Xianghan wang 741538 part c air

STUDIO AIR 2017, SEMESTER 1, TUTOR: DAVID WEGMAN XIANGHAN WANG, 741538

Digital Alchemy

Book Size: Standard Portrait 8x10

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CONTENTS: A.0. Introduction A.1. Design Futuring A.2. Design Computation A.3. Composition/Generation A.4. Conclusion A.5. Learning Outcomes A.6. Appendix – Algorithmic Sketches A.7. Bibliography

A.0. Introduction

Hi, my name is Xianghan Wang, currently is a third-year student on architecture major at the University of Melbourne.

The reason why I choose architecture is basically because of the passion for graphic design. I like drawing and collage when I was young, and then turned to editing photos by Photoshop after I got familiar with photography. I like to become a beautifier by changing the light and details. My curiosity towards architecture was from the skyscrapers, which gave me an amazing impression. Moreover, as what I thought, architecture is a subject which I can represent my opinions by a visual method, it is not only about graphic design, but also related to functional purpose. It is

about the experience of how people engage with the building directly or indirectly.

However, I did not have any family background in architecture. I had to start from zero by my own research and studies.

After two years’ studies, I learned how to use Rhino, AutoCAD, and InDesign to do some simple design and projects. That is thanks to my design studios and fabrication courses.

This semester through revisiting Rhino and a new plug-in- Grasshopper in Studio Air, I hope to learn more digital skills, so that I could get more confidence in geometrical and digital design and expand my discoveries and research.

A.1. Design Futuring

With the highly increased developing speed of modern world, the traditional architectural concept which response to the requirements of society is no longer satisfying the demand. As it said we are in the duration of defuturing, creation and deconstruction comes to against each other because limited natural resources and its non-renewability.1 Hence architectural design turned to slow the speed of defuturing, also leads the designing objective towards a sustainable way. Moreover, trying to deal the relationship between politics and ecology by alternative and new design practices.

What we need to do is exploring more possibilities and express our enthusiasm to instigate changes of the world.

1.1. CASE STUDY 01 Minimaforms- Archigram

FIG.1

MInimaforms is an experimental architecture and design practice in recent years. It aims to seek for the spaces and connection between social and material patterns, by using a digital and generative approach to evolve an open framework system. 2

In my perspective, self-structuring principles might become important and popular in design futuring as it follows a natural animalistic architectural growing machine.

Since it provides more possibility of design patterns and more spaces to create an alternative form of living.

One example of Minimaforms was present by Archigram’s David Greene. It was a time-based proto-systems which show animalistic and collective orders of organization. The idea was generated from the development of “plug-in” autonomy of traditional high rise pods and their mega-structural system of organization. 2 By using digital fabrication process, it evolved as self-structuring forms to interact, each unit could describe as an autopoietic machine which takes specific growing feature from its inhabitants.

Besides, that improves the interaction and communication between related single units. The shells are evolved through a taxonomy of skeletal spicules, then the tails are formulated through computation ways. All of those could be traced by history, hence a strong internal and external network was created among neighboring units. It is good for citizens to build better relationships and generate positive outcomes.

FIG.2.3.4.5

“They are an elusive source of creative energy inhabiting a supremely productive oeuvre that is a model, an example to all of us, that the question is far more important than the answer.”

-David Greene, Archigram

1.2. CASE STUDY 02 Montreal Biosphere -Buckminster Fuller’s Geodesic Dome

FIG.6

Montreal Biosphere is an example of Fuller’s Geodesic Dome. Fuller was trying to improve human’s living shelter in the 20th century in order to make it more comfortable, efficient, economically available and could accommodate more people. It was achieved by utilizing structural tension forces instead of tradition compression, also use the principle of gravity instead of opposing it. 3 This principle was evolved from using the usual rectangle to triangle form to support the pressure. Since the rectangle could fold up while triangle withstands the pressure comes more stable and rigid. Moreover, Fuller found a spherical structure used the” doing more with less” theory to enlarge the inner spaces with the least amount of surface area to minimize material and cost.

By combining spherical structure and triangle patterns, geodesic dome was created with unparalleled strength. Besides, it is also energy efficient since the concave interior creates a natural airflow.

I argue this discovery pushed the future designing since it used less material but creating more spaces and being more stable, which also provided comfortable living spaces from better natural circulation. That principle has been used in numerical developed ways to optimize design after the 20th century. To be more specific, the modular repetition pattern from basic geometry shapes would be continuously appreciated by the world and it come to the earlier step for further digital design.

FIG.7.8.9.10.

A.2. Design Computation

The generation and development of digital architecture within recent decades has achieved a better connection between the material culture and technology, it has gradually transformed from “form generation” to “material fabrication”. According to Folding presented in Lynn, “architectural design comes rarely use the traditional complex free form but introduces the parametric design which enables written algorithmic procedures or logical thinking process for creation of variations, in which establishing their partand-whole relationships”.4 Another significant process of digital design which refined architecture in a material practical way is the material test, some new material with high potential for exploration includes hybrid materials and maybe some extreme textiles.

Most digital designs obtained organic forms are contributed by the definition and formation of biometric principles, it transfers design system as a more natural ecological system through the combination of digital tectonics and material performance. 5 However, as what Frampton concern is the “contemporary design culture is losing its capacity to accommodate tectonic expression

as a ‘poetics of construction’ ”. Definitely, everything has its benefits and drawbacks as long as we look from both sides.

On the one hand, the digital and fabricated design is based on the influence from the biologic tendency, is becoming the inevitable and dominant developing approach, so that driven the architectural design towards a more natural and organic way. Also, we have to admit that improves the accuracy and speed of creation with the help of modeling software like Rhino and its plug-in program Grasshopper. On the other hand, what I thought is, firstly, as digital design is defined by a flow of parametric data of the organic form which still lack the ability to be a completely reflective mirror of the real ecology system with time passing by, no one could predict its developing pattern and self-growing trends with long time passing by as its a new technology in just last several decades. Moreover, nature has the greatest power in the process of creating and evolving of the world, we should be respectful and following the natural rules during the integration of technology and material culture, also trying to estimate and minimize the unknown risks.

2.1. CASE STUDY 01 ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011

FIG.11

This project is generated from the integration of the performance of biological system and application of structural architecture design, which creates a biological system with the skeletal structure. The overall shape is stimulated by the structure of sea urchin and completed by extremely thin plywood panel, which is only 6.5mm, to form a double layered pavilion. 6 Firstly, the morphology of sea urchin explores more possibility for the structural performance. The traditional load-bearing system is replaced by more natural and organic system. The transmission of normal and shear forces are represented without bending moment but in an interesting deformable way.

Moreover, the connection and joining point of each separated units, which uses computer-based calculation tools help to efficiently and economically generate over 850 geometrically different components, and more than 100,000 joints randomly ranged around the plywood panel. The complex generation process was finished by a seven-axis robot so that highly accelerate some previous manually designing process.

Despite the morphology transformation and structural performance, some other interesting aspects which stimulate our design include the heterogeneity and hierarchy. To be more specific, the distribution of the cell and its size is totally different which gives variable feelings. Also, the inner and outer layer of the pavilion gives distinct feelings and stimulate people to experience that. That a good way for further architectural design to follow up by creating hierarchy differences.

FIG.12.13.14.15.

2.2. CASE STUDY 02 Central for Ideas, VCA, Southbank, Victoria, Australia

FIG.16

This project is generated from the integration of the performance of biological system and application of structural architecture design, which creating a biological system with skeletal structure. The overall shape is stimulated by the structure of sea urchin and completed by extremely thin plywood panel,which is only 6.5mm, to form a double layered pavilion. 7 Firstly, the morphology of sea urchin explores more possibility for the structural performance. Traditional load bearing system is replaced by more natural and organic system. The transmission of normal and shear forces are represented without bending moment but in an interesting deformable way.

Moreover, the connection and joining point of each separated unites, which uses computer-based calculation tools help to efficiently and economically generate over 850 geometrically different components, and more than 100,000 joints randomly ranged around the plywood panel. The complex generation process was finished by a seven-axis robot, so that highly accelerate some previous manually designing process.

Despite the morphology transformation and structural performance, some other interesting aspects which stimulate our design include the heterogeneity and hierarchy. To be more specific, the distribution of the cell and its size is totally different which gives variable feelings. Also the inner and outer layer of the pavilion gives distinct feelings and stimulate people to experience that. That a good way for further architectural design to follow up by creating hierarchy differences.

FIG.17.18.19.20

A.3. Composition/ Generation

The word “algorithm” gradually being essential in the development of parametric design, which is the rules or the specific process of creating something. The algorithm could be understood as a limited database with unlimited possibilities, it means by using the different and finite set of operations to efficiently generating the outcome under mathematical principles.8 Based on the research, the parametric design changed the traditional design thinking process. It includes the perception of the architectural realm and the boundaries of design. For example, the previous design was distributed and control by the owner, who gives a specific function or internal relationship of the building, the architects just follow the existing rules to complete the creation under thoughts boundaries.

However, with the help of a computer, design rules are set up based on various factors, it might be site conditions, design brief, target group or consumption power to achieve the efficient outcome. That is the intrinsic value of designing and a good response to why the world needs creative architects.

As algorithm is “unambiguous and simple to follow”, it highly accelerates the speed of design by simplified the entire process.

The program just needs the input of our thoughts path, to be more specific, the process of finding a form. Then the overall architectural structure would be displayed on the screen.9 That is also a revolution of 2D drawing era, which is more efficiently and speedy the initial step of design.

Moreover, the various algorithm process provides more opportunities and possibilities for the generation. Since “there are an infinite number of algorithms for every extensionally-described computable function F”, it is like the possibility of creating something on a blank paper, there are too many ways to go and explore.

We can change the initial number or the direction of the input to formulate a new design, or says that stimulate designer’s thought because some unexpected results are only available after testing various parameters. That is a good way to push everyone want to go further for the innovation and reach the optimal state.

However, the relationship between algorithms and computation is quite tight during its development. Although that could improve the connection between the two area and booming some new ideas or new forms for design, its still has some drawbacks. The result might turn to be abstract or losing structural stability when designers having more dependency on those algorithms procedure. That might limit the functional purpose of the building.

And the overusing of computer mind might cause suppression on designers mind and violates the original intention of creation.

Besides, the built process for some largescale project might be hard, because construction technique cannot reach the precise level as the computer did.

3.1. CASE STUDY 01 Dal Canopy Design 2011

FIG.21

As computation provides more possibility for different experience and creation. There is no doubt that not the digital revolution does not only stimulate form-finding techniques, but also getting the design into nature and life.

This project is based on a biomimetic system and achieved with the help of algorithms. Its curvature varies around the surface and every single hexagonal unit is adjusted to fit the curvature at the best. A shaded area and a seating bench are provided underneath.10 As what I said before, the parametric design has a deep relationship with prototype and material test.

The canopy was optimized by numerous test of subdividing the surface. The panels are double curved at the first trial, but without enough openings.

Another point is that, the enclosure of the panels needs to be flat, hence the settings of the panel in Rhino should be tested accurately before fabrication.

Structural problems are essential for biomimetic design when designers put more focus on the morphology performance. For this case, a steel cable mesh was introduced as an intermediate support structure between the primary frame and the hexagonal panels. The side of the panels are fixed by a customized joints, which offers more flexibility and absorb the construction tolerance and natural gravity deformation. Hence, that indicates me focus on the overall structural performance when I was developing a new generation of parametric design.

FIG.22.23.24.25.

3.2. CASE STUDY 02 Fallen Star, London, UNITED KINGDOM

FIG.26

“Fallen Star” is the project from Architectural Association DLAB Visiting School, which complete the project of the installation set between biomimetics, interaction, and perception. Based on the main theme, “Green”, the designers explored the principles of regeneration, emergence, and the growth of different scales green stuff from a wide range of selections in the natural and biological system. And then by researching and tracing its abstraction and interpretation into a specific proposal.11 This computation design is achieved with the help of Grasshopper, Processing, and iPad. This is my first case study which connects parametric design with sound, voice and iPad interface. The video shows the installation reacts to the user’s input from sound, choice of algorithm to run, and those input parameters are controlled by the manipulation of the algorithm itself.

The most attracting part of the performance is the dimension of interaction which animates the architectural piece simply according to user feedback and the possibility of generating dynamic spatial experiences challenging perception and temporality.

It is a really good project which introduces the natural formation rules and then the workshop incorporated their design proposals into the fabricated installation through the medium of video mapping.

The light performance could clearly represent the boundaries of each unit and its growing pattern which make an expression of natural emergence.

FIG.27.28.29.30

A.4. Conclusion

The research of part A brings me to a new future designing realm based on the integration of technology and material for designing possibilities. The revolution is mainly influenced the the exploration of parametric design, which means changing the designing factors as numbers and calculate the final form by the computer tools. The trend of architecture development is being gradually replaced by those digital parameters instead of traditional hand drawing stuff. However, there are still critical outcomes need to consider when we said the main trend was changing. Like the principle of YinYang, the precondition of discovering white is that there is also black. Hence, the previous designing mode still has its merits and cannot completely replace by digital tools.

As the benefits of parametric design show on previous research, it improves the efficiency of designing and provides more possibilities. Which is really a good connection of current society as everything being more materialized. The rapid development requires massive designing outcomes to satisfy commercial demands. Parametric design provides

A.5. Learning Outcomes

more opportunities for the from generation to material test, also it provides more accuracy and concreteness.

Some practical application also introduces influential factors as calculation input, so that get a comprehensive results for both site analysis and design premise.

Personally, I really like the variable generations and non-constant elements it provides. It gives unlimited extension based on existing rules, and the irregular design forms stimulate my curiosity to go inside have an intimate experience. However, parametric design is not only defined by heteromorphism, its more about changing the traditional designing method to a digital way, like the use of software Autocad, Rhino and Grasshopper, assisting to find the most optimal spacial organization.

On the other hand, future design still needs to consider functionality when more current architects are focusing on morphological and structural performance. It might needs to do more prototype test or material selection.

After the first three weeks’ studies, I am gradually getting start to do an algorithm design. I really like the various outcomes it provides. First of all, my software abilities have improved. I always want to try different mathematical principles for the connection of distinct design elements.

Also, the formulation process from the point, line, plane and finally comes a geometry gives me a deeper understanding of the trial of Grasshopper. That is a pretty efficient approach to generate infinite possibilities, which opens my brain from the numerous unexpected results.

Besides, I am being more familiar with the recent computation designing trends, I realize the real situations and critical factors might influence the developing process.

I am pretty curious about the biomimetic design, for which has a sense of connection to nature and ecology system and shows a relatively organic creation. There are too

many rules in the nature to explore and there are a lot possibilities by transferring the principle into our design.

On the other hand, the studies of Grasshopper gives me more inspiration for my previous work. When I was doing the driftwood practice, I used the boathouse project from the last semester. The designing theme is flow and organic, so that is a really good practice for trying Grasshopper to generate irregular flow forms.

I guess the next step for me is doing more practice and trying all the commands in Grasshopper’s menu.

Furthermore, I am planning to learn how to use this software to calculate site-related factors, like water flow or sun path diagram. In the meanwhile, functionality is still a crucial element I need to consider for a design project. I will try my best to combine the structural and morphological factors in the later projects.

A.6. Appendix – Algorithmic Sketches

A.7.1 Bibliography

A.7.2 Photo Reference

“ALGORITHM”, 2018 <HTTPS://APP.LMS.UNIMELB.EDU.AU/BBCSWEBDAV/PID-6607447-DT-CONTENT-RID-31767171_2/COURSES/ABPL30048_2018_SM1/ ABPL30048_2017_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20170705121450/ABPL30048_2014_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20140709012321/ALGORITHM%20DEFINITION%20 FROM%20WILSON%20-%20MIT%20ENCYCLOPEDIA%20OF%20THE%20COGNITIVE%20SCIENCES%20_2000_.PDF> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

FIG.1-5.

“ARCHIGRAM”, MINIMAFORMS | ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN, 2018 <HTTP://MINIMAFORMS.COM/ARCHIGRAM> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

“DAL CANOPY DESIGN / DIGITAL ARCHITECTURAL LAB”, ARCHDAILY, 2018 <HTTPS://WWW.ARCHDAILY.COM/165298/ DAL-CANOPY-DESIGN-DIGITAL-ARCHITECTURAL-LAB> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018]

FIG.6-10.

“FAQS ABOUT GEODESIC DOMES”, SUSTAINABLEDOMES.COM.AU, 2018 <HTTP://WWW.SUSTAINABLEDOMES. COM.AU/FLEX/FAQS-ABOUT-GEODESIC-DOMES/26/1> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

“DESIGN FUMING SUSTAINABILITY, ETHICS AND NEW PRACTICE”, BRITISH LIBRARY CATALOGUING-IN-PUBLICATION DATA, 2009 <HTTPS://APP.LMS.UNIMELB.EDU.AU/BBCSWEBDAV/PID-6607413-DT-CONTENT-RID-31767173_2/COURSES/ABPL30048_2018_SM1/ ABPL30048_2017_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20170705121450/ABPL30048_2014_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20140709012321/ FRY%20-%20DESIGN%20FUTURING%20_2009_%2C%20PP.%201-16%281%29.PDF> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018]

FIG.11-15.

“AMY FREARSON, “ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF STUTTGART | DEZEEN”, DEZEEN, 2018 <HTTPS://WWW. DEZEEN.COM/2011/10/31/ICDITKE-RESEARCH-PAVILION-AT-THE-UNIVERSITY-OF-STUTTGART/> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

“ESSENTIAL MATHEMATICS FOR COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN”, 2010 <HTTPS://APP.LMS.UNIMELB.EDU.AU/BBCSWEBDAV/PID-6607358-DT-CONTENTRID-31767174_2/COURSES/ABPL30048_2018_SM1/ABPL30048_2017_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20170705121450/ABPL30048_2014_SM2_ IMPORTEDCONTENT_20140709012321/ISSA%20-%20ESSENTIALMATHEMATICSFORCOMPUTATIONALDESIGN_SECONDEDITION.PDF> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018]

FIG.16-20.

“HOME:PROJECTS:VICTORIAN_COLLEGE_OF_THE_ARTS [MINIFIE VAN SCHAIK ARCHITECTS]”, MVSARCHITECTS.COM.AU, 2018 <HTTP://WWW. MVSARCHITECTS.COM.AU/DOKU.PHP?ID=HOME:PROJECTS:VICTORIAN_COLLEGE_OF_THE_ARTS> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018]

“FAQS ABOUT GEODESIC DOMES”, SUSTAINABLEDOMES.COM.AU, 2018 <HTTP://WWW.SUSTAINABLEDOMES. COM.AU/FLEX/FAQS-ABOUT-GEODESIC-DOMES/26/1> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

FIG.21-25.

“DAL CANOPY DESIGN / DIGITAL ARCHITECTURAL LAB”, ARCHDAILY, 2018 <HTTPS://WWW.ARCHDAILY.COM/165298/ DAL-CANOPY-DESIGN-DIGITAL-ARCHITECTURAL-LAB> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018]

“FALLEN STAR @ AA DLAB”, SUCKERPUNCHDAILY.COM, 2018 <HTTP://WWW.SUCKERPUNCHDAILY. COM/2012/08/16/FALLEN-STAR-AA-DLAB/> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018] “FREARSON, AMY, “ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF STUTTGART | DEZEEN”, DEZEEN, 2018 <HTTPS://WWW. DEZEEN.COM/2011/10/31/ICDITKE-RESEARCH-PAVILION-AT-THE-UNIVERSITY-OF-STUTTGART/> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018] “HOME:PROJECTS:VICTORIAN_COLLEGE_OF_THE_ARTS [MINIFIE VAN SCHAIK ARCHITECTS]”, MVSARCHITECTS.COM.AU, 2018 <HTTP://WWW. MVSARCHITECTS.COM.AU/DOKU.PHP?ID=HOME:PROJECTS:VICTORIAN_COLLEGE_OF_THE_ARTS> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018] “SPECULATIVE EVERYTHING”, 2018 <HTTPS://APP.LMS.UNIMELB.EDU.AU/BBCSWEBDAV/PID-6607413-DT-CONTENT-RID-31767206_2/COURSES/ ABPL30048_2018_SM1/ABPL30048_2017_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20170705121450/ABPL30048_2015_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20150619100215/ DUNNE%20-%20SPECULATIVE%20EVERYTHING%20_2013_%20_CHS.%201%2C%203_%281%29.PDF> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018] “THEORIES OF THE DIGITAL IN ARCHITECTURE”, 2018 <HTTPS://APP.LMS.UNIMELB.EDU.AU/BBCSWEBDAV/PID-6607358-DT-CONTENT-RID-31767180_2/ COURSES/ABPL30048_2018_SM1/ABPL30048_2017_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20170705121450/ABPL30048_2014_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20140709012321/ OXMAN%20-%20THEORIES%20OF%20THE%20DIGITAL%20IN%20ARCHITECTURE%20_2014_%2C%20PP.%201-10%281%29.PDF> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018] “THE BUILDING OF ALGORITHMIC THOUGHT”, 2010 <HTTPS://APP.LMS.UNIMELB.EDU.AU/BBCSWEBDAV/PID-6607447-DT-CONTENT-RID-31767182_2/COURSES/ ABPL30048_2018_SM1/ABPL30048_2017_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20170705121450/ABPL30048_2014_SM2_IMPORTEDCONTENT_20140709012321/PETERS%20 -%20COMPUTATION%20WORKS_THE%20BUILDING%20OF%20ALGORITHMIC%20THOUGHT%2C%20PP%208-13.PDF> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

FIG.26-30.

“FALLEN STAR @ AA DLAB”, SUCKERPUNCHDAILY.COM, 2018 <HTTP://WWW.SUCKERPUNCHDAILY. COM/2012/08/16/FALLEN-STAR-AA-DLAB/> [ACCESSED 16 MARCH 2018].

PERSONAL IUUSS RELATED

COLLAGE

SKETCHBOOK

What: Sacral chakra is the second chakra which related to sensuality, emotional body, creativity and feelings. It is driven by the principle of pleasure. The involved element is water, hence in the same way, it is characterized by flexibility and flow.

Where: At the central of lower belly, about 3 inches below the navel.

Another obvious location could describe in different systems, expand to the genital area, usually the ovaries for women and the testicles for men. Also it is associated with lymphatic system.

How: Because sacral chakra is associated with the realm of emotion, it controls our thoughts and feelings toward inner and outer worlds, especially active in sexuality and expression of our sensual desires. The pleasure and enjoyment was generated from outer touching, tasting and seeing, then transfer to our personal inner feelings through a flow and moveable way. That formulates distinct recognition and identity of personal well-being.

GRASSHOPPER PRACTICE 1

GRASSHOPPER PRACTICE

2

GRASSHOPPER PRACTICE 3

GRASSHOPPER PRACTICE Driftwood

Part B. Criteria Design

Contents B.0 Self-reflection B.1 Research Field - Model for variation B.2 Case Study 1.0 B.3 Case Study 2.0 B.4 Technique: Development Exploring the Algorithm B.5. Technique: Prototypes & Proposal B.6. Technique: 3D Printing Testing B.7. Learning Objectives and Outcomes B.8. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

B.0 Self-reflection Sacral Chakra Collage

Sacral chakra is mainly associated with the realm of emotion, it controls our thoughts and feelings toward inner and outer worlds.

People got different perceptions and inquiries towards the outer world, I started to think what limits my thoughts spreading process and restrict my pleasure. Then I find that my restriction is lack of curiosity, which means always follow the order and hard to make an innovation when performing the new tasks,which might lead to lack of confidence. The origin of sacral chakra is driven by the principle of pleasure. The involved element is water, hence my strength is flexibility and adaptability. In this part, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m going to amplify the characteristic of my strength to balance the weakness, and trying to apply this into algorithm language and perform in my design.

B.1. Research Field Model for variation Research field - Biomimicy We are looking for the behavior of coralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing process for the exploration of algorithm laguage translation.

Coral are the identical individual polyps lives in compact colonies, they have a set of tentacles around the central mouse opening. Individual heads grow by asexual reproduction of polyps.

Corals also breed sexually by spawning: polyps of the same species release gametes simultaneously over a period of one to several nights around a full moon.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s growing pattern and speed are influenced by the water flow and depth, which affect the rate of delivery and the amount of nutrients.

Also the light and water temperature. To be more specific, the rate of calcification is three times faster in light than in dark, while the higher temperature water accelerate the rate of bleaching.

The most interesting part is the process of its sexual reproduction.

Process of Coral Behaviors

Step 1

1. Release of eggsperm clusters by polyps from colonies red wide.

Step 2

2. Gamete clusters float to ocean surface, then breakup of clusters

Step 3

3. Inter-colony gamete mixing and fertilization

Step 4

4. Resulting embryos become ciliated planula larvae, capable of settlement for up to 3-4 weeks

Step 5

5. Settlement and metamorphosis

Step 6

6. Juvenile polyp with mouth and tentacles

Step 7

7. Zooxanthellae c, increased calcification, budding at base of polyp to start new colony

Step 8

8. Continued expansion of colony through calcification and extratentacular budding

B.1.1 Process of Coral Behaviors

Step 1

1. Release of eggsperm clusters by polyps from colonies red wide.

Apply voronoi pattern to generate the basic geometry

Step 2

2. Gamete clusters float to ocean surface, then breakup of clusters at surface

Seperate basic forms and contral the variable factors of arrangement, into radiative pattern.

Step 3

3. Inter-colony gamete mixing and fertilization

Add different geometries, and make a combination of different forms.

Process Translate to parametic language

Step 4

4. Resulting embryos become ciliated planula larvae, capable of settlement for up to 3-4 weeks

Growing process from 2D to 3D object, give structure for the object.

Step 5

5. Settlement and metamorphosis

Create vertical support and make the object in touch with the base plane.

Step 6

6. Juvenile polyp with mouth and tentacles

Produce variable factors on the surface, or make the structure more detailed.

Step 7

Step 8

7. Zooxanthellae c, increased calcification, budding at base of polyp to start new colony

The combination of various structure and supportable plane.

8. Continued expansion of colony through calcification and extratentacular budding

Experiment from the overall variation, try different synthetic shapes. Combine point, line, plane and solid together, show the relevant relationship between each other.

Step 1

Release of eggsperm clusters by polyps from colonies red wide.

Apply voronoi pattern to generate the basic geometry

B.1.1.1 Points:5 Seeds:5

B.1.1.2 Points:20 Seeds:4

B.1.1.3 Points:50 Seeds:3

B.1.1.4 Points:100 Seeds:8

B.1.1.5 Points:5 Seeds:14

B.1.1.6 Points:20 Seeds:8

B.1.1.7 Points:5 Seeds:14

B.1.1.8 Points:50 Seeds:5

Step 2 Gamete clusters float to ocean surface, then break-up of clusters at surface

Seperate basic forms and contral the variable factors of arrangement, into radiative pattern.

Step 3 Inter-colony gamete mixing and fertilization

Add different geometries, and make a combination of different forms.

B.1.1.9 Points:20 Seeds:14

B.1.1.10 Points:15 Seeds:12

B.1.1.11 Points:80 Seeds:18

B.1.1.12 Points:30 Seeds:20

B.1.1.13 Points:100 Seeds:8

B.1.1.14 Points:120 Seeds:6

B.1.1.15 Points:150 Seeds:15

B.1.1.16 Points:80 Seeds:25

B.1.1.17 Points:100 Seeds:8

B.1.1.18 Points:120 Seeds:6

B.1.1.19 Points:150 Seeds:15

B.1.1.20 Points:80 Seeds:25

Step 4 Resulting embryos become ciliated planula larvae, capable of settlement for up to 3-4 weeks

Growing process from 2D to 3D object, give structure for the object by using voronoi. And apply weavebird pattern on curved surface.

Step 5 Settlement and metamorphosis

Create vertical support and make the object in touch with the base plane.

B.1.1.21-24

B.1.1.25-31

Step 7

The combination of various structure and supportable plane.

B.1.1.32-35

Step 6 Juvenile polyp with mouth and tentacles

Zooxanthellae c, increased calcification, budding at base of polyp to start new colony

Produce variable factors on the surface, or make the structure more detailed.

Continued expansion of colony through calcification and extratentacular

B.1.1.36-39

Step 8

Experiment from the overall variation, try different synthetic shapes. Combine point, line, plane and solid together, show the relevant relationship between each other.

B.1.2. Experience & Analysis

Species B.1.1.20

The reason why i choose this as my favorite iteration is because, firstly it is the one changing from 2D surface to 3D geometry, and weavebird command is applied on the surface of it. The flowing surface could represent the flexibility how coral gamete clusters float to ocean surface following the ocean flow. That also an application of my own strength. The combination of using “Voronoi“ and “Weavebird“ is a better explaination of the inter-colony gamete mixing process, and generate a new geometry.

As what i thought for my restriction, we might need to do more self-inquiry about ourselves and foster the emotional awareness of my ex-

Species B.1.1.19

isting advantages. Then trying to combine the exsiting advantage and new ideas together.

Like the coral gametes follow the ocean to find its settlement , while i can follow what i’m good at to being confidence, also the design could take advantage from the current lanscape features to meet what the clients need.

This iteration has a skeletal sructure with holes on its surface. The next step might need to add a surface which used as a sunshade. Because it has a really simple structure, looks like a sculpture but lack of some functional uses, which more about aesthetic view. It should develop further possilities of

how to use the spaces around.

The first two species change their main form by adjusting the four supporting points, which also worked as the supportance for the whole structure after the designed surface move up. However, the stand point is not stronge enough, it needs more egineering considerations to do further transform.

The third iteration is achieved by morph weavebird pattern on a pipe surface, which then build up and create an inner space. People could going through and view the outside.

Species B.1.1.17

There are a lot holes on its surface allow the design keep a deep relationship with nature.

People could feel the real world and sourronding nature better. As what i thought for my restriction, we might need to do more self-inquiry about ourselves and foster the emotional awareness of my existing advantages. Then trying to combine the exsiting advantage and new ideas together. Like the coral gametes follow the ocean to find its settlement , while i can follow what i’m good at to being confidence, also the design could take advantage from the current lanscape features to meet what the clients need.

B.2.

Case study 1.0 Skylar Tibbits VoltaDom VoltaDom Project is design for the celebration of MIT’s 150th anniversary and the FAST Arts Festival. It is located between the concrete and glass hallway in MIT with hundreds of traditional vaults, which in order to recollect the style of Gothic cathedrals. This installation explores the doubly curved vault surface instead of using flat panels with “oculi” for each cell to introduce light and views of the outside.

The reasons why I chose this project as my precedents include the following points.

Firstly, it is because the self-replicating system of the cells. As the vaults have similar shapes but arranged in a sequential way to keep interdependence between cells, which exactly like the way how coral reef clone and growing. That interprets the formation process of a uniformed unit become a whole piece.

Besides, the “oculi” forms also have functional uses except the aesthetic view. It is used to release lights in the bounded hallway and provide outer views through the holes. While it might fit the step of how coral’s mouth and tentacles works. The outside edge of each coral reef looks pretty, but it also the tools for them to fertilize themselves and accelerate calcification.

Moreover, the free arrangement of each cone reminds me the free growing pattern and diverse settlement of coral reef. Each curved vaults allocated irregularly and form a complex surface, which connected by single steel strips, this process could be a good reference for my process, to be more specific, how coral reef budding at a base root and growing freely to form new colony.

However, this project is designed under the space limitation of the concrete and glass walls, while the restriction of coral growing is no boundary. Hence, my further parametric design might make some modifications for the boundary of VoltaDom prototypes.

B.2.1 Matrix Species 1

Species 3

Basic Parameters

Curved Surfaces & Flat Cell Patterns

Step 2B.

cone radius: 0.84 Height ratio:1.17 Points:9 Seeds:6 V0:0.4 V1:0.5

cone radius: 0.63 Height ratio:1.38 Points:14 Seeds:5 V0:0.2 V1:0.8

cone radius: 0.95 Height ratio:1.92 Points:21 Seeds:9 V0:0.2 V1:1.0

cone radius: 0.83 Height ratio:0.5 Points:14 Seeds:7 V0:0.4 V1:0.5

cone radius: 6.0 Height ratio:0.5 Points:20 Seeds:20 V0:0.1 V1:0.5

cone radius: 3.0 Height ratio:1.8 Points:27 Seeds:33 V0:0.3 V1:0.5

cone radius: 2.0 Height ratio:1.4 Points:21 Seeds:27 V0:0.8 V1:0.5

cone radius: 3.0 Height ratio:3.0 Points:30 Seeds:13 V0:0.6 V1:0.3

cone radius: 0.66 Height ratio:2 Points:10 Seeds:7 V0:0.2 V1:0.6

cone radius: 0.85 Height ratio:2.0 Points:12 Seeds:10 V0:0.1 V1:0.7

cone radius: 0.64 Height ratio:3.05 Points:12 Seeds:6 V0:0.4 V1:1.0

cone radius: 1.0 Height ratio:3.58 Points:24 Seeds:2 V0:0.1 V1:0.6

cone radius: 6.0 Height ratio:0.5 Points:20 Seeds:20 V0:0.1 V1:0.5

cone radius: 3.0 Height ratio:1.8 Points:27 Seeds:33 V0:0.3 V1:0.5

cone radius: 2.0 Height ratio:1.4 Points:21 Seeds:27 V0:0.8 V1:0.5

cone radius: 3.0 Height ratio:3.0 Points:30 Seeds:13 V0:0.6 V1:0.3

Species 2

Species 4

Mathematically Desined Pattern

Sphere & Voronoi & Attractors

Step 2B.

cone radius: 0.84 Height ratio:1.17 Points:9 Seeds:6 V0:0.4 V1:0.5

cone radius: 0.63 Height ratio:1.38 Points:14 Seeds:5 V0:0.2 V1:0.8

cone radius: 0.95 Height ratio:1.92 Points:21 Seeds:9 V0:0.2 V1:1.0

cone radius: 0.83 Height ratio:0.5 Points:14 Seeds:7 V0:0.4 V1:0.5

cone radius:8 Hole radius: 0.3 Height ratio:6.0 Points:88 Seeds:25 sphere radius:10

cone radius:5 Hole radius: 1.0 Height ratio:20 Points:50 Seeds:25 sphere radius:10

cone radius:1 Hole radius: 8 Height ratio:15 Points:20 Seeds:25 sphere radius:10

cone radius:20 Hole radius:5 Height ratio:22 Points:30 Seeds:25 sphere radius:10

Step 2B.

cone radius: 0.66 Height ratio:2 Points:10 Seeds:7 V0:0.2 V1:0.6

cone radius: 0.85 Height ratio:2.0 Points:12 Seeds:10 V0:0.1 V1:0.7

cone radius: 0.64 Height ratio:3.05 Points:12 Seeds:6 V0:0.4 V1:1.0

cone radius: 1.0 Height ratio:3.58 Points:24 Seeds:2 V0:0.1 V1:0.6

cone radius:1.0 Height ratio:22 Points:34 Seeds:19

cone radius:4.0 Height ratio:22 Points:20 Seeds:8

cone radius:0.5 Height ratio:22 Points:50 Seeds:8

cone radius:0.7 Height ratio:22 Points:100 Seeds:16

Successful Species - Experience & Analysis

Features it contains:

Features it contains:

Features it contains:

- Radiative pattern - Repetitive standard items - Aesthetics

- Free arrangement of units - Repetitive standard items - Inner space to explore - Various pathways

Needs to improve: - Single direction going inside - Functional use - Strctural system

Needs to improve: - Functional use - Strctural system

Features it contains:

- Structural spaces - Repetitive standard items - Multi-rooms

- Seperate the spaces - Repetitive standard items - Multi-spaces - Inner area being attractive

Needs to improve: - Accessbility - Functional use - Supporting point

Needs to improve: - Accessbility - Functional use - Supporting point

B.3 Case study 2.0 NonLin/Lin Pavillion

by Marc Fornes

NonLin/Lin Pavillion is designed by French architect, which is an aluminum pavilion resembles a large piece of coral.

It has a visual insight of sculptural and formal qualities; the prototypes are built forms established using computational protocols. These protocols are based on form finding, form description, information modeling and generational hierarchy, while it is assembled from 27 components which result in a structure with 4 meters high.

The pavilion is flexible in the way it built, like the parts can be taken apart and resembled in different locations. This prototypical structure is an exploration of transformation form one state to the other. Different members in the structural system open up and recombine themselves into larger openings while their reverse side is generating a surface condition provided that as density increase eventually result in the person involving within a sensation of enclosure.

The base of the project is the pattern shift from linear spaces, not only on a formal level, but rather to engage a diversity of social situations pushing further than â&#x20AC;&#x153;biâ&#x20AC;? or dual alike.

The reason why I choose it firstly because the forming finding process is related to our project, its flexibly assemblage into distinct positons. Since at the first stage we are trying to use continues surfaces with a harmony curvature rate. However, it is hard to achieve by using only Grasshopper, it still needs the help of Kangaroo. During the research of this pavilion, we find that flexibility can also achieved by using assembled smooth geometries.

Moreover, the structure follows an unconventional creation where a pattern of elements such as openings and dimensional measurement turn out of scale where people are exposed to cultural references and related with nature. This is also a helpful point for us to develop the patterns on the surface. Since my restriction is lack of creativity, the interesting opening on its surface also provides me more deep thinks of how to replace the traditional opening.

B.3 Case study 2.0 Reverse Engineering

Species 1

Species 2

Species 3

B.4 Technique: Development Exploring the Algorithm

Species 1 Create the basic geomotry base, setting four points and make it adjustable.

Apply voronoi patten on the geometry and divide the area. It has different sizes of spaces with less monotonous. By changing the number sider for Z direction to control the floating rate of basic geometry surface. Try various counts numbers and seeds patterns to get different result.

B.4.1.0 Highest Z: 5 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.1.2 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:3 Points: 11 Seeds: 9

B.4.1.3 Highest Z: 9 Lowest Z:5 Points: 15 Seeds: 5

B.4.1.4 Highest Z: 4 Lowest Z:0 Points: 8 Seeds: 15

B.4.1.5 Highest Z: 3 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.1.6 Highest Z: 15 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 9

B.4.1.7 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 8

B.4.1.8 Highest Z: 7 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.2.1 Highest Z: 5 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.2.2 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:3 Points: 11 Seeds: 9

B.4.2.3 Highest Z: 9 Lowest Z:5 Points: 15 Seeds: 5

B.4.2.4 Highest Z: 4 Lowest Z:0 Points: 8 Seeds: 15

B.4.2.5 Highest Z: 3 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.2.6 Highest Z: 15 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 9

B.4.2.7 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 8

B.4.2.8 Highest Z: 7 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

Species 2 Generating a spefic curved enclosed area based on different hight ration, and trim the voronoi pattern from the curved surface. The trimming edge is used as the support of the overall structure and would sit on the ground.

Voronoi cells on the surface could better explain the expansion of the designed structure, also it creates seperation for an integral space. That is exactly follow my design intention, which trying to create multi-spaces and explore diversity.

Species 3 Adding a curved face on the skeletal structure, which trying to link with the process of settlement. This shading surface is planning to use reflective materials, in order to show the inner details and allow light penetration. It is adjust by the same control of the basic points, and highly responds my strength, flexibility.

Moreover, in respond to the ladscape curvature.

B.4.3.1 Highest Z: 5 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.3.2 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:3 Points: 11 Seeds: 9

B.4.3.3 Highest Z: 9 Lowest Z:5 Points: 15 Seeds: 5

B.4.3.4 Highest Z: 4 Lowest Z:0 Points: 8 Seeds: 15

B.4.3.5 Highest Z: 3 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.3.6 Highest Z: 15 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 9

B.4.3.7 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 8

B.4.3.8 Highest Z: 7 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.4.1 Highest Z: 5 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.4.2 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:3 Points: 11 Seeds: 9

B.4.4.3 Highest Z: 9 Lowest Z:5 Points: 15 Seeds: 5

B.4.4.4 Highest Z: 4 Lowest Z:0 Points: 8 Seeds: 15

Species 4 Find the average of each cell and its central point, move the central point vetically upwards and create spheres on top. And try different radiative patterns to arrange the location of sphere by mathematical calculation. This could respond to coralsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tentacles growth process and its randomness.

Step 2B.

B.4.4.5 Highest Z: 3 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.4.6 Highest Z: 15 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 9

Step 2

B.4.4.7 Highest Z: 12 Lowest Z:0 Points: 10 Seeds: 8

B.4.4.8 Highest Z: 7 Lowest Z: 3 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

Species 5 Move the central points upwards and then horizontally shift them, use line to connect points, and loft adjacent lines to creat the trangular form on the top as a cover for the structure, the height and the slope of trangular is different, which as an abstract representation of the process how light penetration rate in ocean as an influencial factor for coralâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s calcification.

By using Octree to generate solid on each averaged points.

Species 6 Similar command used with species 5, trying to combine with the curved surface. which will form a skeletal structure with inner lines inside, the lines can be used for aesthetics purpose also worked as the roof of the design. Changing the pop seed in a given space, to create different sets of connection menthods.

B.4.6.1 Move Z: 5 Points: 20 Seeds: 7

B.4.6.2 Move Z: 7 Points: 25 Seeds: 34

B.4.6.3 Move Z: 3 Points: 15 Seeds: 6

B.4.6.4 Move Z: 3 Points: 22 Seeds:17

Step 2

B.4.6.5 Move Z: 5 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.6.6 Move Z: 5 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.6.7 Move Z: 5 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

B.4.6.8 Move Z: 5 Points: 10 Seeds: 7

Step 2

Species 7 Use “Arc‘ to connect points, creating hanging or reverse hanging beam for the structure. By adjusting the pop numbers and radius of pipes, changing its “strength“ and “thickness“.

B.4.7.1 Z: 15 Points: 20 Seeds: 7

B.4.7.2 Move Z: 10 Points: 30 Seeds: 7

B.4.7.3 Move Z: 12 Points: 40 Seeds: 7

B.4.7.5 Move Z: 5 Points: 70 Seeds: 16

B.4.7.6 Move Z: 14 Points: 70 Seeds: 7

B.4.7.7 Move Z: 13 Points: 80 Seeds: 13

B.4.7.4 Move Z: 5 Points: 40 Seeds: 7

B.4.7.8 Move Z: 8 Points: 70 Seeds: 26

B.4.7.9 Move Z: 5 Points: 70 Seeds: 16

B.4.7.10 Move Z: 14 Points: 70 Seeds: 7

B.4.7.11 Move Z: 13 Points: 80 Seeds: 13

B.4.7.12 Move Z: 8 Points: 70 Seeds: 26

Step 2

Species 8 Build “Straight line“, take advantage of inner feature, which create a deep connection with nature.

B.4.8.1 Move Z: 8 Points: 70 Seeds: 16

B.4.8.2 Move Z: 12 Points: 70 Seeds: 7

B.4.8.3 Move Z: 10 Points: 40 Seeds: 11

B.4.8.4 Move Z: 5 Points: 55 Seeds: 26

Species 9 Build “pipe”, as the structure of design, it shows different intersections of pipes, which gives differnt feelings towards the spaces division.

Also, the as the radius increases, the inside area come smaller and being crowed, hence, smaller radius of pipes and less pop points might be a good choice.

Step 2

B.4.9.1 Move Z: 5 Points: 20 Seeds: 11

B.4.9.2 Move Z: 8 Points: 30 Seeds: 7

B.4.9.3 Move Z: 10 Points: 25 Seeds: 10

B.4.9.4 Move Z: 9 Points: 28 Seeds: 26

B.5.1 Technique: Prototype & Proposal 1

Step 2

This is the first iteration I choosed for the final prototype, which contains lines, curves and volumns together, and present a good illustration of â&#x20AC;&#x153;flexibilityâ&#x20AC;&#x153;. By thinking the purpose and main function of it, which used as a place for people to meditation, while also involve any other outdoor activities, like providing benches for people sits and relax, or an quiet self-studing or chatting area.

Also, based on the consideration of my own strength and restriction, i want ro create some place obtain a flexible form feature with multiple functions. Hence, the design would take advantage of the exisiting advantage, which means the geographical features and surrounding environments. Like how coral follows the ocean flows to find the best settlement. The main structure is created by voronoi command, it devides the whole

Step 2

piece into several pieces that gives more possibility to defining the function of each part and gives a sense a space seperaiton.

Some people without sufficient confidence might choose sitting in the corner or some place with enough shading to hide themself. However, the design would help those people trying to be more confident, most of the design is exposed in the nature, hence that gives a way for people open their mind and thoughts, also learn how to utilised their own advantages and being creative in their own spirit realm and world.

The material selected is glass and some shinny materials, like aluminum. That is aim to represent openness and self-reflection.

Moreover, people could also sit on some lower part of the roof to have a relax.

B.5.2 Technique: Prototype & Prototype 2 Further Iterations Step 2

The second proposal is mainly about overcoming my restriction by openness and multi-direction, the design trying to use one start point and connected with multiple points, with the intention to find various methods and being diversity. Experiencing different options sometimes foster the generation of new ideas and stimulate creativity.

The sphere floating in the air is designed for children playing here, it is support by thin steel with both functional and aesthetic purpose. When people standing in front of this project, they could view that the people standing in front was divided by the lines.

Step 2

Sinse the meterial is reflective, It is pretty like the kaleidoscope, those mirrors help to improve their self- awareness for the merits they have.

However, it has a complex structure which might limit the use of area.

People might hard to access the inner area while only using it for its outside space. The next step is to find more interesting structures underneath and support the whole structure. Also, it mainly contains lines which might be a big problem during 3D printng.

B.5.3 Technique: Prototype 3

Features it contains: - Light penetration - Flowing - Flexibility - Inner space to explore - Various pathways Needs to improve: - Functional use - Strctural system

B.6. Technique - 3D Priting Testing Test 1 - Case study Variation Model 3D Printing process: We choose B.3. reverse engineering model as our first 3D pringting test object. This model is part of a smooth geometry. We use this one is because, firstly, it has its own suppurt and could stand safyly, and it has less inner support to withstand pressure from upper structure, which could saves material and minimise printing time. Secondly, the original rhino model contains lines, surfaces and volumns, which gives an oppotunity to test mesh transform from different types of object’s properties. In the meanwhile, this model contains hollow parts with distinct thickness, hence it obviously shows how the minimum thickness of 3D printing works.

Process: - Check Property - should be CLOSED mesh - Edit minimum thickness - 2mm Ratio for width:length - 1:4 - For openmeshin our model: - ”Cap” & ““Loft““ - For polysurface - Mesh - Offest Mesh - Delete intersections - Mesh repair - Trim Mesh

Test 2 - Prototype 1 Results & Analysis: For the final prototype, it contains a lot of lines. The main problem is that need too much supports since the lines are hanging in the air. Also, the command of “Pipe“ is highly used in the process of transforming mesh object.

The radius of the pipe is 1mm which could both sattisfy the minimum thickness requirement and aesthetic view.

B.7. Learning Objectives and Outcomes

During the half-semesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s study in studio air, the practices and theories of architectural computational design gives me more depth understanding of parametric design and how to use grasshopper to generate a design.

On the other hand, from week1 to week6 working

Initially getting started on the case studies, I did not perform well in connecting the precedentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s project with my own design. Sometimes it is easy the get the visual things but hard to grab its inner conceptual principles. That also a problem for me during the architecture studies, it is easy to deviated from my origin design concept if I did not push myself repeat it again and again. But after these few weeksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; studies, both from the lectures and what my tutor told me, I realized the importance of the concept or say the spirit of the design. I start to going deeper of finding the origin of designing a building.

with grasshopper, it gave me the most basic and fundamental understanding which is required to start any project I believe. However, I still feel very new to grasshopper and at times it does get a bit overwhelming as a lot of research and assistance is required to get to a complex stage and succeed in it.

My proposed prototype will have to be refined and improved to get that level where it can be prefabricated, the next stage would be linking the architectural and functional use of the project and I will try to combine them together, also finding more possibilities to create interesting spaces and do a creative and useful design.

B.8. Appendix - Sketches

Part C. Criteria Design

Contents C.0 Self-reflection C.1 Design Concept C.2 Tectonic Elements& Prototypes C.3 Final Detail Model C.4 Learning Objectives and Outcomes C.5. References

C.O SELF-REFLECTION

FEEDBACK FROM INTERIM PRESENTATION: From the previous proposals, they currently look more like objects but lack of architectural and functional uses. Also the exploration of various forms and its achievability could be continuous, there could be more variation and amplification based on chosen characters. The current project contains a large open space with supports around it. However, this project would use 3D print as its main construction technology which means the design could support itself with its overall structure.

Hence, the existing supported columns need to be removed. Besides, the extensive use of open space creates a sense of monotonous and lack of multifunctional uses, thus we could explore diversified special qualities and how it related to the whole structure. For example, a continuous structure which could work as roof, wall and seats at the same time.

Additionally, it is important how we develop the conceptual narrative. The design process should be continuous and grow up step by step,

not just come up or changes every week. So we might need to look back and extract the worth point to develop, thinking more rather than always making changes every week. Because the intention of this project is how people gain confidence by experiencing different special components. Then it could have senses of contrast in different space, which gives people a guidance how they build up confidence by gradually gaining the sense of success.

Once these experiences achieved, the design would have its spirit and be meaningful.

Moreover, another important point is how it builds. Since this project would use 3D print as its main fabrication method, the design should have its own necessity and uniqueness to use this technology. In comparison with other methods, like laser cut, it eliminates the problems happened during the material test and creating joints components. However, there still a need to consider how to make it rational and reliable in a real space.

C.O SELF-REFLECTION

RESPONSE: When we were doing part B, a lots focus was put on how to explore the algorithm but without enough conceptual narrative thinking. So this time what we are doing is looking back and extracting the main spirit of corals’ behavior.

Since the chosen chakra is the sacral chakra which focuses more on enhancing connections. Our strength is adaptability and our restriction is lack of confidence. And our chosen natural system is the regeneration of coral reefs. Then we want to grab the features how coral grows and being attractive, and amplify that in an algorithm to generate a sense of achievement when people walking around the project.

Thus we chose to look at the fluorescence in corals. There are algae living in the corals which provide food to the corals in return for shelter. Without the algae, the corals will just be an empty white skeleton. Because of that, we wanted to design a space that people can contribute to this empty skeleton so we thought of making this space a community garden.

What gaining confidence means is going through a series of successes, thus we attempt to explore the use of light. As

people walk down the space, they will find themselves shifting through from an unknow environment to a inner spaces which let people feel more confident about moving in the space, to create a feeling of security. Also, for the concept of building a “community garden”, it utilizes the character of coral’s selffeeding system and multicolor, the plants grow inside would also provide people a feeling of being gradually prosperous when they moving from the outer open lawn to an interior flourishing garden.

Hence, after the continued trail from part B form-finding process, we finally create a mass-like structure by using smoothing to create a more organic and variable form and subtract holes on the exterior in a gradient pattern, which make a combination of the Voronoi pattern and the overall smoothing shape.

The intention of utilizing two patterns is to develop a contrast feeling and enhance the connection between inner and exterior. So the open space would be placed facing towards the sun and the river, grabbing sufficient sunlight and easy access to nature, while the relatively closed area would locate in the central guided by the interior sinuous path.

CONTINUOUSLY USE THIS VORONOI PATTERN IN THE FORM-FINDING PROCESS.

C.O SELF-REFLECTION DEVELOPMENT:

However, the overall pattern was not organic enough, and there are still supporting structure on the side and interior.

We want to find the form which could hold by itself and have a connection with the nearny nature.

TOP VIEW

DETAILED VIEW

C.1 WORKFLOW DIAGRAM

* FLUORESCENCE IN CORALS

* DIFFERENT SEGMENTS

* LIGHT GUIDANCE

* COMBINED IN AN

* CONSIDER ARCHIEVABILITY

INTERESTING SHAPE * CHANGE THICKNESS

* CIRCULATION

* TEST 3D PRINT

* EXISTING STRUCTURE * SPACE DIVISION

* STRENGTH AND WEAKNESS

* NATURAL FACTOR

* FIND AN INTERESTING FEATURE

* CONTEMPLATION * RELAXATION

* FIND THE FINAL FORM

* OVERCOME AND AMPLIFY

* COMMUNITY GARDEN

* LARGE INSTALLATION

* DIGITIZATION

* CONDIER THE SITE AND AUDIENCE

FORM FINDING

CONCEPT

SITE ANALYSIS

FUNCTION

PROTOTYPE

FABRICATION

C.1 DESIGN

CONCEPT

1. FLUORESCENCE IN CORALS

2. LIGHT GUIDANCE

In this step, we put our focus mainly on the color of corals. its fluorescence is attractive which would work as its own distinctive feature.

Those colors could be extracted into plenty of segments, and utilized in the whole structure. Since the weakness of our chosen chakra is lack of confidence, so I was thinking to borrow this character into the design, to make itself more fascinating, becomes rich in color and

full of variety, so that to improve self-perception and being confident. Because this was based on corals’ self-feeding system, I also want to amplify this point into the project. By tracing back to the root of all the architectural buildings, they are standing on the ground and supported by the solid earth, thus it could generate a deeper relationship in between, hence, the building itself might produce the meaning of “colorful“, like growing plants within

its structure. Then the 3D printing fabrication material could be soil or mud to achieve the self-growing goal.

While it could also work as a sustainable design since its a green project built on our site and its lifespan would be lasting and continuous from generation to generation.

After the investigation of our site, we found that is a quite open and natural space. Thus we want to fully use this character and make a closer connection between light, nature and human. Coral also follows the path of

light and ocean flow to find its settlement, thus light would be a good indicator of our design.

Since the aim is to build up confidence by experiencing the design, light could be a factor leading to a series of success by

walking through different space and gaining a sense of achievement or security. The collage above roughly express this idea, which passes from a desolate place towards a prosperous environment.

CONCEPT

DESIGN PROPOSAL

MAIN MAP INNER SPACE GUIDE OPEN SPACE GUIDE

The main map road contains the overall trip of this project, which goes through from a relatively personal space to a open space and finally back to the quiet contemplative area.

The purple line in between demonstrates the way of the public area, in which people and children could

+ PLAIN STRUCTURE

relax and play here. Its a place contains a lot of holes in its structure, which result in abundant light being introduced, people could bring seeds in and grow them inside, on the ground, the wall or even the roof. However, the two sides of the design

belong to relatively private or quiet place as people could do meditation or relaxing to refresh their spirit in these place. There would be fever holes on the structure, which in order to provide peacefully, and a relatively closed private area.

= GROWTH HORMONE

COLORFUL & DIVERSE

C.1 DESIGN CONCEPT-

SITE ANALYSIS - EXISTING STRUCTURE The site is named Dights Falls in the lower part of Merri Trails, which is a vital point where people shift from main living area to nature. Its a place contains a large area of green plants and water resources. When I visited the site, I found there were people losen up and drawing, also someone was laying under the tree, closing eyes and relaxing. There were no main architectural buildings here, the places people visited and stayed were kind of disperse and lack of centrality. For example, they can only lean on the railing or sit

on some benches. One interesting point here is the falls, if people stop they steps and stay here for a moment to listen the sound of water, they might forget anything else, I could even ignore the time passing by when I gazed into the cascading waterfalls.

However, if people prefer relatively quiet place, the trees behind provide a good isolation with the noise. The specific chosen area for the design could located in a central and open area, where gives enough spaces for multifunctional uses.

ACCOMMODATION & GREEN SPACE

A VITAL CONNECTION BETWEEN LIVING AREA AND NATURAL SPACE

ACCOMMODATION & RIVER FLOW

WATE PATH GUIDING THE MOVEMENT TOWARDS NATURE

NATURAL FACTORS

CIRCULATION

A PLACE FULL OF GREEN AREA AND AWAY FROM

LOCATED NEAR TRAFFIC SYSTEM WITH GOOD POPULATION CIRCULATION

C.1 DESIGN CONCEPT

LOCATION

HIGHWAY

MAIN ROAD

MA

I

VIEW TO GREEN SPACE

AR NY

R

R AT

AI L VIEW TO MERRI CREEK

VIEW TO YARRA RIVER

C.1 TECHNIQUE DIAGRAM & CONSTRUCTION PROCESS FABRICATION PRECEDENT Use mud as the main material, which could grow and support itself. Built out of mud is not anything new. In fact, humans have been constructing with mud and fiber binders for over 9,000 years. However, this new technique offers some extreme advantages. Extruding the mud in this manner drastically increases the amount

of surface area, making it habitable much sooner than waiting for thick bricks to dry before construction can begin. Additionally, the triangular shapes between the walls make it stronger and capable of bearing more weight than traditional methods, all while using less material.

3D PRINTING PROCESS

SUPPORTING

The supporting materials are mainly placed under in the hollow sections, which highly extend the printing time and cost.

We have tried to increase the thickness of the hollow walls to improve its self supporting, but still not perfectly solved.

The printing process starts from the base and goes up layer by layer. The preview of animation was shown as below, there was one set was not like the real printing process, that was the distance to the bottom. There did not need that much supports underneath, it was because not moved down properly so that generating

superfluous material. This problem was solved during printing. However, the issue we meet was the thickness of part of the holeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s section. The adjusting was not reached the minimum limits, 2mm, although it could be printed, but it is weak and fragile, also really easy to break the structure when removing the supporting.

C.2 3D PRINT - ELEMENTS & PROTOTYPE & FUNCTION * CONTEMPLATIVE SPACE

FEATURE: - Relatively quiet, private space - Less holes on the walls - Less light passing through FUNCTION:

- Meditation - Relaxing - Reading

* INNER FUNCTIONAL USE

FEATURE: - Relatively open, public space - Use Voronoi pattern for the whole structure - Introduce more light, more plants could grow - More prosperous FUNCTION:

- Planting - Visiting - Enjoying the scenery - Acitivities - Exploring

C.1 DETAILED DRAFT OF

INTERIOR EXERCISES

This is the contemplative area on the north part, which is kind of silent and being less interrupted. People could sit inside or stay in the nearby, closing their eyes and take a refreshment of their spirt. The holes extract on the walls allows closer connection with nature, which brings more clean air in and feel the wind blows, and hear the rustling through the leaves. The inner height reaches more than three meters, hence it allows people to stand inside or doing some yoga exercise.

South part also belongs to a quiet area, where people could sitting on the overall structure. Children could explore different space inside and grow the plants they liked. Light is worked as the guidance in this place, while this part is more like a cave thus the sunlight would give a direction towards the entrance or exit of the cave. It would be a feeling of suddenly enlightened and obtain an interesting experience.

The middle section is kind of an open space, where the holes are large enough to allow people directly walking through. There are sufficient sunlight for vegetations, thus it contains a variety of plants to enhance the concept of â&#x20AC;&#x153;community gardenâ&#x20AC;?. It is a multifunctional space and sometimes covers a lot of sounds, hence it is not a perfect place for doing meditation or Pilates exercise.

DRAWING OF OUTSIDE VIEW

DRAWING OF INSIDE VIEW

C.1 CONSTRUCTION DETAILES

The installation of pipes behind the mud surface is the premise of achieving a â&#x20AC;&#x153;community gardenâ&#x20AC;?. They supply water for plants to grow up.

People might think that the structure is using mud as the main material, it could become wet once in rainy days, so its

really like the real soil land in nature and could grow up without artificial water pipes, whether there is a necessity to build up those pipes. Since it would be a place gathering people together, it would also serve as a centralized functional

design, the inner pipes would use as an assurance system besides natural irrigation.

Moreover, since the thickness of the wall could not ensure the inner surface get enough water and the plants are mainly grown inside, thus the pipes are important

elements during fabrication and installation. The overall structure might be wet during rainy days, the holes on the wall also provides good ventilation in this case, to prevent the spread of moss on the wall and roof.

C.2 CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE

LARGE INSTALLATION

C.2 CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE

LARGE INSTALLATION

SECTION

SOUTH ELEVATION SCALE 1:100

WEST ELEVATION SCALE 1:100

EAST ELEVATION SCALE 1:100

NORTH ELEVATION SCALE 1:100

C.3 FINAL MODEL - LARGE INSTALLATION

C.3 FINAL MODEL - LARGE INSTALLATION

C.3 FINAL MODEL -LARGE INSTALLATION INTERIOR ACTIVITIES

C.4 LEARNING OUTCOMES OUTCOME 1: “3D Printing as a new technology for architecture” The most important thing I learned from studio air is that how to do a 3D printed architectural building on a small scale. The 3D-printing technology has been developing at a very rapid pace, the big difference between 3D printing and manufacturing on site is that the building process almost entirely skipping the fabrication part, it saves time and labor. There do not need columns and floorplates to support at the base, but built with structural integrity and work as a whole. Besides, 3D printing architecture opens up all sorts of aesthetic possibilities. It allows material to be placed only where it is required, which achieves clean on site.

But there are still some limitations and drawbacks. Firstly, the current technology was limited in the choice of materials, which could only produce homogeneous materials that have the same properties throughout. Also the maximum size we can print at and the speed of the process, the small object would take half a day to print, thus a building in large scale would be longer.

The cost of 3D print is still a problem for large volumes, is still far higher than traditional construction with regular bricks and blocks. Hence it needs to calculate and make a comparison with the savings in labor and transportation prices to decide whether it is reasonable. In addition, because of the fragility of some individual parts, they have to be printed with support structures to prevent them from breaking while they’re maneuvered into position; these will be removed after the concrete filling has been poured in.

The entire process will be long and costly.

OUTCOME 2: “Engage the spirit with architecture, develop conceptual design and technical analysis” This semester we are doing research on chakra and reveal its intrinsic meaning on our design. I learned how to deeply explore myself and find ways to overcome that weakness, all of those spirits could be demonstrated on the

design, and could be transferred to parametric definitions and fabrication process. The overall design process was linked with each other, the workflow connected people’s emotion with the construction and nature, which is good for us to criticize and reflective ourselves. There are further linkages for us to explore and question ourselves how to make it more rational and meaningful.

OUTCOME 3: “Relationships between architecture and air” The design is largely shaped by our strength and weakness, but also consider the situation of the existing environment. For example, the vegetation, water flow, sunlight and topography. Although it might not possible to consider all of those factors into design, it strives to provide a good experience as users going through the project and tried to engage the building itself with people. We considered more about how to gather people together, and generate more awareness of the environmental impact and provoking interest toward nature, and elevating interaction.

OUTCOME 4: “Digital Design - Understanding of computational geometry, parametric design and date control” We are being in the era of the machine and industrial revolution, which the machine could use to standardize everything, and almost get the triumph than handmade industries. Now, digital technologies also allow craft and industry to merge, in which we could do computational control of a series of data and make changes of the design in a vast speed. Leaning how to use grasshopper gives more possibilities to control unlimited data, my current learning outcomes are as specified in last part, but the next step would be getting familiar with some plug-in software of rhino, like kangaroo and ladybug.

C.5 References

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