Computational Design - Biomimetics - 3rd Semester

Computational Design -Biomimetics Natural systems are effective in producing material and energy efficient solutions in response to external stimuli and environment. Can we not see nature as “forms” but rather learn from the functional principles of natural forms. Physical modeling will be a key to understanding material relationships and for digital calibrations.

01

Boot Camp - Smocking

02

Natural System - Pine cone

03

System Development - Kinetic Facade (Auxetics)

01 Boot Camp Smocking Technique - Knotting Material System - Grid System Material System - Experiment 1 - PVC Mesh Experiment 1 - Felt Paper Set of experiments – Alteration of gathering points Alteration of diagonals Alteration of grid ratios Alteration of grid patterns Hybrid models part 01 Hybrid models part 02

INTENT - Form finding through self-organization of material system under the influence of extrinsic forces applied through the technique of knotting. Series of manipulation criteria were derived through vector points.

LEARNING OUTCOME: Exp 1 - As the distance of the gathering points increases the surface and height deviation increases Exp 2 - Smaller the distance and greater the gathering distance gives the maximum surface and height deviation Exp 3 - 1:1 Ratio of the sheet gives a synclastic curve whereas all other leads to warping in the outcome with max surface and height deviation in 1:2 Exp 4 - Star polygon gives the maximum height deviation which was equivalent to a square grid Exp 5 - Concentric Octagonal grid gives maximum Surface & height deviation

Technique Process

Material - Felt Paper

Grid System

Technique - Knotting

Final Outcome

Grid System

Direction of knotting points

Identifying the knotting points

C = Gathering Distances

Experiment 1: Gathering Distances Aim: To study height modulation w.r.t Gathering distances Constants: Grid Size : a x b : 50 x 50 Sheet Size : p=7a, q=5b 490 x 300 Variables: Range of gathering points (c) : 5 mm 7.5 mm 10 mm 12.5 mm

Exp 1.1

Exp 1.2

Exp 1.3

Inferences - A combination of synclastic and anticlastic curves was observed in all explorations - Maximum height is observed in c = 15mm (deviation in x axis=50mm and y axis = 40mm - Percentage surface deviation observed in x axis = [1-(400/490)]*100= 18% y axis = [1-(245/300)]*100= 18% - Height Deviation = 5<7.5<10<12.5<15 - Surface Deviation = 5<7.5<10<12.5<15 - As the height deviations were observed to be max in c=10,12.5 and 15mm but difference were noticed in c = 10 and c = 15 , thus they were taken forward for further exploration

Exp 1.4

Exp 1.5

Experiment 2: Grid Sizes Aim: To study height modulation w.r.t grid size Constants: Sheet Size : p x q = 450 x 250 Set of gathering distances: 10 & 15

Ex 1.a 50 x 50, c = 15

Variables: Range of grid size (a x b) : 50mm x 50mm 75mm x 50mm 90mm x 50mm

Inferences

Ex 2.b 75 x 50, c = 15

- Maximum number of peaks and valleys were observed in 50x50 grid .

- Maximum height deviation is observed in 50x50 grid with c=10mm.

- Maximum end segment deviation is observed in 50x50 grid with c=15mm.

- Percentage surface deviation observed in 10mm gathering distance - x axis = [1-(390/450)]*100= 13% 10mm gathering distance - y axis = [1-(215/250)]*100= 14% 15mm gathering distance - x axis = [1-(385/450)]*100= 15% 15mm gathering distance - y axis = [1-(213/250)]*100= 15% - Since end segment height and surface deviation is maximum in c=15mm and height deviation is comparable to maximum height deviation, thus inference was made to take c=15mm for further explorations.

Ex 3.b 90 x 50, c = 15 M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID 20315

Experiment 3: Sheet size Aim: To study height modulation w.r.t sheet size

Exp 3.1

Constants: Grid Size (a x b) : 50 mm x 50 mm Gathering distance c = 15 mm Variables: Range of ratios varying the sheet size (p : q) : 1:1 - 350 x 350 1:2 - 500 x 250 3:2 - 600 x 400 4:3 - 400 x 300 5:3 - 500 x 300

Exp 3.2

Inferences - A synclastic curve is observed in 1:1 sheet ratio - A variable double curvature was observed, which was having a warping effect on the sheet along x and y axis as follows Ratio 1:2- Variable Ratio 3.2-Warping along Y-Axis Ratio 4:3-Warping along Y -Axis Ratio 5:3- Warping along X-Axis -Thus, 1:1 sheet ratio was taken forward for further exploration

Exp 3.3

Exp 3.4

Experiment 4: Grid shapes Aim: To study height modulation w.r.t grid shapes Constants: Grid Size : - axb: 50x50 Gathering distance : c = 15 Variables: Grid Patterns : -Triangle -Diamond -Pentagon -Hexagon -Star

Exp 4.1

Exp 4.2

Inferences - Order of resultant number of peaks and valleys Diamond > Pentagon > Hexagon > Star > Triangle - Order of resultant height deviation – X Axis - Star > Diamond >Triangle > Pentagon > Hexagon Y Axis – Star > Diamond >Triangle > Hexagon > Pentagon - It was observed that a Square grid outcome were similar to diamond grid in terms of number of peaks and valleys.

- It was observed that square grid showed equivalent height deviation as the star grid.

- Thus ,an inference was made to take a square grid forward for further explorations.

Exp 4.3

Exp 4.4

Experiment 5 : Grid pattern Aim: To study height modulation w.r.t grid pattern

Exp 5.1

Constants: Sheet Size : - pxq: 350x350 Gathering distance : c = 15 Variables: Grid Patterns : 5.1 Centrally expanding grid 5.2 Ascending Grid 5.3 Diagonal Square - Rectangle grid 5.4 Trapezoidal Triangular Grid 5.5 Concentric Octagonal Grid

Exp 5.2 Inferences

Radial Hybrid -Variable cross sectional curvature was observed, with ends supporting and center not touching the ground .

Diagonal Grid – Uniform sectional curvature is formed as observed in the square grid. It is observed that the surface deviation in diagonal grid is 3 times to square grid ,thus a rigid geometry is formed in this case.

Exp 5.3

Shape Hybrid – Triangle and Trapezium grid were observed to have increase in number of peaks and valley compared to a homogeneous triangular grid. The height Deviation obtained is also comparable to triangular grid .

Ascending Grid – This variable curvature formed warps along the Y-Axis .The curvature shows a deviation of 2x=y as shown in the calculation – X Axis=[1-(250/350)*]100 = 28.57% Y Axis=[1-(300/350)*100]=14.29%

Exp 5.4

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID 20315

02 Nautual System Pine Cone

INTENT - The process of this studio tends to develop an understanding from the given natural system- “Pine Cone”. Going through various layers for better understanding such as - mechanisms, geometry, material properties, behavior of the elements, movements,functional principles of the system. Further exploration are made through physical modeling to understand the mechanism of the natural system.

LEARNING OUTCOME: When Veneer is subjected to a particular water temperature, the deflection bending in the material is used to create a material system.

Pine cones are hygroscopic which means they soak up water from their surrounding environment (like humid air or rainwater). The cells located at the bottom of the cone’s scales absorb water and that pressure is enough to move the rest of the scale forward.

Body of Pine Cone

Movement due to water absorption

Direction and Alignment of scales

Each scale can be viewed as a bilayer structure in which the swelling/shrinking Direction in each layer is constrained by the orientation of the stiff cellulose Micro fibrils. The bottom layer upon shrinking will contract along the length of the scale.

Water Absorption expands and contracts the fibers and induce bending movement. Slope and ascending bracket scale.

- Each scale can absorb a water droplet and water can slide in till the core

Mechanism taken forward -

Geometry

- Water Absorption - Bending Deflection - Direction of bending - Direction of grains

Developed System - Veneer Bending

Experimental Setup

Material Experiments

Veneer is chosen as an experimental material as it is a hygroscopic material. The mechanism of water absorption tends to show bending deflection in it

The veneer tends to bend perpendicular to its grain direction

scale

The alteration in experiments is done by manipulating grain directions.

The idea is explored various curve modulation and height in the surface through material bending.

horizontal grain direction

Experiment setup includes Veneer with fabric backing as the material. Initially the process started with experimenting: 1. Individual modules 2. Module transformed as a sheet 3. Module system Techniques: -Subtraction -Addition -Overlapping -Interlocking

setup

module

Exploring the material bending through layering

warm water 150 ml

Time - 30 seconds Water temperature - 120 C Water quantity - 150 ml

The setup prepared to observe the reaction of veneer with specific amount of water for every experiment.

Material backing with fabric tends to induce pressure on the veneer layer and helps it in bending in one particular direction.

A - Platsic sheet B - vaseline C- no layering Module with the no layering bends the most

Experiment 1.1 Aim: To study height modulation w.r.t reducing the area Constants: Grid Size : a x b : 70x 70 Sheet Size : p=7a, q=4b 364 x 314

1a 0 mm offset

1c 10 mm offset

1b 12.5 mm offset

1d 7.5 mm offset

Variables: Offset for porosity 0 mm 12.5 mm 10 mm 7.5 mm Technique: Substraction

C= offset

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

- Porosity tends to deflect each elements individually and the curve is not seen as a whole - The connected elements tend to induce a deflection.

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID 20315

Experiment 3 Aim:

To study bending curvature w.r.t grain directions

Constant: Module Size : a x b : 50x 50

Variable: Grain directions : 90 °, 75 °, 60 °, 45 °, 30 ° & 15 °.

- 60 degree has the maximum bending - 45 degree has minimum bending

Experiment 1.2

- The sheet attains a form due to the pattern at the end of the sheet - Alternate porosity 1.2A depicts a stable structure

Aim:

To study height modulation w.r.t reducing the area

Constant: Grid Size : a x b : 70x 70

Variable: Offset for porosity - combinations 0 mm 10 mm Sheet grid

Technique: Subtraction

C= offset

Experiment 2

- The techniques tend to form a curvature, but the deflection in the sheet was not controlled through parameters.

Aim:

To study height modulation w.r.t overlapping

Constant:

01.Grain direction - horizontal-vertical

Grid Size : a x b : 70x 70

Variable: Overlapping technique through interlocking and variation with grain direction

02.Grain direction - horizontal-fabric side

Technique: Overlapping

03.Grain direction - 60° (front) - 45° (fabric side)

Experiment 4

- Bending curvature in 60-45 option, tends to give a synclastic curve.

Aim:

To study bending w.r.t grain direction

Constant:

45-90

Grid Size : a x b : 70x 70

- The overlapping joinery was restricting the movement in individual modules, due to sticking, hence we introduce a joinery mechanism in the following experiments

Variable: Grain directions : 90 °, 75 °, 60 °, 45 °, 30 ° & 15 °.

Technique:

60-45

Addition M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID 20315

Experiment 5

A

50x50 - 7 mm

Aim:

Graph - A

To study bending curvature w.r.t grain directions

Constant: Grid Size : a x b : 70x 70, 50 x 50 Sheet Size : p=7a, q=4b 364 x 314

Graph - B B

Variable:

- Due to limited connection, the deflection was not getting transferred to achieve a constant curvature through Out the system - Reversing of the sheets gives a Deflection in both the axis due to less interconnections the bending is not transferred

1) Grain direction 60 & 45 2) Reversing the sheet modules

Technique: Addition w.r.t modules

Experiment 6

C

Aim:

To study bending curvature w.r.t material deflection

Constant:

Graph - C

No. of modules 5x6 (X x Y) Grain directions - 60 and 45 , riveting through overlapping. a x b : 70x 70, 50 x 50

D

Variable:

Graph - D

- 70x70 module - 148 mm highest Curvature. Observed an ascending curve

Material felt paper - Felt paper adds to the bending of veneer, achieves a curved surface with the height 70mm.

- Felt paper as a top layer absorbs water and facilitates the bending of the entire system.

Technique: Addition w.r.t overlapping and joinery

Experiment 7 & 8

E

Aim:

To study bending curvature w.r.t grain directions

Constant: No. of modules 5x6 (X x Y) Grain directions - 60 and 45 , riveting through 4 point joinery

Graph - E

Variable:

F

a x b : 70x 70, c x d : 50 x 50

Technique: Addition w.r.t combination of modules and joinery

Experiment 9

Graph - F

- Combining two different modules , the height of the curvature reduces and does not give a uniform curvature - 70x70 module - 48mm highest Curvature Observed an high curve

G

50x50 - 7 mm

Aim:

To study bending curvature w.r.t grain directions through technique of finger interlocking

Constant:

Graph - G

Grid Size : a x b : 70x 70, 50 x 50

Variable:

50x50 - 9 mm

The stability in 50x50 with 9mm is better then the other range, to achieve a self standing geometry of 25 mm height

Finger spaces - 7mm & 9mm

The curved surfaces were achieved in the set of experiments which involve addition of modules through joinery technique of rivet-ting, finger interlocking and combination of 2 materials together ( Veneer, Felt Paper).

Technique: Interlocking

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID 20315

03 System Development

INTENT - The process of creating a motion controlled kinetic facade to optimize the interior spaces due to the climatic conditions at the city level. As Dubai has a extreme climatic conditions which make office interior space inhabitable to work for almost the entire day. An initiative to develop a dynamic system which provides with comfortable environment inside the space in this excessive heat due to hot and dry climatic conditions.

Kinetic Facade

LEARNING OUTCOME: To understand the material system along with the flexibility of movement on the facade optimizing the conditions through the same.

Facade System

Location : Dubai

Floor plate Analysis

Issues of the location

Annual Solar Radiation

Typology

Monthly Radiation - June to Sep.

Commercial (Office building) (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

Dry Bulb Temperature (°C) - Extreme Temperature : 49.8 °C - Summers : April to November - Highest temperature month : June - September (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

- Comfortable range : 19 ° - 27 °C

- Annual Comfortable Radiation range : 350-700 kWh/m2 - Month Comfortable Radiation Range : 20-60 kWh/m2 - Comfortable Radiation range for a day : 0-2 kWh/m2 - Facade treatment : North-west & South-west

Building Analysis Typology : Mixed Use Commercial Building

Solar Radiation : South-west Facade

Solar Radiation : North-west Facade

Daylight

Building : Bay Gate, Dubai Height of the Building : 212 mt.

Office Area : 1146 sq mt.

No. of floors : 54 Site : 38 th floor plate Floor to floor Height : 4 mt.

- Daylight Analysis - 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

- Annual ( 1st January to 31st December ) - Site : 38 th floor

- Solar Radiation Analysis (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

- Annual ( 1st January to 31st December )

- Site - 38 th floor - Annual Comfortable Radiation range : 350-700 kWh/m2

Problem Statement

- Annual Daylight Comfortable range : 200- 500 lux

Natural System | Analysis

The construction of commercial skyscrapers in Dubai have a glass facade exposed to excessive amount of solar radiation

Convulus flowers Found in colder regions at temperature 14°C

Ambition Developing a system which improves the comfort level inside the office space in respect of thermal heat gain creating pressure on mechanical system, generating more carbon footprint

Design Scope An external pressure guiding the movement of opening and closing system according to the temperature for habitable environment.

Strategy Transformable Facade system Self - Shading

Fitness Criteria :

Minimizing Solar radiation ( 80-240 kWh/m2 ) for month : June to September

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Optimizing Daylight ( 200-500 Lux)

Comfortable range of visibility Percentage - 40-60 %

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID20315

Introduction to Transformable System Aim:

Analysis Setup

To explore transformable system on the facade

Minimizing Solar Radiation

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm

20

Fitness Criteria

Variable: Angle of aperture opening - θ θ = 15 °, 25 °, 35 ° & 45 °.

Maximizing visibility through module system - 60 to 40 %

Maximizing Daylighting

Inference: Reduce the amount of exposure to solar radiation

θ =15°

- Throughout the year the radiation remains high mostly during the months of June to September.

- Module System on facade elevations will change with time : 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, & 6 pm.

Base Case Analysis - without module θ =25°

Setup Without Module - Isometric View

Solar Radiation Analysis

Daylight Analysis

Visibility

- Annual Comfortable Radiation range : 350-700 kWh/m2 - Monthly Comfortable Radiation range : 20-60 kWh/m2 - Comfortable Radiation range for a day : 0-2 kWh/m2

- Comfortable Lux levels range : 200 - 500 Lux

Maximizing visibility through module system - 60 to 40 %

θ =35°

θ =45°

Learning from Natural system : A transformable module system which creates a guiding movement of opeing and closing system with an external force according to the temperature for habitable environment.

Month : June - September Time : 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Experiment 2.1 | Introduction of skin Aim:

To explore transformable system along with skin to reduce the solar radiation

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm.

Slit distance (a-20mm) at an angle of 45°

Variable: Hinge Point and shape of the skin

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID20315

Inference : - Height is attained due to which creates self shading on the aperture opening.

- 3d movement changes the slit opening. - Height achieved from 20 mm to 50 mm.

Experiment 2.2 | Introduction of skin Aim:

To explore transformable system along with skin to reduce the solar radiation

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm.

Slit distance (a-20mm) at an angle of 45°

Variable: Hinge Point and shape of the skin

Analysis

Visibility

Direction : South West facing, North West facing Month : June - September Time : 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Inference :

Angle of aperture opening( θ ) -15°, 25°, 35° and 45°

20 to 30 %

9 to 12 p.m.

The percentage of visbility -

12 to 15 p.m. 15 to 18 p.m.

Solar Radiation Analysis: South - West Facade - Inference : South -West

9 to 12 p.m.

12 to 15 p.m. 15 to 18 p.m.

Solar Radiation Analysis : North - West Facade

9 a.m.

15 p.m.

18 p.m.

Daylight Analysis: South - West Facade

- The daylight increased by 68 %

- Inference : North-West

- The solar radiation decreased by 47 %.

9 a.m.

15 p.m.

18 p.m.

Daylight Analysis: North - West Facade - The daylight increased by 68 %

- The solar radiation decreased by 47 %.

- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 35°

- Monthly Comfortable Radiation range : 20-60 kWh/m2

- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 15°

- Monthly Comfortable Radiation range : 20-60 kWh/m2

- 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - 15°

- Comfortable Radiation range for a day : 0-2 kWh/m2

- 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - 45°

- Comfortable Radiation range for a day : 0-2 kWh/m2

- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 45°

- Comfortable Lux levels range : 200 - 500 Lux

- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 35°

- Comfortable Lux levels range : 200 - 500 Lux

Experiment 2.3 | Introduction of skin to increase the visibility Aim:

To explore a system which reduces solar radiation and maximize the visibility.

Hence the slits.

R D V

32 % 55 % 40 %

R D V

38 % 59 % 35 %

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm.

Slit Size (a) - 1mm

Variable: Slit placement (b) - 5mm & 10mm

a = Slit size : 1mm b = Slit pacement : 5 mm &10 mm

Experiment 2.4 | Introduction of skin to increase the visibility Aim:

To explore a system which reduces solar radiation and maximize the visibility.

Hence the slits.

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm.

Slit Size (a) - 1mm

Variable: Slit pattern M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

a = Slit size : 1mm b = Slit pacement : 5 mm &10 mm

Monsoon 2021

Shagun Gupta // PID20315

Experiment 3 | Keeping side constant Aim:

To explore a system which reduces solar radiation and maximize the visibility.

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm.

Side (y) of the frame Size of slits (z) - 1mm

y-a z - 1mm

Variable:

y-d z - 1mm

y-b z - 1mm

Next Connecting edge of frame - a,b,c & d

Experiment 4 | Keeping Side Constant - Combination Aim:

To explore a system which reduces solar radiation and maximize the visibility.

Constant: Size of the module - 100 mm.

Side (y) of the frame Size of slits (z) - 1mm

Variable:

Next Connecting edge of the frame & Hinging Point

Analysis Direction : South West facing, North West facing

z= Slit size : 1mm

Site Analysis Setup

Visibility

Inference :

Month : June - September Time : 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The percentage of visbility 40 to 55 %

Angle of aperture opening( θ ) -15°, 25°, 35° and 45° 9 to 12

12 to 15

15 to 18

9 to 12

12 to 15

15 to 18

9 a.m.

15 p.m.

18 p.m.

9 a.m.

15 p.m.

18 p.m.

Month : June - September Time : 9 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

South-West Facade 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 35 ° North-West Facade 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 25 °

Solar Radiation Analysis: South - West Facade

Solar Radiation Analysis : North - West Facade

Daylight Analysis: South - West Facade

Daylight Analysis: North - West Facade

- Inference : South -West

- Inference : North-West

- The solar radiation decreased by 65 %.

- The solar radiation decreased by 65 %.

- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 35°

- 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - 25°

- 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - 15°

- 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - 45°

- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 45°

- 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 35°

- The daylight increased by 68 %

- The daylight increased by 68 %

- Monthly Comfortable Radiation range : 20-60 kWh/m2

- Monthly Comfortable Radiation range : 20-60 kWh/m2

- Comfortable Radiation range for a day : 0-2 kWh/m2

- Comfortable Radiation range for a day : 0-2 kWh/m2

- Comfortable Lux levels range : 200 - 500 Lux

- Comfortable Lux levels range : 200 - 500 Lux

*Please refer the document for detailed analysis

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

R D V

160 -220 kw/m2 500 lux 55 %

R D V

120 -180 kw/m2 420 lux 48 %

R D V

80 -110 kw/m2 360 lux 42 %

South-West Facade 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - 15 ° North-West Facade 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - 45 °

South-West Facade 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 45 ° North-West Facade 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. - 35 °

Shagun Gupta // PID20315

Kinetic Facade - Opening and Closing System

Angle of Opening : 45°

Movement - Mechanism on facade : Manually

Angle of Opening : 25°

- The movement on the facade is guided with the upper trail which will come on the slab portion.

Angle of Opening : 35°

- A guiding trail to help the movement of the auxetics along with optimizing the negative spaces from the sides.

Angle of Opening : 15°

- Aperture opening and skin keeping side constant reducing solar radiation

- Slit (opens when angle changes for visibility)

Facade View

Rendered View 01

Rendered View 02

Rendered View 03

M21 -S- Computational Design - Biomimetics

Monsoon 2021

- The grid 3 by 3 and continuation to it works best on

Shagun Gupta // PID20315