Journal C Simrat Kaur Mehta 794105
C1 Design Concept 1.1 Initial design proposal
Our initial design proposal consisted of a column that was a representation of the behavioral characteristic of the growling grass frog and that of a Facade that represented the behavioral qualities of the plant. This proposal although had two successful key elements, column
Figure 1
Figure 2
(Fig1) and the facade (Fig 2),we lacked a seamless connection between the two. However, an iteration that was a combination of the column and the facade (fig 3) emerged as a better solution to our proposal.
Taking the feedback that we received from the interim presentation, we refined the iteration (figure4 ) further. With the proposal,
The key issues that were pointed out during the interim presenta-
we intended to design a space that invited people into the structure
tion were :
and use it as a collaborative space, restoring the place to its origi-
>>
nal intend of it being a “meeting and a gathering� place.
The disconnect between the Facade and the Columns To fur-
ther explore the dynamic movements in the columns
Our proposed facade was intended to start from the first floor,
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leaving the ground floor a more transparent place that instilled and
the >>
To have formulate a concrete argument about the usage of space To visualize it in the physical world.
encouraged a sense of community.
Figure3
Figure 4
The design intend of the structure was to represent ‘growth’ through the form of the building and evoke Figure 5
an appreciation of ornament, as ornament plays an integral part in our design. The columns were not arranged in a strict order, as they defied the rules of classicism forming a new order of their own keeping in mind the characteristics of the precedents. However, additional to the feedback to the design that we received, there were also problems as seen in figure 6 and figure 5, such as the connection of the facade and the column and the connection of the slab and the facade that wasn’t addressed in the initial design proposal. Thus, moving forward we need to address the raised concerns and formulate a more defined structure
Figure 6
representing our design intention.
1.2 Concept and design refinement
The form of the building recalls the behavioral and char-
This decision of using different columns with varying siz-
acteristic qualities of the frog and the plant, abstracting
es and forms finds its root in our proposal for a new order
from it the intent of “growth” that is analogous to the de-
and the representation of growth.
velopment and the recent history of the city. The proposed design of the town hall aims to create a public open space
Since growth is dynamic, with several peaks and valleys,
that facilitates discussion and engagement of the com-
the different columns embody this thought process
munity with the structure,creating a new order that is not a misinterpretation of the past and disconnected from its
To create the smooth transition from the column to the
surroundings.
facade, along with varying column radii, we also had to
The design aims to strike a balance between public and semi private spaces by progressing onto the first floor that is enclosed by the facade in filled with glass. The building is a representation of “upliftment and growth’ that is coherently articulated by the form of the structure. To represent and successfully achieve these qualities, we changed and refined our design proposal taking the points
think about its strong connection that would be able to withstand loads. Since the columns are 3D printed, we
Figure 6
joined the column and the facade, thus making the form made out of pipes that are continuous from the column and the facade, making it one (fig.7). This enables and supports the design intent of creating a smooth transition with strong structural ability.
of feedback from the interim presentation. To formulate formal qualities of a building and create a smooth connection between the facade and the column, we decided to use different radius columns that varied with the openings in the facade/slab. Instead of using the same column with varying radii, we decided to use different columns each from a different species of iterations. Figure 7
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Figure 8
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Column
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1
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2` Facade Figure 9: Continuous single pipe 3D printed
2
Exploded isometric diagram
1.3 Algorithmic diagram Column
1.4 Algorithmic diagram Facade
SECTION 1:20
1.5 Column iterations
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3
4
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10
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C2 Tectonic Elements & Prototypes After refining the overall form of the building, we thought about the form of the building and its engagement with the public in the interior spaces. In an attempt to create a dialogue between the user of the space and the building, we decided to integrate more detailing in the column as a structural ornament. For this, we generated more pipes on the column that created a intricate lattice of overlapping pipes. An appreciation of ornament is evoked by integrating the ornament within the structure of the column itself, creating a connection with the culture of the urban environment and the present demographic1. The detailed body of the column best expresses our ambition to create a figure of representation that best resonates in the structural and the construction process. This level of intricacy achieved by repeated overlap of the same algorithm, will be achieved in reality with the use of 6 axis Kuka robot, that 3D prints large objects. The detailing is also a representation of the possibilities of exploration that is possible through the use of 3D printer Kuka robotic arms, allowing us and the users to draw different interpretations through the possibility of mass customization and variation. .
Detail Model Scale 1:5
2.2 Prototype testing
Material Testing
We first started testing out materiality with metal wires to achieve the intricate curvy forms of the pipes. The test was a failure, because we realized through small exercises of bending and experimenting that the material was too stiff and moreover since our method of fabrication was 3D printing, the material was not appropriate for this method.
Material : 3mm metal wires Method of testing : manual bending of wires Method of fabrication : 3D printing Aim : Form finding exercise; testing the material qualities of the prototype Result: Not feasible for 3D printing; too stiff to use.
2.2 Prototype testing
After testing out the form of the column using wires, we tested our first fabrication prototype using a 3 axis 3D printer with ABS plastic filament as the chosen material. This prototype allowed us to explore 3D printing as a method of fabricating a 1:1 scale column. Even though we were able to achieve the level of accuracy with the detailing and the material was structurally rigid, there were several issues and problems that arose. Firstly, since this was a 1:20 test print, we were able to achieve the desired column in one piece as a whole, but to print a 1:1 column using a 3 axis printer would mean that we would have to print components and then join them together. Moreover, the 3 axis printer can only print up to 30 cm in height thus time taken to produce would increase. Secondly, even though the ABS plastic is strong and rigid, it fails to provide a smoother finish and is also an expensive material to use. Going forward from this, we have to resolve and explore the issue of material cost and investigation of using 3D printers for large scale 3D printers.
Material : ABS Method of testing : 3D printing Method of fabrication : 3D printing Aim : testing the materiality of the filament used; testing the method of fabrication. Result: 1. Structurally strong 2. Ease of fabrication 3. Time efficient 4. Desired effect
Prototype 3
Figure 1
Figure 2
Material : PLA Filament
Result:
Method of testing : 3D printing
1. Structurally strong
Method of fabrication : 3 axis 3D printer
2. Ease of fabrication
Aim : testing the materiality of the filament used; testing the method of fabrication. Comparing it
3. Time efficient
with ABS filament
4. Desired effect
Figure 3
2
Figure 4
To counter the problem of high material cost, we
produce a column in a much lesser time as com-
column and without compromising its struc-
used PLA filament as our material. The choice of
pared to ABS filament, we however had issues
tural capability, as is visible in figure (4).
material was governed with issues such as time
with its structural quality and the quality of finish.
As you can see in figure 2,3 the top part of the
efficiencies, cost and material finish. The outcome
The finish was more rough and messier. Since
column was more frail and weak as compared to
of this test was not as successful as we hoped it
PLA was thinner than ABS, it needed more support
the bottom which was a representation of how
would but it made us aware of more issues. Even
while 3D printing, thus it lead to a more strenuous
weak the material was. Thus, using this as our fi-
though we were successful at reducing cost and
task to remove the support without destroying the
nal material was not possible and was completely scratched off the list.
Figure 1 Step 1: The detail is in the initial stages of printing. The printer uses the filament which is then used to create the product layer by layer. Time taken for this was 27 hours.
Prototype 4 Material : ABS Filament
1. Structurally strong
Method of testing : 3D printing
2. Ease of fabrication
Method of fabrication : 3 axis 3D printer
3. Time efficient
Aim : To produce detail model
4. Desired effect
Figure 2 Step 2: The finished product is support by extra material that acted as “formwork� during the process of printing.
Figure 3 Step 3: The finish some marks affe
hed product. The support was taken out however it did leave ecting the finish of the product.
Figure 4 Detail : The accuracy of detail is maintained in the final product.
Since the end goal was to produce a 3D printed detail, Even though the product showed the intricate overlap of our 4th prototype was a result of this outcome. It is a the pipes, at some parts such as the lower half where the 1:10 chunk detail of the column in ABS filament.
intricacy was more tighter, the detail was more blurred
Although we were hoping to produce a 1:2 3D printed and fatter. It could be because of the scale of the model detail, given the short time span and the inability of the or also because of the complicated mesh that made up 3D printer, we couldn’t do it. However, this prototype is the model. a successful outcome of what we are trying to realize Overall, we were quite happy with this prototype as it in reality. This prototype uses the same ABS filament was almost able to achieve the deliverables of our exbut from a different brand, this change of company al- pectations of how it would it look in reality. lowed us to achieve a much smoother and high quality finished product. Even though it required support (fig 2) it was easy to remove but time consuming and it left marks on the column which were very hard to remove. The only remaining unresolved issue of this process of prototyping and production is the amount of time that is spent on 3D printing, there are alternative solutions to this such as the use of a 6 axis robotic arm for 3D printing that will not only reduce the time but also produce a 3m tall object in one whole. Unfortunately, given the short time frame for the project we were not able to test out this method of fabrication.
Figure 5 Detail : The accuracy of detail is maintained in the final product
t.
2.3 1:1 scale fabrication
a. 3D model in Rhino; layers
Figure 1 Diagram representing the process of 3D printing by a KUKA robotic arm
b. system command; the file is prepared and ready to be sent to the robot controller
c. Robot controller
d. concrete agent and premixer
Our method of fabricating the columns and the facade
The above diagram explains the process from the 3D
to provide real time feedback allowing us
include the process of 3D printing using KUKA 6 axis
model in Rhino to its end product made by the robotic
fine tune the model according to the pa
robots with a cementitious material. With the advance-
arm. Industrial robotic arms like the KUKA or ABS are
are set by us. Since it makes its own pa
ments of technology and the intense research that is
the best methods of production to create the columns
tory of the robot it will make the whole
undertaken in this field, the ability to 3D print materials
because it has the flexibility of rotating more which
self efficient. However, there is still more
in cement is possible which gives us the freedom to re-
will help us achieve the level of detail and reduce the
is required in achieving the column in re
alize the columns as both structural and ornamentation
time of production drastically. Since the robots are self
process, since we have not prototyped t
elements in the building.
equipped with softwares and controllers it will be able
fabrication yet given the time and cost co
s to change and
arameters that
ath and trajecprocess more
e. The path of the robot.
e research that
eality with this
this method of
this project, we consider this method of fabrication the
onstraints of
most likely process.
2.4 Alternative approach 1:1 scale fabrication
Figure 1 Pattern followed by the KUKA robot.
Figure 2 3D printing in process.
Terra Performa, 2018 <http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/terra-performa/> [Accessed 1 June 2018]
Terra Performa, 2018 <http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/terra-performa/> [Accessed 1 June 2018]
Figure 3 3D printed components arranged in order
Figure 4 Layers of unfired clay
Terra Performa, 2018 <http://www.iaacblog.com/pro-
Terra Performa, 2018 <http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/terra-performa/> [Accessed 1 June 2018]
grams/terra-performa/> [Accessed 1 June 2018]
Our method of fabrication is to 3D print the columns and the facade with concrete as the chosen material. Although, prototype #4 was successful, we did find a few issues that we needed to address when we start constructing the structure, by keeping in mind factors such as feasibility of construction and cost effectiveness of production. Upon more exploration of additive manufacturing of large scale structures using a more sustainable approach towards fabrication that is cost effective and climatically responsive, we came across a research thesis project by Iaac that focuses on using unfired clay as a material for 3D printing that not only reduces the cost by a great measure but also responds to the climatic conditions in a more sustainable approach. This is an alternate approach to the chosen material ABS, that we desired to explore further, however due to the undesired qualities such as the lack of creating more intricate and tighter detailing, the inability of printing an object in whole and not small components and the problem of Figure 5 The finished product. Terra Performa, 2018 <http://www.iaacblog.com/programs/terra-performa/> [Accessed 1 June 2018]
reducing the amount of time fabricating still remains. Even though we can not use this material for the structure, we certainly hope to explore and investigate the feasibility of construction.
C3 Final Detail Model Process of fabrication Step 1 : From 3D to laser cut ready
a. 1mm thick sections b. rendered detail c. 3mm thick sections
1. Our scope of 3D printing the detail in 1:5 was limited by
2. After we converted the model into one big mesh, we then contoured it in sections to
3. The 2
the time frame and cost of production, thus to fabricate the
prepare it for the laser cut file. At this stage, while we were contouring, we had to decide
squares
detail we chose to laser cut the file. We opted to use box-
on the thickness of the material that best showed the intricate detailing. On comparing
product
board as a material for the easy of fabrication, efficiency of
the 1mm and 3mm contours (fig2.a & 2.c) we decided on using 1mm thick boxboard as
time and cost. We converted our 3D detail in to a mesh.
it best captured the intricate detailing of the column.
202 layers were then laid out, ready to be placed on the laser cut template. Red
s made on each layer for ease of constructibility which would fasten the time of
tion and help produce a much neater finished product.
4. 31 sheets of Laser cut box board
Step 2 : Assemblage
1. For ease of assembly we stuck masking tape 2. Take them out of the sheets in order of the 3. Placing it on a leveled base ` so that everything was in place.
7. Detail at 50% completion
numbers
8.To increase time efficiency and time management, smaller components are created.
9.Stacking smaller components
4. sta
acking it layer by layer
5. Rigid connection
6. PVA between each layer as a layer of adhesion
10. Completed.
Finished Model
C4 Learning objectives and outcomes Studio Air has by far been the most challenging studio
dialogue is visible in our usage of material ornamenta-
supporting architectural texts throughout
that I have ever done. This project has pushed my lim-
tion, which was symbolic of the demographic growth
acted as a catalyst, during our initial stag
itations of exploring new ways of thinking about the role
and the flora and fauna of Merri Creek region. Using
a critical argument for our proposal. The
of computation in architecture and its relevance in the
these softwares allowed us to physically visualize the
veloping our cognitive thinking through th
design process. In retrospective, my ability of thinking
form and gave us the freedom to further develop and
ment of the rich and persuasive argume
and processing design was more traditional and my de-
manipulate algorithms to suit our philosophy.
informed by the contemporary architectu
production, however upon completion of this studio,
The ability to keep changing and improving by creating
Through various exercises in Part A,B,C
through this project I have learnt to bridge the gap be-
multitudes of iterations is one of the major advantages
especially analyzing contemporary archit
tween the 2d and 3d realms.
of using parametric modeling. Furthermore, the ability
dents and drawing a technical analysis
of using Rhino and grasshopper gave us the opportu-
conceptual thinking allowed us to develop
Using softwares like Grasshopper and Rhino to devel-
nity to fabricate and produce small scale test models
help me look and analyze architecture fro
op and fabricate a new order for the Northcourt Town
that helped gain feedback and prototype. This method
spectives.
hall enabled me to experiment and test various iter-
of modeling and continuous prototyping gave us a taste
ations based on parameters such as cost effective-
of how things are actually fabricated and created in re-
With this new digital design approach tak
ness, structural ability, form and time efficiency. In the
ality. The ability to mass customize using 3D printing
studio, I have started to overcome my init
process of creating a New Order for the town hall, we
enabled with the fast process of designing was one of
of understanding the foundations of algo
gained the ability to create a space that had a deeper
the most interesting skills to learn in the studio.
modeling, as new approaches and techno
sign process included 2D means of representation and
design philosophy through representational tools such
ate initial problems, however through th
as ornamentation, form finding and algorithmic
A thorough understanding of the complexity of relations
learning and exercises such as the re-eng
modeling. The use of parametric modeling to commu-
between architecture as an idea, with the means of
in Part B, I have gained and developed m
nicate and engage the user with structure by creating a
achieving it in reality was developed in this studio. The
over it.
t the semester
Although there are many advantages to the usage of
The biggest advantage I believe is its flexible ability to be
ges of forming
parametric modeling and fabrication, there are several
used in a spectrum of areas ranging from art installa-
ey aided in de-
fall backs to it that I encountered while prototyping and
tions to biomedical research. Parametric modeling and
he encourage-
building the final model. One of them being the limita-
fabrication is the future that we are living in right now
ents that were
tions of available material that were compatible with 3D
and through this studio course work and the project I
ural discourse.
printers. This is understandable because it is still a new
have been exposed to the tools of digital architecture
technology and there are several research projects that
and developed a foundation that I will further grow on.
of the studio
focus on the sole issue of materiality but through out
tecture prece-
the studio my main concern was its application to the
along with its
real world and if it could retain its structural capabili-
p skills that will
ty without exceeding cost and especially with constant
rom three per-
prototyping, I would love to explore and further understand the usage of the same computational techniques but however with more biodegradable and cost effec-
ken during the
tive material, such as the Terra performa material.
tial challenges
Cost was also a major concern, as fabrication was the
orithmic based
most costly aspect of the whole project. Cost was an
ologies do cre-
issue because it depended on various parameters such
he path of self
as the monopoly of 3D fabricators, cost of material and
gineering task
time which would not be much of an issue if we were
my initial grasp
to use a more traditional approach of construction and fabrication.
References : 1. Al Jassmi, Hamad, Fady Al Najjar, and Abdel-Hamid Ismail Mourad, â&#x20AC;&#x153;LargeScale 3D Printing: The Way Forwardâ&#x20AC;?, IOP Conference Series: Materials Science And Engineering, 324 (2018), 012088 <https://doi.org/10.1088/1757899x/324/1/012088> 2. Lim, S., Buswell, R., Le, T., Austin, S., Gibb, A. and Thorpe, T. (2012). Developments in construction-scale additive manufacturing processes. Automation in Construction, 21, pp.262-268. 3. Moussavi, F. and Kubo, M. (2008). The function of ornament. Barcelona: Actar.