Design Studio 2 | bio-dig-it | Synthetic Landscape Lab | ioud by syntheticlandscapelab

bio-dig-it

Interrelating Human and Non-Human Structures [E2 | Design Studio 2]

Prof. Dr. Claudia Pasquero | Maria Kuptsova | Stephan Sigl Insbruck University | Institute of Urban Design | Synthetic Landscape Lab

bio-dig-it In this design course, we will expand our skills to include new techniques, computational tooling and generative methods to create a distinct, informed aesthetic language. There will be special introductory tutorials for individual tools at the beginning. In this studio, the terrain is first seen as a foundation of data from which presumptions and facts can be derived with the help of digital methods of analysis and computed drawing. From the analysis of infrared aerial imagery, satellite data and laser scan data, in this course we will map the topology and create drawings representing such things as sky visibility factor, terrain visibility factor, solar radiation, vegetation categories, watersheds and their runoff. These form a set of data, a digital territory that can be transformed into generative urban landscapes using digital strategies.

Author: Ecologic Studio

Deep City, Author: Urban Morphogeneiss Lab | UD BRPO

Location

Design Outcomes

The entire Alpine region has a very dense network

These transformations, based on our initial derivati-

of infrastructure facilities. Starting with a very den-

ons and interpretations, represent the relationship

se network of transport routes, above-ground and

between human and non-human traces and inform

underground pipeline routes, structures to secure

the generation of radical visions for the metamor-

permanent settlement areas, landfills or even facili-

phosis of conventional design techniques and their

ties for energy production and distribution. All these

outputs. For their part, the design techniques are,

facilities form different networks with different cha-

for example, generative growth algorithms, adap-

racteristics. In addition, except for parts of the rocky

ted from those of microbiological life forms, digitally

landscapes, the entire territory is a centuries-old

implemented. With e.g. erosion simulations and si-

cultural landscape; there is virtually no untouched

milar manipulations of the digital models, aesthetic

nature in the sense of primeval forest, even if parts

speculations on the layering of human and non-hu-

of nature are romantically glamourised as such.

man processes are pursued. Trans-scalar architectures emerge that, through their aesthetic and func-

Many of these structures usually serve only a one-di-

tional properties, whether virtual or material, can

mensional purpose and in some cases have to re-

show how human and non-human structures can

sist the impact of the forces of nature with all their

interact systemically.

might. The conventional strategy of modern civilisation has been to solve technical inadequacies of structures with additional technocratic means. A changing earth climate is leading to rising temperatures, drought and unpredictable weather phenomena in many regions on all continents. The sole use of conventional technology may no longer be able to cope with these impacts. In this course we focus on the region in the central area of Tyrol, where city and countryside interlock. We start with territories of 5000 by 5000 metres and zoom after initial analysis to areas of 500 by 500 metres up to areas of 50 by 50 metres, where detailed transformations will be performed. Aerial CIR Image Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Design Intentions Designers now have the task of finding and designing suitable urban landscape environments in which these computing and storage organisms can settle as integrated organisms and grow and survive in their own logic. In doing so, they could incorporate existing (human-technical) infrastructural facilities into their design to prevent them from becoming a burden in their own decay. To achieve this, all opportunities for multiple use and reinterpretation should be exploited across all disciplines. Designers must also take into account that these intelligent total organisms develop their autonomous logic. Their task is to anticipate and manage the semi-autonomous development process. The task is an urgent one: It is about the preservation of immaterial (digital data) knowledge and all its interconnections. All data stored on traditional servers must be transferred. At the same time, ever new computing capacities are needed to calculate and control these complex development processes. The logic of the new, autonomous, intelligent landscape is able to take into account all future supply and protection needs as they arise, so that no further man-made infrastructure is needed. This landscape in process is able to deal with future impacts of all kinds. The development of corresponding aesthetic qualities in the representation of these processes as well as in the materialisation of the design system citylandscape as a whole plays an essential role. Aerial Image Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Site Analysis With the help of GIS software and on the basis of laser scan data and aerial images, the topology and characteristics of the area are investigated.

Source Data: Projekt Solar Tirol Tiris, Land Tirol

DEM and Contours Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Exposition Analysis (Contours)

Inclination Visualisation

Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Sky View Factor; Visible Sky: The unobstructed hemisphere given as percentage

Terrain View Factor

Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Solar Radiation 21.December

Solar Radiation 21.June

Source Data: Projekt Solar Tirol Tiris, Land Tirol

Wood Categories

Catchment Areas, Water Flow

Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Site Transformation With raster and vector tools, man-made and non-human structures can be revealed in the programmes used, which need to be transformed and reinterpreted. Here: e.g. Power Supply LInes, Depositories, Traffic

Source Data: Tiris, Land Tirol

Network Shortest Path Algorithms used to generate networks along structures