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“I certify that this piece of work is entirely my/our own and that any quotation or paraphrase from the published or unpublished work of others is duly acknowledged.”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
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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
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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
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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
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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. 31
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
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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. 45
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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