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CONTENTS 4 Introduction PART A: Conceptualisation 8 12 19 24 25 26
A.1 Design Futurisation A.2 Design Computation A.3 Composition VS. Generation A.4 Conclusion A.5 Learning Outcome A.6 Appendix- Algorithmic Sketchbook
28 References PART B: CRITERIA DESIGN 33 39 40 46 48 50 54 58 60 66 68 70
B.1 Research field- Tessellation B.2 Case study -Voussoir Cloud B.2 Case Study one iterations Selection Criteria B.3 Case study two- ICD/TKE Research Pavilion 2013-2014 Reverse Engineering B.4 Technique development Selection Criteria B.5 Technique prototype B.6 Technique proposal B.7 Conclusion References
PART C: DETAILED DESIGN 75 80 81 82 85 92 100 102 104 114 116
C.1 Design Concept What exactly are we designing? Why lady bugs? Trying to recreate the habitat of a ladybug Technical/construction process C.2 Tectonics elements and prototypes Presentation feedback So where is it on the site? C.3 Final detailed model Reflection References
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INTRODUCTION
My name is Sagarika. Born in Bangalore, India- I grew up in Jakarta, Indonesia, the country I call home. One of the greatest self-achievements by far would be moving out of home in order to pursuit my further studies at the University of Melbourne at the age of seventeen. I am currently in my third year, studying Architecture. Regardless of the competition it imposes and how strenuous the course is, I enjoy learning about something that makes most of our lives. Becoming an architect is definitely a challenge but the idea of not only giving someone a home to come to but incorporating other factors concerning sustainability, development of different pathways and research going into creating designs that standout is exciting. With milestones achieved in innovation and technology, I believe that digital architecture is taking over the industry in creating variation in design and achieving design optimization in comparision to traditional methods. It is truly fascinating to be part of this technologically advanced era and see the parallel shift in the approach manifested towards designing for a better future. I am keen on pursuitig sustainable design in architecture as it is one of the emerging fields. I look forward to learning parametric design and how I could potentially use it in the forthcoming years of my education and career.
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CONCEPTUALIZATION
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A. 1 D E S I G N F U T U R I N G Pearl river tower, Ganghzou, China Skidmore Owings & Merril (SOM Architects)
The pearl river tower is known to be a seventy-one
story building that is one of the most energy efficient skyscrapers in the world. The Chinese government set the goal of reducing carbon emission by ten percent by the end of 2010 as Guangzhou experiences the worst air pollution and is the major focus of an environmental initiative. The pearl river tower is designed in such a way that it consumes 60% less energy than a traditional building in order to accomplish "high performance"1.
A number of measures were adopted in order to reduce the building's dependency on the city's electrical grid. In applying the design effectively, certain considerations such as the interaction of the whole building structure and systems and its site location. Other features taken into account were the site, energy sources both active and passive, materials, indoor air quafeatures constituted in the design of the Pearl river tower are that it is the world’s first onsite wind generating skyscraper, has radiant cooling and under-floor ventilation system, heating option, high efficacy lighting, high performance shading, 30 mm high performance double-glazing envelope as a thermal regulator, daylight reflector greatly reduces energy expense from the effect of direct sunlight and an intelligent shading system. Furthermore, the building integrates photovoltaic’s as an integral part of the building envelope, serving as the external weather skin otherwise known as BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaic’s)- a study is done to determine the distribution of BIPV where it would be optimize solar power.2 The BIPV not only provides electrical energy supply for the building but also functions a solar shade for that part of the building that is most susceptible to negative impacts of direct solar radiation. It therefore results in an innovative green initiative which substantiates the concept of “zero energy consumption” although this is very difficult to achieve for a high rise building3.
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Josre, 2015 Frechette & Gilchrist, 2015 Frechette & Gilchrist, 2015
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“Structural engineering solutions must be integrated with the architectural and sustainable engineering designs so that they are inseparable. It is the collaboration between our structural engineering, architecture and sustainable engineering practices that allow a building such as Pearl River Tower to become reality.”- Bill Baker, Structural engineer partner1 The main catch of the design would be the four large openings. The facades are shaped to decrease the drag forces and optimize wind velocity passing these openings which maximizes the wind power which in turn is translated into power potential through the vertical axis wind turbines5. More recent developments in technology have enabled wind turbines to be utilized in the building design. The building design definitely deviates from the traditional concept of designing and accommodating various sustainable strategies yet the architects and structural engineers could not completely attain “zero energy consumption” because of the reliance of micro-turbines on the electrical grid. If the micro-turbines would have been effectively incorporated into the design, it would become net zero energy as it was designed to be6. However, the pearl tower is a remarkable innovation at the time it was built and is an example of how sustainable strategies can be induced in the building’s design regardless of its size. The tower is an example of China’s goal to reduce the intensity of carbon dioxide emissions per unit GDP by 2020 by 45%7. There is definite scope in working towards eliminating embodied energy and delivering sustainably efficient buildings.
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E-architect, 2015 Frechette & Gilchrist, 2015 Frechette & Gilchrist, 2015 Business week, 2007
CONCEPTUALIZATION
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Astana’s Khan Shatyr Norman Foster and Architects
Khan Shatyr is an entertainment centre that is
The design of the building has been successive as it serves as a public space for gathering and provides an endless number of recreational options for the people of Astana. It not only is an emblematic architecture of Norman Foster and for the world to remember. While the building does not necessarily revolutionize architecture, the experimentation of different materials used in the form of cladding which is a remarkable approach in combating the inhospitable environment of Astana. Nevertheless, it fits the purpose of what would be perfectly described as an environmentally spatial solution.
A tubular steel tripod structure supports a suspended net of steel radial and circumferential cables, which is cladding of three layers of EFTE envelope in the form of cushions- very light, economical and thermally efficient solution. The translucent material allows daylight to filtrate the interiors while still sheltering them from weather extremes13. The open circulation areas are environmentally tempered with target temperature of 14 degrees in winter and 29 in summer. Low-level jets direct cool air across the space, while vents at the apex of the structure induce natural stack-effect ventilation14. An issue during winter is the formation of ice on the inside of the envelope which is negated by a combination of temperature control and directing warm air currents up the inner fabric surface, a strategy which also prevents downdraughts15.
Projects like these give incentive to future research on how architecture can withstand external factors that are uncontrollable and the continuous derivation of materials and methods of construction to promote sustainable design.
150m high cable structure onto which ETFE foil cushions is suspended to provide protection from harsh climate, where temperatures range from 35°C to +35°C11. This is a perfect illustration of recreating a suitable internal environment to that of the austere eastern landscape with an inhospitable climate. With global warming becoming a pressing issue, it reflects in the fluctuation of the global climate and the Shatyr entertainment that structures can be built regardless of external temperatures12. Buro Happold developed Tensyl software was used to form find and analyze the shape of the cable net roof.
The presence of plantings within the structure
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Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre, 2015 Dunne & Raby, n.d.,pp. 2 Fosterandpartners.com, 2006 Solaripedia, 2015 Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre, 2015
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“Everything we design is a response to the specific climate and culture of a particular place”- Norman Foster
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Oxman & Oxman, 2014. Peters & De Kestelier, 2013. Kolarevic, 2003 Kolarevic, 2003 Kolarevic, 2003 Oxman & Oxman, 2014 Oxman & Oxman, 2014 Kolaveric, 2003
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A. 2 D E S I G N C O M P U T A T I O N
In the growing era of technological advancements, the use of
computational design is becoming more prominent in architecture where there is paradigm shift in the logic of design thinking and making through the “Vitruvian effect”16. As Brady Peters discusses in his article “Computation Works”: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’. Computation is not to be confused with computerization. Computerization is the use of the computer as a drafting medium, while computation is the use of the computer to generate modeling information as algorithms17. In simpler words, computerization is the design medium/ process in which pre-conceptualized data, often in the forms of Computer-Aided design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) in architecture is used18. On the contrary, in terms of parametric design, computing produces a variety of outcomes with a given input of data in accordance to manipulating the parameters set for a given geometry. The capability of optimizing in the process of generating highly, complex curvilinear forms is what is greatly achieved through form-finding with the use of non-uniform rational b-splines (NURBS)19. In support, Kolarevic states that morphological design gives rise to new possibilities and helps motivate the process of construction, operation and selection20. The architect plays an important role who essentially becomes the designer, fabricator of materials, engineer, craftsman and the surveyor21. Furthermore, generation of integrated stimulation software for energy and structural calculations is emerging22. Computing is increasingly being accepted however, it does not exclusively re-define or reform architectural design, but building and construction industries as large. In addition, there is an integration of materiality and tectonics in building performance as a guiding design principle and adopting technologies of quantitative and qualitative performance-based stimulation as previously mentioned to a comprehensive approach to the design of the built environment23.
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Metropol Parasaol, Seville, Spain J. Mayer H. Architects
The metropol parasol in Spain is one of the
largest ever wood structures that is put in place with the use of glue and steel rods. To avoid disturbing roman ruins, columns supporting the roof could only come down in a few places, requiring a mega structure- designed with the help of engineers Arup. The design went through a number of structural iterations through the design development process in conjunction with the engineers, but it was decided to go with a hybrid composite approach that dealt with the building’s structural demands on an ad-hoc basis24. Besides, providing a space that promotes action and interaction, it also behaves as a shading device because of Seville’s inhospitable environment during summers. It is a prominent feature in Jurgen Mayer H’s projects where he relates to concepts of nature in his design.
“The decision to go for LVL was based on economics as well as its inherent strength, stiffness and durability. The form was developed using 3D finite element analysis using an iterative tool that automatically analyzed and optimized the thickness of each timber element to create a static calculation model of the whole structure” -Dr Volker Schmid, Arup consultant on the Parasol project.
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Arcspace, 2013 Solaripedia, 2015 Divisare, 2015 Metropol Parasol, 2015
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The structure is designed for optimization in curvature as to evenly distribute the loads. An automated iterative structural analysis was obtained initially where geometric data for the 3D architectural model is the input data for the structural analysis25. The iteration tool calculated the thickness of each timber element that can be determined and optimized at each intersection of the structure which is why it has 3000 connections. After the collection and integration of data from the architectural model, structural engineer and the data from production and detailed planning. The free-formed pre-defined curved shapes of the timber panels are cut by a computer-controlled robot from large rectangular pieces, and glued together by external engineers26. Metropol Parasol is an innovation at the forefront of sustainable construction by long lasting durability of various programs, unique architectural design of highest standard, efficient construction and environmental concerns27. Its intelligent use of logistics in planning and construction in combination with craftsmanship joins both extremes of production methods. It is a perfect example of optimization of morphogenesis as the variation of outcome hence, the structure does not have repetitive geometry. In addition, the collaboration of the architect and the engineer is strongly established to produce an efficiently functional structure.
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ICD/TKE research based pavilion Stuttgart University
There is a constant drive to expand on knowl-
edge through research and the betterment of design integrated with technology in reaching beyond boundaries. In recent years, members of the Stuttgart university have produced a variety of pavilions to encase simulation and fabrication processes in architecture. During investigations, the elytron, a protective shell for beetles wings and abdomen, has proved to be a suitable role model for highly material efficient construction. Computational design tools were developed that informed the design process through the integration of biomimetric construction principles, constraints, and possibilities of the robotic filament winding process, material characteristics, and structural performance while still being applicable to a wide range of architectural application scenarios28. There is a paradigm shift in architectural design and fabrication which enables the implementation of novel design and construction concepts that were previously not feasible. Using production automization via CNC enables fiber composite parts to be highly differential in their geometrical articulation and contributes to the material efficiency in architectural construction.
“It is based on the development of a robotic fabrication process for modular, double layered fibre composite structures, which reduces the required formwork to a minimum while maintaining a large degree of geometric freedom. This enabled the transfer of functional principles of natural lightweight systems to architectural structures� - ICD researcher and team member Marshall
Prado29. 28 29 30 31
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designboom | architecture & design magazine, 2014 Dezeen, 2014 Icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2015 Icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2015 C O N C E P T U A L I ZA T I O N
With the utilisation of 3-d modelling programs, various iterations are produced with attention to the 36 individual elements that were fabricated as a result of geometries based on structural principles abstracted from the beetle30. This would have been nearly possible if it were approached by traditional methods of architecture which is why computing leads to optimization which suggests efficiency. In light of technological advancements adopted, this project also reflects the ability of architects and engineers to design and model in a fraction of time. Altogether, the research pavilion shows how computational synthesis of biological structural principles and robotic fabrication can lead to the generation of innovative fiber composite construction. It also explores materiality of lightweight constructions and gives scope to spatial qualities and expands tectonic possibilities of architecture31.
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A.3 C O M P O S I T I O N x G E N E R A T I O N The digital age has essentially changed the
theme of architecture in term of design and manufacturing as well as the ways of practicing architecture when compared to a decade ago. With the conventional method of using digital softwares to create designs from preconcieved information of clients and the designer himself manipulates the data to produce outcomes to the architects liking. Through the development of technology and methods of fabrication, more complex hybrid designs are produced as a result of computation which has led to less material wastage, cost-effective procedure and time efficiency.
“In contemporary architectural design,digital media is increasingly being used not as a representational tool for visualization but as a regenerative tool for the diversion of form and its transportation”. - Kolarevic32
In essence of the above statement, Kolaveric is defining computational design through the use of algorithms. It enables the designer to explore more options through generation with the ability to speculate on futher design potentials. The process of generating and de-generating several codes is part of the design process and becomes an integral part of the design itself. Brady emphasizes on the importance of “flexibility”33 as a design is required to accomodate change and adapt continuously through changing parameters of architectural design. With rising demands for additional spaces as a consequence of over-population, the tool of scripting cultures and parametric modelling can help alleviate problems of congestion and create more efficient structures to accomodate this urban spawl. 32 33
Kolarevic, 2003 Peters, B., 2013
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Endesawood Fab Condenser Margen Lab
The ENDESA World Fab condenser is a thermodynamic prototype, a bioclimatic dome installed at the fast-changing Plaça de Glories, within the framework of the BCN FAB 10 congress34.
The prototype explores connections between parametric design, passive environmental strategies and local digital fabrication. It was designed globally, sourced locally (using only local organic materials, grown with the sun, linen and wood) and produced in proximity industries and Barcelona laboratories35. Digital computing is transforming conventional ways of understanding pre-fabrication to the method of industry managed production. In the process of this technological movement, the relationship between the designers, industries and raw material sourcing is changing. Parametric design as discussed previously enables the designer to achieve geometric variation, while the identical component logics and digital fabrication technologies speed up communications and production process36. In exploring parametric design, passive climate strategies and local CNC manufacturing, this example serves as an exemplary instance of experimenting with computation to simulate building performance with the incorporation of knowledge about material, tectonics and parametrs of producing machinery in their design drawings37. Generation of various outcomes creates feasible outcomes to suit the parameters of the design context, therefore, obtaining more “responsive designs�. 34 35 36 37
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Domusweb.it, 2015 Domusweb.it, 2015 ArchDaily, 2014 Peters, B., 2013
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Astana National Library BIG | BJARK INGLES GROUP ASTANA, KAZAKHSTANT, 2009
Astana National Library is one of the exem-
plary architectural structures built. It is said to represent the Kazakh national identity. It is also a representation of the history of Kazakh and a stepping stone in providing a foundation for new futures for the nation and its new capital.38
BIG’s design merges four forms - a circle, a rotunda, an arch and a yurt to create an “infinite loop” with a single double-looping surface plane covering the entire building.39 The material used fabricated over the structure is Möbius40. With the use of computational design, simulation is carried out to investigate the thermal exposure on the building’s envelope. Due to the warping and continuous twisiting of the geometry, the thermal imprint on the facade is varying in intensity41. The process of generation of multiple designs has facilitated the translatopn of climatic information into the facade patttern. It creates a form of ecological ornament that regulates the solar impact according to thermal requirements in order to adopt sustainable materials for fabrication.
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Arch2o.com, 2015 Fairs, 2009 Arch2o.com, 2015 ArchDaily, 2015
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A.4 C O N C L U S I O N Reflecting on Part A of the journal, overall, it has broad-
ened my knowledge over different ways architecture can be approached in terms of design and with the shift in technological advancements, how various geometries can be generated in resolving to find the optimum one from the multiple sets of data. In discovering computation, it opens an endless field of possibilities by testing different parameters and even though it has not become the determining factor that leads to the entire process of designing, it is an important determinant in the process as a whole. The incoporation of tectonics, materiality, climate suitability into the design process is intruiging as this is a potentially efficient method of designing despite its drawbacks that were discovered in A.2 and A.3. Architecture cannot help aleviate issues related to global warming but it can certainly have a widespread impact on reducing any further harm caused to the planet and its species. I am keen on exploring different geometrical designs in the name of biomimicry as explored through several examples in A.2 and A.3 as I, for one think it is an innovative strategy in the field of on-going research.
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A.5 L E A R N I N G O U T C O M E The imapct of technology is immense on our generation and a plausible evolution that can sustain for prosterity. To come to think of it, when I began my course, I approached architectural design through conventional methods of drawing and using that as my medium for representation and communication. The studios pushed me to further develop my designs using computer aided softwares and as of now, pushing boundaries to embark on a remarkable adventure of lerning paramertic design through grasshopper which I believe is the future of architecture. It is definitely a new experience for me as I have never resorted to using either rhinoceros or grasshopper in my previous design studios. This subject has indeed a lot of offer in terms of advancing my programming and desgning skills and knowledge in architectural practice. Part A of the journal has really given me an insight into what I am about to expect and be working on for the next twelve weeks.
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REFERENCES Arch2o.com,. (2015). National Library of Kazakhstan|BIG. Retrieved 11 August 2015, from http://www.arch2o.com/national-library-of-kazakhstan-big/ ArchDaily,. (2014). Endesa World Fab Condenser / MARGEN-LAB. Retrieved 11 August 2015, from http://www.archdaily.com/549830/endesa-world-fab-condenser-margen-lab ArchDaily,. (2015). National Library in Astana, Kazakhstan / BIG. Retrieved 12 August 2015, from e-architect,. (2015). Pearl River Tower, China. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.e-architect.co.uk/china/pearl-river-tower Arcspace.com,. (2013). Metropol Parasol - J. Mayer H. Architects. Retrieved 9 August 2015, from http://www.arcspace.com/features/j-mayer-h-architects/metropol-parasol/ Businessweek.com,. (2007). China’s Ultra-Green Pearl River Tower. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.bloomberg.com/bw/stories/2007-05-14/chinas-ultra-green-pearl-river-towerbusinessweek-business-news-stock-market-and-financial-advice Colliers.com,. (2015). PEARL RIVER TOWER. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www. colliers.com/p-chn13000262 Definition of ‘Algorithm’ in Wilson, Robert A. and Frank C. Keil, eds (1999). The MIT Encyclopedia of the Cognitive Sciences (London: MIT Press), pp. 11, 12 Designboom | architecture & design magazine,. (2014). interview with ICD/ITKE team on fiber-woven research pavilion 2013-14. Retrieved 9 August 2015, from http://www.designboom.com/architecture/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2013-14-interview-08-18-2014/ Dezeen,. (2014). University of Stuttgart unveils woven pavilion based on beetle shells. Retrieved 10 August 2015, from http://www.dezeen.com/2014/06/26/icd-itke-pavilion-beetle-shells-university-of-stuttgart/ Divisare.com,. (2015). J. MAYER H. Architects, Metropol Parasol. Retrieved 9 August 2015, from http://www.divisare.com/projects/166459-Metropol-Parasol domusweb.it,. (2015). ENDESA Condenser. Retrieved 11 August 2015, from http://www.domusweb.it/en/news/2014/09/25/iacc_endesa_pavilion_2014_fab10_condenser.html Dunne, Anthony & Raby, Fiona (2013) Speculative Everything: Design Fiction, and Social Dreaming (MIT Press) pp. 1-9, 33-45 e-architect,. (2015). Pearl River Tower, China. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.e-architect.co.uk/china/pearl-river-tower Fairs, M. (2009). Astana National Library by BIG - Dezeen. Dezeen. Retrieved 11 August 2015, from http://www.dezeen.com/2009/08/25/astana-national-library-by-big/
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Fosterandpartners.com,. (2006). Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre | Projects | Foster + Partners. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/khan-shatyr-entertainment-centre/ Frechette, R., & Gilchrist, R. (2015). CTBUH research paper (1st ed.). Dubai. Retrieved from http:// global.ctbuh.org/resources/papers/download/453-case-study-pearl-river-tower-guangzhou-china.pdf Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg), pp. 1–16 Icd.uni-stuttgart.de,. (2015). ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 « Institute for Computational Design (ICD). Retrieved 10 August 2015, from http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=11187 josre,. (2015). strategies for seeking zero energy. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.josre.org/ wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Pearl-River-Case-Study-China.pdf Kalay, Yehuda E. (2004). Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 5-25 Khan Shatyr Entertainment Centre. (2015) (1st ed.). London. Retrieved from http://file:///C:/Users/ fujitsu/Downloads/Khan_Shatyr_Entertainment_Centre__Foster_Partners.pdf.pdf Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003) Suggested start with pp. 3-62 Kolarevic B., ed., 2005. Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing. New York: Taylor & Francis group. Metropol Parasol. (2015) (1st ed., pp. 2-11). Germany. Retrieved from http://www.pavillon-arsenal. com/data_plateforme/journee/journee_journee/5/fichier/100519_sev_projectbookletlight_fd6c2.pdf Oxman, Rivka and Robert Oxman, eds (2014). Theories of the Digital in Architecture (London; New York: Routledge), pp. 1–10Peters, B., & De Kestelier, X. Computation works. Peters, Brady. (2013) ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, Architectural Design, 83, 2, pp. 08-15 Solaripedia,. (2015). Green Architecture & Building. Retrieved 8 August 2015, from http://www.solaripedia.com/13/325/khan_shatyr_sizzles_in_asia_(kazakhstan).html Solaripedia.com,. (2015). Green Architecture & Building. Retrieved 9 August 2015, from http://www. solaripedia.com/13/393/metropol_parasol_shades_sunny_seville.html
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CRITERIA DESIGN
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B.1. R E S E A R C H F I E L D - T E S S E L A T I O N
Over the past decade, the established
conventions within the building industry are inexorably changing towards a new paradigm of design aided computer generated forms and methods of fabrication. With this change come an added level of complexity in the definition of form and structure in architecture. The production of these structures are largely enabled by the capacity of digital technologies to precisely fabricate artifacts of almost any complexity. In exploring computational design, one of the most interesting aspects is the prospect of discovering intricate forms and patterns that present complexity to the environment. This can be ascertained in a tessellating system which is defined as “a tessellation of a flat surface is the tiling of a plane using one or more geometric shapes, called tiles, with no overlaps and no gaps. In mathematics, tesselations can be generalized to higher dimensions and a variety of geometries�. In computational design and architecture, tessellation is the building up of a form from simple repeated group of elements in relation to one-another. The use of tessellation dates back to ancient times as found in Islamic art and architecture to more modern works of Escher as a mathematically inspired style of geometric decoration. Furthermore, tessellation exists naturally in the hexagonal cells of honeycombs, scales of reptiles and marine animals, plant matter such as flowers, and natural volcanic occurrences such as those which created the Giant’s causeway in Northern Ireland. 33
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Digital technologies have revitalized the design world’s interest in patterning and tessellation because they produce greater variation and modulation through non-standard manufacturing. Working digitally enables movement from one representational form to another- for instance, from digital model to vector-line file to manufacturing method. This series of translatlations allows for more fluid fabrication process while significantly reducing the labor associated with taking one type of design medium and turning it into another. Tesselation offers a way to build smooth form using sheet matrial. It is becoming increasinly relevant to building as architects strive to make large, often complex forms and surfaces with standard-size materials. Architects have certainly made intricate patterns from conventional materials but tiling has found new potency in the arena of digital manufacture, which has unique abilities to modulate, design, and build custom panels. Rather than rely on what is commercially available, architects can, using digital-manufacturing techniques,cut pieces from larger stock in multiple differianted sizes and shapes.
Although tessellation proves to be a reliable system, in terms of innovation and creativity, it presents a problem in the possibilities to explore since its relationship to humans and natur e is longstanding. Futhermore, this technique is often associated with ornamentation which although endures cultural identity and the period association its functional purpose is generally visual. In order to further implement computation to explore this technique, various other facets will be required to extend beyond the limits of ordinary probability.
In the process of tessellating, the approximated surfaces may seem accurate but it is not necessarily the case. It is often unnecessary to overtessellate a form: it results in a cumbersome and heavy computer model and often in a unbuildable form. When evaluating tesselation strategies, it is better to determine the size and resolution of the tiles to overall geometry and design intention, and with regard to final building materials and fabrication process. 35
One of the examples of tessellation is seen in
the cellular tesselation pavilion built by the Architecture faculty of Bond University. This LED lit space created for Sydney’s Vivid Light Festival. Using computational modelling tools allowed the successful fabrication of the space and resolution of complex geometric surfaces in relation to vornoi tessellation which produces unique cells (r). The interesting fact about this installation is that no two cells are the same shape or size. This precision is achieved by computer aided digital fabrication such as laser-cutting and CNC routing.
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Adolf loos justifies to the questioning of the pavilion’s relationship to it’s traditional counterparts missing in support of his essay “Or nament and crime” which poses the idea that tessellation is a system more of ornamentation than practical purpose in the given context. (r)
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B.2. C A S E S T U D Y O N E: V O U S S O I R C L O U D Voussoir cloud is an installation designed for the Southern California Institute of Architecture gallery in Los Angeles. The cloud explores the structural paradigm of pure compression with ultra-light material system. The overall design takes inspiration from the work of engineer/archiects such as Antonio Gaudi and Frei Otto, who used hanging chain models to find efficient form by testing catenaries and form finding programs to determine the shapes. The structure was achieved through computational design with the use of physics simulation. The plywood in the structure is fabricated individually which look upon configuations such as delaunation. With the assistance of digital media, it cuts out on costs which would have been otherwise expensive to produce via traditional methods- this demonstrates not only the success of computational design but also the many possibilities it can provide. This case study presents an opportunity to explore plug-ins that simulate constraints of physics such as those done though Kangaroo as well as methods of tessellatin the resulting form with repeating elements.
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Exploring the definition was challenging as there were so many possibilities that a linear exploration was challenging. Even though I haven’t exercised my script to its full potential, I have expanded my knowledge on using a few diffeetn techniques to manipulate the patterns but not so much the entire structure as a whole. One could either focus on the original form or the tessellating pattern. The images displayed on the left are a few interesting outcomes obtained from the Voussoir cloud script. Consideration of factors such as the potential relationship to existing known designs, the ability to incoporate factors relating to Merri Creek, personal aesthetic preferences. The first outcome has its prominent feature of having naked edges and a tessellated pattern. From my outcomes, most of them testify different patterns rather a change in the overall geometry. Making large scale structures work is difficult but with the second outcome, it looks like a garbage catchment that could possibly placed in the Merri creek. Although far fetched, the third outcome can be used as a playground/pavilion hence it is interactive with the people on site as a large influx of people visit Ceres. I agree that the script has a lot more potential in being explored and I would like to work on them further once after finishing Part B where I would have gained a certain amount of familiarity with grasshopper and its techniques. These three had been chosen as the others were more of conceptual explorations and didn’t result in substantial structures.
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B.3. C A S E S T U D Y T W O: I C D/ T K E RESEARCH PAVILION 2013-2014 The pavilion focuses on a combination of tessellation and biomimcry as well. Tesselation because it tests different patterning through two gridshells of polygons of different sizes bounded by fiber reinforced polymer structures. This accounts for a biomemimetic investigation of materiality and functional principles of lightweight structures. The aim was the development of a winding technique for modular, double layered fiber composite structures, which reduces the required formwork to a minimum while maintaining a large degree of geometric freedom. The geometric articulation even within the trabecula is highly differentiated through the beetle shell which presents the intiial concept of tessellation I have mentioned of in the initial opening of part B.
It is an exemplary example of a successfully built pavilion through robotic frabication strategies. The pavilion focuses on the design methodology which employs computational processes of morphogenesis to synthesize multiple design criteria, while allowing for exploration of architectural design solution and spatial qualities. Using fiber composite shells allows for prefabrication of parts within a constantly changing environment that are transportable and can be joined into large and wide spanning structures. It is solely made of a steel drame which then uses coreless filament winding technique which reduces the necessity of having too much of a molding structure.
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The ICD pavilion 2013 has successfully achieved a fully functional structure in terms of applying their study on the elytron which is a protective shell for beetles’ wings and abdomen that proved to be a suitable role model for highly material efficient construction. It is based on a double layered structure which is connected by column-like doubly curved support elements which is evident in the final outcome of the this research pavilion. In all fairness, their attempt to recreate an abstraction of design based on construction principles in nature through the implementation in architecture such as this pavilion itself has been successful.
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REVERSE ENGINEERING CREATE POINTS USING A GROWTH SPRIAL ALGORITHM: POINTS FROM DOMAIN>ROTATE BY PI-ANGLE>MIRROR>SCALE> VORONOI> REGION INTERSECTION
ESTIMATE PAVILION OUTLINE WITH CURVES IN RHINO SEPERATING OUTER DOME AND INNER DOME BY CHANGING POINTS ON CURVE
VOLUME OF OUTER DOME- KANGAROO RELAXATION SIMULATOR: 1. SET ALL VORONOI POLYGONS AS SPRINGS EXCEPT THE PAVILLION OUTLINES, BOTH THE OUTER AND INNER DOME. ADJUST RESET LENGTH BY MULTIPLYING THE EDGE LENGTHS WITH NUMBER SLIDER. 2. SET ALL NAKED VERTICES AS POINTS TO BE PULLED WITH CURVE PULL COMPONENT, SET THE OUTLINE CURVE FOR THE EXTERIOR DOME AS PULLING CURVE. 3. 4. SET ALL POINTS OF VORONOI POLYGONS AS POINTS TO BE OBJECT TO UNARY FORCE IN Z-DIRECTION CREATING CATENARY ACTION. 5. RUN KANGAROO PHYSICS SIMLUATOR.
REPEAT ALL THE ABOVE STEPS TO CREATE THE SAME DEFINITION AND SET NAKED VERTICES THIS TIME FOR THE PULLED CURVE COMPONENT AS THE OUTLINE CURVE OF THE INTERIOR DOME.
CONNECTING OUTER AND INNER DOMES: USING THE SCRIPTS MADE FOR EACH INDIVIDUAL CURVE OUTLINE, IN THE EXPLODE PLUG IN WHERE VERTICES IS: PLINE>DIVIDE>SHIFT>LINE>PREVIEW
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SIMILAR TO THE BASIC CONCEPT DISPLAYED ON THE LEFT WHERE TWO CURVES HAVE BEEN DIVIDED AND THEN THE POINTS ON THE CURVE HAVE BEEN SHIFTED TO CREATE THE INTERCONNECTED TWISTED MESH.
CREATE TWO SHADES, ONE WITHIN THE OTHER TO MAKE POLGYOON CELLS LOOK OFF-WHITE AND THE REST OF THE PAVILION BLACK: REPEAT THE SAME PROCEDURE AS THE PREVIOUS STEP BUT PLUG IN SWATCH INTO PREVIEW AND CHANGE COLOR TO BLACK WHEREAS THE PREVIOUS ONE HAS TO BE SWATCH, THE COLOR OF OFF-WHITE/GREY.
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OUTCOME OF REVERSE ENGINEERING
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The reverse engineering of this project was very interesting and challenging in decoding the structure and understaning its overall geometry. My final outcome is not exactly the same as the actual paviliona and regardless of the minor differences, visually, they look alike. I came across quite a few difficulties firstly, in figuring out the original pattern of the base structure from which the blown-up structure if formed. I used the pattern provided on the LMS and further developed them during the technique development phase. The distribution of the polygons is not exactly the same as in the real pavilion and it was somewhat hard to try to achieve that. Secondly, I was confused on how to join the inner and outer dome although after brooding over it, the process was very easy. Thirdly, I had some dificulty in attaining the exact overall shape as changing constraints such as the catenary force and strength would at times, give me unwanted results hence I used a combination of forces I thought was optimum to make my structure visually represent the ICD pavilion. I would further like to explore this definition by exploring different patterns and develop more complex geometries as tessellation is very interesting in exploring patterning in structures whether it is inspired from nature or from other counterparts. Kangaroo has to proved to be an interesting plug in that provides various outcomes which is why I was keen on doing this precedent for reverse engineering.
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B.4 T E C H N I Q U E D E V E L O P M E N T
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SELECTION CRITERIA
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In the process of exploring diferent patterns through a range of simple and complex structures, I have selected a few from my iterations on the basis of fabrication as well as what I can work better with considering my design idea which will be introduced in B6. My intention was to create an interactive structure mainly directed at children as there is an influx of families in during the weekends as well as the children visiting the early learning center. It could possibly satisfy the criteria of a pavilion as well. By having an interactive structure, I thought the second prototye was interesting as it creates a playground for children such as a jungle themed playground. It could serve as an educational activities for the children at the Collingwood children’s farm. I tested a few different techniques from which I have developed the strutures present on the left; in hope of exploring and analysing their flexibility by implementing different relaxation forces, voronoi typologies and different levels of complexity in shape. I found outcome three particularly interestign as well because of my fascination with triangulated surfaces as they create various different overall geometries that give it a sense of playfullness. Along the same lines, I thought outcome 4 had different possibilities in framing and re-framing, creating an imaginatively playful structure which could also be considered a piece of art. After doing case study 2 and deriving a design for the site according to the brief, I thought that I should carry forward some element from the precedent study which would be using sustainable materials for instance plywood timber as sustainability is essentially somethin that lasts for long. Factors such as making the pavilion more child-friendly was something I needed to incoporate into my model. 59
B.5 T E C H N I Q U E P R O T O T Y P E
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PROTOTYPE DEVELOPED VERSION ONE
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PROTOTYPE DEVELOPED VERSION TWO
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PROTOTYPE DEVELOPED VERSION THREE
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I have fabricated one of my prototypes which uses a triangulated surface and is connected by tabs which are specifically numbered for each of the traingulated panels. The pictures labelled above with the different developments of the same prototype is to emphasize on the different geometries the prototype can create. Every angle the photo is taken from gives a different perspective. The ICD pavilion is based on the similar lines where functionality, sustainability and materiality is tested through digital design. Nevertheless, the prototype I chose to create was interesting because different installations are produced and provided I had got more triangulated surfaces, I could have created a few more prototypes within the one prototype suggested. If I do pursuit this design, the material I’d like to test on the structure would be sustainable as discussed beofore I would like to take an element away from the case study 2. Plywood would be an interesting and complex material to work with because of its stength or recycled steel/aluminium but that would contribute to more heat gain and dispute the functionality of a pavilion, if not a childrens playground. They would use either ties or bolts to hodl the structure in place. An interesting aspect is if the pavilion could be fixed in different ways by having a semi-rigid connection to make the overall structure flexible- giving it a sense of playfulness. Through the prototype, I have discovered how I can alter the given prototype to give more definition to my design concept and I think it fits in with the notion of tessellation as a whole as you are experimenting with patterning which results in a collection of geometries.
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B.6 T E C H N I Q U E P R O P O S A L
Merri Creek along Abbotsford has plenty to offer as it contains lands of vast vegetation and open spaces, a welcoming site to families during the weekends and for other purposes as the Early learning center and the educational farm that exists on site. The site of Merri Creek and the Yarra river are places of nature and recreation. It is an espace from the chaotic urban lifestyyple with an emphasis on wilderness and the rural detachment from technology. The site also provides a place for recreation and enjoyment from a human perspective.
Once a month the farmers market is held on a field next to the river situated East of the site. During other times, this field stands empty, therefore, I saw an opportunity to use this space to add my proposed pavilion. The pavilion would provide basic neccessities besides its intened use since the field is exposed to heavy sunlight and also because it is situated away from the water which forfeits the fear of the children to the surrounding environment.
The space can otherwise be used for educational purposes as the pavilion like playground is directed to children mainly. Taking into consideration the ideas and the Another observation made during the functionality of the site, the design will try to site visit is that there aren’t a lot of built emphasize what the site demands, which is structures from which people walking the demand for what the users require. stretch of the trail could take shelter or rest.
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Looking further into my design by testifyign tessellated typologies, I will try to incorporate more elements of a playground to make it more child-friendly by taking elements of playgrounds and eventually integrating that into my pavilion design. I am also keen on exploring a structure that can be altered by giving it a sense of playfulness since that is the focus of the pavilion design intent. It is definitely challenging task to do by trying to further develop the model to have a solid outcome that satisfies the proposed brief. However the limitations on how such a technique can be explored in detail due to lack of resrarch can lead to limitations due to limited computational skills. The images on the right are precedents I find particulary interesting. The LAAB team designed and manually constructed the Kaleidome which uses voronoi tessellation. The form has been generated using digital softwares to produce 22 different chapes of 262 polyhedral laser-cut cells. The third image on the right is the Rose pavilion in Switzerland which is made of free-standing constructions. The geometry of Rose pavilion is based on Calabi-Yau manifolds as the initial mathematic prototype design. This precedent I found to be very similar to my fabricated protoype which behaves more of a pavilion than a pavilion playground. My next phase would be integrating elements of playground into either of the structure or developing a pavilion directed to all users of the site. 67
B.7 C O N C L U S I O N My experience doing studio air has definitly been challenging as I am very new to softwares that is, rhino and moreover grasshopper where I have been introduced to programming. In relation to the learning objectives, I am yet to learn a lot however, provided more time, I would have liked to further experiment tessellation. What I have cultivated from this project in fulfilling the objectives is “interrogating a brief by considering the process of bried formation in the age of optioneering. By exploring my case studies and responding to the bried fall under this category. I believe I have slowly improved overtime in generating a series of outcomes which have definitely impacted my skills. I am yet to fully develop my design idea to its full capacity. During the process of producing different and more complex iterations, my intent of designing for a purpose was lost. I found the fabrication of prototypes interesting as I had never digitally printed anything before. Even though I struggled in making my protoype, I enjoyed the process and found it to create an optimum structure by having concealed joints. It is very different digitally designing it and then having to fabricate the same structure. I look forward to improve on my skills and to more efficiently focus on producing a solid design.
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REFERENCES References Academia.edu,. (2015). Origami tessellations in a continuum: Integrating design and fabrication in architectural education. Retrieved 15 August 2015, from https://www.academia.edu/2178456/Origami_tessellations_in_a_continuum_Integrating_design_and_ fabrication_in_architectural_education Academia.edu,. (2015). The Impact Of Digital-Computational Design On The Architectural Design Process. Retrieved 6 September 2015, from https://www.academia. edu/5279735/The_Impact_Of_Digital-Computational_Design_On_The_Architectural_Design_Process DÜrstelmann, M., Parascho, S., Prado, M., Menges, A., & Knippers, J. (2014). Integrative Computational Design Methodologies For Modular Architectural Fiber Composite Morphologies. ResearchGate. Retrieved 12 August 2015, from https://www.researchgate. net/publication/267512942_Integrative_Computational_Design_Methodologies_For_ Modular_Architectural_Fiber_Composite_Morphologies Hadley, & Hadley, D. (2015). 10 Fascinating Facts About Ladybugs. About.com Education. Retrieved 11 October 2015, from http://insects.about.com/od/beetles/a/10-facts-ladybugs.htm Inhabitat.com,. (2012). Want Your Own Honeycomb Hive? Vivid Sydney’s LED Cellular Tessellation Pavilion is For Sale!. Retrieved 15 August 2015, from http://inhabitat.com/ want-your-own-honeycomb-hive-vivid-sydneys-led-cellular-tessellation-pavilion-is-forsale/bond-architecture-department-cellular-tessellation-5/ Inhabitat.com,. (2015). Interactive Kaleidome activates a public park in Hong Kong. Retrieved 9 September 2015, from http://inhabitat.com/interactive-kaleidome-activates-a-public-park-in-hong-kong/kaleidom-by-laab-14/?extend=1 Iwamotoscott.com,. (2015). VOUSSOIR CLOUD - IwamotoScott. Retrieved 1 September 2015, from http://www.iwamotoscott.com/VOUSSOIR-CLOUD Patrikschumacher.com,. (2015). Parametric Patterns. Retrieved 6 September 2015, from http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/Parametric%20Patterns.html Vimeo,. (2013). ICD / ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 - Design Tool. Retrieved 11 August 2015, from https://vimeo.com/73707953 Vimeo,. (2013). ICD / ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 - Design Tool. Retrieved 16 August 2015, from https://vimeo.com/73707953 World-architects.com,. (2015). Rose Pavilion. Retrieved 13 August 2015, from http:// www.world-architects.com/architecture-news/submitted-works/Rose_Pavilion_775
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rom the interim presentation, my design that was suggestive of a childrens interactive playground alongside a pavilion was critiqued. The feedback I recieved was to look at famous playgrounds around the world and find aspects that i can integrate into my design proposal. In reflecting on my presentation, my slides had more images than required which created a bit of confusion for the critiques. However, I did improve on my presentation skills as the presentation was a day before the final submission of the interim journal. Due in part of moving witht the focus onto delivering a design concept, testing prototyps and finally in delivering the final design product- I was placed into a group of four people who had the same focus on their design concepts in Part B which was patterning, also known as tessellation as learned over the due course of Part B of this assignment. Our initial step was to meet the members of the group and to discuss the outcomes of our projects in order to settle on a design concept that we can further develop on. Initially, we thought of a way to combine our designs but then it turned out to be too complex hence, we decided to go with the concept that had the strongest feedback from the interim presentation which was Jennifer’s design proposal for the ‘bug hotel’. From this point forward, we had to elaborate this design and cement the concept, site and design.
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In exploring our initial design concept through Jennifer’s proposed design for a bug hotel. The simple geometry of curves are used to determine the flow of the model accordingly.
Using the input of voronoi has enabled to achieve the form below and model has been cut through with a surface as part of experimenting different forms.
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By changing the parameters in the algorithmic equation, some forms have been explored as diaplyed on this page. In hope of using the same form but applying different tessellations, the following patterns can be achieved through the script.
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In the process of creating different forms and exploring tessellating patterns, we stumbled across a problem when it came to the fabrication process as we had to test the model out before refining it and implementing it on the final structure. Our idea behind the model was to create panels onto which there would be nodes where joints would be present. Due to the irregularity of the panels and the overall form, trying to create a script that would accommodate joints would be a fairly complex procedure. We then decided to use bullant which is a plug in used that helps to create diffferent tessellated surfaces that works similarly to vornoi but creates a range of patterns. Our intention was to have people guess how we achieved our final form without it looking like we implemented voronoi on the structure. Some of the forms achieved through testing this algorithmic input in pursuit of finding a form that works best are displayed below and on the following page.
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RESEARCH WHATEXACTLY ARE WE DESIGNING?
The first step we took was choose a site that would be acceptable for a bug hotel. We visited CERES Community Environment Park to see if there would be any use for our concept. On site, we spoke to the people who run the farm, including the farmers, nursery workers and propagation nursery as they have extensive knowledge of the insects present on site, and the benefits or disadvantages that these insect species may cause to the plant life. From these conversations and observations, it became apparent that the site had a problem with insect infestations that was not being combatted due to the organic nature of the farm and the reluctance to use chemical pesticides. When visiting the propagation nursery, we were shown a section of plants that were no longer usable due to the damage caused by insects. While there were a variety of pest insects, the most damage was caused by aphids, which were present in large numbers and had catastrophic effects on plants by their eating habits. From this information we arrived upon the concept of a bug hotel for lady bugs, as a natural pesticide to the aphid infestation.
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WHY LADYBUGS? A CERES nursery worker told us that ladybugs would be a viable option in decreasing the aphid infestation as these insects are their main food source and are often encouraged in gardens specifically for this reason. Ladybirds reproduce quickly producing hundreds of eggs. Each ladybug may eat 5,000 aphids over its 3-6 week life1. CERES however, did not currently have any methods in place to try and attract lady bugs to the site. This is why we designed our bug hotel to accommodate and attract ladybugs in order to try and increase their population on site. Amost all ladybugs feed on soft-bodied insects and serve as beneficial predators of plant pests. Gardners welcome ladybugs with open arms, knowing they will munch on the most prfolic plant pests. By creating a habitat that encourages ladybug nesting, we will hopefully be able to optimise their benefits.
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Hadley & Hadley, 2015
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TRYING TO RECREATE THE HABITAT OF A LADYBUG
Ladybugs main source of food is aphids as previously mentioned They need space for flying, twigs leaves and petals Needs places to hide such as hollow logs Their habitat should provide opportunity to avoid direct sunlight as this can burn lady bug They need plenty of food to avoid them flying off being aphids, but also nectar and pollen sources – fruit trees An example displayed below is a project done by Arup associates. The intention of designing this structure was in hope of buoying insect populations with sustainable habitats, which includes bees, butterflies, spiders, lacewings, ladybugs even and a few other insect species. The bio-mimetic design is constructed out of 25 layers of 20mm thick birch plywood1. The irregular voids are cut out using a CNC machine and loosely bonded on site with mechanical fixings. The voronoi pattern, an organic system of irregular shapes often found in nature, such as wings of a dragonfly. The deep compartments behave as an armature for the recycled waste maerials, each compacted with different types of deadfall to cater to different types of insects.
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designboom | architecture & design magazine, 2010
The image above displays the different sections designed for a specific bug to cater to their needs or habitual requirements. The image on the left displays the materia placed in each of the shekves to make it a more compact environment for the bugs since they are susceptible easily to external forces such as wind and rain,
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TECHNICAL/CONSTRUCTION PROCESS VISIT SITE AND TO GET INSIGHT INTO WHERE OUR DESIGN COULD POSSIBLY LEAD
EXPLORING INITIAL GEOMETRY
USING BULLANT TO ACHIEVE RANGE OF USER DEFINED TESSELLATIONS
USING A SURFACE TO CUT THROUGH THE MODEL TO OBTAIN AN OVERALL NEW FORM
SUBTRACTING PODS AND SURFACES FROM THE FINAL STRUCTURE
USING PATTERNING ON THE FINAL OUTCOME
TESTING PROTOTYPES OUT
ARRIVING ON FINAL MODEL
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This stage is where the pattern is being applied to the final form chosen. The next images show the panels created as a result of patterning on the cells and the development of the joint system. We decided to use circles as it works best for our structure since all the panels would be placed at specific and unique angles. By having notches in the joints will make the process of assembling the fabricated pieces more efficient.
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C 2. T E C T O N I C E L E M E N T S A N D PROTOTYPES PROTOTYPE 1.0
The joints are 3-D printed and the panels are fabricated through lasercut using MDF material. The panels can be interchanged to create a diffeent shape.
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This prototype involved the use of wire/cable tie to test the conections and look at the relation between connecting elements when given various points in the panel. This way, tpanels at differetn angels can be placed together to form a new composition. 95
LAYOUT OF PANELS AND DIFFERENT TYPE OF JOINTS PRESENT IN OVERALL STRUCTURE
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The image above displays the testing of different materiality for the joints, that is, MDF, clear perspex and white perspex. How did we apply the requirements of a bug house from our research to the design? Our goal was to create something that was reflective of these points, and incorporated these into the design outcome. We chose patterning as our technique as this would allow for a habitat with openings as well as providing shade. We began our form finding by creating a solid form that we were happy with. From here we applied the pattern to the surface, which allowed us to explore different options between the panels and the joints. In addition, we used the concept of packing to create a more dense structure and finally, to give it an irregular form, we subtracted portions of the model to create the unique shape that it is as of now. Our design attracts ladybugs to the aphids present inside along with the twigs, bamboo sticks, leaves, white materiality (part of the joints) and wood (panels) which make it the prominent feature of our model. Moreover, the site influences it majorly since it is away from the bustling city traffic. We have decided to place it near the propagation around a fruit tree as it attracts aphids and in turn, attracts ladybugs. Just to mention that aphids are attracted to the sweet nectar present in the stems of plants. The overall structure is moulded around a tree, so starting from the bottom, close to the ground and moving around the stem of the plant so this way; it attracts the bugs even more.
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PRESENTATION FEEDBACK
In refining the model, the feedback recieved during the final presentation from the critiques are the following points below: Since there was an emphasis on how lady bugs prefer the material bamboo, we never thought of actually using it in our model until one of the critiques brough tit up. The reason solely being that none of us were aware that the fabrication lab stocked up on bamboo sheets and secondly, that it was possible to get bamboo sheets laser cut in the fabrication lab. Another valid point that one of the critiques brought up was that how our cells had large opening in between where the panels and the joints were connected and that the ladybugs would be susceptible to attack from predators such as birds and this could possibly bring in an influx of birds on the site of Merri Creek. Due to the lack of time until the final submission and feedback given by our tutor , we were told to improve on the overall packing of the structure in order to make it look alike Arup’s design of the bug hotel. Hence, the image displayed on the right shows the compact packing we designed to be placed in the cells to create a more habital environment for the ladybugs.
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In using these cells, we created more compact pods as displaye din the image above, using chicken wire to bound the leaves, sticks and bamboo sticks together. The layout for the chicken wire is displayed on the left.
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C4 REFLECTION Studio Air has definitely been one of the most challenging studios I have studied in my course but, also one of the most exciting and interesting of them all. An introduction into the world of parametric design has changed the way I look at buildings and it has inspired me that I plan on using in in my future designs. After all, parametric design and modelling is the future of architecture and I am honored that I got to learn about it at the University. Naming our model was something all of my group members debated on and we finally settled on “Skela� derived from skeleton. It was based on the analogy of describing the ladybug hotel as an artificial skeleton, the ladybugs is the blood running in and out and the leaves and twigs is the flesh that makes up the body. Our design product is indeed very interesting and nothing like what others have designed. The flow of studying tessellation from part B to part C has been smooth where I have exposed myself to more algorithmic components while experimenting with the overall form and patterning as well as an introduction to bio-mimicry. Part C has further exposed me to ways of improving and exploring methods of prototyping and various ways of fabricating in exploring materiality and the connection of panels and joints specifically by changing the joint form. My favorite part of computing was how easily it is change the design with a few tweaks whether it is the curve or inputting a few components into the algorithmic sketch. It was definitely a struggle to take in so much at once but it is definitely something I will keep learning to improve on. The algorithmic sketchbook has also helped me explore various of the tools grasshopper provides with. As for the model, we have currently left it on site at CERES park where the community has welcomed it and are keen on publishing our photos in their brochures. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my tutor, Chen for being one of the most dedicated teachers I have had at the university and without which, this entire project wouldn’t be possible.
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REFERENCES designboom | architecture & design magazine,. (2010). arup associates: insect hotel. Retrieved 7 October 2015, from http://www.designboom.com/architecture/arup-associates-insect-hotel/ Hadley, & Hadley, D. (2015). 10 Fascinating Facts About Ladybugs. About.com Education. Retrieved 11 October 2015, from http://insects.about.com/od/beetles/a/10-facts-ladybugs.htm
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