ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO 2013
AIR
Margareta WIJAYA 551633
Respo
CONTENTS
Looking Forward to Learning under Finn and Adam
Introduction...................................................................
5
Understanding The Material Wood.............................................................................
7
Part 1 : Case of Innovation Architecture as Discourse ...........................................10 Precedent : Peninsula House .....................................12 Precedent : Limerick County Hall ...............................16 Architecture as Computational Design ...................... 18 Precedent : Stuttgart Pavilion .................................... 20 Precedent : Book Shelf by Omer Arbel....................... 22 Architecture as Parametric Modelling ........................ 24 Precedent : Responsive Surface Structure ................ 26 Precedent : Contemplay Pavilion ............................... 30 Progression in Algorithm Exploration ......................... 32 Conclusion ................................................................. 35 Learning Outcome ......................................................36 Reference .................................................................. 37 Image Sources........................................................ ..... 38
INTRODUCTION About the AUTHOR
Margareta WIJAYA
My Name is Margareta Wijaya. I am currently in third year of Melbourne University studying Bachelor of Environment, majoring in Architecture. Come from Indonesia, Jakarta. I always interest with the nature and design ; how they related, starting with a doodling and some sketch. I really interest to learn more about digital design and architecture, even I know my limit, but I never feel tired to keep trying until I achieve my goal. i am a kind of person who will easy get nervous so that i really not good doing the presentation, but i still in my precess to keep learning. Away from my life as an architecture student, I enjoy traveling so much and see about the world that I cannot find it in the book. The different feeling and view. I really hope that I will develop my skill in the digital design and learn a lot how to communicated through the presentation. Digital Architecture software that i have knowledge of include : - AutoCad -SketchUp -Photoshop -InDesign -and some basic Rhinoceros from Virtual Environtment. No Experience in using Grasshopper yet. But its always fun to learn and explore the new thing to make the idea more DYNAMIC and COMPLEX.
WOOD “History speaking , building without Wood is practically unimaginable.”
Wood is one of the material which providing by the natural earth. In themodern architecture, Wood is being used a lot as a main part in the design field because of the diverse characteristic and the result from this material is always unbelievable amazing. Not only the building design but also the interior and pavilion continues to use wood as a part of their design. Over the years, the idea and tradition to approach the good design is always being improved. Transferring all the idea and inspiration and the knowledge to the people is one of the artist, designers and architect’s job. Nowadays, “the processing technique of wood is really advanced , allowing to produce the accurate wood building material that has a significantly improved technical and optical characteristic”. Because of the varied function that being provided, not only as a construction material, but also can be membrane surface. Not only provide as a weatherproofing façade skin, but as design content, wood also provide the rough and raw but sophisticated, clean, environmental friendly and a unique texture appearance. it allows to change the people perception that wild and harsh material can build a cozy, warm, and sophisticated design .
Image source : www.hothdwallpaper.net/wallpaper/hd/111426/ wood-1920x1080-hd-wallpaper
Image source : www.woodwizzard.com.au/australianwood
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Part A :
Case for Innovation
A.1.ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE
Architecture” word has ambiguous meaning that everyone will interpret in different ways. As William (2005) state that architecture has a variety of definition which is incomplete. If we ask average people, they would say architecture is related with buildings, bridge and construction. It is not wrong, yet not completely precise. According to Peter Tummer (2013),” Architecture is a collection of the building and knowledge.” From the different background, culture and the way to see it, it comes out with different arguments which lead to the part of architectural discourse. Discourse means the idea to lead a discussion or debate to find out the best solution of the problem in architecture. It means that we cannot work alone as an architect. Discussing architecture as a discourse is a great way to enlarge our knowledge of it and to understand the thought beneath the simple material product and then, to take the best of it. (Williams, 2005,. This process will give us an opportunity to learn from other people, as the time past by, the technology of algorithm is become of one of architect’s friend. It can help us to generate new ideas, concepts, and show the possibility of new outcome that strengthens the discussion of architecture. Wilson et al. (1999) state algorithms as a recipe, method or techniques for computer to do something. We use pencil and paper to draw our idea; computer use the mathematics algorism to complete the operations. The more we understand technique to develop the idea will be an advantage to find a final product. Moreover, Architecture can also relate with the visual culture. It is an art to see an individual architect’s work around the world. The unique expression of creative mind and interest will challenge you. Because to be an Architect, we should be smart and creative to use our limitless as a boundary to make a new concept according to the client. Architecture is more of a PROCESS to learn and DEVELOP yourself. Architecture has a strong relation with that own individual characteristic. Whenever you travel, walk and do our daily activities, we always think about the environment and how it works and always ask a question how it work and how can be like this. This all happen to me personally. Feedback from other people according to our thinking will help to develop our own skill and make us think more wisely. Curiosity, never afraid to fail and the emotional feeling to keep learning will guide us to the success future. In this subject, we will learn about the digital program which will really help us to generate any possibility of our idea to find a better outcome. In Fact, human still has a limit. That’s why we need a discourse to develope and processes the BEST that we can give. Do the research to gain more knowledge about the materials strong side and weakness will be a good point as well to help the way you build it. Geometry and the pattern will also help to make it more interesting and valuable. This thing will make you think about this overall subject. Gateway project and digital program of architecture has an important rule in Architecture field, there is not possibility to learn and follow the process of learning by calculation of the algorithm and symbolization and fabrication with the disciplinary to build a better result.
PRECEDENT “My interest lies in the iconic nature of these elements to both cultures Asian and European - and the common architectural ground which they afford to the region” . -Sean Godsel Architect-
Peninsula House by Sean Godsel Architect Stats : 30x 7.2m Material : Oxidized steel Timber shutters
A perfect durable private space is located in the South Western Australia near by the sea. The house has the nicest view for the client to spend time during weekends. The architecture is the combination of the enclosed veranda of Japanese house and the sunroom of Australian house to fulfill the clients’ demand for inner and outer private space. The external timber screens of the building are fastened to steel portal frame with operable section of screen that allows access to external courtyard. Along with all this a lot of levels have been designed in the building, the upper ground level provides the building a main access through a covered carport.
“Architecture as art ; think of buildings as individual works of art. Expect them to be unique exoressions of a single creative mind, a genious artist of the same kind as a ..............we expect them to be permanent and unchanging and to be expressionof their team as well as of their individual creater. To challenge existing assumptions about architecture.
We expect aesthetic brilliance” -Richard Williams-
From here, there is a division in the building into covered court yard to slender hallway and ends up entering into bedroom and lower ground level which is an open plan living, dining and kitchen area. Furthermore, in order to fulfill clients’ needs, the designer has provided the design with discreetly positioned laundry to private library. Glass roof, lightweight construction, the use of sustainable materials with stained timber, oxidized metal cladding are the examples of features that have been incorporated into the design. Architecture works within the parameters of what client wants. Godsel has fulfilled the clients’ demands to make the relevant private space for relaxing and seeing the best view, open and closing façade allows the natural sunlight get into the building. The level of detailing is high and very clean entirely because of limited palette of materials used.
“Unlike art,architecture can be prove to be good or bad for human life”. -Richard William-
The building architecture is interpreted as a human body, with the bones that support the body and covered by a skin. The outer shell of the building is swathed in Jerraha timber screen, the densest and durable timber that provides a break between the earthly mass that opens up onto the open plan sanctuary below. As Wilson in his Book “ architecture and Visual culture; Architecture as art – to express the creative mind and challenge themselves. However, is the issue raised: Is it possible to build in this area? In this Peninsula House, the location is one of the criteria that need to consider before building it. The location is near the sea which is easy to get corrosion and high oil which is resistant to insect. From this all problem surrounding the area, as an architect; I think not only to fulfill the client’s demand but also think about the safety reason and durability of the building. And it is important to question ourselves about , is this appropriate to build or not ? And what can be the possible issues/ problems after building. Unlike art, architecture can prove to be good or bad for human life. Every possible factors should be taken into account in the process of designing from material products to social and professional practices.
PRECEDENT Limerik County Hall
by Limericick County Council
Compared to the previous building function, the next building is a civic building in Ireland designed by distinguished architects from within the country and from overseas. The similarity with the previous precedent is that both are covered by a wooden material , timber in the external side.The environment created by the building acts as a “hinge� between the semi-natural open space that follows the Ballynaclough River and a large shopping center. The offices for 260 council staff are contained within a north-south oriented rectangle, with an atrium running the full length of the western facade.
This building is linked to the open space by sloping green planes on the western portion of the site; these planes are planted naturally occurring vegetation. The gesture of the tilting timber screen is towards the building held by timber retaining walls, connecting the sky and the land. This building is well-built with apt consideration in the circulation and both lighting and shading. Both of the buildings made me think about the architecture’s meaning. Personally, after I do the research about these two buildings and think about the relations, the most important thing before building a project or designing it, we need to consider the surrounding area and
location first before doing the design in order to fulfill the prospect or maximum utility of the building. There were potential difficulties in the making of the building; one of them was the correct gluing regime for treatment of timber and the to create connection between timber and steelcord. The designer has given a very vivid plan to the building in my perception, looks like a boat which opens to a river and shopping center , boat means can travel quickly (macmillan dictionary ). So from one part you can travel soon to a shopping center. The architecture is designed to show the accumulated research from different designs and come to a common perception and the result is beyond imagination.
A.2.ARCHITECTURE Computational Design
Design in the architecture field is always a process that needs to be run through carefully. It must be functional and is aimed to achieve some well-defined goals ( Kolarevic, 2008).The process is always developing from one decade to the next decade because of the technology advancement. The architecture process is not only from the design but also to the delivery process and documentation.Kolarevic (2008) stated that analyzing problems, setting goals, devising actions that might accomplish them, evaluating the efficacy of these actions, and communicating with others involved in the process is what designers do.As an Architect nowadays, technology is one of the ways to experience the new ideas and concepts. This entireprogram helps us to imagine into the reality. CAD and Rhino including the Grasshopper are few examples fromthe technology advances in Architecture’s field. As Layson (1999) stated,” CAD might conspire against creative thought by encouraging” fake” creativity.
This statement makes me think in two different sides. In one side I agree that the program encourages us to develop the design into a more complex one and to never afraid to think about the crazy outcomes. This is encouraged by the fact that the result of this process will be surprisingly unexpected. On the other side, for me it is not a Fake creativity, because computer will do what we are telling to do, so, actually it is not a fake creativity but it is a development of the concept and idea that we have in our mind and when we put through in the computation process, the outcome is not always right. It can be because of the wrong instruction and calculation. Because computation is based on mathematics and explicit representations of particular research (Woodbury and Burrow, 2006), it makes the design more efficient not a fake creativity. The more ambiguity in design and representation, the more success for the artist exploration.
“Computer by their nature are superb anaytical engines” - the more we try and failed; the more we succeed
From now on and the next decades, digital architecture will be an important part in design process.”computers have become an integral component in the design process itself, allowing us to generate, model and test iterative ideas with greater dexterity and increased accuracy. “ (Glynn, 2009, p.42). Computer using the algorithm combined with the other plug-ins such as grasshopper, require as explicit extraction that the designer construct themselves. As Brady(2013) said “ architecture is experiencing the drawing algorithms as a method of capturing and communication designs”.The outcome is not always being expected, if its hard from the expectation; it can be the misinterpretation in the instruction or the bang of the algorithm. But I think because of this misinterpretation, there are opened possibilities to gain more concepts and ideas to the outcome itself. I think computation is really good to engage people to explore more and try any possibility of the complex geometry to achieve a design space and forms that we can’t imagine in our the minds. This way of working process allow us to capture not only the complexity of how to build a project but also the multitude of parameters that are instrumental in a building formation “
In my understanding, computation is a term in deepest form, confused computerization and also the procedure of calculating, determining something by a mathematically logical method by doing an Exploration in determining unclear and undefined processes. This is the process of contemporary computational architecture practice. Computer is a tool to increase the graphic representation and to do computation on bunch of data and complex variables to put in the computer as a place to give us an ability to understand the design in more detailed and clearer about a concept and idea of the design. In fact, the computer will only do what you telling to do, nothing will come out nicely without an experimental and clearly concept.The way you state your interest and concept is the most important aspect before going further to the research and experimental of the design. In addition, the way you want people to interpret your design is one of the other aspects to think about as well. One of the my Precedent example from computation design is Pavilion in Stuttgart. The pavilion being made entirely of thin , elastically-bent plywood strips and innovative structure shows the developments in in material-oriented computational design, simulation, and production processes in architecture. Parametric dependencies in this project were defined through a large number of physical experiments that focuses on the deflections of the plywood strips. These experiments results in a relevant geometric information generated and then outputs data required for both the structural analysis model and the manufacturing with an industrial robot (Universitat Stuttgart, 2010).
PRECEDENT Book shelf
by Omer Arbel
Instead of the complex construction and geometry, Stuttgart Pavillion is a simple construction and complex geomety , a portrayal of Omber Arbel ‘shelf book’ design. Arbel has succeeded in designing a simple construction by taking basic shape of a rectangle and build it as complex geometry and duplicating the objects. “algorithm has a built in randomization engine that ensures a unique and never repeated combination of vertical and horizontal modules,” ( oliver&beesley ( 2007). this process of algorithmic designing helps in giving a final outcome with repetiotion , interweaving and mirroring. i really like this idea because of the use of a simple shape like rectangle and helps in giving complex shaped outcomes. this gives me an idea of use of simple forms for my design as well.
A.3.ARCHITECTURE Parametric Modelling
Parametric modeling is a result of the development of computer-aided design programs. As Woodbury (2010) stated: ‘Design is change. Parametric modeling represents change.’ However, it is important before using this innovative technology to have a deeper understanding of what is parametric modeling, how the system works, how we can use parametric software in architecture and the advantage and shortcomings of this practice. Architectural design shifted as CAD develops and landed in new style that Patrik Schumcher (2010) acknowledges as Parametricism. According to Schumacher (2010), Parametricism implies that ‘all architectural elements and complexes are parametrically malleable’. It is against the basic classical geometrical figures such as rectangles, cubes, cylinders, pyramids and spheres, and supports new and more animate geometrical shapes, such as splines, nurbs and subdivs. These sort of dynamic figures are designed to respond to attractors (can be in form of points) and using these attractors, are able to be reshaped and thus designers can create new figures and forms.
An advantage of parametric design is in its flexibility. Using the so-called ‘attractors’, designers can modify the NURBS form to however they like. Elements can be manipulated easily with fewer problems hence it boosts designers’ creativity. It helps the designers to produce more complex forms , designs and structures and visualize them via programming. One great advantage is that it can create more than one prototype for our designs.
However, there are several drawbacks of parametricism. First of all is that it may cause “death of the pencil sketch”. The future generation of designers might be really caught up with using CAD programs that they did not use manual drawings anymore. Manual drawings often allows more natural creativity and ideas to flow, resulting into a more honest design. Design might also become too automated and it might actually limits creativity and results in a repetitive style of design.
PRECEDENT
Responsive Surface Structure by Steffen Reichert
For example, the “Responsive Surface Structure “ by Steffen Reichert. In this project, Reichert has aim, and know about his interest and also has a basic knowledge about wood characteristic.From this starting point, he made a complex structure from the simple component. The form , material and the structure of each scale is embedded in this decentralized system. Understanding the material biological system is one of the issue that could be develop your design outcome. Base on this all starting point, next step is going into the digital tools to associative geometry and parametric modeling. In my view, the digital design is the tool to perform results on our thoughts. The tools allows us to define geometrical structures , change their subordinates , change the shapes, sizes and curvatures and constraints which can give different outcomes.The Contemplay pavilion project purpose was to investigate new methods of practice. The structure itself was an assembly of planar plywood ribs joined together with triangulated sheet metal nodes. The pavilion’s hybrid lightweight space frame is formed by laminated plywood ribs and steel tubes clad with sinuous plywood strips. Such complex structure was able to withstand both axial and bending forces. The complexity of the structure of this pavilion was a result of parametric modeling and digital fabrication. Parametric modeling leads to a rapid and flexible design exploration that allows designers to develop prototypes and test the implications of the constraints on each prototype, and results in a unique shaping of the project. The form was based on a Mobius strip, and the digital model was created using Grasshopper. Therefore this pavilion would be very relevant for our future project in this subject (Archdaily, 2010).
- experimenting is very important to know the characterisitic of material-
- computer can give us an idea about the outcome before fabrication -
PRECEDENT
Contemplay Pavilion
by McGill School of Architecture Student
The Contem PLAY pavilion project’s purpose was to investigate new methods of practice. The structure itself was an assembly of planar plywood ribs joined together with triangulated sheet metal nodes. The pavilion’s hybrid lightweight space frame is formed by laminated plywood ribs and steel tubes clad with sinuous plywood strips. Such complex structure was able to withstand both axial and bending forces. This complex structure was a result of parametric modelling and digital fabrication . the designers can develop prototypes and test the effects of constraints on the prototypes with the use of parametric modelling. The pavilion form was based on a Mobius strip, and the digital model was created using Grasshopper. Therefore this pavilion would be very relevant for our future project in this subject (Archdaily, 2010).
Progression
Algorithmic exploration
- Keep trying to find an interesting outcome-
- trying push and pull and look at a different outcome-
I chose to include this algorithmic exploration because it is one of my successful attempt of Grasshopper experiment. From this particular exercise, I learned about the Geodesic option in Grasshopper, which is useful for creating patterns on the surface of an object and also the Explode Tree option that allows us to divide the surfaces into separate curves. In this exercise we have also applied our knowledge about basic curve making, manipulating curves using points, and lofting from previous algorithmic explorations. From my own experience exploring Rhino and Grasshopper, I think digital modeling/parametric modeling benefits designers through the idea of connecting separate elements together, and later modifying/manipulating it. Like what we did with in this exercise, we referenced curve elements, put on points in it, modify their form and connect them to a command to further manipulate its form (for example: lofting/Geodesic). Hence we were also able to create more prototypes of the form. As discussed in previous sections, the key advantage of parametric modeling is that it enables rapid and flexible design exploration. Designers can develop virtual prototypes and do a test on each to see which works. The revolution in digital modeling has enabled new generation designers to create anything that they are capable of imagining.
A.4. Conclusion To sum up, we have discussed about architecture as a discourse and focuses on architecture as a functional art, and accomplish a balance of aesthetic beauty and functionality. The development of computer-aided design programs provides benefits for architects or designers to achieve this. Usage of CAD programs let designers develop new structural forms, to produce and construct very complex forms that were very difficult and expensive to design, produce, and assemble using traditional construction technologies. It saves workload, time and money to create something with a good built quality, aesthetics and utility. Furthermore, computer technology revolution has also led to the development of parametric modelling in architecture. Parametric modelling enables designers to model anything they are capable of imagining, allowing rapid and flexible design exploration. However, parametric modelling has its drawbacks, such as the ‘death of pencil sketch’, and too automated design. Learning from these past few weeks, a design approach that I would like to undertake for future projects is to first consider the brief and figure out what the function of the structure would be and how it implicate surrounding environments. Then sketch an idea of the design and translate it to a parametric modeling program. I think the best way to use a parametric design program like Rhino is to use it as a tool to express a design instead of making it a starting point on the design process, so we can produce a design that is not only aesthetically good, but also able to confront physical limitations and complications of construction.
A.5. Learning Outcome Theoretically, I have learned about the advantages and disadvantages of computational architecture and parametric design, also the discourse around architecture through the readings and through looking at various precedents. Looking up at different precedents also gave me an insight on how such complex forms are developed, what are the steps in the design process. Meanwhile, by doing the Grasshopper exercises, I learned a lot on how to use various commands to generate forms. I have limited 3D program skills so the tutorials and exercises were really great help. I wish to apply these theory and practical skills in my future projects.
Reference Brady, Peter (2013) Computation Works: The building of algorithmic thought. Architectural Design, 83, 2, pp. 8 - 15 . Brady, Peter (2013) Realising the Architectural Intent: Computation at Herzog & De Meuron. Architectural Design, 83, 2, pp. 56 - 61 .
Beesley, P, & Neumann, O 2007, Futurewood : Innovation In Building Design And Construction / Edited By Oliver Neumann And Philip Beesley, n.p.: Cambridge, Ont. : Riverside Architectural Press, 2007., Harvard Library Bibliographic Dataset, EBSCOhost, viewed 18 August 2013.
Burry, Mark (2011). Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming (Chichester: Wiley), pp. 8 - 71. Furuto , A. ‘The ContemPLAY Pavilion / DRS + FARMM’ 03 Aug 2012. ArchDaily. Retrieved on 2 March 2013. <http://www.archdaily.com/258929> Glynn, Ruairi, and Sara Shafiei. 2009. Digital Architecture: Passages Throught Hinterlands, digitalarchitecture.org, 187p. Godsell, S (2013) Peninsula House. www.seangodsell.com/peninsula-house Kolarevic, Branko, and Kevin Klinger. 2008. Manufacturing Material Effects: Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture (London: Routledge), 216p. Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003), pp. 28 - 62 Meyhöfer, D 2008, Touch Wood : The Rediscovery Of A Building Material / [Text Editing: Dirk Meyhöfer ; Translation: Stephen Roche], n.p.: [Berlin] : Braun, 2008., UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE’s Catalogue, EBSCOhost, viewed 18 August 2013. Richard Williams, ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture : Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005), pp. 102 - 116. Wilson, Robert A. and Frank C. Keil eds(1999) in The Mit Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science (London: The MIT Press) pp.11-12 . Wood Design 2005, n.p.: Köln : Daab, 2005., UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE’s Catalogue, EBSCOhost, viewed 18 August 2013. Woodbury, Robert F. and Andrew L. Burrow (2006). ‘Whither design space?’, Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing, 20 , 2, pp. 63-82 Woodbury, Robert. 2010. Elements of Parametric Design (London: Routledge) pp. 7-48 Yehuda E. Kalay, Architecture’s New Media : Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5 - 25.
Image Sources : http://www.archdaily.com/258929/the-contemplay-pavilion-drs-farmm/ http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=4458 http://www.talkitect.com/2011/07/contemplay-pavilion-by-mcgill.html http://inhabitat.com/mcgill-university-students-build-twisted-contemplay-pavilionout-of-locally-sourced-materials/contemplay-pavilion-3/ http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rn8qZIOpBZY/UE5xeq8Oq9I/AAAAAAAAKGQ/M9QCD6k5HI/s1600/t5_contemplay-pavilion-5.jpg http://www.seangodsell.com/peninsula-house http://www.moddb.com/mods/zeitgeist/images/old-market-square-zg-stuttgart http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Mercedes-Benz_Museum_at_night.jpg www.digitalcrafting.dk/?cat=8 www.woodwizzard.com.au/australianwood www.hothdwallpaper.net/wallpaper/hd/111426/wood-1920x1080-hd-wallpaper http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=4638 http://steffenreichert.com/04_surface.html http://www.omerarbel.com/projects/shelf/ http://www.egodesign.ca/en/article.php?article_id=65 http://www.archdaily.com/162704/ahmanson-founders-room-belzberg-architects/ http://aedesign.wordpress.com/author/brianburcham2009/ http://www.punchconsulting.com/our-services/punch-sustainable-design/ http://www.galvanizing.org.uk/projects/category/civic
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Part B :
“ Expression Of Interest ”
Design Approach “Parametric Design is hard to understand,but as soon as you understand, the result is Unpredicted. - Margareta Wijaya-
B.1. Design Focus
The next step after our research about the precedence is to select that area to develop the interest related to the project.
Progression of the Idea
The design of the gateway project gives excellent opportunity to the architects to create an extraordinarily eye catching installation which enriches municipality. Wyndham city seems to provide improvement in the current condition and aesthetics of the streetscapes, open spaces and parks. All these key improvements and designs are significant in exploring the design possibilities. After looking on the project briefly, we first focus on the material that we are using. As I mention in the previous part, “WOOD” is a natural material which has its own characteristic and that can’t be replaced by the other material. There are lot of advantages from the wood, such as cheap compared to other available materials, naturally available, easy to work with and strong as well. Though we still are not sure about what our main focus will be for the design, but we are trying to find the idea by understanding the material first and then develop more to achieve the parametric design style.
While doing the research, we choose the veneer and plywood as our material development. Basic knowledge that we get is, plywood is not really elastic but very structural and strong, however on the other side veneer has an opposite characteristic. The grain and thickness of the material are important in terms of materials performance. So in our design, we have performed different experiments taking the different shapes, sizes, lengths and the water effect for the material to really understand the result of all those criteria which help us to get new results about our project. Because of the exploration of the material, we finally find the interesting characteristic which is not all wood has it, that is “BENDING” which is measureable and can be controlled. This characteristic will be our interest to develop more focus on the project. Because of this reason, we finally decide to choose veneer as our major material because not only it has a higher elasticity level but also has a strong characteristic to retain their shape after it dries from watering process .
because not only it has a higher elasticity level but also has a strong characteristic to retain their shape after it dries from watering process . After we are done with this process, our group will research about the material performance. Taking the approach of material performance in this gateway project, wewill be able to add a deeper research into this popular discourse, generating more publicity for the artwork and the city too. Therefore, we really hope that our design can change people’s perception about Wydham, and not only take it as small and secluded. But it is an extraordinarily piece of the arts, with a vibrant and cultural community. Not only that, we want people to understand the Wood material as a most practical material in terms of scale and cost. Just knowing its properties is not enough in this case. Material behavior can be used to our advantage by incorporating it into parametric software which can then influence the design outcome.
Material performance is a one of the good approaches for the wydham city gateway project as a lot of the designers as well are using the same methods in their designs. Slowly, the designers are focusing to understand and research more about the material qualities before taking that material in the design.
B.1. Design Focus
Progression in the Parametric Algoritm
This is the next step in the weekly parametric algorithm that helps us to understand more about the tools and slider in grasshopper so that we can achieve our ideas and gives us the possible ideas that can be derived from parametric algorithm.
This research that helps us to focus on the grasshopper tools. However, this is just an experiment to see the different kind of outcomes. All of the outcomes are really unpredictable.
B.2. Case Study 1 Gridshell by Matsys
The gridshell focuses on the design and construction of a wooden installation. The material used in the design of the installation basically consists of only straight wood members bend along geodesic lines. This differs from the original geometry which was oval in shape.
In our design research , we have worked on skills like gridshell by Matsys as it can be a tunnel shape or gateway where a car can feel a different feeling when they pass that tunnel or gateway. Taking this design in mind, we have used the theme of “TRANSITION” as our inspiration to our material performance design approach.
The objective of our design is to minimize material waste and maximize its architectural presence in space. The structure consists of geometry, structure, and material performance, a holistic precedent created by use of parametric tools. The data flow manipulation technique is used in the design of the form with various inputs and outputs.
This piece is very interesting as it reflects our design’s material performance like elasticity and with this we have taken the gateway tunnel style as the starting point in our design.
B.2. Case Study 1 This model looks very much complex and interesting, but the formula in the grasshopper is not too difficult. The simplicity of the Gridshell definition allowed us to understand quickly and enables us to modify it into various mutations. This starts with curve shape as reference point and then divide the curves into a few points. After that using the explode tree to explode all the point and connect them with the arc to create a basic form and then using loft and geodesic we create a surface from the basic form.
We play around with the grasshopper tools to generate various forms and we get very interesting results. We try to achieve the posibility of understanding the parametric outcome. There are various results, good and bad but we learn from our â&#x20AC;&#x153;ERRORâ&#x20AC;? outcomes. Some tools such as Pipes, Triangulation, Extrusion, Connect, Offset, Quadrangulate , give us quite successful outcomes. Based on the successful trial, I choose this matrix as my best outcome because first, it is the most significant modification, and dynamic and has the posibility to be build. it seems like not to complex and it has the sense of natural beauty as well.
B.3. Case Study 2 Reverse Engineering Differentiated Wood Lattice Shell by Jian Huang & Minhwan Park
The project begins with exploring the sheet material and manipulating its bending properties by controlling the number of layers of ply and the fiber direction. Then they have tried creating different layers by the fiber being laid in different ways creating stronger systems, as the fibers in plywood is quite easy to crack , therefore the cutting direction needs to be noted. The fabrication technique we have used is helpful to produce an accurate size and the shape the way we want the results in our project.It also reduces the cross section without damage to the perimeter fibers, and the risk of splitting during the subsequent bending process.
The similarity between this precedence and our model is we really need to understand the materialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s performance to understand the strengths and weakness of it to achieve the final model. The timber we have used in our project has different levels of elasticity and stiffness, which influences the shape or form of the timber.Not only the material performance, This project also using using similar techniques with the same interest. They used digital technologies to help the fabrication .The possible shape they tried to achieve in order to get that shape. They did not really look into the patterning but more into the material performance of timber.
1.
The SIMILARITIES with the precedecent are: - Using the same basic shape ( triangular form into a square) - Using the same system to bend the material by give a force in the edge point. The DIFFERENCES are: - The connections between one panel with other panel - Different outlook. From outside, the precedence look like a square shape. From our model, it look as a separate triangle
2.
B.3. Case Study 2 Reverse Engineering
Compared to the case study one, this model appears to be really simple but actually its quite complex. The Formula as seen from the bottom, we have used Nurbs ,Eval , Weave and Interpolate and Extrude. This all long formula is to make a basic shape as being shown from picture 1. After that, we create a square grid using the rhino and just drag the shape into the grid. In this part, we try to make 2 triangles which get the tension and compression from different sides.The interesting about this outcome is the shape which follows a curve base that we get from rhino.
PARAMETRIC DIAGRAM
B.4. Technique Development
The exploration of the matrix suggests us to apply the grid system from case study 1 by using two curvatures to create a gridded surface. Using graft to set the list of the points that we can set the output point for the triangle grid. Then, we tried to recreate the wood lattices by jianhuang and min hwang park in case study 2, in which we assume that triangle will be the best shape to take in our design. As all shapes can be geometrically triangle. Using the grasshopper, the distance and angle between the bending opening up and down can be controlled. I choose 5 the best matrix that we think is related to our idea in the project and taking bending and triangular shape of that resulting in a beautiful and interesting outcome
B.5. Technique : Prototype Our prototype â&#x20AC;&#x153;Got beauty of the shape and the structural strength.â&#x20AC;?
Prototype 2 : Card material with the different size of triangle. Then we deal with the second prototype using black card, in which we are taking different sizes of triangular surfaces. The pattern and bending quality of the veneer gives the result of the compression and tension from the 2 different points from the triangle itself. It does not need to be soaked in water. But it can increase the elasticity of the veneer, so that it wont be easy to crack.
Prototype 1 : Veneer Material with the same triangle size and Shape Veneer, is a really thin material (lightweight structure,) and easy to break. But the advantage of using it is easy bending that we are taking in our project. Not only that, veneer is really quick to absorb the water and retain its shape when it dries. We need to understand the direction of the gran that naturally will be in the every piece of wood and helps us to minimize the probability of breaking the material. These are the first prototype we made using veneer to test one of the possibilities and the connection and joint. Using the same size and shape gives a same tension and compression that is easy to be controlled. The pattern will be created by this prototype to understand that the position for the joint should be arranged as veneer is quite brittle and easy to crack.
B.6. Technique : Proposal
After doing all the experimentation and exploration with the material and the grasshopper, now it is time to approach on the site.As I mentioned before , The site itself is not meant to be accessed by pedestrians and it is intended to be an installation along the high way. The users will be the people with the high speed. There is almost no time for them to experience and understand the design .Our proposal will be worked as installation that will stand along the highway. Considering the theme of our project, which is transition, it help use to choose the site A, that is along the road.
Our model will have attractive shape and the good lighting pattern that will keep on differing according to the time and the sun movement. The curvy shape of the installation is leaded by the shape of the interchange of the road. The curvy shape of this installation comes when people are approaching the sculpture; it helps the drivers to notice the area that they are accelerating to. Also it makes people to notice the direction and reminds that it will take really short time to reach the city. Curve gives the experience of getting into the space. And the other side of the sculpture is straight shape which shows the long way to go to CBD area that is Straight â&#x20AC;&#x201C; pointed.
The prototype model gives us possibility for our final shape which will guide the driver to know the direction of the next journey. the wydham city is a developing city with the sculpture as a modern progress from the technology. Not only that, the material itself, shows the natural , art and beauty of the material characteristic. The weather condition does not gives a static scuplure, but it is able to create an ongoing interest for users through all these different effects. By Setting the points and lines using digital computation we try to control the bending angle for the opening. Locating in the site with the real scale and direction it will affect the shades making by the sunlight creating different by variation of sunlight. In our design we add more lighting for night from inside of curve that can be looked from the car passing by.
B.7.Learning Objectives and Outcomes
-Material exploration-
Summing up my research I found that the Wood material is good material to explore. Before this experiment I did not know specific characteristic of this material but now I really am able to understand how the grain can influence the strength of the material and also the different size and shape get impacted with the elasticity of the material. To solve the elasticity problem, we also did the experiment that try to make a hole in the middle ( pict 1) , from this experimentat, we realise that all the problem could be solved by trying itself. For model making after the experiment about the material, we got quite confused about the shape that we want to use. Should we use the rectangular shape or the separate triangle? To solve that, we made the little prototype that we showed during the tutorial.
We found that rectangular shape is not working because we cannot control the distance in the middle of and also, it easy to break / crack. But the good thing is, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really need a connection between the rectangular shapes to connect because it is one rigid shape. We have used the triangular shape to see how it works. The way it stands and does not break easily, make us to decide to use this shape for our model. The curve shape logic for the whole sculpture has a meaning of its own as I described earlier as well and how it does effect everything around it. We find that our model has a interesting geometry, panel, form and services. This all can be achieved based on the precedence and the material studies. Based on weekly learning until now, I got interest with the parametric design studies. Even its quite hard to understand all the formulas, but the help from the tutor and the help session really help us to tell our idea about the computational.
After doing the research and understanding about the material, I found that architecture need to learn from others experience as well and keep trying for new results. There is no limit for this knowledge. We have received a feedback during the mid semester presentation to improve our work. - We think about Rigid connection using the string and tight it really tightly. - Any potential or how the opening works, - How to increase or decrease the panel side for our installation. - How would wydham benefit from this design? In terms of material choice, we think that the balsa wood will be good for our project, but as the prototype and exploration, I realized that using veneer is not that bad, but the only weakness with it is its thickness. It is really hard for us to make the model and how it will stand in the real life. We discuss already about putting structure using plywood as it is more rigid and strong from the inside look. Still we are considering the other possible options ang going more advanced in our project.
B.8.Appendix Algorithmic Sketches
This is the idea of the system that will use in our project. the shape of this will be generated later on after considering about the characteristic of the site. the system of our focus is successfull in this prototype, but, it still to fragile and really easy to break since the material that we used ,doesnt have a thickness with it. to the next step, we will think how to solve the problem that we found.