AIR SAMUEL BRAK 2013 • GWYLL & ANGELA
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION PAGE 01 PART A EOI 1 CASE FOR INNOVATION PAGE 03 A1 ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE PAGE 04 A2 COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE PAGE 09 A3 PARAMETRIC MODELLING PAGE 12 A4 ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS PAGE 17 A5 CASE CONCLUSION PAGE 20 A6 LEARNING OUTCOMES PAGE 21 PART B EOI 2 DESIGN APPROACH PAGE 23 B1 DESIGN FOCUS PAGE 24 B2 CASE STUDY 1 PAGE 27 B3 CASE STUDY 2 PAGE 31 B4 TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT PAGE 35 B5 TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES PAGE 39 B6 TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL PAGE 44 B7 ALGORTHMIC SKETCHES PAGE 49 B8 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES PAGE 51
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INTRODUCTION
Hi! My name is Samuel Brak - but I prefer Sam. I am currently in my third year at Melbourne University studying a Bachelor of Environments; majoring in Architecture. I have completed three architecture design studios at Melbourne previous to Studio: Air and I am also undertaking Landscape Studio 1 this semester. I have always been interested in computer aided design since high school, where I learned most of the basics to the Adobe software suite.
However, my introduction to a more direct response to architectural design through software came in first year, when I undertook Virtual Environments. Here I learnt the fundamentals of Rhino amongst other 3D modelling tools, like Google SketchUp. I am excited to be entering the realm of computational design in this studio and seeing how I can harness its power to further my knowledge of contemporary design tools.
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PART A EOI 1 CASE FOR INNOVATION
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A1 ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE
This section will examine how architectural practice can contribute influential ideas to the ongoing disciplinary discourse and culture at large. As a way of illustrating this I will analyze two projects that I believe contributed innovative and original ideas to the ongoing architectural dialogue. The first is Site of Reversible Destiny (1995) by Arakawa & Gins, and the second is Blobwall Pavilion (2005) by Greg Lynn FORM.
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SITE OF REVERSIBLE DESTINY - YORO PARK ARAKAWA AND GINS 1995
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“Arakawa and Gins have not been particularly interested in innovating architecture, but in approaching architecture as a way to innovate, or change the world”.1
Arakawa and Gins’ Site of Reversible Destiny introduces itself to the visitor as a meticulously designed arrangement of rolling planes, fluctuating colours, and puzzling spaces, ergo providing a place of deliberate investigation. The project extends the scope of involvement, challenging all of the exploratory motions, sensory states and conceptual limitations at work within a built environment. A&G assert that “juggling, jumbling, and reshuffling the body with its fund of landing sites introduces a person to the process that constitutes being a person.” 1
Arakawa and Gins position architecture in account of altering the body, which hits a conflicting chord in a profession where innovation often protects glorification. The Site of Reversible Destiny presents an approach to interpreting architectural innovation as a persistent condition by intrinsically including the built environment in the ambition to continually reorganise how we unite, separate and divide the world. In brief, here Arakawa and Gins are illustrating how the built environment can play a vital role in pioneering change.2
1. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ad.1528/pdf>. 2. <http://www.reversibledestiny.org/>
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BLOBWALL PAVILION GREG LYNN FORM 2005
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“I wanted to think about how to reinvent the brick in my own way”.3
One of the most distinct characters of the digital experimentation sensation is Greg Lynn, of Greg Lynn FORM. A virtual entrepreneur of digital communication, Lynn, a designer recognised for his egress from architectural standards, was one of the first to explore a convergence of technology and craftsmanship.3 One of his latest projects, the Blobwall, certainly reflects his notoriety, but also demonstrates his knowledge of digital development and execution along with his focus on a eternal component of architecture - the brick. The project is an innovative reinterpretation of the brick into a lightweight body constructed of colourful plastic, and redefined into modular components.4
Blobwall Pavilion is an independent, interior/ exterior wall arrangement built from a low-density, recyclable, impact-resistant polymer. The blob entity, or ‘brick,’ is a machine cut mass-produced hollow tri-node shape produced through rotational molding, which is then erected with interlinking exactness to form the wall. Greg Lynn’s studio projects have traversed the line between art, design and architecture for quite a while. The Blobwall may indeed pass over the line to question the fundamental constituents of architecture.5
3. <http://www.narrativela.com/files/formlynn07.pdf>. 4. <http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ad.1523/pdf>. 5. <http://www.sciarc.edu/exhibition. php?id=1222>.
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A2 COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dominant mode of utilizing computers in architecture today is that of computerization; entities or processes that are already conceptualized in the designer's mind are entered, manipulated, or stored on a computer system. In contrast, computation or computing, as a computer-based design tool is generally limited. The problem with this situation is that designers do not take advantage of the computational power of the computer.â&#x20AC;? 6 Computation has a pronounced effect on both the understanding and execution of architectural form, space and structure. It alters the way one views form, the way in which form is directed, and the way in which form is created.
6. <http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Ib4yEJErR5EC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false>
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Fig. 7
Computational technologies are shifting architectural practice in ways that were near impossible to predict only twenty years ago. In the conceptual domain, computational, digital architecture of topological, non-Euclidean geometric space, kinetic and dynamic systems, and genetic algorithms, are taking over technological architecture. Digitally-guided design processes, identified by progressive, unlimited and unpredictable but rational transformations of threedimensional forms, are stimulating the emergence of new architectural capabilities. The generative and innovative promise of digital media, along with current manufacturing developments in automotive, aerospace and shipbuilding industries, is expanding the horizons of architectural design.7
Within the last ten years progress in computeraided design and computer-aided manufacturing technologies have initiated a major impact on building design and construction methods. They expanded new possibilities by permitting production and construction of highly complex forms that were previously quite challenging and costly to design, manufacture and assemble using established construction technologies. A contemporary digital perpetuity, a direct connection from design through to construction, is ascertained by means of computational technologies. The results will be extensive, as new digitally-motivated processes of design, manufacture and construction are progressively questioning the traditional relationship between architecture and its means of production.7
7. <http://books.google.com.au/books?id=cJMz6Us9woUC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false>
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Fig. 8
Computational design embodies both a tremendous advantage and a marked challenge to architecture. Generally, the challenge is assumed to be purely of a technical kind, as computational design necessitates procuring scripting and programming knowledge that is ordinarily not contained in the professionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s repertoire and education. Ultimately, after completing many readings on computational design, I have realised that the principal challenge is not in becoming proficient at computational design tactics, but rather in cultivating a manner of computational design thinking.8
To further the computational design manner of thinking, the role of the designer must be considered. Computation does not function with exact delineation of form or resolution. Ergo, the designer is deemed as the composer of the rules as inherent definitions of the progression of form. This is not a superficial subject, nor is it precisely an abstract theoretical one. It is the selection of objective rules concerning material, and criteria for the involvement of architecture with its contextual scheme.8
8. <http://books.google.com.au/books?id=Ib4yEJErR5EC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_atb#v=onepage&q&f=false>
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A3 PARAMETRIC MODELLING
Parametric design software allows the architect to interpret a design as one vast database undertaking where design process choices are presented as narratives nested in the portrayal of the design at any given interval of its evolution. Choices can be revisited and reworked appropriately, thus potentially assigning methods of deletion and reconstruction to acts of desperation. Having explored parametric design software (Rhino + Grasshopper) for the last month or so, it is not only the efficiency improvements that intrigue me - but also the opportunities to investigate (in real time) at both a general or formal design level.9
9. <http://books.google.com.au/books?id=cJMz6Us9woUC&printsec=frontcover&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q&f=false>
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BMW WELT COOP HIMMELB(L)AU 2007
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“...to create a spatial, ideal, and identity-forming architectural ensemble”.10
The main Hall of the BMW Welt (see below) facilitates a prime example of how parametric design can be employed in response to a structure’s contextual and climactic environment. The interaction of natural and artificial light with atmospheric climate and acoustics effect one’s feeling of comfort in the Hall. The idea for the mechanical building systems adopts these interrelations and incorporates them in a unified way, altering their scope of impact by changing their dimensions or integrating suitable control systems. The system’s low energy use is obtained by downsizing the mechanical equipment required for heating, ventilation and cooling. The vast Hall is therefore appreciated as a solar-heated, naturally ventilated sub-climatic space.10
A natural air source is produced by thermal flows, wind force and turbulences when air concentrates along the facade and roof. Air input and output occurs via automatically regulated vents. The ‘natural aeration’ scheme supplies ample fresh air to the Hall. A parametric simulation of thermal torrents and air flows was carried out to examine the dispersion of exhaust fumes from vehicles tested on the Premiere level. Iterative computations were thus conducted to optimize the organisation of air input and output vents for natural air interchange in such a manner that it was attainable to stay below the allowable threshold level of roughly ten percent.11
10. <http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/architecture/projects/bmw-welt>. 11. <http://www.archdaily.com/29664/bmw-welt-coop-himmelblau/>
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AORTIC ARC @ CCA VISIBLE RESEARCH OFFICE 2009
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Collaborating closely with the designers, the engineers employed non-linear analysis tools and parametric BIM technology to model and predict the final minimal energy form of the piece...â&#x20AC;?.12
This project exemplifies how the use of modern computational tools can enhance a public space with minimal cost and maximum sustainable potential. The new installation for a student lounge at the California College of the Arts is suspended within a two storey space and performs as a light scope, spatial definer, and viewing portal. The light surface fabric is composed of 546 unique highdensity polyethylene (HDPE) panels connected to one another by over four thousand pop rivets. The installation's title originates from its similarity in shape to a section of the human heart and due to it vaulting atop an existing structural girder. The surface is hanging from three uppermost stainless steel rings which are held and hold one another in equilibrium. A single wide parabolic hoop operates as underneath support.12
The project involved many different technical and artistic issues that could not be handled in a straightforward manner. Cooperating intently with the designers, the engineers worked with non-linear analysis tools and parametric building information modelling (BIM) software to mold and foresee the finished minimal energy form of the installation which, fundamentally, functions as a composite cable-net and membrane structure. A panelbased arrangement was realised using Generative Components and a custom Rhino script that captured the unrefined data and translated it into a drawing file for a computer numerical control (CNC) milling machine that produced all the pieces. HDPE plastic was chosen for the panels because of its inexpensiveness, strength against solar deterioration, recyclability, minimal embodied energy, and high tensile efficiency.12
12. <http://www.visibleresearch.com/Projects/Project-AorticArc/index.html>.
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A4 ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Parametric design and its requisite modes of thought may well extend the intellectual scope of design by explicitly representing concepts that are usually treated intuitively. Being able to explain ideas explicitly is a part of at least some real understanding. Defining relationships is a complex act of thinking. It involves strategies and skills, some new to designers and some familiar.â&#x20AC;? 13 For me, intuitively defining these relationships was a new concept to grasp. However, after undergoing some initial algorithmic tests, as seen in the following section, I began to scratch the surface of computational thinking in Grasshopper.
13. <http://cw.routledge.com/textbooks/9780415779876/parametric.asp>
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Fig. 13
My first algorithmic design exercise was to create five different lofted vases in Rhino using the Grasshopper plug-in. I had previously learned about lofting in Virtual Environments, but that was a completely manual undertaking employing only Rhino commands. I am not implying that the manual way is wrong, rather that Grasshopper can achieve the same results much more efficiently, while allowing the designer to oversee and control every aspect of the design process, at any stage.
Despite the simplicity of this exercise, one crucial advantage of Grasshopper became apparent to me: the ability to alter your design in real-time and thus seeing all the implications of this alteration propagate down through the algorithmic process to either instigate small modifications, or perhaps completely transform your design.
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Fig. 14
This exercise focused on creating three dissimilar Grasshopper definitions that would turn a list of points into curves, those curves into a surface, that surface back to curves, and finally those curves back to points. Put simply, the crux of the task was to engineer and then reverse engineer a set of definitions as a means to show us that there is no simple or correct way to achieve a design finality.
In a way, the task demonstrated that you can never really have a final goal in computational design. The end result is not a appreciation of thus, but rather an understanding and acceptance of choices conglomerating into one efficient whole. I, to some extent, view this process as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;architectingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; architecture.
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A5 CASE CONCLUSION
Architecture includes tangible and intangible aspects, which makes the hunt for â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; architecture a continual issue. Designing and completing buildings that answer to, instead of contend with, environmental systems, that are compassionate, timely and simple and safe to construct and utilise, is the key. Harmonising the universal with the physical and employing innovative conceptual thought towards physical creation through the use of new computational technologies is the future of architecture.
If architecture is connected with creating society, it has to embrace the future of new and innovative materials, components and the computational technologies that employ them to their maximum potential. These new architectural technologies applied to abstract ideas and concepts help to realise the future built fabric in which society operates. Wyndham City now has to take the exciting opportunity to seize promising new technologies in order to show that it believes in harnessing sustainable societal change.
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A6 LEARNING OUTCOMES
I have always been interested in employing computer software to aid in designing most of my previous studio projects at Melbourne University. However, after numerous readings, class discussions and the completion of Part A, I realised there are essentially two ways for looking at how computers are integrated into the design process. To comprehend these two ways of thinking I needed to understand the difference between computation and computerisation. Essentially, I interpreted this as procedures which either derive results from data, or simply compile supplied data.
This key opposition is always alive in the numerous ways in which the computer has been conjoined with architectural design. Basically, difference lies in the attitude towards design, instead of acquiring certain skills or knowledge. A computerised, or computer-aided attitude, concludes an explicit object-based method for encasing data. Adversely, a computational attitude allows particular data to be attained from primary exploration. It is this new mode of exploration that I am very excited to put into action on the upcoming Wyndham City Gateway Project.
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FIGURES
Fig. 1. Me Fig. 2. My Virtual Environments paper fabricated lantern project Fig. 3. Site of Reversible Destiny <http://college.holycross.edu/interfaces/vol21-22_images/Kawamoto/yoro. jpg> Fig. 4. Site of Reversible Destiny <http://thefunambulistdotnet.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/yoro-park-by-tranedevore.jpg> Fig. 5. Blobwall Pavilion <http://mocoloco.com/upload/2008/05/blobwall/blobwall2.jpg> Fig. 6. Blobwall Pavilion <http://c1038.r38.cf3.rackcdn.com/group1/building2754/media/media_3.jpg> Fig. 7. ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion (2012) <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/icd-imagedb/ICD_ITKE_Pavilion_2012. jpg> Fig. 8. ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion (2012) <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/icd-imagedb/ICD_FP_12_03_ DryRun_01_640_title.jpg> Fig. 9. BMW Welt <http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EC1Z5_gnSX0/UOreNYup7yI/AAAAAAAAAtw/5uhhsTmxzDs/ s1600/BMW-Welt-3.jpg> Fig. 10. BMW Welt <http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ADvn343vUIE/USnuPCFPeSI/AAAAAAAACI4/StrykhR0XTg/ s320/BMW-WELT_5_Jitter_Split-List_Small.gif> Fig. 11. Aortic Arc @ CCA <http://www.evolo.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/aortic-arc-7.jpg> Fig. 12. Aortic Arc @ CCA <http://www.evolo.us/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/aortic-arc-6.jpg> Fig. 13. Lofted vase algorithmic exercise Fig. 14. Point/curve conversion algorithmic exercise Page 01 full bleed. My Studio: Water boathouse design Page 05 full bleed. <http://mallorea.student.utwente.nl/~jorg/Photos/Japan/Post39/Yourou/IMG_3513_4_5_ tm.jpg> Page 07 full bleed. <http://blobwallpavillion.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/img_1575.jpg> Page 13 full bleed. <http://www.bmwcoop.com/2010/04/26/bmw-still-second-place-for-sales-in-the-u-s/> Page 15 full bleed. <http://www.core.form-ula.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/heart_render_1_big-500x500. jpg>
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PART B EOI 2 DESIGN APPROACH
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B1 DESIGN FOCUS
Wyndham City is fronted by an environmentallyfriendly council that recognises the value of its surrounding agricultural and coastal landscapes. The council does not shy away from contemporary issues of sustainable urban living, and aims to embrace new technologies that can improve the longevity and wellbeing of its residents, natural resources, and ecological diversity. Accordingly, a biomimetic approach to new development will allow Wyndham to fulfil its eco-friendly principles, while also demonstrating to the wider Melbourne metropolitan area, that as a city, it approves of cultural and technological innovation.14
When biomimicry is applied to design, one is able to produce complex forms inspired by natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s intricacy, which bring a newfound level of efficiency and sustainability into play by ultimately integrating form, function, and structure into a coherent whole. Furthermore, biomimetic design is not only eyecatching but also inspires viewers to rethink their current notions towards living in a modern, everchanging city and society. The innovative evolution of Wyndham City relies on positive movement towards change, thus the dynamic nature of biomimicry in design serves as a excellent platform to achieve this.14
14. <http://books.google.com.au/books?id=mDHKVQyJ94gC&dq=biomimicry+in+architecture&source=gbs_navlinks_s>
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YEOSU OCEANIC PAVILION TOM WISCOMBE DESIGN 2010
The Yeosu Oceanic Pavilion (2010) by Tom Wiscombe Design was proposed to be the highlight of the Yeosu 2010 Expo, a space which honours the ocean as a living organism and the coexistence of human culture and ocean ecosystems. The pavilion itself and its surroundings enter into a feedback loop. The role of the architect is extended to involve the active reorganisation of matters and energies around and underneath the structure, where the species selects its environment as much as the environment selects its species.15
The building is based on an aggregation of soft membrane bubbles merged together with a hard monocoque shell. The two systems are characterised by patterns of surface articulation which are specific to their materiality. Deep pleats and mega-armatures that create structural stiffness are generally associated with the fibre-composite shell, while fine, double-pleated Air-beams spread over and stabilise the vaulted ETFE membranes. Micro-armatures transgress thresholds between shell and membrane, creating structural and ornamental continuity between systems.15
15. <http://www.tomwiscombe.com/project_15.html>
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MONOCOQUE 2 NERI OXMAN 2007
Monocoque 2 (2007) by Neri Oxman. French for “single shell,” Monocoque stands for a construction technique that supports structural load using an object’s external skin. Contrary to the traditional design of building skins that distinguish between internal structural frameworks and non-bearing skin elements, this approach promotes heterogeneity and differentiation of material properties. The project demonstrates the notion of a structural skin using a Voronoi pattern, the density of which corresponds to loading conditions.16
The distribution of shear-stress lines and surface pressure is embodied in the allocation and relative thickness of the vein-like elements built into the skin. Its innovative 3D printing technology provides for the ability to print parts and assemblies made of multiple materials within a single build, as well as to create composite materials that present preset combinations of mechanical properties. Oxman’s creations demonstrate the powerful combination of 3D printing and new design algorithms inspired from nature.17
16. <http://web.media.mit.edu/~neri/site/projects/monocoque2/monocoque2.html>. 17. < http://singularityhub.com/2012/06/04/3d-printing-is-the-future-ofmanufacturing-and-neri-oxman-shows-how-beautiful-it-can-be/>
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B2 CASE STUDY 1
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SPANISH PAVILION, EXPO 2005 FOREIGN OFFICE ARCHITECTS 2005
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1 The hexagonal patterning as seen on Foreign Office Architectsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Spanish Pavilion (2005) provides an appropriate starting point to begin analyzing and exploring the potential of design through algorithmic generation. The Pavilionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hexagonal tile cladding varies in colour and form as a result of a culling algorithm applied to the overall pattern. Each tile can either be completely flat or have a hollow center, while also receiving a particular colour. The cladding design relates to biomimicry in the sense that the varying hexagons can be seen to represent growth and change. A dynamic approach to patterning via a culling script could be applied to the Wyndham City project to exhibit notions of biomimicry. The exciting aspect to the Spanish Pavilionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s algorithmic patterning is that new additions and improvements can easily be applied to the simple geometric forms. The challenge now lies in how their algorithm can be manipulated to suite the Wyndham City Council brief.
Fig. 17
We selected the following five outcomes as we believed they were able to exhibit the greatest range of our explorations in generating patterns, and how a particular pattern can affect the overall 3D form. While experimenting with the original Grasshopper definition we were always aware of how our biomimetic theme could be manifested into a physical piece of architecture appropriate to Wyndham City.
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2
3
4
5
6
1. Alter original pattern. 2. Apply pattern to 3D surface. 3. Extrude surface pattern. 4. Cull pattern via images. 5. Larger hexagons piped offset. 6. Line-work piped and extruded.
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B3 CASE STUDY 2
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FIBROUS TOWER 2 KOKKUGIA 2008
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Fig. 18
We began by examining the Spanish Pavilion’s patterning in Case Study 1.0, however, for Case Study 2.0 we wanted to focus on explorations of structure. Kokkugia’s Fibrous Tower 2 provided the perfect outline to inform our algorithmic experiments of structure. The project itself is a continuous study into how a algorithmically generated skeletal form can act as both load-bearing structure and building skin. We attempted to reverse engineer Fibrous Tower 2 in order to create a definition that produced a model similar to the tower’s final form. The parametric modelling procedure started with a voronoi pattern produced between points spread over a 2D surface.
The points were culled to allow for precise control over the voronoi pattern. Curves were then fir into the voronoi cells to produce a pattern resembling cell division (as seen in Fibrous Tower 2). These fluid shapes were finally extruded and applied onto a 3D lofted surface similar in shape to Kokkugia’s design. Our selected outcomes were considered to closely resemble cell-division forms seen in Fibrous Tower 2. Some of the better examples show irregular patterning that conveys a more dynamic sense of growth and change, suitable to our biomemtic theme.
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1
2
3
1. Exploring complexity of irregular patterning. 2. Exploring complexity of irregular patterning. 3. Condensing and expanding the pattern.
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B4 TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT
The first part of our biomimetic theme, as seen previously, focuses on physical structure inspired by patterning and structural systems found in nature. Building on definitions created in Case Study 1.0 and 2.0 , we began producing a plethora of patterns based upon a preliminary voronoi pattern. Through uniting our previous explorations of hexagonal and cell-division patterning, we were able to generate a range of varied definitions to play with. Firstly, culling methods such as Populate 2D, image sampling, and true/false were applied. A few of the produced patterns were extruded with curves to fashion patterns resembling cell-division, while others remained angular. These patterns were then applied to varying curvilinear 3D forms that were inspired by organic, biomimetic geometry. We conducted tests to see how specific patterning would be affected after being applied to different 3D forms.
We have decided that the more enclosed 3D configurations are the most relevant to our design ideas and project. As for the patterning systems, the ones that we will continue to develop best exhibit biomimetic features in geometry, such as the curvilinear examples that convey the idea of a living, growing structure. The second part of our biomimetic theme focuses on the experimentation with interactive and responsive architecture. After delving into this field of design, we discovered Arduino sensor technology, and immediately wanted to work with it. This technology allowed us to combine physical sensory technology with parametric design techniques. As novice users of Arduino, some background research was required, which led us to realizing that additional hardware and software was necessary to begin integrated this technology into our project. Across the page is our Arduino setup diagram.
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SENSOR
BREADBOARD
ARDUINO BOARD ARDUINO SOFTWARE FIREFLY PLUG-IN GRASSHOPPER RHINO PAGE 36
BASIC VORONOI PATTERNING
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PHYLLOTAXIS PATTERNING
Preferred enclosed forms
Preferred enclosed forms
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B5 TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES
The biomimetic approach to architecture does not encompass the idea of simply copying efficient forms and structures found in nature. At its core is the ecosystem; more specifically, the relationships between elements of the ecosystem, which each interlink to form a coherent, functioning system. From delving into the world of interactive and performative architecture, we discovered Arduino sensor technology and its ability to input data from the physical world, and output it as a digital model. We were extremely excited about this technology as it is very accessible and perfectly connected our two fields of biomimicry and parametric modelling. Innovative works by Philip Beesley and Future Cities Lab both employ sensing technology to transform external data into new forms.
For this phase of our project we needed to test out our newly-acquired Arduino sensors by assembling a number of functioning prototypes. We bought a knock/vibration sensor, a sound pressure sensor and a light sensor, a breadboard, and the Arduino board to complete our setup. Through the USB connection on the Arduino board, we were able to make an interface between the hardware components and the PC software. Sensor readings were then transferred into Grasshopper via the free Firefly plug-in. After data was in Grasshopper it could then be visualized in Rhino in real-time. Input data from each sensor was connected to components in Grasshopper that controlled properties of a group of spheres. The spheres would output the data via enlarging or shrinking, accelerating, or changing colour, correspondingly.
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BREADBOARD
LIGHT SENSOR LED LIGHT RESISTOR
DIGITAL USB PORT
ARDUINO BOARD
ARDUINO LIGHT SKETCH PAGE 40
ANALOG INPUTS POWER
BREADBOARD
SOUND SENSOR
DIGITAL USB PORT
ANALOG INPUTS POWER
ARDUINO BOARD
ARDUINO SOUND SKETCH
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BREADBOARD
VIBRATION SENSOR
DIGITAL USB PORT
ARDUINO BOARD
ARDUINO VIBRATION SKETCH PAGE 42
ANALOG INPUTS POWER
Model in Rhino and Grasshopper definition used.
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B6 TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL
Our research into biomimicry, parametric modelling, and Arduino technology has concluded in this preliminary design concept. We propose to engage the immediate public (e.g. motorists) and the wider public through creating a fictional story intertwined with the City of Wyndham. The story starts with a fictional character as the protagonist. These fictional characters, titled â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Biological Environmental Responsive Transientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (aka B.E.R.T.s), exist ubiquitously in space. Wyndham City has been selected as a fictional testing ground where the behaviour of these organisms is observed. The B.E.R.T. organisms are normally invisible to the naked eye, however, a cage structure will be erected on the Wyndham City Gateway project site that is allegedly able to observe and record the behaviour of these organisms. This behaviour will then be transmitted to a website where it can be visually represented.
The cage structure will be a physical installation on site, nevertheless, the B.E.R.T. organisms will only be visible on the website (see following pages). The cage installation is equipped with Arduino sensors that will measure particular environmental forces, such as wind speed, sound and light concentration, or other data that is relevant to Wyndham City. The sensors will employ the same Arduino technology to transfer the input data to an off-site source that will apply computational algorithms to produce a virtual simulation of the B.E.R.T. behaviour to be visualized inside the cage on the website. This project will create dialogue encompassing parametric modelling and biomimetic design, which will generate positive publicity for Wyndham City. Furthermore, our project creates an accessible digital environment that is suitable and engaging for someone of any age.
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Fig. 19
One particular factor that will help this project generate discourse lies in its variance. For example, promoting users to perhaps bookmark the website so they can keep up to date on changes. This is dependant upon selecting factors to be measured that have a significant usefulness to visitors. Moreover, the cage installation on site must look interesting to a degree that would coerce people to search for the website. An alternate possibility is to project the website visualization of the B.E.R.T. organisms into a gallery space in Wyndham to generate additional public attention.
We trust that our accessible and whimsical take on the project will allow the public and professionals alike to see the value of parametric modelling and computational architecture as the appropriate way in which design should be progressing into the twenty-first century. B.E.R.T.s will produce a great deal of curiosity surrounding the city of Wyndham and develop appropriate discourse around the matters outlined by the Wyndham City brief.
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Flash animated renders for website.
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<http://productrev PAGE 47
view.netii.net/air/> PAGE 48
B7 ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES
Based on a definition that converts different geometry, I started with a list of points to create several curves. These were then turned into a surface, the surface converted back to curves, and these curves back to points.
I realised there are so many different ways to do this that need further eximination. This exploration looked at the different options for creating, decomposing and extracting geometry.
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Outcome of a definition that drew connected lines or polylines on a surface. I tried to create a definition that could produce a wide range of different patterns in the linework.
Some of the forms produced from this exercise were exploring early possibilities for different forms the cage could take.
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B8 LEARNING OUTCOMES
The outcome to the critique on our project last week is that the concept has a great deal of potential, but specific aspects need to be additionally refined so that the project can transform from just a concept into a concrete reality. The judging panel, and ourselves, thought that our proposal for the project was appropriate to the brief as there is real technology available (like Arduino sensors) to make an idea like ours a viable option for Wyndham City. The panel also believed the idea of a website was original and viable as a source of ongoing discourse. Nevertheless, there were two definite aspects to our project that needed further development.
Firstly, the cage structure has to be redesigned so that it is more visually appealing and responds contextually with the site in some manner. Secondly, the B.E.R.T. organisms must be limited further so that they have more defined attributes that react to the different forces being measured. Indeed perhaps not just forces like wind and light should be measured, instead, factors which are more applicable to the context of Wyndham City. It is crucial that these factors will promote a continual interest from the broader public. All these suggestions will help us achieve our goal of creating discourse and dialogue surrounding Wyndham City.
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FIGURES
Fig. 15. Yeosu Oceanic Pavilion <http://payload.cargocollective.com/1/2/82454/1291196/YEO_Best_6.jpg> Fig. 16. Monocoque 2 <http://fabulouslyfabricated.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/nerioxman_monocoque03.jpg> Fig. 17. Spanish Pavilion <http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I00004d7Hq0Z9fTo/s/650/650/Expo-spain.jpg> Fig. 18. Fibrous Tower 2 <http://stat2.architizer-cdn.com/mediadata/projects/472009/rx410/a0151e06.jpg> Fig. 19. Preliminary cage design rendered using VRay Page 28 full bleed. Spanish Pavilion <http://farm1.staticflickr.com/10/13287923_2bde0f7519_o.jpg> Page 32 full bleed. Fibrous Tower 2 <http://arkinetblog.files.wordpress.com/2010/02/g.jpg?w=698>
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