5 “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/,(accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 6 “Spanish Pavilion for 2010 Expo Shanghai,” World Buildings Directory Online Database, 2009, http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=1737, (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 7 “Spanish Pavilion for 2010 Expo Shanghai,” World Buildings Directory Online Database, 2009, http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=1737, (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 8 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 9 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 10 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014)
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Figure 11 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 12 Shellstar Pavillion, 2012, http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ , (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 13 Shellstar Pavillion, 2012, http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ , (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 14 Shellstar Pavillion, 2012, http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ , (accessed March 26, 2014) Figure 15 “Guangzhou Opera House,” Architect Magazine, 2011, http://www.architectmagazine.com/ cultural-projects/guangzhou-opera-house.aspx
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