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SCOTT ROWE AIR STUDIO ABPL30048 SEMESTER 2 2 0 15 TUTOR CANHUI CHEN
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CONTENTS
0 6 I N T R O D U C T I O N 0 8 A . C O N C E P T U A L I S AT I O N 0 8 A . 1 D E S I G N C O M P U TAT I O N 1 0 A . 2 D E S I G N F U T U R I N G 14 A . 3 C O M P O S I T I O N A N D G E N E R AT I O N 16 A . 4 L E A R N I N G O U T C O M E S 18 B . C R I T E R I A D E S I G N 18 B . 1 R E S E A R C H F I E L D 2 0 B . 2 C A S E S T U D Y 1 . 0 2 2 B . 3 C A S E S T U D Y 2 . 0 2 6 B . 4 T E C H N I Q U E D E V E L O P E M E N T 3 0 B . 5 T E C H N I Q U E P R O T O T Y P E S 3 2 B . 6 T E C H N I Q U E P R O P O S A L 3 4 B . 7 L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I V E S
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3 6 C . D E TA I L E D D E S I G N 3 6 C . 1 D E S I G N C O N C E P T 3 8 C . 2 TECTONIC ELEMENTS AND PROTOTPES 4 3 C . 3 F I N A L D E TA I L M O D E L 5 0 C . 4 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES 5 2 R E F E R E N C E S
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INTRODUCTION
SCOTT ROWE 22 MELBOURNE ARCHITECTURE STUDENT
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Scott is my name, Architecture is my game! For me Architecture represents the perfect amalgoration of all that I love. Creativity, mathematics, order, expression, reasoning, philosophy, history and of course technology. It is not hard to describe me, I’m a task orientated perfectionist - i’m not happy until its done properly. To satisfy my perfectionist needs I came to Melbourne University after studying mechanical enginneering. Over the past three years I have learnt so much, from what colour a black fineliner is based from to what a NURBS curve is. Studios have alway been my favourite aspect of studying and Air Studio was no exception.
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CONCEPTU DESIGN COMPUTATION
Habitat 67, Moshe Safdie
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A L I S AT I O N Computation has provided various benefits
architecture, analysis can made of a project
to the architect. They can follow a line of
before it is built. In this manner a projects
reasoning to its logical conclusion, never tire
thermal, acoustic and energy systems can be
or make simple mistakes and have to ability
altered in the design phase so as to benefit
to search and correlate facts1. Fore-mostly
the user and the environment. Computational
computers found their way into architectural
architecture perhaps became most prominent
design through Computer Aided Drafting
with the development of prefabrication.
(CAD) software. Wherein the traditional tasks
Originating in the post-war era of Buckminster
of drafting plans and building models by
Fuller’s Dymaxion House and Charles and Ray
hand were replaced with programs that could
Eame’s Case Study 8 House, prefabrication
perform the same operations with far greater
utilized flexible geometries to create easily
accuracy and speed. Next came solution
assembled housing. Through CAD and BIM
synthesis, or building optimization. Through
software projects of complex patterns and
the introduction of Building Information
geometries the likes of Habitat 67 were able
Modeling (BIM) software the requirements,
to come to fruition. There is no doubt that
constraints, inputs and outputs of an
advancements of technology have heavily
envisioned building could be measured, and
influenced architecture and will continue to do
optimized. Crucial to the field of sustainable
so in the future.
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DESIGN FUTURING
Designed by Saucier + Perotte Architectes
from public transport as well as onsite bycycle
in conjunction with Hughes Condon Marler
storage and showers promotes sustainable
Architects University of British Columbia’s
transport. Two full height atriums effectively
Pharmaceutical Sciences building is a
placed within the building offset the need for
leading precedent in the field of sustainable
artifical lighting and to balance temperature
construction. Built to the Leadership in
and ventilation. UBC’s Pharaceutical Science
Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) gold
building show precedents in the field of
registration standard, 17% of the building
sustainable architecture through use of
material consists of recycled content with 89% avante-garde building materials, construction of waste during construction diverted from landfill.2 Emphasis placed on ease of access
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techniques and design practices.
UBC Pharmaceutical Sciences Building3
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Robin Hoods Garden4
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Following the aftermath of world war II,
commissions for the projects as Hunstan
significant societal changes were occurring
Secondary Modern School, the Economist
the world over. In London, with the significant
headquaters and finally Robin Hoods Garden.
loss of housing coupled with the baby boom,
Completed in 1972, Robin Hoods Garden
much emphasis was placed on economic
sought to ‘combine the community of the
public infrastructure. Amidst the prevailing
Victorian slums with the efficiency and density
modernism movement at the time, English
of Le Corbusier’s housing blocks’5. Radical yet
architects Peter and Alison Smithson found
carefully thought out the building unfortunately
an opportunity to push towards a new style
became plagued with structural problems
called Brutalism. Brutalism sought to strip
and a crippling crime rate. Through it’s raw
the embellishments of modernist buildings,
materiality and brutal, powerful aesthetics
emphasizing economic modularity, materiality
it instigated a fundamental change in
and purity. This style, reflecting the ideals
architectural thinking towards economization
of the emerging community, gave rise to the
- something that has become increasingly
popularity of the duo providing them with
valued in our climate conscious present.
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composition and generation
Antoni Gaudi’s hanging chain model6
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The line between computers as a mere tool
website Davis states that parametric modelling
for architects or as designing mechanisms
programs are merely representational tools
themselves has begun to blur. Many presume
and that the results do not constitute a style,
that while computers can follow instructions
as for example one could design the Villa
precisely and faultlessly, that they are totally
Savoye using Grasshopper, yet that does
incapable of making up new instructions:
not mean it was ‘parametrically designed’.
they lack any creative abilities or intuition7.
However these programs do mark a shift
Yet unprecedented advancements in
in design thinking from compositional to
computation, namely parametric modelling
generative. Precedents in this approach to
software appear to contradict this notion.
design can be traced back to Antoni Gaudi’s
What does parametric modelling software
infamous chain model design for the Colonia
do? Parametric modelling programs produce
Guell Chapel. By hanging the structure
models whose geometry can be defined by
upside down independent parameters; string
a finite set of parameters8. These programs
length and weight locations were made
allow architects to design complex, buildable
subject to explicit functions; Newtons laws
geometries in a bottom up approach wherein
of motion. Critiques can be made for both
the relationship between details can be
compositional and generational approaches to
specified and altered almost instantaneously.
design. Generative, of a bottom up approach
Advances in computational technology such
wherein the relationship between details can
as these is what led Patrik Schumacher, of
be reformed encourages spontaneity and
Zaha Hadid Architects, to propose a new style
interpretation and produces intricate designs.
‘Parametricism’ in his essay ‘Let the style wars
On the contrary the compositional, top-down
begin’. An architectural style of allegedly the
approach to architecture still remains popular.
same magnitude of Modernism, its basis in
In this approach designers are free to chop
summary, rests on the proposition that all
and change elements of a design without fear
architectural elements and complexes are
of breaking algorithmic rules. Through this
parametrically malleable9. However the use
method projects can be considered in a more
of this term has been labelled incorrect or
holistic manner and focus can be placed on
controversial, particularly by computation
human intuition and creativity rather than
design PhD student Daniel Davis. Through his
computational pattern making.
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learning outcomes
The rapid evolution of architecture at the
In observing the multifaceted forms that can
whims of technology is dizzying. Within the
be conceived through the use of parametric
space of several decades architects broke free
modelling software, particularly Grasshopper,
of the limitations of pen and paper, utilizing
I look forward to what I will able to produce.
computers to improve almost all aspects of
In particular, as I always attempt to find a
the profession. Gravity defying structural
connection between the project and the site
forms. Energy efficient systems. Elaborate
and its users, I am interested in how I can use
facades. All these were made possible via
this software to produce a responsive design.
the superior processing power of computers.
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RMIT Swanston Academic Building
CRITERIA research field
‘The Information Age, just like the Industrial Age before, is challenging not only how we design buildings, but also how we manufacturing and construct them’10 - Branko Kolarevic
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Tiling at the Alhambra, Spain11
DESIGN Tessellation refers to repeating patterns
of tessellation, when scaled down to a certain
without gaps or overlapping. In designing with
degree, complex tessellated elements begin to
tessellation assortments of shapes are tested
act as building components such as bricks or
against one another to achieve an interlocking
tiles which can be manipulated to suit a range
harmony which can span and repeat. The
of forms taking on free-flowing characteristics.
art of tessellation dates back and farther to
Referring to projects such as Skylar Tibbit’s
Islamic Moorish architecture wherein Islam
VoltaDom for MIT or the Karamba Pavilion by
forbids living objects as representations of
Manuel Hartmann the use of computation
art.12 Within the realm of computation design
design allowed for complex double curved
polysurfaces are converted into tessellated
forms to be fabricated from developable single
meshes to be rendered, commonly through
curved strips which connected in a tessellated
parametric design tools such as the Kangaroo
manner. Within these projects parametric
Physics plug-in for Grasshopper exemplified in
design facilitated prefabricated, structurally
projects such as Matsys’s Shellstar Pavilion.
optimal, easily assembled, iteration flexible
Due to the simplistic one dimensional nature
intricate overall forms.
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CASE STUDY 1.0
S1 - Cone radius and heights were fixed, alterned surface domain inputs for isotrim component to produce ‘rings’. Geometries than applied to grids and other forms.
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S2 - Cone component replaced with alternate geometries. Isotrim component removed. Points applied to irregular planar surfaces.
S3 - Voronoi cell pattern applied to differing base surfaces. Trimmed cones applied.
S4 - Isotrim component removed, cones then populated with points using List Item. Geometries applied to points. Later spheres replaced cones in orignal script.
Of the results produced, I would personally
timber panels. On the otherhand S3.1 and
consider iterations S1.3, S1.4, S3.1 and S3.4
S3.4 illustrate an organic aesthetic through
the most successful. Each of these iterations
an almost recursive style of design, wherein
offer viable, logical, pattern based designs
curvilinear forms are applied to curvilinear
which could be prefabricated and constructed.
forms to produce unique outcomes. Due to
In particular S1.3 and S1.4 depict surface
their tessellated assemblage, prefabricated
patterns that have architectural implications
construction of these elements could hold
for facades, partitions or even garden designs.
precedents for pavilions, light fittings or
Constituting of standardized elements, it
sculptural elements. These iterations depict
is possible to envisage these design being
textured designs applicable not only to
fabricated from strips of sheet metal or ply
building forms yet also decorative elements.
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CASE STUDY 2.0
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Karamba Pavilion13
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Under the instruction of Manuel Hartmann the
to which I could populate with intersecting
University of Innsbruck’s Institute for Design
geometries using Grasshopper. Of the entire
team set out to construct the ‘Pavilion for One
task this proved to be the most challenging
Summer’.14 Responding to a brief of creating
aspect. After much experimentation I found
a temporary, wooden, lightweight pavilion
that to populate the initial surface with
costing less than 1500 euros, the Karamba
geometries that cleanly trimmed along
Pavilion was constructed within a week.
intersecting edges the initial surface had to
Utilizing the Grasshopper plugin Karamba,
be as uniform as possible, without any sharp
an optimal structure was found wherein 30
curves. To remedy the problem I trimmed
randomized coned geometries were arranged
and scaled a sphere geometry to produce a
in a voronoi pattern. Using Grasshopper to
surface that was relatively uniform compared
trim the intersecting forms, they were then
with previous lofted surfaces. In considering
unrolled into single curved planar surfaces
the final outcome it can be seen that the
that could be bent and joined together to
cone centers are located differently to
form the resulting sea-urchin-like pavilion.
the constructed pavilion, however altering
What is innovative about this project is that it
the ‘seed’ input to the populate geometry
used computational design to produce double
component I was able to produce a similar
curved complex forms which were structural
design. Personally I found that the script
optimal, prefabricated, inexpensive, intricate,
greatly enhanced my understanding of
easily assembled and iteration-flexible. To
computational tessellated design, through
reverse engineer the project I sought foremost
exploring the script I can now apply a variety
the form an initial base surface within Rhino,
of intersecting geometries to various surfaces.
Reverse-engineering diagram
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technique developement
Continuing on from Case Study 2.0 the task
original script in that they relied upon folding,
was manipulate the existing script to produce
rigid materials for construction rather than
numerous iterations exploring alternatives in
utilizing bending forces to hold form. On the
form, construction and materiality. Through
other hand species 4 played with ideas of
modifying, subtracting and adding existing
materiality. Through altering the pavilion’s
components as well as baking resultant
thickness it become clear that a more
geometries into meshes and altering them
rounded, voluminous materials intensified
using plug-ins such as Kangaroo and
the organic, lively aesthetic. Alternatively
WeaverBird the following iterations were
fragmentation in species 5 explored intricate,
created. An experimental task, I found the
fragile motifs holding precedents for more
unrollable iterations of particular interest.
tranquil environments. Through creating these
This can be seen in the crimping effects
iterations and extending the limits of the form,
produce in the first few iterations of species
I discovered possible alternate uses, materials,
1, the fold-able panels of species 2 and the
assemblage techniques and aesthetics to be
overlapping circular framed structures in
considered in later stages of my design.
species 3. These iterations differed from the
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S1
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S2
S3
S4
S5
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technique prototypes
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In constructing a prototype five cone segments pins placed at the extremities of these curves were extracted from the Case Study 2.0 reverse held the overall structure together with engineer rhino file. Then it was only a matter
minimal tension. The pins allowed for ease of
of unrolling the geometries, constructed
assemblage as during construction rotational
assemblage tabs and nominating cut and
forces attempted to separate adjacent edges.
score lines within a card cutter template.
The resulting prototype tested possibilities in
Nominating optix 300GSM card the two
fabrication techniques, costs and materiality.
dimensional shapes were cut at the Melbourne
In producing the prototype the characteristics
University fabrication workshop and assembled of constructed double curved surfaces of in the manner illustrated below. In assembling
unrolled materials remained true. It was
the prototype it was discover that as the
inexpensive, approximately $5, intricate and
geometries joined along curved surfaces,
easily fabricated.
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technique proposal
Views from Main Yarra Trail
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Proposed for the site of Merri Creek, the users
expansive concrete wall separates the urban
consist primarily of leisure seeking local
dwellings above from the Yarra River. Using
residents however they also include and are
parametric modeling my intention is to create
not limited to; out of towners, market goers,
a tessellated living wall of open panels to
cyclists, watercraft enthusiasts, bird watchers,
remedy the discontinuity of nature at the site
visitors of the Collingwood Children’s farm
wherein local flora can be planted, providing
and environmental scientists. Importantly the
habitation for wildlife. As a result my design
area hosts an assortment of wildlife inclusive
will contribute to the efforts made by the Merri
of, kingfishers, yellow-tailed black cockatoos,
Creek Management Committee in replanting
echnidas, murray cod, brown trout, frogs and
Merri Creek in an attempt to remedy the
recently platypuses.15 Along the Main Yarra
damage done during heavy industrial use
Trail just north of Abbotsford Convent an
throughout the twentieth century.
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learning objectives
Overall I’ve found Part B to be the most
explore a vast array of possibilities, enriching
challenging and rewarding component of
my design outcomes. An interesting aspect of
Air Studio thus far. Personally I feel that my
parametric modeling is the ease of fabrication.
capabilities with Grasshopper has improved
In considering the times I’ve spent measuring
through experimenting with scripts; visualizing
and cutting shapes to exact dimensions to
general geometries then through a series
construct models, it is easy to see the vast
of trial and error of matching different
benefits of digital fabrication. Furthermore
components, manipulating data structures and the beauty in the intricacy that parametric altering inputs. Due to the heavy computation
modeling allows for in astounding, never
aspect of this studio I’ve approached the
before in history has such complex designs
brief in a completely different manner. The
been achievable without extensive labour. I
design process I’ve taken is that of intense
look forward to part C in developing my skills
exploration. As Grasshopper allows for flexible
and appling them to the final design.
iterative design, I believe that I’ve been able to
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Voussoir Cloud, IwamotoScott16
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D E TA I L E D DESIGN CONCEPT
‘Only in the last decade has parametric modelling gone from being a mathematical trick employed by Gaudí, Otto, Sutherland, and some engineers now to being a regular part of architectural practice.’17 - Daniel Davis
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Site Along Merri Creek Trail
DESIGN Following the interim presentation our studio
aspect of the site. After discussing our
was split into groups to collaborate on a final
concepts, skill strengths and the site we
project according to our design approaches.
decided to develop an interactive installation
In visiting the site our group decided on a
utilizing cones to focus sounds, encouraging
position along Merri Creek which consisted
users to further explore the site. In considering
of small rapids. There surrounded by dense
the construction of our installation, I thought
development on all sides, the space was
of how my tessellated living wall could be
remarkably peaceful and this ambiance had
adapted to focus sound. After researching
the effect of removing the visitor from any
the physics of sound, it was concluded that
sense of the close proximity of the urban
the cones could be used to form an enclosed,
context. Despite this, we noticed most users
soundproof space which facilitated the input
did not deviating from the path. However in
of noise via small holes. This meant that the
doing so one can hear the sounds of water
success of the project was dependant on the
flowing over rocks, a special and engaging
joins between the individual geometries.
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TECHTONIC ELEMENTS AND PROTOTYPES
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To construct our project we began with
cone geometry overlapped along a concaved
applying cone geometries to a domed base
curve, when unrolled these intersections
surface. The cones were trimmed along their
were inversely represented as convex curves.
intersection joints and tops to create holes.
Therefore holes were placed along these
At the intersections curves were extruded in
convex curves and cable ties joined the cone
parabolic fashion to create the spiked framing
geometries. Next the laser cut Luan plywood
system. Opaque polypropylene was laser cut
frames were connected in the same hole and
to produce unrolled cone surfaces which were
cable tie system along corresponding edges
connected with rivets through holes placed
and rested upon the cone structure.
along the straight edged extremities. As each
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FINAL DETAIL MODEL “Mr. Alien�
After presenting our completed design we took them with structural support. The size of the onboard the feedback given and proceeded
holes and cable ties used to join them were
to construct our final model. Primarily our
decreased to provide better sound proofing.
initial design lacked structural integrity. As
The overall number of holes along the cone
there were no connection between the framing
edges were increased from an average of
system and cones the model’s individual
three to around seven. This facilitated an
components were subject to movement and
appearance of stitching, adding to the projects
thus damage. The framing system itself was
organic aesthetic. Lastly the colour of the
improved through designing discs to slot
polypropylene cones were altered from clear
into the parabolic frames so as to prevent
to white, this in conjunction with reducing the
any rotational movement and to define a
size of the tubes 20mm to 6mm, added to
consistent distance between each frame
the projects mysterious, organic appearance.
piece. The frame itself was construct of MDF
Overall what is most enjoyable of the project
as opposed to Luan Plywood and reduced
is its functionality. Users are able to talk, blow
in size so as to appear less intimidating and
air and perhaps even pour drinks into either
more open to interaction from the public. As
end of the tubes connected to the cones
stated earlier, the most essential aspect of
whilst being isolated from the other users.
the project is the detailing of the joins. In the
It has been playing around and testing the
final model the cones were attached not only
capabilities of Mr. Alien that I have enjoyed
to each other but to the framing, providing
most this semester.
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES What have I learnt from Air Studio? Don’t
and applying circle geometries at the division
flatten a tree that needs grafting. Double
points or as for the William Barak Apartements
check your fablab files. Its good to get stuck
behind it an image sampler component
in a Grasshopper problem. Think about your
could deform the facade geometries to
fabrication tools limitations. Prepare to remake create a face. I’ve found the best practice
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models. Of the studios I’ve done at Melbourne
was to preview on and off components of a
so far, I have definitely learnt the most from
foreign script until you begin to see patterns
Air. Now when given a brief, I can produce
and understand what a combination of
a vast range of design responses using
components can achieve. Then once you find
parametric modelling and then express these
out how these cluster work its simply a matter
designs clearly using rendering and formatting
of changing numeric inputs, base geometries
programs. To learn Grasshopper I had to think
or swapping similar components to see what
in a critically mathematical manner, a frame of
happens. Air studio has opened my eyes to
mind that I’ve never used for designing. It is in
the capabilites of modelling softwares and
this mindset that I’ve begun to notice patterns
thier associated fabrication machines. I fully
in the physical world around me. For example
intend to further experiment with grasshopper
RMIT design hub may well have been designed
to create some interesting geometries, and
in Grasshopper through subdividing a surface
then fabricate them!
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REFERENCES
Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-aided Design, (Boston, MIT
Press: 2004), pp.2
The University of British Columbia Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, About Our Building, < http://pharmsci.ubc.ca/facili-
ties/about-our-building> [accessed 15 August 2015]
ArchDaily, UBC Faculity of Pharmaceutical Sciences / Saucier + Perrotte architectes, 2012, photograph, http://images.
adsttc.com/media/images/507f/6f48/28ba/0d02/6200/0056/large_jpg/UBC_Pharmacy_Saucier___Perrrotte_4548813_14_3_(900). jpg
ArchDaily, Clássicos da Arquitetura: Robin Hood Gardens / Alison e Peter Smithson, 2012, photograph, http://www.
archdaily.com.br/br/01-36972/biblioteca-municipal-de-stuttgart-yi-architects/36972_36973?ad_medium=widget&ad_name=navigation-next.
ArchDaily, Spotlight: Alison and Peter Smithson, <http://www.archdaily.com/645128/spotlight-alison-and-peter-smithson>
[accessed 15 August 2015]
Dataphys, List of Physical Visualizations, 2007, photograph, http://dataphys.org/list/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/
DSC00764.jpg
Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-aided Design, (Boston, MIT
Press: 2004), pp.6
Daniel Davis Blog, Patrick Schumacher – Parametricism, <http://www.danieldavis.com/patrik-schumacher-parametricism/>
[accessed 6 November 2015]
Architects Journal, Patrick Schumacher on parametricism – ‘Let the style wars begin’, <http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/
patrik-schumacher-on-parametricism-let-the-style-wars-begin/5217211.article> [accessed 6 November 2015]
Branko Kolarevic, Architecture in the Digital Age; Design and Manufacturing, (New York, Spoon Press: 2003), pp. 5
Hoboish, Alhambra Detail 1, 2015, photograph, https://hoboish.files.wordpress.com/2015/06/alhambra-detail-1.jpg
Opposing Views, Tessellations in Islamic Art, <http://people.opposingviews.com/tessellations-islamic-art-2800.html> [accessed 22 September 2015]
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Karamba Parametric Engineering, Karamba3D wood pavilion, 2011, photograph, http://www.karamba3d.com/wp-content/
uploads/2013/11/karamba3d-wood_pavilion_hartmann_manuel-final2.jpg
Karamba Parametric Engineering, Small Wooden Pavilion, <http://www.karamba3d.com/small-wooden-building-pavil-
lon-in-alberschwende/> [accessed 24 September 2015]
Merri Creek Management Committee, About Merric Creek, <http://www.mcmc.org.au/index.php?option=com_con-
tent&view=article&id=36&Itemid=188> [accessed 24 September 2015]
Alvar Aalto Symposium, Voussoir Cloud, 2015, photograph, http://alvaraaltosymposium.fi/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/
Voussoir-Cloud_photo-by-JudsonTerry.jpg
Daniel Davis Blog, A History of Parametric Design, <http://www.danieldavis.com/a-history-of-parametric/> [accessed 22
September 2015]
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