plex-e Wonderlab : ResearchCluster 6 2014-2015 Graduate Architectural Design
UCL, The Bartlett School of Architecture 1
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WonderLab : Research Cluster 6, daniel widrig, stefan bassing, soomeen hahm Team members: ChristinaBali, NadiahShahril, ChrysanthiTzovla
UCL, The Bartlett School of Architecture 3
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CONTENTS
STUDIO BRIEF 1 INITIAL RESEARCH 1.1 introduction 1.2 concept 2 MATERIAL RESEARCH 2.1casting tubes 2.2 material composites. From softness to hardness. 2.3 evaluation 3 FABRICATION PROCESS 3.1 initial fabrication tests 3.2 fabrication process analysis 3.3 final fabrication technique 3.4 column fabrication 4 DIGITAL DESIGN PROCESS 4.1 explicit modelling process 4.2 agent based simulation 4.3 curve typology and pattern topology 4.4 surface patterns 5 FURNITURE SCALE 5.1 stool studies 5.2 stool fabrication 5.3 chair studies 5.4 chair fabrication 6 ARCHITECTURAL SCALE 6.1 column studies 6.2 staircase studies 6.3 pavilion structures 6.4 architectural space studies 5
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Studio brief
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Cluster Six
Digital design and manufacturing technologies in today’s generation has enabled architects and designers to work in a high resolution pace that is unimaginable.Digital systems allow designers to accumulate, structure and utilize massive quantities of information to parametrically shaped
products
including
built
environments.
Corresponding materialisation technologies such as 3D printing and robotics synthesize these projects in an increasing scale and high resolution, employing rapidly in ranges of ‘digital materials’. While these soft and hardware systems facilitate the rapid design and materialisation of such products and environments, tactile interaction with form and matter throughout the design and fabrication process is increasingly scarce. With us designers, more and more depending on ready-made fabrication strategies, scripts and black box technology an unbiased evaluation of our computational design culture is increasingly difficult. In relation to the context above, Cluster 6 seeks to reevaluate the role of craft and hands-on production in the digital design domain. In its third year RC6’s Crafting Space Program continues to explore hybridized design and fabrication strategies in which digitally controlled techniques of form-finding and manufacturing naturally blend with existing crafting techniques and lower technological ways of making. Manoeuvring between disciplines Cluster 6 seeks to occupy in-between territories where traditional and contemporary ways of designing and making blur into one.
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Chapter One
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Initial research 1.1 introduction 1.2 concept
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Introduction
Our project, PLEX-E which is part of Research Cluster Six focuses on the interaction of form and matter as well as exploring the digital techniques of form - finding in relevance to crafting and making techniques. In addition to this main focus, an architectural problem that we had to solve in order to succeed in this project was the formation of a contemporary design language that could cover the needs of today’s society. The accelerating changes in societies, economics, and technology affect the spatial values and impose new architectural problems for architects to solve. The need of an adaptive, fluid and dynamic architectural language that could adjust to different scales and environments leads us to design patterns, with flexible and dynamic characters. Our project aims to design innovative, spatial networks that will implement the textile tectonics in a different way. The weaving technique acts as a basement for this research project and it is used in digital design process in combination with natural behavioural systems for the form- finding process. The lines through a parametrically design procedure which form patterns that transforms into the physical world through the fabrication process. The flexible tubular components are combined through the weaving process by making knots. An architectural language is created as the formation of the system, materiality and structure interact. Through this process, a unique and polymorphic design system is shaped. Hence, the structural, geometrical and material analysis of the design and fabrication process will take place in order to estimate the value of the design system and the potential it presents for the future.
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Initial research 1.1 introduction 1.2 concept
Concept
WEAVING
references
TEXTILE
Figure 1:weaving loom.
Based on the idea that lines can be merged through textile techniques and shape a continuous, strong and dynamic system, the weaving technique (basic textile technique) is used as a foundation for the study in order to communicate the digital technology with the fabrication process. That is why the name of the project is PLEX - E , which derives from the Greek word plexi (latin root: plectere) and Figure 2: weaving with textile-Iris Van Herpen.
refers to pattern produced by woven textiles together. The
BALLOONS
suffix (e) in the end of the word implies that the weaving
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process will be transformed to the digital design and thus, an electronic weaving process will be used. The weaving is a method of fabric production in which two distinct sets of yarns or threads are interlaced at right angles to form a fabric. The weaving patterns are formed by lines and knots and thus, linear structures are shaped. The translation of traditional weaving technique to the weaving with balloons and textiles constitutes basic reference for our project. Figures 3,4 : Balloon Dresses, Daisy Unit Balloon Company. Figure 5 (next page) : Tim Johnson, artist ,salt basketry.
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Concept tools exploration
flexible tubural components
modelling balloons
weaving as a making process Based on the weaving patterns, modelling balloons are used as the basic components, forming surfaces and linear patterns.
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foam tubes
rope
photo of foam model-weaving
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Concept pattern studies
diagrid
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rectangular grid
dual rectangular grid
diamond grid
triangular grid
3d dimensional grid
weaving braid
Through the pattern studies we have undergone, we have managed to create spherical and rectangular shapes by controlling the knots of the balloons. The grids illustrated show the possibility of the balloons to create patterns that vary in density, scale and transparency.
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Concept tools exploration
The tools illustrated are used to create our model. The pro-
WEAVING
cess is to weave the model into shape, and later hardened it with the right composition of materials.
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HARDENING
CASTING skeleton-lattice structure
hardener concrete
WEAVING surface patterns- decorations
tools- hardening process
HARDENING- applying concrete in layers
analysis
Weaving architecture gives a sense of flexibility in its description itself. Our concept of weaving continuous lines to create stand-alone objects opens up a new parameter in the architectural world. Inspired by the shown references, using textiles to create objects not only portrays aesthetical values but also functional ones. Plex-e thrives to investigate ways to design with our chosen concept through the development of our own design rules and advanced material system.
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Concept
WEAVING
installation
TEXTURING
HARDENING
lattice and surface patterns
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applying concrete in layers
spraying concrete
Through the investigation of patterns through weaving, hardening of these patterns and also the outcome of these methods, we decided to also look into texture of what is created for aesthetical pleasure. Through this processes, we learned that there are many limitations in using our material system. This will be explored in the further chapters along with the development of pattern studies, hardening using material composites and the outcome of these combinations.
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Chapter Two
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Material research 1.1 casting tubes 1.2 material composites. From softness to hardness. 3.2 evaluation
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Casting tubes
tights
armaflex
tights
covering material
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tights
cotton
wire
foam tubes
wire
balloon
filling material
results
- matte and smooth texture - easy to shape and weave - time consuming making process(tights need to be sewn and put balloon into) - limited life span because of balloons deflation
- matte and smooth texture - flexible and easy to shape and weave - wires are against of nature of materials
- matte and smooth texture - easy to shape and weave - time consuming making process(tights need to be sewn and foam and wire put into them) - wires are against of nature of materials
- matte and smooth texture - easy to shape and weave - uncontrolled cotton’s density inside tights - time consuming making process(cotton needs to be put into tights)
tubular components 33
Casting tubes
tights
- bumpy surface texture - easy to shape and weave - time consuming making process (place the balls into tights) - very light
- matte and smooth texture - easy to shape and weave - time consuming making process(tights need to be sewn and foam tubes put into them) -easy to be corrected
- matte and smooth texture - easy to shape and weave - fast and easy to be knotted with thread - very light and absorbent material
cotton ropes
foam tube 34
results
tights
covering material
foam tube
foam tube
balls
filling material
- matte and smooth texture - easy to shape and weave - fast and easy to be knotted with thread - very light and absorbent material - cottton string is thick enought to form connection
tubular components 35
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foam tubes wire and tights
foam tubes and tights
Through the initial experimentation of weaving balloons,
foam tubes
we made a conclusion that the limitations were too constricted to create continuous lines without the balloons popping midway of weaving and knotting. We advanced into using tubular foam tubes which have similar characteristics. Putting tights over the foam tubes allow lines to be sewn into them and also initially helps with the hardening of balloons.
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Material research 1.1 casting tubes 1.2 material composites. From softness to hardness. 3.2 evaluation
Material composites. from softness to hardness
balloon + tights
5:1 pva glue + water
wire + armaflex
cotton stuffing + tights
2:1:3
6:1:3
white cement + hardener + water
white cement + hardener + water
5:1:1
5:1
liquid foam + pva glue + water
foam tubes + cotton tights
3:1 cotton 20 % epoxy resin + hardener
soft 40
pva glue + water
3:1
2:2:8
white cement + hardener + water
3:1
epoxy resin + hardener
3:1
The combination of material and the composites is crucial in the process of making. These testings show the right
cotton 60 % epoxy resin + hardener
cotton 100 % epoxy resin + hardener
combination of material products that could potentially work as our material system.
balls + tights
1:1:1:1
plaster + water + epoxy resin + hardener
foam tubes (1)
5:5:1
liquid foam + pva glue + water
foam tubes (2)
1:1
white cement + water
foam tubes + rope
4: 3:1:1.5
spray concrete mix (cement + sand + latex +water)
5:1:1:1
pva glue + water + epoxy resin + hardener
4:1:1:1
cement + water + epoxy resin + hardener
2:2
white cement + water (double coat)
1:1 + 4: 3:1:1.5 cement + water + spray concrete mix
4:1:1:1
cement + water + epoxy resin + hardener
5:1:1:1
pva glue + water + epoxy resin + hardener
1:0.5:1
white cement + PVA +water
1:0.6 + 4:3:1:1.5 plaster + water + spray concrete mix
1:1
epoxy resin + hardener
1:1:1:1
plaster + water + epoxy resin + harderner
1:0.1:1
cement + plasticiser + water
3:1:1:1.5
cement + sand + latex + water
hard 41
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Material research 1.1 casting tubes 1.2 material composites. From softness to hardness. 3.2 evaluation
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Evaluation hardening foam tubes
tubular systems + strongest hardeners
dry time
frangibility
balloons + tights + pva glue
10%
100%
10%
20%
wire + armaflex +white cement + hardener
10%
80%
20%
10%
cotton stuffing + tights + epoxy resin + hardener
100%
60%
20%
30%
balls + tights cement + epoxy resin + hardener
100%
70%
20%
30%
80%
40%
30%
50%
80%
20%
30%
40%
foam tubes + cotton tights + resin
foam tubes plaster + water + epoxy resin + harderner foam tubes+ white cement + water
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50%
60%
weight
50%
price
10%
tubular systems + strongest hardeners
dry time
foam tubes + white cement + water (double coat)
70%
foam tubes + white cement + water + PVA
60%
foam tubes + white cement + water + plasticiser
60%
foam tubes + cement + spray concrete
80%
foam tubes + spray concrete
80%
foam tubes + plaster + spray concrete
80%
frangibility
30%
30%
weight
80%
60%
price
20%
30%
30%
70%
30%
20%
80%
50%
70%
20%
50%
20%
60%
40%
Mid-way through our material research process, we concluded that the liquid material needs to soak through the foam tubes and using tights over
foam tubes + concrete + spray concrete
80%
5%
70%
40%
the tubes is no longer beneficial. We analysed the outcome through the study of dry time, frangibility, weight and price. The results are as follows.
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paris plaster + fast cast resin
white cement
resin plaster + fast cast resin
2x coats resin plaster
jesmonite + fast-cast resin
fast-cast resin
paris plaster
resin plaster
jesmonite
Evaluation
hardening foam tubes
smoothness 60% 60% strength 70% weight
50% 40% 50%
50% 20% 40%
smoothness 50% strength 40% weight 50%
95% 95% 100%
90% 80% 90%
smoothness 95% 95% strength 80% weight
95% 95% 70%
90% 80% 60%
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concrete + spray concrete
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concrete +fibers
concrete
white cement + latex
white cement + PVA
white cement x2
white cement + plasticiser
Evaluation
hardening foam tubes
selected material system
smoothness 50% 50% strength 60% weight
30% 70% 80%
smoothness 50% 70% strength 70% weight
50% 70% 70%
60% 80% 70%
80% 90% 70%
smoothness strength weight
5% 95% 75%
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Evaluation selected material system
SYSTEM I
Composites By experimenting with a variety of materials for casting
foam tubes + tights + pva glue for hardening
our own tubes and hardening them, we come to the conclusion that the foam tubes can be used to form the tubular system. The flexibility and the texture of the porosity material enable us to avoid any covering material like tights. The connection points which control the geometry are shaped by stitching of the tubes and so, a continuous , linear system can be formed. Especially when the tubes are covered by plaster and/or resin, the structures become very strong, stable and their surfaces gain a physical texture and hence, the natural characteristics of the sponges
SYSTEM II
would be of use to its full potential. Through the evaluation of hardening foam tubes, it is evident that the use of plaster was successful because of
foam tubes + plaster for hardening
its high liquidity. We then experimented on using cement continued by concrete as they hold similar physical characteristics but higher in strength. It is concluded that the best composite to use is concrete for its strength and also physical appearance.
SYSTEM IIΙ foam tubes + cotton rope concrete in layers for hardening
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Chapter Three
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Fabrication process 3.1 initial fabrication tests 3.2 fabrication process analysis 3.3 final fabrication technique 3.4 column fabrication
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Initial fabrication tests
TUBES
balloons and tights
The modelling balloons are flexible materials that could easily be woven together.By experimenting with the patterns of weaving balloons(chapter one), we got the knowledge to combine them and start making structures.
basic material
SURFACES
modelling balloons
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The use of continuous lines from the foam tubes sets limitation to the design. These diagrams show the possibilities of pattern making through the weaving and knotting of lines.
prototype I,
blending different scales of tubes(strings, balloons)
prototype IΙ,
shaping surfaces of strings between the modelling balloons( boundaries).
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Fabrication process 3.1 initial fabrication tests 3.2 fabrication process analysis 3.3 final fabrication technique 3.4 column fabrication
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Fabrication process analysis lattice structure & surface with strings models
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materials - wire - armaflex
comments with the help of wire, armaflex is able to be more flexible. this material did not coorperate as no proper connections could be made.
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- wire - sponge tubes - tights
the sponge tubes comes in two metres allowing continuous flow to the prototype. the function of the tights were to keep the wire tubes together giving structure to the prototype, though this is very time consuming. this did not help with the symetrical of the model as it is still flimsy.
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- sponge tubes - thin tights strips - tights
using a grid to keep the model symetrical has made it able to create something that could hold its form. the tights strips are too hold the structure down and keep the curve of the
- grid frame
models. it also creates surfaces.
composite:
the hardening process is done before
- cement - epoxy hardener
taking the prototype off the grid. And it was not hard enough for a free standing structure as the hardener does not seep.
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models 4
materials - sponge tubes - thick tights strips - tights
comments this prototype brings in looping into the process with thicker tight strips to create more visible surfaces. this also allows a more rounded shape to the model.
- grid frame the issue with this model was that it only gives a 2D view of the protoype, making the it look flat and unflattering.
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- sponge tubes - thin tights strips - tights - grid frame
we attempted on using the same method by parts. hardening each part before combining. it was messy and unsuccessful as the connection points were weak, and again the hardener could not seep through the tubes with tights over them.
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Fabrication process analysis lattice structure & surface with foam models 1
materials
comments
- foam tubes diameter 2.5cm, 6cm & 8cm
- start making the model without
- the compression points are formed by knots
of the model made it self-standing by
- no grid frame
frame. - the looping of the lattice to one point itself. - this prototype did not work because it did not have a surface as the scale of the lattices are too big.
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- foam tubes diameter 2.5cm, 6cm & 8cm
- this prototype is the first
- the compression points are formed by stiching with thread
with the lattice spaceframe.
- grid frame
inside the spaceframe.
attemp of combining the surface patterns (formed by tubes) - the scale of the surface patterns is dense and placed to specific positions - a more interactive and balanced in scale and transparency system needed in order to combine the surfaces with the spaceframes.
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- foam tubes diameter 2.5cm, 6cm & 8cm
- geometry is formed by two compo-
- the compression points are formed by stiching with thread
the complex surface patterns form the
- grid frame
nents that are combined with mirror. the lattice structure supports the model and seat and two front legs. - the scale of the lattice structure doesn’t combine with the small scale of the surface patterns. They act as two systems that are nit interact with each other.
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Fabrication process analysis surface patterns, foam tubes
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surface patterns diagrams
Pattern topologies the patterns diagrams are manufactured with soft foam tubes(two different widths) so as to express the nature of material and to inspire the design technique that we will develop. The role of the knots and the weaving technique in the making process cinstitute the basic tools that used to combine the elements together.
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Fabrication process analysis prototypes: foam tubes
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Fabrication process analysis column structure, foam tubes
geometry analysis height
proportions resolution basic curves
fabrication part
width
matrix
extra matrix
digital model, reference
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frame box
witih rope adding extra guidelines to achienve accurancy
materials used (jesmonite plaster, paster polymer, trisodium citrate , water)
mixing ingredients all together in a bucket
fabrication technique - frame box to keep the prototype stable - we first made the exterior curves and then we covered the column with our surface language - the next step was to put a coat of plaster to the foam tubes with a painbrush until the plaster is welled soaked. - We waited for the model to dry for 24 h and then we applied resin fast cast for three coats so before we remove it from the box
applying plaster to foam tubes
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Fabrication process analysis column structure, foam tubes
The photos show the process of hardening the foam tubes with plaster. The final outcome of this model was not so successful due to the plaster feature that could not harden totally the foam tubes. In the meantime, the design was not totally resolved and could help to make the prototype stable and rigid.
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Fabrication process 3.1 initial fabrication tests 3.2 fabrication process analysis 3.3 final fabrication technique 3.4 column fabrication
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Final fabrication technique
FOLDING CONCRETE FABRIC
3D PRINTING CONCRETE
MOULDING CONCRETE
concrete hardener
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Fabrication Concrete applications vary from simple moulding techniques, 3d printing and fabric concrete sheets. All the above techniques lack of the ability to develop in a diagonal direction. To achieve this approach, we experimented both in applying the concrete itself to the foam tubes and then spray layers of concrete on top to integrate the materials all together.
foam tubes + concrete - soft form - flexible morphology, diagonal directions - high strength - light structure - free of molding building process
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Final fabrication technique concrete patterns using rope and foam
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Rope was introduced as a new material to the prorotypes to achieve better results closer to digital models. Layers of concrete were applied to harden the foam and then, they were sprayed to intergrate foam and rope together and
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Fabrication process 3.1 initial fabrication tests 3.2 fabrication process analysis 3.3 final fabrication technique 3.4 column fabrication
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Column fabrication stages of fabrication process
1. box assembly, scaffolding
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2. weaving model
3. soak in concrete
4. hardening model 5. spraying concrete, merging models
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Column fabrication
The design of this column is divided into lattice and surface language which blend nicely together. The first step of creating this column was to hang the model on the frame box and weave it according to the digital design. As we move from top to bottom the column becomes l less complicated and the width of the foam tubes increases. After the first layer of the reading prototype concrete is applied by soaking it to the basket. Unwanted deformation was created due to the heavy weight of the concrete. We rehand the model up into the box and spray concrete to even the column. The stability of the column was compromised due to the knot created and should not be placed at the bottom of the column as it needs tocarry the load.
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Chapter Four
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Digital design process 4.1 explicit modelling process 4.2 agent based simulation 4.3 curves typology and patterns topology 4.4 surface patterns
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Explicit modelling process inflating curves
polygon mesh deformation the procedure is based on designing the desired polygons and pattern of curves, duplicate its edges and inflate the final outcome.
Our design process is based on trying to mimic tubular cylinders forms with a variety of patterns. In terms of computational design, we experimented first with edges from polygons. The design process is explicit and thus, the final geometry is totally predictable. This design system lacks of the dynamic character that digital computational design could have by forming efficient, parametric path systems of curves.
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KNOTS
minimal surfaces aggregation
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Balloon chair inflating curves
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basic component, cylinder geometry
2
component transformation
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3 component aggregation
edges extruded into tubular curves
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aggregated geometry
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deformation of geometry to form a seating object
outcome
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inflation of tubular polygons
The final digital design and the physical model were quite different because in terms of design the linear elements were straight and pattern lacks of curvature and control of density. The repetitive character of the pattern was a negative aspect of the aggregation procedure that leads us to develop an alternative, dynamic computing technique of design.
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Balloon chair inflating curves
front view
back view
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perspective view
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Digital design process 4.1 explicit modelling process 4.2 agent based simulation 4.3 curve typology and pattern topology 4.4 surface patterns
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Agent based simulation form finding process
phyllotaxis, crisscrossing spirals of Aloe polyphylla.
Simulation is the act of imitation the behaviour of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous; it is a technique of representing the behaviours of the real world. Trying to design a dynamic system that could adapt to different scales, we initiate natural behavioural systems in the digital design process. Going further from the copy of the forms and the shapes of the natural systems, the project uses the natural systems to solve spatial and design problems, applying the principles of biology to design methodology. There are models like coral reefs, termite wounds and mangal forests that follow collective orders in which the local agents interact with each other and with the environment conditions. That means that an adaptive, behavioural system is produced from the unity that reacts to the environment stimulus. Phyllotaxis(figure21), is a behaviour in botany that controls the arrangement of leaves on a plant stem (from Ancient Greek phýllon “leaf” and táxis”arrangement”). The leaves start to grow from the stem and shape a complex network of branches that is controlled by the movement of the hormones (auxin) of plants and the reaction of the plants to the environmental conditions. Each plant shapes a metabolic sensory system to produce its branches, adapt to the environment and re-generate itself. 100
component
Team RED, Design Research Lab, Architectural Association, Theodore Spyropoulos, London ,2007: Research on adaptive growth of models based on phyllotaxis.
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Agent based simulation form finding process
The lines are used as basic design tools and combined
Parameters
through weaving technique. The network of them is used as a basement for the mess generation of the models. Inspired by the fluffiness of our material system (foam tubes) and the formal language of the system (textile techniques- woven lines), we introduce physics engine based simulation to help our digital design to be more generative. Since this tool uses guide curves as main input, a parametric but controlled design process is achieved. The use of physics engine and spring system allows us to dupli-
to assimilate the phyllotaxical behavior, this computational design system uses a path based system and components aggregated along them. The factors that are controlling the behaviors are: - gravity - agent guide curves(rail curves) - Springs of components - speed - mesh geometry(component) - mesh Interval(density of aggregation) - alignment of components to rails
cate along curves the messes – components and shape geometries that are not predictable. It is a form-finding process for our geometries that used phyllotaxis behavior to aggregate the components along the rails. The rule based growth of the messes (type of curves, type of components, digital environment features, like gravity) controls the resulting outcome that is unpredictable and not a mere extrusion along curves. The design methodology of the project produces geometries with complex architectural structures, as the systems
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of lines and surfaces and the elements of them interact. The elements of the systems are fully merged through the path design system and the rule-based repetition algorithm, but they still have their own singularity. The structure can be analyzed as a whole that consists of different elements (lattice pattern, surface pattern, ornament). The shaping of a path design system that based on the singular topologies of its elements cultivates an architecture of continuity.
physical simulation process
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digital model reference by Soomeen Hahm
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Agent based simulation two braided curves, one component
COMPONENT: double surface CURVES : 2 braided curves DESIGN TOOL : duplicating along curve the component (script next page) RESULT: no lattice components pattern high in density
KNOTS
+
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Mesh generator by controlling these factors and designing the components as polygons formed with balls and rectangular shapes, a geometry is produced that is similar to weaving process of the physical models.
Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: mesh Interval: alignment:
2 2 components (0,0,- 0.5) 0.5 100 (guidecurve, 50,10)
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9. physical simulation process 105
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Agent based simulation minimal surfaces Mathematical geometries COMPONENT: double surface, triple surface, quad surface
DESIGN TOOL : extracting curves from minimal surfaces and use basic components to aggregate along their paths
minimal surfaces 110
were able to control the lines that we choose to create in order for it to run through looping of the curves . By aggregating these simple mathematical commonents, interesting but uniform components were created.
RESULT: no lattice components closed and very dense morphology
initiated the design process from the geometries of minimal surfaces(a minimal surface is a surface that locally minimizes its area). By using this technique, we
CURVES : minimal surfaces
limited morphology
In order to control the randomness of the curves that we designed manually, we
closed and
A
+ components
minimal surface curve
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Agent based simulation minimal surfaces
C
+ components minimal surface curve
alternations in rotation of the components produce different morhophologies
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E
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Agent based simulation braided lines, components variation
COMPONENT: double surface and lattice CURVES : 4 braided curves DESIGN TOOL : extracting curves from minimal surfaces and the use of basic components to aggregate along their paths RESULT: no lattice components closed and very dense morphology
lattice structure
+ surface structure
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Mesh generator The next step of digital research is cosisted of tried to mimic the lattice and surface language . For this case different components are used that run along the curves and produced new topologies.
Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: mesh Interval: alignment:
4 2 components (0,0,- 0.8) 0.7 50 (guidecurve, 60,4)
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physical simulation process 119
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Digital design process 4.1 explicit modelling process 4.2 agent based simulation 4.3 curves typology and patterns topology 4.4 surface patterns
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Curves typology and patterns topology
lattice configuration
Weaving patterns The rules used in the weaving patterns are digitally recon-
bifurcation
structed into an integrated system of lines, in which the lines are connected through the technique of bifurcation, tangent and by forming knots. Thus, the Y, X-node and the tangent are the parent configurations that form the entire
tangent
network. The research in these connections of lines leads us to form and design a system of linear components that transformed from simple lattice components to braided and branching lines according to the structural needs.
X- node
Component configuration 128
lattice patterns
parallel lines
bundles
crossing lines, knots
braiding
double - braiding
overlapping braiding
branching
double branching
overlapping branching
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Curves typology and patterns topology
weaving patterns
Patterns studies The different configuration of these simple braided lines give us a better understanding of the possibilities of structures and pattern designs that could be produced both digitally and manually. The patterns may seem overwhelming, but as illustrated in these diagrams they all started from simple lattice configurations to create our own rules of weaving. This gives a sense of hierarchy to our weaving design language.
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results
weaving patterns
results
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Digital design process 4.1 explicit modelling process 4.2 agent based simulation 4.3 curves typology and patterns topology 4.4 surface patterns
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Surface patterns
braiding pattern
branching pattern
surface patterns 134
density components 135
Surface patterns
components (simple)
Patterns studies The surface patterns created are also a form of component of lines. From the aid of digital design, we were able to predict the outcome of these components.We found that the simpler the component used, the more aesthetically pleasing the complex outcome becomes. 136
results
components (complex)
results
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Chapter Five
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Furniture scale 5.1 stool studies 5.2 stool fabrication 5.3 chair studies
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Stool studies triangular geometry
Design process For our seating object, we started off with a simple idea of designing stools. We designed three types of stools by raising its complexity from stool one to three. The complexity of the stools are measured by the number of components used.
triangle transformation
LATTICE stool 142
SEMI - COMPLEX stool
COMPLEX stool
COMPLEX stool didital model
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Stool studies LATTICE stool
triangular polygon
curves extracted from triangular polygon
the curves are used as paths for the components
Furniture Scale This stool uses the curves from a simple triangular polygon and by using one simple component that aggregated along them.
basic lattice component design tool : the component is duplicated along the path (curves)
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top view
perspective view
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Stool studies SEMI - COMPLEX stool
Design methodology The forming of surfaces can be seen in this chair as the component used to be aggregated along the curves created is elongated using more than one ball.
duplicating along curves
curves
up elongated surfaces
down compression part
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top view
perspective view
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Stool studies COMPLEX stool
seating part
component used
stool legs
Design methodology This stool is called the complex stool because of the number of components used. This chair is proven to be more stable because of the complexity of the curves created and used.
component used
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perspective view
bottom view
top view
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Furniture scale 5.1 stool studies 5.2 stool fabrication 5.3 chair studies
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Stool fabrication COMPLEX stool
1
2
3
WEAVING seating pattern
top view
side view
front view
Leg structure
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Seating structure
This was the first architectural object that fabricated by our team. The first step of this fabrication process is to have a framed box to restrain the model after it is covered by the hardener as gravity would pull it down. The application of the material started from the seat of the stool by dipping the seat followed by brushing. The model was left to dry for 24 hours before the hardener was applied onto it.
fabrication tools
frame box
model placement
hardener application
model restrain through gravity
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Furniture scale 5.1 stool studies 5.2 stool fabrication 5.3 chair studies 5.4 chair fabrication
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Chair I curves, component variations
arm s
triple lattice structure
s e at
quad surface
Mesh generator Using the agent based simulation we adopted for our project, we started using more complex components to run with it. Studying the basic characteristics of a chair, we designed its basic guide lines. This is predicted to create weaving patterns that are combined all together to generate a chair.
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loose seating area
Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: mesh Interval: alignment:
5 3 components (0,0,- 0.4) 0.7 20 (guidecurve, 60,4)
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physical simulation process 165
Front view
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Back view
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Chair studies typologies
Chair I
Chair II
Chair III
front view 168
back view
top view
perspective view 169
Chairs II & III lattice and surface studies
Design process Going into a more complex chair design, we looked at the famous Panton Chair for its simple but effective guide curves. Using similar logic of this chair, we managed to divide the design in layers. The first layer of the thick tubes are used to create structure stability. The second layer, which uses the thinner tubes creates the chair’s surfaces that are also generated by the agent based simulator.
basic structure
Lattice structure
170
increase complexity 171
Chair I
front view
back view
The outcome of the chair shown is based on dividing the tubes into thick ones that are used for structural purposes and the thin ones that generated the surfaces of the chair. The structural tubes forms the basic scaffolding of the seat, back and arms while the thin tubes are created for the surfaces. The second layer of the thin tubes produces the seating area and the back.
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top view
perspective view 173
Chair II
front view
back view
back view
The difference between this chair and the first is the thickness of the seating area. We ran the agent based simulator again to make the seating area wider that fits better with the ergonomics of the human body.
top view
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perspective view 175
Chair III
Structural analysis Realising the importance of the human body in regards to the seating object through physical modelling, we re-evaluated the efficiency of the chair
BACK surface pattern
through the use of the surface patterns and how the body would mould into it. We also tried to minimise the use of tubes for the legs as illustrated from the physical model, after applying concrete, it has made it thicker and over stable which made the model
SEATING area surface pattern
heavier than it should be.
lattice structure thin tubes
lattice structure thick tubes
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front view
back view
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Chair III
top view
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perspective view
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Furniture scale 5.1 stool studies 5.2 stool fabrication 5.3 chair studies 5.4 chair fabrication
Chair fabrication prototype
branching
knot
bundles physical model
Fabrication Based on the digital design process, the first foam tubes that were weaved were the thick ones that also formed the scaffolding of the chair. We hung the thick tubes from the frame, hardened them. A secondary layer was weaved on top of the basic one. Finally the complementary components of surfaces were attached to the appropriate places to form the seating and back area. Finally, we hardened all the parts together and then sprayed concrete to unify the chair as one object.
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digital model
Surface pattern hardening concrete mix
LATTICE hardening concrete mix
Surface pattern spray concrete 183
back view
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front view
perspective view
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Chapter Six
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Architectural scale 6.1 column studies 6.2 staircase studies 6.3 pavilion structures 6.4 architectural space studies
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Column studies braided lines, components variation
design process
COMPONENT triple surface CURVES simple braided curves RESULT no lattice structure dense geometry limition in the development
+
processing script features gravity: increased component velocity : low
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KNOTS
Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: mesh Interval: alignment:
2 1 (0,0,- 0.4) 0.7 20 (guidecurve, 60,4)
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Mesh generator The component is designed as a combination with balls and rectangular shapes. It is an elongated element that runs along the rail paths in the agent physical simulation. Because of the gravity force, the component generates new topologies, different from the initial curves.
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digital models
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Column studies curves, components variation Design methodology through the physical simulation process, many columns structures are designed with variaty in the lattice and surface patterns based on the lines and components used.
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column I
column II
column III
looser surface creates more volumes
looser surface creates more volumes
column with component because of gravity
column IV combinations of lattice structure and surface
column IV combination of lattice structure and surface
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Column studies
component used
catalogue
surface structures
components used
surface structures & lattice structures
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Increase complexity
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Column studies cylinder deformation
Using the geometry of cylinder as a the basement for the column structures, we deformed the vertices of the polygon mesh to interweave the edges and produce knots, braids and branching
polygon geometry
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lattice structure
digital model 203
Column studies cylinder deformation
section line 1
section line 2
section line 3
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section 1
section 2
section 3 205
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column sketch 211
Column studies catalogue of aggregation plan
section 1
section 2
section 3
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component
aggregated geometry
lattice structure
section
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Column studies surface patterns
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Column studies aggregated components
Design methodology A polygon mesh is twisted and multiplied so as to form a geometry with cross sections. The edges are extracted and shape the lattice pattern of the column. The use of section in aggregation creates gaps in the final structure and the deformation of the components create braiding patterns in the lattice. The surfaces are produced from physical simulation on top of the rail edges that are added to the lattice.
CROSS section component
aggregated geometry
lattice structure
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side view
front view 217
Column studies aggregated components
section line 1
section line 2
section line 3
diagram / section
218
section 1
section 2
section 3 219
Column studies aggregated components
Design methodology a polygon mesh is twisted and multiplied so as to form a geometry with square section. The edges are extracted and shape the lattice pattern of the column.
SQUARE section component
aggregated geometry
lattice structure
220
side view
front view 221
Column studies aggregated components
section line 1
section line 2
section line 3
diagram / section 222
section 1
section section 2 2
section 3 223
Column studies aggregated components section line 1
section line 2
section line 3
diagram / section 224
front view
side view
section 1
section 2
section 3 225
Column studies aggregated components
Design methodology a polygon mesh is twisted and multiplied so as to form a geometry with triangle section. The edges are extracted and shape the lattice pattern of the column.
TRIANGLE section
component
aggregated geometry
lattice structure
226
digital model 227
Column studies aggregated components
section line 1
section line 2
section line 3
diagram / section 228
section 1
section 2
section 3 229
Column studies aggregated components
diagram / section 230
side view
section 1
section 2
front view
section 3 231
Column studies aggregated components
ssingle surface pattern
sornament
knot
Structural analysis these columns are designed with the same process as described above and apart from lattice and surface patterns. The combination of the lattice and surfaces vary in density and form complex geometries with braided lines, branching patterns, bundles and various in type surface patterns (single surface, double surfaces,ornaments).
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upper part linear bundles
core braided lines
basement linear bundles
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digital models
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Architectural scale 6.1 column studies 6.2 staircase studies 6.3 pavilion structures 6.4 architectural space studies
Staircase studies
COMPONENT
J CURVE
step 238
CONTROL STUDY
MULTIPLY
INTERCEPT
TANGENT
staircase geometry
CONCENTRIC
OVERLAP
component rotation
Design methodology Each step is designed with two groups of J curves. The first group forms the pole and the step, while the second forms the step and the railing and both of them are interwoven. The lattice geometry is produced by polar aggregation of the step. The physical simulation runs along the curves and creates the surface patterns to intergrate the lattice pattern.
lattice geometry
pole 239
perspective view
top view 240
front view 241
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Staircase studies
COMPONENTS
movement
J CURVE
MULTIPLY
CONTROL STUDY
Design methodology
INTERCEPT
244
TANGENT
CONCENTRIC
OVERLAP
This is a type of half landing staircase. The design logic based on the idea that the lines connect the different levels of the composition. The curves are J in shape and combined through techniques(intercept, tangent, concentric, overlap). They connect the staircase geometry with the wall and ceiling structure. On top of that, the surface patterns are added(produced from physical simulation) and combined all the structures in one unit.
line drawing perspective of the staircase studies
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right elevation 246
second level
first level
ground level
left elevation 247
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250
Architectural scale 6.1 column studies 6.2 staircase studies 6.3 pavilion structures 6.4 architectural space studies
Pavilion structures minimal surfaces curves
Pavilion I
+ minimal surface
252
component used
253
Pavilion structures minimal surfaces curves
Pavilion II
+ minimal surface
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component used
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257
Pavilion structures minimal surfaces curves
Pavilion II
+ minimal surface
258
component used
CENTRAL STRUCTURE
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Pavilion structures minimal surfaces curves
Pavilion III
+ minimal surface
components used
for the design of this pavillion lattice and surface structure are combined into one model to achieve a less dense morphology with some voids on the ceiling that could be used for insulation purposes
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central column
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Pavilion structures minimal surfaces and braiding lines
Pavilion IV
ceiling
connection between column and ceiling
column
Design methodology In the design of this pavilion the curves from the minimal surfaces topologies are combined with braiding curves. Both are used as paths in physical simulation for the components that are simple balls for the formation of lattice structure and more complex for the formation of ceiling parts and upper parts of the columns. The different patterns of lattice and surfaces are created simultaneously and interact with each other shaping a continuous dynamic structure.
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Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: mesh Interval: alignment:
11 8 (0,0,- 0.8) 0.6 20 (guidecurve, 30,2)
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9.
ceiling
column
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top view 267
268
269
270
Tripods structures
271
Pavilion structures tripod
Design methodology This pavilion is generated based on a triangular polygon. The geometry of each leg is consisted of braided parts that branch on top and are joined with the nearest ones. A sec-
2.
1.
ond layer of surfaces are then at-
3.
tached and the corners are decorated with supplementary ornaments.
4.
7. triangular polygon, basic geometry
272
5.
8.
6.
9.
component primary curves
physical simulation secondary curves
merging curves
lattice structure 273
Pavilion structures tripod
Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: alignment:
3 3 (0,0,- 0.4) 0.6 (guidecurve, 30,2)
curveĎƒ generator process
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4.
5.
6.
Parameters agent GuideCurves: mesh: gravity (x,y,z): max speed: mesh Interval: alignment: 1.
2.
3.
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6 4 components (0,0,- 0.8) 0.6 20 (guidecurve, 30,2)
surface generator process
275
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surface patterns
277
Pavilion structures tripod
Structural analysis, Lattice The geometry of the pavilion legs and its ceiling are based on the same rules.
As far as leg design is concerned bundles are placed on the bottom to make the structure rigid enough. Then, the bundles are braided until the top where they branch and meet the nearest curves from the other legs.
corner branching lines
upper part braiding lines
basement linear bundles
278
roof center branching lines
279
structural analysis
lattice & surface patterns 280
corner branching lines
upper part braiding lines
ornament- surface structure
basement bundles of lines
281
Tripod I
282
top view 283
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Tripod II
288
top view 289
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Pavilion structures tripod aggregation
Aggregation system Each tripod is used as a component which edge is attached to the others. The height can differ according to the environments features.
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top view 295
296
297
298
Architectural scale 6.1 column studies 6.2 staircase studies 6.3 pavilion structures 6.4 architectural space studies
Architectural space studies Observatory
Design methodology The structure of the observatory is developed in three levels. A round staircase connects the floors in section and shape a helix movement between the columns. It is a composition that shaped through the hierarchies that followed in our design (bundles, braids, branches) and combines the different scales regarding to the spatial needs of its element.
third level
second level
first level
front view
300
top view
301
302
303
304
Final proposal
305
Architectural space studies final propossal
Design rules
OVERLAPPING
UNDERLAPPING
TWISTING
BENDING
EDGE The final proposal constitutes a composition of different geometries that shape floors which are connected through staircases and columns. All the parts of proposal (tripods, staircases, etc) follow the basic design rules that were
ACTIVE INACTIVE
mentioned above such as braiding branching and bundles. The plan is developed in a 90 degrees angle that is symmetrical. The main entrances are connected through elongated corridors vertically. This constitutes the main movement through the building.
306
Curves typologies
Extended hook
Asymmetrical Curve
S-curve
307
Architectural space studies final proposal
Structural analysis
308
roof
floor- ceiling
staircase
309
Architectural space studies
Roof Typologies
final propossal, typologies
310
crown of column structure Transition from the roof system to the column.
column structure Transition from the upper part of the column to the basic core through braiding pattern.
roof structure Transition from roof system to column structure through branching pattern.
311
Architectural space studies
Floor- ceiling Typologies
final propossal, typologies
312
crown of column structure Transition from the roof system to the column.
beam structure Element that connects the columns with the floors structures.
floor structure Transition from floor to column structures
313
Architectural space studies final propossal, typologies
Staircase Typologies
Curved Staircase
314
Symmetrical Staircase
Spiral Staircase I
Spiral Staircase II
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