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