RESPONSIVE SKIN ABPL30048 ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: AIR SEMESTER 2, 2017 PART B SHARLEEN WONORAHARDJO 784100
B
CRITERIA DESIGN
B1.
RESEARCH FIELDS - BIOMIMICRY NATURE on its own has been perfecting its natural systems through evolutionary adaptations and homeostatic responses for billions of years, managing to preserve the environment to sustains their lives. Yet, most of the problems happening in this millennial era could be contained in one particular area, the environment. Why would not we look back to nature for the answers to our problem?
The emergence of biomimicry takes the notion one step further. Biomimicry is ‘an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s timetested patterns and strategies’. It could be the inspiration for design and engineering solutions of world’s problems.
By studying the formation and functioning of the responses to ecosystem pressures - evolutionary design problems if you will - then we can apply these same solutions to the architectural design problems faced in the built environment. There goes innovations.
“Not extracting the environment, but learning from it”
B2.
CASE STUDY 0.1 - VOLTADOM
SKYLAR TIBIT /2011
MIT +150 CELEBRATION WEEK
Created in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the installation fills the hallway connecting building 55 and 66 of the MIT campus. The project features apertures that become the boundary that filter light entering the space and views from the outside. Composing of single strips of material bent into arches, the installation ‘plans to expand the architectural notion we have a panel surface, increasing the depth of a doubly curved vaulted surface, while maintaining the relative ease of manufacture and assembly’ The installation also resembles a membrane built by the mitosis of a cell group in an organism suggesting a ‘self-replicating system, adjustable to a given space’. Raising the question:
“Does the future of architecture is a material that self replicate and adapt to fill voids and create boundaries?”
NUMBER OF POINTS & SEEDS POINT (P) SEED (S)
P = 12 S=3
P = 14 S=3
P = 16 S=3
P = 18 S=3
P = 20 S=3
Vo = 1.0 V1 = 1.0
Vo = 1.0 V1 = 0.8
P = 20 S=1
P = 11 S=5
P=7 S=7
P=4 S=3
Vo = 1.0 V1 = 0.2
Vo = 1.0 V1 = 0.0
P=8 S=0
APERTURE
LOWER LIMIT (Vo) UPPER LIMIT (V1)
Vo = 0.4 V1 = 1.0
Vo = 0.6 V1 = 1.0
Vo = 0.8 V1 = 1.0
Vo = 1.0 V1 = 0.6
Vo = 1.0 V1 = 0.4
Vo = 1.0 V1 + Range = 0.5
NUMBER OF CONTROLLED CONES HEIGHT RATIO (H)
H = 1.03
H=2
H=3
H=4
H=5
H=6
H=7
H=8
H=9
H = 10
H = -10
CONE RADIUS RADIUS (r)
r = 0.75
r =0.50
r = -0.50
r = -1.00
r = -1.50
r = 1.00
r = 1.50
r = 2.00
r = 3.00
r = -3.00
B3.
CASE STUDY 0.2 - ELYTRA FILAMENT PAVILION
ICD-ITKE UNIVERSITY OF STUTTGART /2016 CHARLES-EAMES-STRASSE 2, GERMANY
The aim of the project was to used the logic extracted from natural systems to develop a polymer winding technique which minimised formwork whilst facilitating significant geometric freedom. It was all made out of own robotic procedures, without any mold needed. Through the analysis of the functional principals governing lightweight structures in beetle species, potato beetle forewing, the team was able to develop a custom fabrication method in conjunction of architectural design, structural engineering and parametric engineering. This is another exemplary of a biomimetic structure. The vision of the project was as to speculate the urban green space to be designed un-static. It was designed as to the evolving use of the courtyard. As to its materiality, it ignites the exploration of fibre composites as a building material. The formwork was made out of glass fibre and carbon fibres. As the properties are similar to steel, due to its structural strength and stiffness.
B4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT
HEXAGONAL GRID 1X1
MOVE UNIT Z
GENERATES BASIC FORM
DIVIDE CURVE
EXPLODE TREE DATA 1 DATA 2
ARC SED
SHIFT LIST POSITIVE (+)
NEGATIVE (-)
DEFINES THE WEAVING OF THE STRUCTURE
*If the number of hexagons increases, the connection parameters should also be multiplied to the number of hexagons
APERTURE
SHIFT LIST (n)
n=6
n=3
n=0
n = -3
H=4
H=8
H = 20
K = 10
K=9
K=8
n = -3 n2 = 10
n = -3 n2 = 10 n3 = 15
range n = -3 range n2 = 10 range n3 = 15
change direction UNIT Z (+)
H = -6
H = -6 H2 = 3
H = 11 H2 = 7
range H = 11
K=7
K=6
K=5
K=4
change direction UNIT Z (-)
change direction UNIT Z (+) (-)
HEIGHT OF MODULE HEIGHT (H)
H=2
range H = 11 steps H = 3
range H = 11 range H2 = 16 steps H = 3
KINKS ON DIVIDE CURVE KINK (K)
K = 27
K=3
K=2
VARIATIONS OF PLUG INS
TRIANGULATION CELL
RECTANGULAR CELL
WEAVERBIRD STELLATE
WEAVERBIRD WEAVE CUMULATION
WEAVERBIRD PICTURE FRAME
WEAVERBIRD MESH WINDOW TO GEOMETRY
WEAVERBIRD OFFSET MESH GEOMETRY
WEAVERBIRD OFFSET MESH WEAVE
WEAVERBIRD SIERPIENSEI CARPET
SELECTION CRITERIA ORGANIC AESTHETICS
SINGLE
Does the iteration formed casted out of a biomimicry technic? Refering back to the chosen technique, Biomimicry, the iterations created could create from a unique and random iteration outcomes. Therefore, the chosen ones would be the one that actually could related back to nature, as to the technique of biomimicry.
CONTEXT FUNCTIONALITY
Are the iterations capable to fullfil the function being an unstatic pavilion? The chosen iteration should also still preserve its functiona s a unstatic pavilion, where activities should not be limited with the structure.
STRUCTURALITY
Are the iterations able to be fabricated without a mold, and just robots? The purpose of this pavilion was also to prove that fabrication by robots only, not moulds, are actually able to create 1-to-1 scaled structural pavilions, and not just architecture models. This aspect would also still preserved, as it is the main aesthetics of the pavilion
FABRICATION CAPACITY
Are the iterations translatable in fabrication method using the fibre materials? Fibre composites has been explored in the precedent, as it has a similar properties to steel in its strength and durability. From its explorations, it has a purpose to an application in the world of fabrication. As to extend the notion, the chosen iteration would be able to be fabricated with the same material. As even though carbon composite could be regarded as expensive, its lightweight which has an implication towards the ease of construction and opening another door to the world of design, as it would allow more design possibilities.
MODULE
B5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES PROTOTYPE #1 - JOINTS AND CASTING The aim of our first prototype was to experiment in how we would like to cast plaster `using fabric material as formwork and to create joints of the modules. Our criteria would be having a module that was formed by fabric, with an opening at the centre to allow sun penetration. Also, having a jointing system that could connect the singular models and connecting it to create a whole module of a facade system. Through logical thinking and seeing precedents of how casting happens, we created a formwork using timber and used a styrofoam mother mould to create an opening in our module, which would be dissolved using acetone.
JOINTING SYSTEM
From the result, we were happy with how the surface was aesthetically organic in the presence of folding fabric, also with how the jointing system works. The downside, as we were using a pouring technic and did not allow a big opening, the module becomes very heavy and does not seem possible to be used as a building facade. The jointing system that was previously designed was also regarded unsuccessful, as seeing how solid the module is, the joints would not work as it could collapse easily, especially if force or friction is applied between modules. Therefore, we decided to move on to the next prototype.
MANUAL FABRICATION OF FORMWORK
FORMWORK SYSTEM
CAST-OFF PROCESS
POURING PROCESS
PROTOTYPE #1 - MODEL MAKING PROCESS
PROTOTYPE #1 - FINISHING AND RESULT
POURING ACETONE TO TAKE OFF THE MOTHER MOULD
PROS
CONS
+ We succeeded in making the opening in the middle of the module, using strofoam as mother mould
- Module was considered too heavy to be applicable as a facade
+ The organic finish of the fabric was embedded to the module + Clean finish + Form was successful in delivering the form we wanted + Fabric was able to absorb moisture out from the plaster mixture
- Jointing system would fail, in regards to the weight - Fabric was able to be stretched, but not as much as we wanted to create a conical shape
PROTOTYPE #2 - FORMWORK AND MATERIAL TESTING At this second stage, there are a few that was aimed to be experimented, especially in developing the form of the module and testing different materials. Based on consulation, we are to made a module consisting of several shapes which would connected to one another and created a bigger module which different functions. We came out with an idea of a hexagon as our big module, which was then divided onto smaller modules which consisted of trapezium, parallelogram and triangle. These 3 shapes when joined will then also resulting in a hexagon. We also changed in the way we create the form using plaster. Instead of pouring, we decided to try on painting plaster to the fabric by using brush, hoping that we could get a smooth surface and planar model so it would be used as a facade design.
JOINT SYSTEM
FORMWORK
We also used 3 different kind of fabric, stocking, mesh and bandage, in reasons of experimenting on which fabric we should use for our final project. The 3 different fabrics has different elasticity, which at the end could have an impact towards the shape of our modules. The material testing will be shown in diagrams on next page. As we foreseen the failing of the jointing system, we tried designing a new system which uses a clip and slots on the formwork of the module. The clips will connect the formworks of the module, and created a more flexible connections as well.
FORMWORK GUIDELINES
FORMWORK SYSTEM
PROTOTYPE #2 - FORM-FINDING MATRIX TRIANGLE
RADIUS (K) REST LENGTH (RL) HEIGHT (H) UNARY FORCE (Z)
HEXAGON
RADIUS (K) REST LENGTH (RL) HEIGHT (H) UNARY FORCE (Z)
From designing on sketch, we then proceed in creating the possible forms out starting with a triangle. As mentioned, in this second prototype we decided to take the hexagons as the macro module, with parrallelogram, trapezium and triangles to be the micro modules. Which the micro modules could be jointed into one and formed a hexagon With this system, our design could be more flexible in jointing as well as combining the functions on one module, which the functions would be further discussed and experimented in our proceeding progress.
Therefore, the selected iterations would be our starting point of our next experimentation. TRAPEZIUM
RADIUS (K) REST LENGTH (RL) HEIGHT (H) UNARY FORCE (Z)
PARALLELOGRAM RADIUS (K) REST LENGTH (RL) HEIGHT (H) UNARY FORCE (Z)
PROTOTYPE #2 - MATERIAL TESTING As stated, there were three different fabrics that we aimed to be tested in this prototype. 1. Nets - mesh 2. Stocking - translucent 3. Bandage The objective of this testing is to get to know the maximal stretchness, as well as the porosity, as we are applying plaster in this experiment onto the fabric. With the objectives, we would be able to chose which material is best to work on to obtain the protuded shape wanted for our modules, depending on what function the modules representing as. The numbers on the horizontal axis are showing the guidelines of how low we put tension to the capabilities of the fabric.
PARALLELOGRAM
TRAPEZIUM
TRIANGLE FORM
PROTOTYPE #2 - MODEL MAKING PROCESS
PROTOTYPE #2 - FINISHING AND RESULT PROS
CONS
+ Formwork was succesful in delivering the form wanted
- Module was considered to be too messy, as we keep on covering layers of plaster with brush, which it resulted with an inconsistency of thickness
+ Fabric was able to absorb moisture out from the plaster mixture + Module was much lighter suitable for facade system + The wanted form was delivered, which depends on the stretchness of the material
- As we did not glue the forms of the modules together before plaster, we ended up needed to cover it with plaster too, which makes it even messier - Aesthetically unpleasing
+ Material testing was concluded, with having the mesh to be the most stretchy but not absorbent and the bandage to be the less stretchy but very good in absorbing
TO CONCLUDE For the next prototype, the plan is to combine the pros of both from prototype #1 and prototype #2, which would be: + pouring technic with mother mould: embbed organic fabric + lightweight module + parametric form + use the right fabric, to a particular type of module From here, hopefully it would be another step in creating the most succesful modules.
B6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL Based on the prototypes created as a group, we have decided to design a modular facade system that would have a function to decrease solar heat radiation towards a glass-facade, especially in a dense urban context. Coming from a biomimicry vision, which is my technique, there are things that I wanted to put forward from the precedent studies. From the first precedent, Voltadom by Skylar Tibbits, I was interested in how their installation works as a filter of light entering to the room and views from the outside. As the installation was a responsive skin of light and view, the creation of forms was very interesting in the capability of fabrication, also with how they took biomimicry as the inspiration as the form imitates the mutation of cells.
as lightweight as they were inspired with a potato beetle species. Therefore, the hexagons shapes and weaving structure was taken from how the ‘formwork’ of the beetle’s wings. As we were to designed a building facade, it would most probably possible to have a lightweight design, also to have it able to connect from a module to another. Based on our experimentation of prototypes, we are also interested in using modular of hexagons, as well as the lightweightness of the modules. Another aspect that interests me, was how they used solar radiation in determining the arrangement of the modules. On an area where solar radiation hits the most, the module would be the one with the most weaving to create coverage. Vice versa, the minimal area of solar radiation would use the most perforated weaving.
Therefore, to create a project on a maximal potential, we decided to adjointed 2 different techniques in designing the facade system. Other than biomimicry, the other technique that is represented by the other 2 groupmates of mine, Jesslyn Humardani and Rayyan Roslan, would be tesselation. Based on their research, the tesselation technique that would be used would be the repetition of shapes or profiles, as well as the materiality that allows to create the conical opening of the module. We as a group would proposed the creation of a facade system in reducing solar radiation reflection in a dense urban context, The Urban Coral Atoll Facade.
We have chosen Ernest and Young building as our client, as it is located in the middle of a dense city, as well as the usage of glass walls facade. Our objective would be to create a comfortable working space of the occupants of the building, as well as reducing the urban heat island effect and carbon emission from cooling system. In the process of creating the final outcome, there are 3 objectives that we would like to achieve as to create different function of modules. First, would be a module with a total opening, as to used to be a light/ view filtration. Second, would be a module that could carry a plant as to reduce the heat gain of the facade. Third, would be a module with a pertruded conical shape, that would help block the sun exposured to the building, as to reduce the heat gain.
Seeing back to problems in this millennial era, radiation of heat and urban heat island has been one of the worst happening in metro cities. It was mainly caused by building facades which does not allow heat radiation absorption, and reflects from one building to another. The function of the buildings used curtain walls was mainly aesthetics and privacy reasons, as they would not want to be seen from the outside. Imagining the application of the installation as a building facade, in exchange of the glass facades, the building would still aesthetically pleasing and would allow the absorption of heat. Therefore, there should be a digital fabrication of facade design based on this idea. SECTION VIEW
The second precedent, Elytra Filament Pavilion by ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart, they intended to create the pavilion to look
ELEVATION
PERSPECTIVE
B7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES From the beginning of research until this stage, there were a lot to take in as an experience and studies. From the first prototype, we learned particularly on how easy plaster is to be used as a casting material. It is also a quick setting material, thus we could see results as soon as well. Other than material, the use of formworks are also important. As on the first prototype, we just handmade our formwork using timbers without having any parameters that could be controlled. On our second prototype, we decided to digitally fabricate the formwork as for it to have a parameter that can be used in adjusting the tension given to the fabric in material testing. Also, using digital fabrication could also assure us that our modules could connect from one another, as it was all measured and designed with the help of computer aided design. As mentioned in the previous part of the journal, it has been proven at this stage that the presence of computer in design defenitely helps a lot. Especially in problem solving that humans are not capable of completing on its own. As to the progress of our group, from the two prototypes we were able to compare and contrast in between the two results. We definitely like on how organic the curls of the fabric shaped into the module, it definitely boosted our idea of using fabric as form. Secondly, the use of computer in creating the joints and top-form of the module (where the fabric sits). We definitely could see the possibilities of having it connected from one module to another, as the shapes and sizes were consistent between the modules. The use of computer was also
helpful for us in giving the data of the solar heat radiation, thus we were able to have an exact data in determining the arrangement of the modules. From the matrix attached, we were able to speculate possible forms of how the fabric will act when plaster is applied. One thing that has a direct connection to how the form will be, is definitely the technique of applying the plaster. In a way, its also the technique of us to fabricate the modules. Proceeding to the next step, we are hoping to be able to combine the successful aspects of prototype #1 and #2, to create a better prototype again. It would be using the technique of pouring with creating a styrofoam mothermold, as well as using the digital fabricated form. In addition, we are also interested in experimenting other materials to be fabricated. Other than plaster, we are pointing towards resin and concrete, to test their durability and gaining better aesthetical modules.
B8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCH {0;0} {1;2} {4;5}
{0;0} {1;1} {0;1}
{0;0} {1;1} {0;1} {3;4}
BIOMIMICRY ITERATIONS
REVERSE ENGINEERING ITERATIONS
RELATIVE ITEM WEAVING PLAN VIEW
RELATIVE ITEM WEAVING PERSPECTIVE VIEW
REFERENCES http://www.biomimetic-architecture.com/2012/ted-talk-janine-benyus/ http://www.archdaily.com/806242/elytra-filament-pavilion-icd-itke-universityof-stuttgart http://www.arch2o.com/voltadom-by-skylar-tibbits-skylar-tibbits/ https://www.dezeen.com/2016/05/18/robotically-fabricated-carbon-fibrepavilion-opens-va-museum-london-university-of-stuttgart-achim-menges/