Rain Shelter

Core Studio 1 Tejas Sidnal Dragos Marian Rugina Marco Corazza Yuchen Wang 1

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATION SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE SCHOOL PROGRAMMES

COVERSHEET FOR SUBMISSION 2012-13

PROGRAMME: Emergent Technologies and Design

TERM: 1

STUDENT NAME(S): Tejas Sidnal,Dragos Marian Rugina, Marco Corazz, Yuchen Wang

SUBMISSION TITLE: Adaptive Diagrid

COURSE TITLE: Core Studio 1 COURSE TUTOR: Michael Weinstock , George Jeronimidis , Evan Greenberg, Mehran Gharleghi

SUBMISSION DATE: 7th of January

DECLARATION:

“I certify that this piece of work is entirely my/our own and that any quotation or paraphrase from the published or unpublished work of others is duly acknowledged.”

Signature of Student(s):

Date: 7th of January 2013

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CONTENTS Introduction

3. Global Geometry-Massing Study

5. Architectural System

ii. Research Questions

3.2 Massing Logic

5.2 Addressing Complexity of the System

i. Abstract

v. Research Methodology 1. Site Analysis

3.1 Site Logic

3.3 Analysis- Wind/ Solar 3.4 Optimising Massing

5.1 Component and the Global Geometry 5.3 Lighting Effects

1.1 Environmental Conditions 2. Component Strategy 2.1 Creating Diagrid

2.2 Bracing Strategy 2.3 Membrane

2.4 Water Pockets

4. Global Geometry-Optimisation

6. Conclusion & Future Developments

4.2 Wind Analysis

6.2 Experiment

4.1 Solar Analysis

4.3 Displacement of Water Pockets 4.4 Stress Analysis

6.1 Future Developments 6.3 Conclusion

4.5 Optismised component arrangement (Maps) for global surface

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Work Flow Process

Decision Criteria Site

Isle of Dogs Enviromental Factors

Component Strategies

Component

Component Analysis

Global Geometry

wind water flow tide levels temperature rain sunlight humidity

contouring folding weaving sectioning tiling tesselating flocking

grid/ cell structure bracing edge condition

Surface deformation

rain protection wind protection ventilation surface differentiation light

Figure i: Initial Work Flow process

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fabrication

connection points materials cell sizes

min/ max displacement geometric restrictions

maximum weight catchment capacity wind testing

INTRODUCTION i. Abstract

The aim of the project is to research shell diagrid structures and the effects that local weather conditions could have on the overall structural performance. The investigation looked at weather conditions unique to the site Isle of Dogs in south east London.

ii. Research Questions

The research led from looking at the diagrid structures, in itself an interesting and complex topic. Diagrids are structures that are assembled flat from a series of components. This system is then then craned into position. An edge condition primarily dictates the global geometry. This investigation focuses primarily on the specific Coupled with actuating the structural system with effects weather conditions could have on a diagrid environment conditions is an analysis of the the structure that has regions of its grid un-braced or locking of components of of the structure. In order un-locked. to see if the force generated by climatic conditions could create differentiation in the structure from a local to the global geometry.

Therefore the investigation should ask the following questions 1. What are the effects of removing a braced or locked condition at a local, regional and global level?

2. What site specific conditions exist at Isle of Dogs and how do these factors translate to force in the design?

3. How do these conditions allow for differentiation from a local component to a global geometry?

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iii. Research Methodology The research in this project was conducted along two lines, the first been explorative and relating directly to producing a project that is an informed response to the context of the site. Primarily this was associated with the documentation of the site using Google maps and observation on site as the primary data gathering tools.

The second technique deals with quantitative methodologies that included the production of physical models for experimentation, developing methods to measure, quantify and translate that data so that it could be interpolated digitally.

Digital tools that test the structural performance 6

in varying states should be utilised in conjunction with environmental analysis tools to aid in the design process and push the scheme further.

These are tools that should inform advanced experimentation that allows for the complexity of the system to advance.

SYSTEM LOGIC: Isle of Dogs AGGREGATION

COMPONENT

Arrangement on Site

Public Transport Links Orientation Circulation

Grid Lattice Shells

Enviromental Response

Rain

vehicular pedestrian water collection shelter

Sun

Wind

Structural Stability

GLOBAL FORM

Membrane Edge Condition

release

shadow differentiation protection cross ventilation

Framing System

in-take

joint bracing

deformation bending rotation shearing

Figure ii: System Logic

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Figure 1.1: Weather Conditions

Figure 1.2: Site Overview

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec 100mm 80mm 60mm

Isle of Dogs

40mm

Masthouse Terrace Pier (Quay)

20mm 0mm

average rain fall

: 50 mm

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec 30 20 10 0 -10

average maximum temperature :

average minmum temperature

Figure 1.3: Photo of Site 8

:

Thames Path Ferry Route

Chapter 1: Site Analysis

1.1 Environmental Conditions N

The site Isle of Dogs is situated in the south east part of the Greater London Metropolitan area.

The approach to the site conditions was to focus on the key foot paths pathways, transport nodes and environmental conditions .

The environmental conditions are defined by a strong South Westerly wind over the summer period and a North Easterly over the winter months. The average rainfall is 1330mm per year and this is predominant in the months November through to January but an average fall of occurs The site is on a water edge condition, the throughout the year.

Thames Path walkway runs adjacent to the water edge and between the road Napier Avenue that The temperature is an average 11 degrees allows vehicular access to the housing towards over the year experiencing an average low of 5 the eastern end of the Isle of Dogs. The pier- degrees in the winter months and a high of 18 Masthouse Terrace Pier Quay -services the public degrees over the summer period. transport water system. The nearest closet train The structure should take account of the weather station is the Mudchute station that is part of the conditions and try harness the dynamic weather DRL line and is approximately 1.1km from site. patterns such as wind and rain to help create

differentiation through the surface of the geometry.

nw

ne

W

E

sw

se

S

N nne

nnw

summer average winter average

Figure 1.4: Average Wind Conditions 9

SIngle Component

Figure 2.1- Diagrid Development

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Regional Arrangement

2 Dimensional articulated mat

Push and pull the mat to create a 3 dimensional geometry

Secondary membrane

Chapter 2: Component Strategy 2.1 Creating Diagrid

2.2 Bracing Strategy

The diagrid was created using a 2 mm ply, with dimensions of 5mm by 12mm. Each piece created a rhomboidal shape with a centre bracing that locked the geometry. For the first experiment 2 barrel vault structures were created that tested the grain direction of the plywood. Each vault was loaded with weight and it was clear the grain direction need to run perpendicularly to allow for maximum bending in the component.

The bracing strategy was to understand the effect of removing bracing elements at two different conditions. The diagrid was set up with a bracing throughout the system, an edge condition was applied to the system to form a barrel vault shape.

Then bracing was systematically removed from one brace to 14 braces. The un- braced regions were then loaded with a weight of 0.25 kg and the effect was documented.

The grain direction became critical in allowing for the maximum amount of bending in a single component and an un- braced region. The structure should not fail structurally but allow for maximum deflection through bending.

This experiment was conducted at the edge condition as well as centred as indicated in figure 2.2 and in figure 2.3. The weight was increased Figure 2.2- Diagrid with regions braced until there was a dramatic bending or clear deformation in the structure.

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Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment Water catchment pocket pocket pocket pocket pocket

Regional Regional Regional Regional Regional

1200mm

Experiment : 1Testing water catchment pockets at the free end Experiment :water Testing water catchment pockets atfree the free end Experiment :1mm Testing water catchment pockets at the free end Experiment 1 750 :1Testing catchment pockets at the free end Experiment :1Testing water catchment pockets at the end

1 Grid Release

4 Grid Release

6 Grid Release

15 Grid Release

10 Grid Release

870 mm

750 mm

380 mm

Plan

Front elevation

380 mm

50mm

Side elevation

Figure 2.3- Diagrid Experiment 1- Un-braced regions on edge

150mm

250mm

340mm

380mm

1200mm

750 mm

4 Grid Release

9 Grid Release

6 Grid Release

16 Grid Release

13 Grid Release

in the centerExperiment 2 : Testing water catchment pockets in a region in the centerExperiment 2 : Testing water catchment pockets in a region in the center Experiment 2 : Testing water catchmen 870 mm

750 mm

380 mm

Plan

Front elevation 70mm

90mm

110mm

150mm

380 mm

40mm

Side elevation

Figure 2.4- Diagrid Experiment 3- Un-braced regions centred

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Figure 2.5- Diagrid: Catching water to actuate the surface Diagrid

Diagrid and membrane

Diagrid

A secondary skin/ membrane is added

2.3 Membrane There was an idea that the bracing could be substituted by a secondary element that could enclose the diagrid structure from the site conditions but also replace the bracing. The membrane will be the exact dimensions of the grid where it replaces the brace and there would be extra material where water would be collect.

[See Figure 2.x] Initially it was believed that this would allow a movement in un-braced regions through the weight of gathering water quickly and releasing it slowing. Where the membrane acted as bracing this would allow for a micro movement.

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Membrane catches water and causes deformation

2.4 Water Pockets At a regional scale the membrane was highly effective in not allowing movement however when this was tested at a global scale the membrane did not provide stiffness comparable to the bracing, therefore if the membrane was to be used it would not be able to have a duel function but rather served only to enclose the global form.

The diagrid is then explored as individual rhomboid components that have a different reaction to the weather dependent on orientation and desired articulation of the surface. The diagrid forms the primary structural form, movement in the form and a component that reacts to the weather will be the focus of the investigation moving forward.

Key to this is the integration of a secondary element at a component scale that can also reacting differently in different areas. These regions will then be outlined in the global different and driven by the environmental logic of the site.

Figure 2.6- Creating a component to catch water

Component Type A

Component Type B 190 mm

m

m

Bracing

13

5

Membrane

y mm

1.5 mm Ply

5

13 m

m x mm

+

Bending

Deformation

=

Shape Change

Type A : Plan

Deformation : x mm y mm Angle(deg)

0

47

5

42

11

17

21

26

32

37

42

47

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

90

80

65

40

30

20

10

5

0

37

32

26

21

17

11

5

0

Graphic

water carrying capacity (g)

15

15

750 mm

750

m

0m

mm

1200mm

0 12

14 Grid Release

membrane

870 mm

750 mm

380 mm

Plan

380 mm

Side elevation

16

140 mm

200 mm

Front elevation

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Circulation

Visibility

Massing Form Finding Process Solar

Wind

map 1

map 2

Global Surface

Solar map 3

Wind map 4

Optimised component arrangement for global surface

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Water Pockets map 5

Component Arrangement

Chapter 3: Global Geometry-Massing Study 3.1 Site Logic

The Martime Quay is the main pedestrian path that runs adjacent to the Thames forming the Thames path link in the area Isle of Dogs in south east London. A transport node, the Masthouse Terrace Pier Quay is the transport node for the River Bus transport system. The closest tube station is Mudchute that is on the DRL line and is approximately 1.1 km from the Pier.

There is a large green space that previously served the area as a large ship yard and is a place of historical importance. In front of the park between the Thames Path Link is the vehicular road Napier Avenue.

Thames Path Key Site Lines Green Space

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Pier

Main Circulation

Park

Site Lines & Massing

Openings

Massing

towards greenland pier

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River Bus

masthouse terrace pier quay

maritime quay

Thames Path

Perry Court

Amundsen Court

3.2 Massing Logic Therefore the approach to the form finding process was arrange the massing around the key site elements outlined previously, this massing form in length extends itself to create the 500m² as prescribed by the brief, the height was set provides shelter along the pedestrian walkway at 4m so that there could be an allowance for deformation with a reasonable head height still both in an easterly and westerly direction. achievable.

The site is defined by the strong vertical and horizontal circulation (vehicular and pedestrian) axis’s that lead to the transport node which is seen as an major urban attractor. The massing is then positioned at the entrance of the Quay and

With Quay as the primary attractor, entry and exit should have clear site lines to the primary circulation routes with the massing following the Thames Path articulating the movement along the water edge. This approach to the site forms the logic and positioning of the massing of the project.

This massing is then analysed looking at the wind and solar factors of the area to create a form that is optimised specifically for the environment of Isle of Dogs.

Thames Path Key Site Lines Green Space

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NE Wind

SW Wind

Velocity m/s 8.0 7.0 6.0 5.0 4.0 3.0 2.0 1.0 0.0

SW Wind

Velocity m/s 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

1m

2m

1m

2m

3m

NE Wind

Velocity m/s 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

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3m

3.3 Wind Analysis

3.3 Solar Analysis

The wind analysis looked at the predominant directions in winter which is a north easterly wind and the summer which exhibits a south westerly wind.

The thermodynamic testing looked at the summer and winter solstices, the results indicated that in the summer, the light was greatest on the southern face with indications showing considerable indications on the eastern and western faces.

The fluid dynamics test then analysed the massing with the above mentioned wind directions at 3 different heights -that been 1m, 2m and 3m. The result indicated in figure xx , the fluid dynamics testing indicates that the massing will provides considerable shelter to the wind and in each case slows down from 8m/s to 2m/s.

The increase of velocity around the openings created wind tunnels in the massing which should be considered when evaluating the form to be optimised as this is a undesirable result.

The winter solstice indicated similar results to that of the summer. The massing gets a consistent light throughout the day. The two diagrams where averaged out to produce the diagram seen in figure xx. This would be used in positioning the openings with the fluid dynamics used to shape the mass.

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Solar analysis Dec 21 st 100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

Wind analysis

Pressure analysis 3

Pa (10 ) 2.95

8.0 6.0

2.19

4.0

1.06

2.0

0.003

0.0 June 21 st 100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

Map 1 Daily average

-7.45 -1.96 -2.75

SW Wind

Map 2

-4.24

2m

Velocity m/s 10.0 8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0

100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

0.0

NE Wind

2m

24

Optimised global surface

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6.3 m

m

22

m

30 m 4.2 m

4m

9.3

.7

m

m 8.5

5.6 m

12

m

Initial Massing

Optimised massing

3.4 Optimising the Massing The principle of optimising the massing was to create a form that responded directly to the site conditions. The urban massing was a generic form that allowed for the preliminary wind, solar and pressure investigations to be carried out and the subsequently findings used to alter the geometry.

To allow the wind to flow around the structure more effectively the form is streamlined along the edges where the wind is strongest in each example, this is highlighted in figure xx. Combined with the solar analysis maps, these are over laid over one another to produce the final surface shown in figure xx.

This allowed for the optimization of the massing to be achieved. Following on from this testing this method will be repeated adding more factors that relate directly to the component and carried out in the following chapter.

Entry

Water feature

Water feature Waiting Area

Entrance

25

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Chapter 4: Global Geometry- Optimization 4.1 Wind Analysis

4.3 Displacement of Water 4.4 Stress Analysis Pockets

The same wind analysis was carried out for winter and summer over the optimised global surface.

The fluid dynamics study clearly shows that the velocity inside the pavilion is reduced and majorly is around 0m/s to 2m/s. The orientation and position of the openings allows us to avoid wind tunnels in comparison to the earlier massing.

The analysis shows two main deformation areas which are divided onto two opposite sides of the surface. The deformation would depend upon the amount of water collected in each area. These areas deform maximum up to 2 meters leaving clear height of 2.5 meters below.

The deformation at the bottom being 0.2 meters opens up the surface and allows better cross ventilation.

4.2 Solar Analysis The thermodynamic testing for the daily average for the year indicates that we could create cool and warm spaces by manipulating the orientation of the openings. We could achieve variation from 0% - 80% creating various spaces spreading throughout the pavilion.

The pressure analysis was done in two parts i.e. the pressure created by the wind and the weight of the water pockets over the surface.

The optimised overall surface responds to the wind pressure efficiently as compared to the earlier massing. The form of the surface obtained after assessing the wind direction around the site and the surface allows us to reduce the pressure created onto the surface. The aerodynamical shape of the pavilion helps us have the least pressure on the sides of the surface.

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Wind analysis Velocity m/s 8.0 6.0

SW Wind

4.0 2.0 0.0

Velocity m/s

1m

2m

3m

1m

2m

3m

10.0 8.0 6.0

NE Wind

4.0 2.0 0.0

N nw

ne

W

E

sw

28

se

S

N nnw

nne

Solar analysis

Displacement: Water pockets

Dialy average

Dialy average

Displacement

100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

m

0.1 0.6 1 1.5 2.0 0.2

Stress Analysis Daily average

kN/cm2 0.0001 0.007 0.02 0.03 0.04 0.05 0.06

Dec 21 st 100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

June 21 st 100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

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Optimised component arrangement(Maps) for global surface Solar Analysis :

100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % 0%

Solar Analysis :

Rigid Open surface Repel Water Solar ( Shadow effect)

10%

Dialy average for a year Velocity m/s 10.0

Wind Analysis :

Component 1:

Flexible Closed surface Collect Water Solar ( Translucent)

Wind Analysis :

8.0 6.0 4.0 2.0 0.0

10%

Displacement

m

0.1

Displacement : Water pockets

Displacement : Water pockets

0.6 1

1.5 2.0

50%

2

kN/cm2 0.0001 0.007 0.02 0.03

Stress Analysis : Rigidity

0.04 0.05 0.06

Stress Analysis : Rigidity

30% 30

Component 2:

4.5 Optimised component arrangement (Maps) for global surface The performance of the overall spatial system is dependent on the main criteria that was previously set , such as solar and wind protection, structural stability and the control regional deformation when water collect and generates progressive loads.

The four areas of previous assessment provided consistent and relevant generative data for the next step, where surface is populated with each of the two components in a patterned and differentiated manner.

The strategy was that of stored all the distribution information into one gradient map, so that the three elements (one components and

two subcomponents) are distributed based on the intensity level of each macro pixel. It has been arbitrarily decided that the darked pixels of the map correspond to the more flexible components.

Consequently, as the macro map is the merging result of other four performance maps, all have been calibrated to match the core criteria of the two components:

The panelling map is the result of a merging process of the other four constitutive maps, while the ratio of each of them has been established based on intuition. That bring questions about the precision of the overall strategy, as there is always a subjective input into the generative process.

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Figure 5.1- Component Type B: Open Surface

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Chapter 5: The Architectural System 5.1 Component and the Global Geometry

The original component system comprised of two rhomboidal shapes, one having a bracing strut (that fixed the geometry) and the second which was un-braced and allowed the system to rotate and bend. In Chapter 3 the research looked at the probability of integrating a membrane as a secondary element that could act as both the bracing element and the weather proofing of the global form.

The goal was to develop a component that could incorporate structural stability, movement (bending and rotation) and provide weather proofing to the global geometry. The result was two components that in principle were similar, component type A was flexible and had the ability to collect water as shown in figure 5.2 . The

second component, Type B, was rigid and had an open surface to act as a window and provide ventilation as illustrated in figure 5.3.

These two components formed the system from which the global geometry emerged. The global geometry was formed out of the analysis of site conditions and various structural performance mappings. The geometry allowed for the intake of water in positions A, B and C as indicated in section BB, with the water releasing itself into a water feature in the structure. Windows that provided cross ventilation primarily occurred at the base of the south side and to the top end of the north side.

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Elevation Figure 5.2 Component Type A

View

Plan Flexible Component Closed surface Collect Water Solar ( Translucent )

Figure 5.3 Component Type B1

Semi - Flexible Component Open surface Repel Water Solar ( Shadow effect)

Figure 5.4 Component Type B2

Rigid Component Open surface Repel Water Solar ( Shadow effect)

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Ventilation

a’

Section a - a’

Thames path

4m

b’

b

Figure 5.5 Section Un-deformed Figure 5.4 Plan

Water

a

Pier

2.5 m

Figure 5.5 Section Deformed

Section b - b’

Water feature A

B

C

4m Water feature

Water feature

35

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Structural Issues to Address controlled structural movement

Current System

5.2 Addressing the Complexity The team was happy with the final form and the of potential of natural elements to physically transform the pavilion in a diagrid system.

However, the following problems were identified 1. The component typologies were too complex and needed to be rationalised.

2.

The release of water would not completely drain and therefore be problematic.

3.

The global form had two states the initial state and a secondary state. It would not be able to be dynamic and move between each.

4.

Simplifying the System

shearing

Moving Forward shearing& bending

increase dimensions where necessary

bending deformation self weight of water

reduce deformation

self weight of water

smaller catchment areas valleys or gutter to channel water

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Global Geometry: Final renders

5.5 Light Effect The distribution of components through the surface responded directly to sun and wind analysis and position of water pockets. The component should provide a distinct articulation of light throughout the day, this is a secondary layering of enviromental information.

In the evening the lighting would be reversed and with the interior walls of the pavillion been up-lit.

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Chapter 6: Future Developments and Conclusions 6.1 Future Developments

The cumulus of observations and conclusions, especially the collateral noticeable performance of the two generated components, provided inspiration for the following digital experiment, where, by merging modelling software with evolutionary form finding and optimization techniques, new technical and architectural ventures are tested and assessed.

As the initial strategy was based on multiple date streams collected into one resulted object, the backwards process, where a very limited number of actuators inform complex and controllable output, seems to be equally challenging and rewarding, while adding extra simplicity and control over the generative work flow.

6.2 Experiment

By varying the strength and / or the rest angle of all of them, the global shape changes dramatically.

That provides confidence in this strategy as a The recent experiment is based on a unified possible form finding technique based on the component system. The inspiration emerged at boundary specificity and on the components setthe end of the architectural development, and up exclusively. was further used so that the mechanical qualities of the componenets are merged into one hinge The digital environment made of precisely synchronised applications system that both provided structural stability and balanced the ability to generate and engage in local and (Grasshopper + Kangaroo + Karamba + Galapagos) was essential for the assessment regional deformations. of the system as a simple and controllable tool, The stored stress of each component is shared based on evolutionary solving techniques. with its neighbours and distributed into the global surface, which, balanced by the boundary conditions which leads to a static equilibrium in the system. This phenomena relies on the hinge orientation as long as the they are all facing the same normal vectors.

One collateral test was based on informing the deformed surface with uniform constant vertical loads, then, evaluating the specific displacement in all the key nodes. The Galapagos Evolutionary Solver is set to test all possible rest angles values, which is instantly reflected on the curvature of the surface.

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1. Experiment set-up conditions

Further Development

Component Rotation Type A

Rotation Type B

Hinge

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2. Self supporting instances - variable hinge rest angle

3.Kangaroo - karamba - galapagos unary load optimisation

6.3 Conclusions The previous analyses and research provided valuable information and knowledge about how multiple performance and design criteria can be combined and refined along a hierarchical generative work flow, where multiple data is stored, processed and later on used to generate refined technical and architectural systems.

However, as explained in the previous chapters, the process lacks a higher amount of precision, which is always desirable and necessary. The overall system is equally improvable as it is a coherent and innovative.

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