Loop research report

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

LOOP University College London - The Bartlett School of Architecture Faculty of Built Environment B PRO - Urban Design II RC17

Project team: Anabelle Maria Viegas Yiwei Li Yunchao Tang

Directed By: Ulrika Karlsson Maj Plemenitas

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

MASTER OF ARCHITECTURE - URBAN DESIGN BARTLETT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON THE BARTLETT SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE FA C U LT Y O F B U I LT E N V I R O N M E N T B

P R O

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U R B A N

D E S I G N

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RC17 - FINAL DESIGN REPORT - 2013/2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

P R O J E C T

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T E A M

ANABELLE MARIA VIEGAS Y

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Y U N C H A O

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T A N G

D I R E C T E D U L R I K A M A J

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B Y

K A R L S S O N

P L E M E N I T A S

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

CHAPTER 1 1.1 1.2

Prologue Introduction to Manaus 1.2.1 1.2.2 1.2.1

Rubber Boom The shift - the changing face of Manaus The Amazon and the influence of Manaus and on Manaus

CHAPTER 2 2.1

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Site Analysis 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4

Terrain conditions Ground Composition Mapping the river flows High tide and Low tide

CHAPTER 3 3.1

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Fluid dynamics 3.1.1 3.1.2 3.1.1

Linear flows Testing terrain Erosion

CHAPTER 4 4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.1.4 4.1.5 4.1.6 4.1.7

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Ground Composition Sand Quartz Organic sedimentation Latosol Clay and latosol composite Rubber The two rivers

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

CHAPTER 5 5.1

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Tests on Erosion and deposition 5.1.1

Micro scale physical experiments ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Page 46 - 57

CHAPTER 6 6.1

Digital Material Library 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3

Material tests Comparitive group tests Digital recreation

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CHAPTER 7 7.1 7.2

Design Intervention Catalog of extrusions 7.2.1 7.2.2 7.2.3

Testing Gravity Testing Mass Testing Material properties

CHAPTER 8 8.1

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The test bed 8.1.1 8.1.2 8.1.3

Testing Material Predictability Testing material Manipulation System of control

DESIGN PROPOSAL

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

CHAPTER 1

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

PROLOGUE ...to turn “scientific results upside down, not to tell a great narrative of progress, but simply to explore the nature of the atmospheres in which we are all collectively attempting to survive.”[1] This quote by Bruno Latour defines the approach with which we were led into the programme and has defined our approach towards outlining our project. By dealing with the ambiguities and incongruities of materialization of design our research has led us to define a new process or one can say a new methodology or system of approaching traditional forms of materialization which within its own uncertainties has given us an insight into what can be achieved if mathematical processes of control interface with biotic and abiotic processes. To be able to go through these processes and better understand the degree of research and study we need to understand the atmospheres that are in context. What is the ‘atmospheres’ as stated by Bruno Latour? We understand the atmospheres to be something that is within the region of influence of each object. The atmospheres will thus vary based on scale and resolution. A response to these scales of atmospheres and evolving a new is what our proposal attempts to deal with. The atmospheres are further in a state of change and thus need a response that is evolving and adapting itself and the outset along with it.

Our project, thus, iterates the procedures of design, fabrication, participation, decay and finally disintegration, a process that loops and further corresponds to dynamics of state changing processes.

At the onset, we studied the dynamics of fluid, their interaction, intervention and influence on materials and material systems. A focus on learning and researching the micro level properties of materials and a more experimental study on erosion and deposition as processes forged the use to develop a material distribution system.

This system is designed to engage with the subtractive process of erosion and enforce an additive outcome as in the process of deposition. A system that mitigates varying scales within the Urban. And other than dealing with a single resolution of a territory it expands to seek for a tool that can initiate urban changes. Once the mechanism is combined with the right material, a LOOP is set into motion, a system that works within constraints but no boundaries and thus pushes the possibilities and potentialities of any site it is applied to.

Thus, Materials as the foundation and source of information for our project, behaves as the media between the theoretical approach and practical product extending the abstract concept to an on-site object.

Left page - Images of the material tests conducted during our research.

[1] Bruno Latour, “Atmosphère, Atmosphère” In Olafur Eliasson: The Weather Project, edited by Susan May,London:Tate Publishing, 2003: p 29‐41

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 1.1

Image 1.2

Image 1.3 14

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Globalization and the need to keep with times of cutting edge , directed, clean, resourceful and highly productive design has resulted in the loss of many aspects and details that had once defined a part of the culture of nations. Vernacular architecture is one of the agencies that have been imbedded in cultures not just as an aesthetic response or a cultural milieu, but one that over generations has formulated a sensible response to the nature of the atmosphere in is in. The thought of the built environment responding to the nature and in turn generating wholesome liveable spaces is something that is highly evolved in this form of construction and design. This basic nature of the built environment is one of the agencies that defines our proposal. We intend to explore the nature of the urban environment with regard to the atmosphere it sits within and provide a response to the dynamics of the atmosphere. Studying the material systems that compose the land and learning from it we intend to amplify the role of the material to radically enhance the atmospheres that we survive in. Through LOOP we hypothesise an isomorphic response of the site to the surrounding. How does the process respond to the atmosphere? How can one develop a design for the urban or even at an architectural scale that responds to the atmosphere when the perception of the atmosphere is constantly at a state of flux? To try an answer these questions we propose LOOP. LOOP is a product of perceiving and using the ecology in a radically new way. The thorough study of the habitats, natural milieus, places or shelters that compose the architectural ecologies led us to understand the formation of this whole by their parts — materials, spatial, social, political and economic concerns that define the nature of these ecologies. Taking inspiration from the book ‘Relational Architectural Ecologies’ edited by Peg Rawes, in which one of the key aim is to extend the architectural thinking about the ecology beyond the current professional sustainable design practices that have developed over the past few decades. Our research and proposal try to set up an intervention and develop a more radical approach towards understanding and defining the coherence of ecology in the new Urban practice. One of the key factors that initiated our project is the vernacular culture of our region of research. Bernard Rudofsky in his book ‘Architecture without Architects’ dealing and arguing the nature of the vernacular goes on to argue that Vernacular Architecture does not go through fashion cycles. He states that “vernacular architecture is immutable and indeed unimprovable, since it serves its purpose to perfection.” Our proposal stands as a polemic to this thought and tries to go beyond the unseen rules of the vernacular sense of architectural practices and tends to explore and exploit its behavioural tendencies by learning from the materials that define the vernacular.

Image 1.1 - Aerial viem of the centre of the city of Manaus, showcasing the TEATRO AMAZONAS. http://www.visitbrasil. com/visitbrasil/opencms/ portalembratur/en/manaus-e-suaarquitetura.html Image 1.2 - View capturing the local Architectural style practiced.

The sytle if highly influenced by the Portuguese who colonized the land. https://www.flickr.com/ photos/37373154@ N08/6110203328/ Image 1.3 - The common built shelters on stilts that line the bamks of the river and its tributaries within the city limits. http://ralphdeeds.hubpages.com/ hub/A_Weekend_in_Manaus___ deedsphotos

According to Rudofsky the cross relation between the nature of the ecology, culture, economics and social concerns of a particular region is what has inspired architecture and the art of building cities. He states that, “…before the conversion of building into a more defined, skilled and technical profession, architecture existed more coarsely modelled by the primeval forces of creation and occasionally polished by the wind and water into elegant structures.” In our project we try to draw influences from these ecological phenomena’s specially dealing with the forces and nature of water and understanding the material systems and tectonics of the regions through the understanding the dynamics of water.

Through this paper we wish to propose the new vernacular through a recursive combination of the two approaches -’the top down’ and ‘the bottom up’ which have defined the way we learn and analyse all modern design. Our system takes from the two approaches and amalgamates them to develop a system that is most responsive to the ecology of the region it fits into. We developed this process by choosing a test site in Manaus, a region that is dynamic in nature and at a constant state of flux, the resources that compose the history, geography and geology of the region have set it apart and thus made it an ideal test site for us to ideate and take forward our proposal.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

INTRODUCTION Manaus is located at the heart of the Amazon forest, the city emerged from being a small tribal village to one of the biggest and most populous cities in Brazil. Its location - its isolation helps preserve the natural and cultural aspects that have come to be the definition of the Rainforest. The city occupies a place not just as a centre of political control of the region but also serves as the gates to the Amazon. It is also a key stone in the economics of the country.

The history of the European civilization began in 1499 with the Spanish discovery of the mouth of the Amazon River. The colonization of the region by the Spanish and further by the Portuguese who in order to ensure their predominance and defend the region from the invading Dutch starting developing and building as one can call it the required military fabric for the sustenance of the region. It was from this era that urbanization of the region began. The indigenous tribes now a part of the urban realm.

By 1832 this small pocket of human civilization amidst the dark and thick Amazon was elevated to a town and got its name MANAUS. These territories are often not defined by national or political boundaries, but engages larger flows of population and economy, and are dependent on climatic, geological and other landscape infrastructural conditions; systems of water, waste, food, transport and energy. The relation between material processes coupled with infrastructural flows are of equal interest to our research.

RUBBER BOOM Rubber has been one of the most influential and important products to come out of the Amazon Rain forest. One that has defined the very existence of an entire population, a lifestyle and a region as we see it today. Rubber as a product was known to the indigenous South American dwellers for generations prior to its outbreak into the more affluent European civilization. The 19th century saw an almost overnight soaring demand for the resource and small dumpy towns like Manaus were transformed into bustling centres of commerce. This boom played an important part in the economic and social history of Brazil, the Amazonas and the neighbouring countries.

Manaus with its idyllic and strategic location became the opulent heart of the rubber trade. The late 19th century saw the swift and large scale expansion of this otherwise simple Portuguese garrison village to a planned, designed, networked and connected urban jewel in the heart of the Amazon. Manaus was one of the first South American cities to be electrified shortly after which was equipped with Telephone networks, Street car tracks, a planned infrastructure that could engage with the rising population and deal with a number twice its population.

The period that saw the economic rise of the region brought along with it the influences of the European culture, language and architecture. It developed a style of architecture which saw the combination of styles with the local materials. This set a stage for the vernacular and practiced style of architecture in the region. Even today we see this style widely practiced around the region.

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Image 1.4 - A collage of textures and colours that define the characteristics of the Amazon forests and thus influence the nature and culture of the region and urban fabric of Manaus.

Image 1.5 - A historic picture taken during the construction of the city of Manaus during the time of the Rubber boom. The region was in high demand and the rubber Barons invested large amounts of money into the development of the city. http://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/ Manaus

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 1.4

Image 1.5

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

THE SHIFT

Image 1.6

The beginning of the 20th century saw the last of the soaring rubber production in the region. With the rubber production moving to Africa, Malaysia and Ceylon, the Amazonia lost out and was hit by recession which caused a massive loss of state tax income, high levels of unemployment, rural and urban emigration, and abandoned and unneeded housing. The new Urban Manaus is more industrial and sustains itself due to the policies that have defined this region as a tax free zone, thus making it a desired market to foreign companies that now have thriving businesses set up at the outskirts of the city.

This form of industrialization has again slowly shifted the economic state of Manaus but has also brought with the problems ovf migration, housing, influx of people, deforestation and so on. This has led to the further expansion of the city which has unfortunately led to the destruction of the rainforests.

Apart from the urban problems faced by the city, this increased interest in Manaus has developed an increase in the urban infrastructure. Water networks have always been an important aspect to the city. We see in Manaus

Image 1.7

Image 1.6 - Rubber plantations and rubber tapping rose to be the prime source of economy in the region.

Image 1.7 - Rubber productions industries at all scales developed in the city.In Manaus, a middleman or aviador splits and sorts the rubber balls by grade.

Image 1.8 - The rivers played a key role in the collection and movement of the resource.In the spring when the rainy season makes tapping impractical, seringueros float their rubber balls down the river to Manaus. http://www.wildernessclassroom. com/amazon/2008/05/1259print. html

Image 1.8 18

Image 1.9 - Meeting of the two rivers at the head of Manaus.

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

THE AMAZON RIVER Another factor that distinguishes this region is the Amazon River that forms the backbone of its economy. Manaus lies at the head of where two tributaries of the River Amazon, each of distinctly different hue, converge. One, the Rio Solimoes, is a light sandy colour. Its rival the Rio Negro is the darker of the pair, owing to the leaves and dead foliage it picks up on its route down from the Andes. The effect is akin to an oil slick on the ocean, the two rivers visibly refusing to mix. Not only do the two rivers bounce off each other when initially introduced, they keep up their mutual cold-shoulder routine for six whole miles. This phenomenon is due to the differences in temperature, speed and water density of the two rivers. The Rio Negro flows at near 2 km per hour at a temperature of 28째C, while the Rio Solimoes flows from 4 to 6 km per hour a temperature of 22째C. [2] These two varying river systems also form a part of the material system that have influenced the tectonics of the region. The duality generates stark contrasts in the tectonics of the region. The Solimoes flowing down from the Andes is heavily mineral laden and has influenced the edge formation along its route and also the ground composition which in turn has generated specific usage patterns within the environmental and urban fabric. The river Negro which is composed of high levels of humic acid has consistently formulated the composition of the ground by the process of deposition and erosion thus giving rise to a completely different eco system along its periphery.

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meeting_of_Waters Image 1.10

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

SITE ANALYSIS - TYPICAL SITE CONDITIONS The two sides- the north-west and the south-east banks of the peninsular are lined by two distinct river system namely the Rio negro and Rio Solimoes respectively. This causes an interesting shape of the peninsular which is seen as a smooth edge along the river Solimoes where as is jagged and scratched with inlet channels of water that run through the site.

The main reasons for this are: 1. Quantity of sediments carried by the Solimoes which is inturn deposited at certain areas of the banks, where as, the force of the water erodes the site at certain other parts thus slowly smoothing the banks over a period of time.

2. The Neo-tectonics of the area and contours generated show a slope on the site that is towards the North west thus the land is more subtle and sloping into the Rio Negro.

3.The sediments carried by the Rio Negro is far less and are not large heavy particles thus there is not much of deposition that takes place along the river banks.

4. The speed of the river and the angle of flow does not cause any sort of erosion along the banks.

5. The restraining channel against the edge of the city of Manaus causes the water to create a backward force which forces the movement and flow of water ino the northwest banks of this peninsular.

6.The water that flows into the peninsular ladmass is not always the same. This depends on the flooding of each specific river. For example, when the Negro River is in floodstage and its water level is higher than the Solimoes,the direction of flow is from the Negro to the Solimoes.When the Solimoes is in flood stage, the flow is reversed.

The tectonics of the region are goverened by the constant movement of materials around the site. The change in the regions form, geological position and climate over time has modulated the ground to adapt it to the constant change in the habitats.

Varying agencies have caused a phenomenal change in the regions natural state and thus we see layers of multi material systems that compose the ground plates.

This information of the region- not just the overall top composition but through the depths of the Earth helps us understand the flows of material and the deposition and erosion patterns at the regional scale

CHAPTER 2

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

+ 20M

- 6M

+ 18M - 50M - 40 M

Image 2.1

DIGITAL RECREATION OF THE TERRAIN CONDITIONS The terrain of the area is mapped and digitally recreated to inform about the tectonics and land formation. Rather than a continuous surface, the terrain is considered as a three-dimensional entity, including both the superficial surface and subterranean part. The terrain map as a base informs the development and drawing of other datamaps such as flow maps (both monsoons and low water season) and soil distribution map.The knowledge of the terrain allows us to generate a detailed analysis of the ground substrate.

The difference in the formation of the terrain structure feeds information to the other maps- flow maps, soil maps and so on used to calculate the movement and flows of water and material in and around the region.

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Image 2.1 - Digital recreation of the terrain conditions around the region of the site. All measurements taken from the constant low season level of the Amazon river.

All measurements are a mean approximation based on common knowledge from the locals

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 2.2

DIGITAL RECREATION OF THE SOIL COMPOSITION Laterite Latosols Clay Sand Terrapreta Humus/ organic sediment Image 2.2 - Digital recreation of the existing composition og the ground around the region of the site. The conditions are influenced by the flows of the rivers.

This cyclic movement of material dynamics informs the detailed soil distribution map from which information is extruded about the varying soil conditions on the terrain and at subterranean level. It is generated with the terrain as a continuous surface and developed with the depth of the soil composition. There are 8 different materials distributed throughout the research area which is coded by colours identified with the digital materials. They are respectively material A-02, A-05, A-06, A-08, A-10, A-12, A-13, A-14. The pattern of the colour distribution is identical with the flow impact of the two rivers. The river bank eroded by the Rio Negro is more tattered and as fractal while the river bank which is influenced by Rio Solimoes shows more smoothness and continuity. The Rio Negro-impact region is mainly composed of material A-02, A-05, A-06, A-08 whilst the Rio Solimoes-impact region is mainly composed of material A-13 and A-14. The mixed area which has both the influence of Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes emerges mostly of material A-10 and A-12. They are the dominant composition of the Central Peninsula where Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes converge together.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 2.3

MAPPING THE FLOWS OF THE TWO RIVERS For 6 km (3.7 mi) the river's waters run side by side without mixing.This phenomenon is due to the differences in temperature, speed and water density of the two rivers. The Rio Negro flows at near 2 km per hour at a temperature of 28째C, while the Rio Solim천es flows between 4 to 6 km per hour a temperature of 22째C. The two rivers also differ in their composition and thus have distinctly different appearences. The Colours also influence the quantity of heat trapped within the rivers. Here through the image we see the density diplayed by the river Solimoes on the right side of the peninsular This map demonstrates the change in the dynamic flows of the two rivers during the rainy season. It defines the high water level while also showing the movement of the different water drainage patterns from the terrain that feed the river systems. The maps also demonstrates the material movement pattern around the region of the chosen site. there is a constant cyclic movement of materials that are being eroded from the edges of the site area and at the same time the sediments carried by the rivers are deposited along the edges.

We see heavy movement of material specially along the flows of the river solimoes. The river is heavily laden with sediments and thus is denser in composition. This causes heavy erosion along the banks of the Solimoes.

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Terrain Rain water drainage Areas within the floodplain High water level Material movement Sediment load Image 2.3 - Digital recreation of the existing flows of the two rivers.

The map also defines the drainage pattern of the surface runoff and the rainwater.

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 2.4

LOW WATER SEASON - MATERIAL MOVEMENT MAP Rainwater drainage Regions of high fertility Ground water drainage Areas of Erosion Floodplains Material movement Constant water level through the year Regions of constant temperature Image 2.2 - Digital recreation of the existing composition og the ground around the region of the site. The conditions are influenced by the flows of the rivers.

This map demonstrates the change in the dynamic flows of the two rivers during the summer season. The region experiences reduced rainfall during the summers. This causes a fall of upto 15 mt in the river level. the exposed edges are thus covered with the deposited sediments. The sediments carried by the solimoes are rich in nutrients and thus are very fertile. We see a high amount of clay deposits along the banks of the river solimoes.

The map defines the high water level while also showing the movement of the different water drainage patterns from the terrain that feed the river systems. The maps also demonstrates the material movement pattern around the region of the chosen site. there is a constant cyclic movement of materials that are being eroded from the edges of the site area and at the same time the sediments carried by the rivers are deposited along the edges.

We see large areas of deposited sediments along the solimoes. The regions falls within the floodplains and thus is eroded over the next period of the year. This constant chage in the water levels through the year enforces a state of flux in the regions composition. The materials are always either breaking down, being eroded or a new layer of material is deposited.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

FLUID DYNAMICS The tectonics of Manaus are dictated by the flows of the rivers that meet along its boundaries. Thus, to set up a base for our research —we digitally wentv forward to study and understand the dynamics of fluids. This study offers a systematic structure which deals with testing and formulation of systems that define the practical disciplines—the study of flow patterns, here which embraces empirical and semi-empirical laws derived from the flow measurements and used to help solve or even just realize practical performances.

Our study focused on calculating and tabulating the various properties of the fluid, such as velocity, pressure, density, temperature as functions of space and time. By digitally recreating and testing the physical performance of fluids we analysed the nature of global and local forces that are in play and a dependency of these parameters enables the non-linear material to behave bottom-up.

This process of understanding flows led us to carefully tabulate and identify the effects of each acting agent. This process has resulted in a careful tabulation of the parameters of each force that influence a certain dynamic behaviour in fluids.

CHAPTER 3

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Fig.3.1

SIMULATION 1

Frame: 10

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Frame: 70

Fig.3.2 28

Frame: 20

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Frame: 50

Frame: 60

Frame: 80

Frame: 90

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

FLUID SIMULATIONS Velocity tests and layering of fluid systems were simulated to study the impact of material viscosity.

The tests were formulated to tabulate the behaviour patterns based on varying the input parameters of viscosity and speed. A direct relationship between the two was set as the agenda to analyse and build a strategy. In the remainder of this book the virtual and the real will often be connected to one another and used as a recursive process to inform design decisions.

Details of Algorithm Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure Surface Tension Kernal Radius Curve Radius Boundary Pressure Internal Interface Pressure Viscosity Multiplier Viscosity Contrast Elasticity Elasticity Breaking Point Static Friction Algorithm

Table 3a - A tabulated explanation of the parameters in play.

Fig. 3.1 - Final frame capture.

Fig. 3.2 - Fluid simulation 1 freezeframe sequence. Analyses of each frame sequence of the simulation model displays the dynamic changes in the motion of the fluid particles.

-9.8 0.1 3.0 0.005 5.0 2.0 0.8 0.2 10 0.5 2.4 0.8 1 3 1.8 0.35 A1

The first simulatiion(Fig.3.1) tests the flows of particles with contrast to the acting surface pressure and resistance. The fluid flow is simulated based on the forces exerted by the base surface. The Table details the acting forces that influence the movement of the particles and the strands. The freezeframe sequence(Fig.3.2)showing this simulation is based on testing the particles based on the datamaps and having them move along the grid which exerts different forces thus influcing the movement of the particles in a zig zag motion. The simulation shows that the particles are enforced with internal and external forces - seperation, cohesion and alignment, besides the drag and coagulation force .The datamap is also given parameters of forces based on the colour.It also reveals the motion is influenced by the forces of the datamap which acts as an obstruction thus forming the rotating motions on the strands. The change of direction from the linear input to a zigzag motion is directly related to the forces of the datamap which increase the coagulation force between the particle strand and thus decreasing velocity.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Fig 3.3 / 3.4 - The simulatiion tests the flows of particles with contrsst to the acting surface pressure and resistance. The Table below details the acting forces that influence the movement of the particles and the strands. Zoom A shows the motion is influenced by the forces of the datamap which acts as an obstruction thus forming the rotating motions on the strands.

The change of direction from the linear input to a zigzag motion is directly related to the forces of the datamap which increase the coagulation force between the particle strand and thus decreasing velocity. Particles change their

state when tested positive for low velocity. The particles are simulated to test velocity , height and time.The particles change their state based on these parameters.

Fig.3.3

Fig. 3.4 30

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Simulating the flows at varying scales and resolutions further helped identify and develop a repertoire of each force and its resultant behavioural pattern.

The main simulations that were studied are from the micro scale of drops to the macro scale of the inter-relationship between terrains and rainfall. The change of state from drops to flows was the key to understanding the phenomena of the dynamics at play.

Fig 3.5 - The flow of the particles down a terrain. The terrain is designed based on the actual formation of the land. The valleys and ridges are defined and the simulation was set for the partcles to flow as per the abstraction of the terrain. The particles were set to emit from the highest point and are influenced only by basic forces of gravity and global forces such as external pressure.

The particles are generated from the highest point of the terrain to track its movement down towards the valleys. The main forces used are Gravity. The acting forces are coagulation, viscosity and global forces.

Frame: 100

Frame: 200

Fig.3.5

Data map - terrain 31

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Frame : 10

Frame : 50

Frame : 100

Frame : 150

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Fig. 3.6

TESTING FOR EROSION Erosion at the macro scale is visible rampant in our region of study. The phenomena is as spectacular as it is distructive. The region faces high levels of erosion along the banks of the Solimoes and this through the years has caused high losses for the local inhabitants. Loss of land and valuables - crops is on a rise in the region. this phenomena of erosion on the other hand brings with it a counterpart - deposition which is the cause for the fertile land along the banks of the Solimoes. This region experiences high deposition of fertile and rich clay that is brought down by the river from the Andean Range. Learning from the banks of the two riversa and applying the basic characteristics of the parameters that influence erosion - velocity, density, angle of movement and friction we tested and replicated the action in our simulation. The study was to test the ratio between the resultant based on time.

The algorithm is developed to exactly replicate the process of erosion which shows the formation of the river basin. The simulation is run over a period of time depicting the slow process of erosion and extracting through the different stratas of the earth. The

simulation tests the macro scale of erosion based on soil conditions using the parameters of velocity, Particle number, gravity, drag force and surface forces such as friction, pressure-internal and external.

Fig. 3.6 - Algorithm developed to exactly replicate the behaviour of large scale erosion.

The test was carried out to simulate the erosion patterns and the formation of the river basin. The quantity of erosion depends on the velocity and forces with which the particles flow along the surface.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

GROUND COMPOSITION The ground composition of Manaus is what lies at the crux of our research and design formulation. The constant flux in terms of material movement influences the regional eco system to modify, change, replicate, evolve and morph whilst blending, adapting and creating a new arrangement. The finite nature of these systems is what we saw scope in and hence tried to extrude information at varying scales. Dealing with the cross scalar nature of our research methodology, this next chapter deals with in depth analysis of the physical and molecular composition of the each material found on site. This establishes a foundation for our project which while establishing a tight co-relation with the region of Manaus expands the reach of the research and agenda to fit any situation in demand.

The main material compositions that define the ground around the region of Manaus are: • Sand • Quartz • Latosol • Composite 1- sand+clay • Composite 2 – Organic sedimentation • Rubber • The two rivers The research by A. Chauvel, Y. Lucas and R. Boulet Excerpt from ‘On the genesis of the soil mantle of the region of Manaus, Central Amazonia, Brazil’ defines and established the fact that “The dynamics of the forest to the north of Manaus is tightly linked to that of the soil. The latosol that covers the plateau, which supports a dense forest, consists from top to bottom of: (a) a brown, clayey organic horizon (0.3 m), (b) a yellow horizon, very rich in clay but permeable (from 0.3 to 4 m), (c) a nodular horizon rich in Al and Fe oxides (from 4 to 9 m), and (d) a horizon which still preserves the sedimentary structures of the parent sandstone, where quartz is intensely dissolved and kaolinite crystallizes in pores.”[3] 3 - A. Chauvel, Y. Lucas and R. Boulet’: On the genesis of the soil mantle of the region of Manaus, Central Amazonia, Brazil, ORSTOM, Institut Français de Recherche Scientifigue pour le Développement en Coopération, 213 rue La Fayette, F-75480 Paris cedex 10 (France), and Laboratoire de Pddologie, UA 721, F-86022 Poitiers (France)

CHAPTER 4

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Deposits of QUARTZ found along the banks of the River Negro. The mean grain size is 0.23 mm The best developed sand bars also called beaches are situated along the Ponta Negra where these are about 2 km long situated north side of the river 15 KM upstream from Manaus. The area where the deposits are found lie mainly within the floodplains and thus the particles of are in a constant state of flux due to the flow and current of the water. The material is resilient and is highly absorptive yet has high friction at a molecular level. It displays a nature of state change that is seen when we compare the loose sand with the compacted sand.

Image 4.1 - Patterns of erosion and deposition seen in the sand in micro scale - this goes on to form flows of water which feeds the ground water and the river water network

Image 4.2 - These areas are within the floodplains of the region. The particles are in a constant state of flux this causes the breaking down in size, due to the flow and current of the water.

Image 4.3 - Quartz deposits are seen around the edge of the river Negro.

SAND is one of the material drawn in by river Solimoes from the Andes. This rich sediment displays low resilience to erosion and is in a constant state of flux with the movement of the water. The material has stability and can be compacted to be used structurally.

Sand bars are a result of deposition along the banks of the river. They are most prominent on the south side of the river due to the dominant winds that blow from the northeast. The sandy beaches formed along the river Negro are completely flooded during the rainy season.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

LATOSOL is a composite that is hard and resistant to erosion until it reaches its breaking point. latosols this is the name given to soil found under the tropical rainforests. This type of soil is most commonly found in the region. The colour is mainly red or yellowish red, which is got from the oxides of iron and aluminium.

The soil generally contains a thin layer of humus which i followed by the infertile second layer. The third level is weathered bedrock. The latosols is completely reliant on the rainforest to maintain fertility as all the nutrients leach away quickly when the forest is felled. The material displays structural stability and varying properties when wet and dry. It is a material that can be abstracted and used in the new urban construction.

Image 4.4

Image 4.5

Image 4.4 - Red Clay Image 4.5 - Sheets of grey clay and yellow clay Image 4.6 - Laterite deposits form the top most layers. The layers are exposed to weathering and erosion. It have mixed with the clay to form a more stable composite in the form of cretaceous rocks

Image 4.6 37

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 4.7

Image 4.8

Black and white waters differ greatly in their ionic composition. Black waters have ionic concentrations not much greater than that of rainwater. They are however, much more acidic and this results in black waters having an aluminium concentration greater than that of the more neutral white waters. The most striking differences are in the concentrations of sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium, these are very low in black waters. This has considerable ecological implications. The lack of dissolved ions in black waters results in a low conductivity, similar to that of rainwater. The acids are derived from the break down of plant material on the forest floor. Layers of peat and leaves interspersed between layers of sand as shown in the figure are common in the floodplains of streams and these produce a highly acidic solution and slowly drains into the streams.

From the beginning of the second half of the 19th century, rubber began to exert a strong attraction to visionary entrepreneurs. The activity of latex extraction in the Amazon revealed its lucrative possibilities. Natural rubber soon achieved a place of distinction in the industries of Europe and North America, reaching a high price. This caused various people to travel to Brazil with the intention of learning more about the rubber tree and the process of latex extraction, from which they hoped to make their fortunes.

Image 4.9 The confluence of the two rivers - Rio Negro and Rio Solimoes which then form the AMAZON. Image 4.7 - The Black river has high levels of Humic acid which is produced by the decomposing of organic matter and thus the colour.

Image 4.8 - The confluence of the Rio negro and Rio Solimoes.

Image 4.9 - Solimoes formation - heavily laden with sediments carried from the Andean range - grey clay and fine sand,laterites, tertiary sediments and rocks.

The rubber tree was one of the major cash crops for the city of Manaus. This material plays a key role in the definition of the region.

Because of the growth of rubber extraction, industrial processing and related activities, numerous cities and towns swelled on waves of immigrants. In 1855, over 2,100 tons of rubber was exported from the Amazon; a figure which reached 10,000 tons by 1879.[3] BelĂŠm and Manaus were transformed and urbanized.

Manaus was the first Brazilian city to be urbanized and the second to be electrified.

Natural rubber is an elastomer, also known as tree gum, India rubber, and caoutchouc, which comes from the rubber tree in tropical regions

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The latex then is refined into rubber ready for commercial processing.

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

The majority of the soil found in the city area of Manaus is LATOSOL- Latosol is a name given to soils found under tropical rainforests. Latosols are red or yellowish-red in colour throughout. The red colour comes from the oxides of iron and aluminium which remain in the soil. They are deep soils, often 20-30m deep whereas podsols are 1-2m deep.

The soil generally contains a thin but very fertile layer of humus dropped from plants and animals in the forest above, followed by an infertile second layer due to rapid leaching in the high rainfall. The third level, weathered bedrock, is common to almost all soil types.The latosol is completely reliant on the rainforest to maintain fertility, as all nutrients leach away quickly when the forest is felled and the layer of humus is no longer being replaced.

We see a combination of Yellow and Red soil types Latosols - most commonly found soil type which together form the Latosol which is most around the region. commonly found in the region.

The latosol when exposed to erosion - due to no plant cover , its characteristics are altered from its usual fertile and rich self to a claying infertile soil type which erodes easily

An interesting composite of red earth with grey clay which in time has combined to form a hard and non erodable form of soil layer. We noticed this composite around the banks of the main city oif Manus. Extensive construction and digging in the area has exposed the underlying latosols which due to the rise and fall in the levels of the river has mixed with the clay that is deposited along the banks. Constant layering and mixing of the two soil types over a period of time has resulted in a compacted condition which is resistant to high pressures.The high level of plasticity of the clay has filled in the gaps of the larger grain sized red earth producing a perfect combination of strong hard earth. The pattern formed is like marble and is mainly due to the properties of the fine clay that have settled in between the red earth.

Image 4.10 - Formation of cracks are visible in the composite, these gnashes are due to the drying of the clay under the high temperatures.

Image 4.10

Image 4.11

Image 4.11 A - Red earth- laterite soil found commonly around the area of Manaus.

B - A layer of mixed types of clay - formed by the deposition of the clay by the river.

C - The composite layer - caused by the mixing of the red soil and grey clay which over a period of time has eroded and mixed to form a hard marble patterned layer Image 4.12 D - Grey Granite stones Image 4.13 A mixture of red earth and grey clay layered under pressure over a period of time to form a near solid composite.

Image 4.12

Image 4.13

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

PHYSICAL TESTS FOR EROSION Sand at a molecular level when analysed displays a reaction based on the acting local and global forces that are in play. The internal forces and the acting external forces were analysed by a series of physical experiments designed to test the reaction that is set into motion when acted upon by an external factor. At a micro scale the particles know a large amount of noise due to their properties of expansion and absorption, this occurs at two scales which sets in motion a chain reaction and defining a state changing progression.

Some of the key factors that define the workability of the material systems are: size, size distribution and shape of the granules. The porosity of the mold controls its permeability, which is the ability of the mold to allow gases generated during pouring to escape. The highest porosity will result from grains that are all approximately the same size. Noise occurring at the molecular level between each granule is caused by the internal forces acting upon each individual granule.

According to research done by Prof. Dr. Altan Turkeli. “the shape of the grains of sand is defined by the angularity and sphericity. Sand grains vary from well rounded to rounded, sub-rounded, sub-angular,angular and very angular.Within each of the levels of angularity each grain type may cary in sphericity. The high sphericity gives good flowability and permeability with high strength. Higher angular sand grains require higher binder additions and have lower packing density and poor flowability.”[4] Thus, with the basic knowledge of the properties of sand we designed our experiments to test the effects of erosion and deposition at a micro scale the outputs which will feed the data for our digital simulations. The tests carefully developed a data collection system that took into account the possible global forces and tabulated the precise action of the designed forces.This helped to set up the relation between the material, the forces, the action and the reaction.

4 T. Altan, 'SAND, SAND ADDITIVES, SAND PROPERTIES, and SAND RECLAMATION'MSE‐432 Foundry Technology, http://mimoza.marmara.edu.tr/~altan.turkeli/files/cpt-2-sand_sand.pdf

35x zoom of rounded and coarse grains of sand. http://mimoza.marmara.edu.tr/~altan. turkeli/files/cpt-2-sand_sand.pdf

CHAPTER 5

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

In experiment one we see the impact of a droplet of water on the surface of dry granular sand.

The relation between the cavity and the lipped deposition that has formed is studied in relation to the input parameters of the water. These effects are further analysed and tweaked to generate the same effect as well as understand the cross relation between the material and the parameters that influence certain outputs within this system.

In experiment two we see the impact of two droplets of water on the surface of dry granular sand. Here we see the lipped deposition all around the input droplet of medium velocity.

The higher velocity of water modulates the water droplet into an elongated form which forma an overlaying of the water as it hits the surface of the sand thus forming a cavity more due to the raised deposition.

In experiment three, our input was three drops of water each dropped at particular time intervals and within a set boundary thus forming 3 individual yet interconnected eroded cavities with deposition pattern. This overlay of the deposition is what is drawn out of this experiment as a cue to design. We see a very distinct layering of the deposition of the sand particles which form a homogenous space connecting the impact of the three drops In experiment eighteen the material used is of higher density and thus the internal forces within the particles is higher which directly changes the effect that the water impact has on it. the amount of spash is reduced considerably as the space between the particles is higher and thus the water seeps in faster. The coagulation occurs immediately around the mouth and there is not much spread in the deposition pattern. A dense lipped deposition which stays constant even if the number of input drops increase.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

In experiment nineteen, a composite of different sand sizes is used as the material base and a single drop input is used.

The first layer of the material is the low density fine grains og sand which splash out with the impact of the water forming a wide and spread deposition pattern around the mouth. This initial erosion exposes the heavier, denser sand particles which form the second layer of the material system. We see that although there has been an input of water in the area the lower layers are dry, from this we can infer that there is a constant change in the state of the water when it touches the particles.

In experiment twenty we use a mixed variety of sand as layers above each other— like the earth's soil layers. Here, recreating the simple process of a single drop and its impact on the surface we tried to examine how does this micro level of erosion occur.

Which are the layers of the material that are most affected? Does the patterns of deposition change with the change in material? This experiment generated the understanding of the relation between the material and the process. The impact on the higher mass of material was significantly lower than on the finer grains of sand. The finer grains fanned out to form deposition around the cavity whereas the heavier particles coagulated and formed a dense impact crater.

Series of these experiments were tested and they produced a physical, logical anf technical explanation in outlining the behaviour of erosion. We established a list of the type of deposition patterns i.e a. Lipped deposition b. Fanned deposition c. Fanned and Layered deposition d. Diffused deposition e. Ridged deposition A seried of erosion patterns were also established, all which are influenced by the velocity and direction of the input. a. closed mouth cavity b. open mouth cavity c. caved in erosion d. elongated erosion/ cavity.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

DIGITAL LIBRARY Groups of experiments are deployed based on certain comparative statistics in order to explore the relationship between behaviours of real materials and specific factors. This combination of computational research on material behaviours and the analysis of on-site materials compose a database of digital materials. The database includes 15 materials defined by 22 parameters —simulation quality, gravity, density, inelastic collision, inelastic friction, friction flow rate, thickness, surface friction, mass, internal pressure, external pressure, surface tension, kernel radius, custom radius, boundary pressure, internal interface pressure, viscosity multiplier, viscosity contrast, elasticity, elasticity breaking point, static friction, algorithm.

Certain parameters are constant to control and define the homogeneous behaviours of a basic material. The other parameters are flexible to generate the heterogeneous behaviours of the 15 derived materials. The technique to test the material behaviours is extracted from testing the reaction of the digital material to certain outer force.

CHAPTER 6

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

The output behaviour of sand in relation to the input of water at a micro scale was analysed and the actions tabulated.

This information developed a basis for the next step in our research which is digitally recreating the materials that are present on site. This information plays a crucial role in defining our precision in design and setting up references which could help orient our research. At this stage, we simulated the exact response that was resultant of the physical experiments. Through these tests we defined a scientific approach toward creating a digital material library which in the digital space mimics the inherent propertiesof the actual material.

The first part of the tests are focused at a micro scale. A digital cube of particle with the density of sand is established ae the base material, an input object identified as water for the purpose of clarity is used to recreate the physical experiments.

Emitter Status Radius Direction Subdivisions U V

Material Status Length Scale U V Base

constant/single 5 top-down (vertically) 20 20

variable 20 2 0.6 2

Simulation Output

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A-01

A-02

A-03

A-04

A-05

A-06

A-07

A-08

A-09

A-10

A-11

A-12

A-13

A-14

A-15

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Test Result NO. A-01 A-02 A-03 A-04 A-05 A-06 A-07 A-08 A-09 A-10 A-11 A-12 A-13 A-14 A-15

Friction Sim Inelastic Inelastic Gravity Density Flow Quality Collision Friction Rate 0.6 -9.8 0.008 1 0.25 0.005 0.68 -9.8 0.008 1 0.25 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.004 1 0.35 0 0.7 -9.8 0.010 1 0.35 10 0.7 -9.8 0.010 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.010 1 1 0 0.7 -9.8 0.100 1 1 0

Thickness 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

Internal Surface Internal External Surface Kernal Custom Boundary Viscosity Mass Interface Friction Pressure Pressure Tension Radius Radius Pressure Multiplier Pressure 1 5 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 3 1 1 0 100 2 1 1 0 1 3 1 1 0 100 2 1 1 20 10 3 1 1 0 10 2 1 1 0 25 2 1 1 0 10 2 1 1 0 2 3 0.2 0.2 0 10 2 1 1 0 2 3 0.2 0.2 0 10 2 1 1 0 2 6 0.2 0.2 10 0 0 1 1 0 2 6 0.2 0.2 10 10 2 1 1 0 2 6 0.2 0.2 10 10 2 1 1 0

Elasticity Viscosity Static Elasticity Breaking Contrast Friction Point 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.35 150 0.35 0 0.35 0 0.35 0 0.35 0 0.35 0 0.9 1 0.35 0 0.35 0 0.35

Algorithm a a a b1 a b2 b2 b2 b2 b2 b2 b2 b2 b2 b2

The 15 materials are divided into 6 comparative groups. Each group focuses on one property of the behaviours of the materials. By varying certain parameters, the impact of the outer force fluctuates, which reflects the relationship between the chosen parameters and the certain property of the material behaviours.

Comparative Group 1

A-01

Comparative Group 5

A-02

A-03

Comparative Group 2

A-04

A-12

Comparative Group 3

A-05

Comparative Group 4

A-09

A-11

A-06

A-07

A-08

A-14

A-15

Comparative Group 6

A-10

A-13

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Comparative Group 1 Description: Comparative Group 1 is researching on liberty of materials by changing sim quality, inelastic friction, friction flow rate and mass.

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Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure Surface Tension Kernal Radius Custom Radius Boundary Pressure Internal Interface Pressure Viscosity Multiplier Viscosity Contrast Elasticity Elasticity Breaking Point Static Friction Algorithm

0.6 -9.8

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.68 -9.8 0.008 1 0.25 0 0.01 1 3 1

1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

0

Custom Radius

1

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

a

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.01 1 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

0

Custom Radius

1

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

a

1 0.25 0.005 0.01 1 5 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 a

A-01

A-02

A-03

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

A-05

A-04

A-06

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.01 1 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

0

Custom Radius

1

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

a

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.01 1 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

0

Custom Radius

1

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

b1

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.008 1 1 0 0.01 1 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

0

Custom Radius

1

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

b2

Comparative Group 2 Description: Comparative Group 2 is researching on cavity formation by changing algorithm.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Comparative Group 3 Description: Comparative Group 3 is researching on resistence of materials by changing viscosity multiplier and viscosity contrast.

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Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.08 1 0.25 0.005 0.01 1 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

100

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.08 1 0.25 0.005 0.01 1 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

100

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

20

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

150 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

A-07

A-08

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Comparative Group 4

A-09

A-10

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.08 1 0.25 0.005 0.01 10 3 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

10

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.08 1 0.25 0.005 0.01 25 2 1 1

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

10

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Description: Comparative Group 4 is researching on edge shape of cavity by changing surface friction and mass.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Comparative Group 5 Description: Comparative Group 5 is researching on movability of materials by changing density and friction flow rate.

54

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.004 1 0.35 0 0.01 2 3 0.2 0.2

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

10

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.001 1 0.35 10 0.01 2 3 0.2 0.2

Surface Tension

1

Kernal Radius

10

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

A-11

A-12

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

A-13

A-14

A-15

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.01 1 1 0 0.01 2 6 0.2 0.2

Surface Tension

10

Kernal Radius

10

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.01 1 1 0 0.01 2 6 0.2 0.2

Surface Tension

10

Kernal Radius

0

Custom Radius

0

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 0.9

Elasticity Breaking Point

1

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Sim Quality Gravity Density Inelastic Collision Inelastic Friction Friction Flow rate Thickness Surface Friction Mass Internal Pressure External Pressure

0.7 -9.8 0.1 1 1 0 0.01 2 6 0.2 0.2

Surface Tension

10

Kernal Radius

10

Custom Radius

2

Boundary Pressure

1

Internal Interface Pressure

1

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast Elasticity

0 -

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

0.35

Algorithm

b2

Comparative Group 6 Description: Comparative Group 6 is researching threshold to elasticity of materials by changing density, kernal radius, custom radius, elasticity and elasticity breaking point.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Filtered Material Table 01. Criteria of filtering Comparative Group NO.

Output Uniqueness

Output Visibility

Parameter Differentiation

Total

A-01

1

5

5

2

12

A-02

1

5

5

4

14

A-03

1

3

2

2

7

A-04

2

3

1

2

6

A-05

2

2

3

3

8

A-06

2

5

4

5

14

A-07

3

2

4

3

9

A-08

3

5

5

4

14

A-09

4

3

2

4

9

A-10

4

4

2

3

9

A-11

5

3

2

2

7

A-12

5

2

2

3

7

A-13

6

5

5

4

14

A-14

6

5

4

5

14

A-15

6

4

3

4

11

Notes: Scores are based on 1-5.

Higher score means more crucial.

Selected Material

A-02

A-06

A-08

A-13

A-14

NO.

Sim Quality

Gravity

Density

Inelastic Collision

Inelastic Friction

Friction Flow Rate

Thickness

Surface Friction

Mass

Internal Pressure

External Pressure

Surface Tension

Kernal Radius

Custom Radius

Boundary Pressure

Internal Interface Pressure

Viscosity Multiplier

Viscosity Contrast

Elasticity

Elasticity Breaking Point

Static Friction

Algorithm

A-14

0.7

-9.8

0.010

1

1

0

0.01

2

6

0.2

0.2

10

10

2

1

1

0

0

-

-

0.35

b2

Through all the simulated tests we indentified some specific materials that were created which identified with the actual properties of the onsite material systems. To further add precision and evaluate the qualities of the materials on site, we carried out specific tests on the five materials that were identified. These tests were evaluated based on a method of comparison and by altering every parameter that influenced the material.

CLAY

56

SAND / QUARTZ

LATOSOL

HUMUS

LATERITE

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

A-02

A-13

The material shows the breaking point when it is hit by a outside force.

The material shows a elastic breaking point so that it cannot pile up to get a volume.

In addition, it shows fluctuation reacting to a outside force.

Description:

Description:

Section

Section

Section Perspective Perspective

A-06

A-14

The material shows a obvious cavity when it is hit by a outside force.

The material shows a sharp deposition edge reacting to a outside force.

Section

Section

Perspective

Perspective

Description:

Description:

A-08

Description: The material shows a strong structure reacting to a outside force.

Section

Perspective

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

DESIGN INTERVENTION The research of the material experiments targets the study of the subtractive and additive nature of erosion and deposition as processes and use the understanding of these dynamic systems as a design tool to generate performative spaces on site in context to the City of Manaus, Brazil. The project follows a methodological analysis of the phenomenon of erosion and aims at developing a system that uses the negative nature of erosion as a positive design tool that develops a pre-defined system of morphology.

Starting with the initial material tests the project evolves from a simple analysis of natural processes to a complex matrix of possibilities. The initial tests both physically and digitally established a mutually supported and approved database of materials. Throughout the behaviours reacting to an outer force, different materials are identified and coded by colour. For each material, the circulation of erosion and deposition is simulated as process and evolution. Varying erosion pattern and deposition form emerge when responding to the same outer force. The phenomenon informs as the research base of the mechanism of the LOOP. New urban intervention is morphing and evolving by the iterated process of subtraction and addition.

The properties of the materials also determine the quality of the urban intervention afterwards.

CHAPTER 7

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Extruding information from the ground and terrain of our site, this simulation tests the flow of water and maps the areas of accumulation and the areas of runoff.

Image 7.1

Image 7.2

The formation of the structure is tested with a change in the forces. A high radial force along with high cohesion turbulizes the strands generated from the terrain and increases the magnitude of the internal forces between the particles causing them to coagulate and generate well define linear structures. The structure rises from the form of the terrain and the intensity of the formation is based on the type of soil property. The harder the soil the algorithm is set to simulate high density of strands. Digitally set up tests were carried out to test the behaviour of the extrusions in response to the form and structural system.

We tested a series od simple geometric forms and analysed the extrusions based on the material systems and their response to the action of the forces of gravity and other global acting forces. The simulations tested the extrusions till their breaking points. Circular shapes generated definesd patterns of extrusions that could be used to set up a clear pattern in the formulation of the structure/object in question. We also tested a series of enclosed and semi enclosed forms to understand the influnce of shape on the output of forms. The action of clumping, cohesion and seperation within the strands could be categorrically analysed based on the curve formation of the structure and the directionally acting forces in play.

Image 7.3 60

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Image 7.4

Image 7.1 - Testing extrusions on a enclosed form with an acting force of gravity.

These tests inform us on the role of gravity and pressure and how the variations in form can influence the behaviour of the extrusions.

Image 7.3 - wrapped semi enclosed forms, a section showing the internal movement of the material and the causal effect of pressure in the form of extrusions. The variations in length are defined by the design of the form.

Volumn extrusions - the tests were based on material pushed through varying coiled enclosures and the resistance and influence of simple gravity forces were tested. The test was designed to analyse the behaviour of the extrusions along the bends of a cuboid. The angle of movement and the degree of extrusions on varying scales and dimensions of the cuboid were analysed for typical behaviours.

The information extruded was tested for the different material systems that were generated in the digital library. Testing the material extrusions didgitally defined the possiblities that could be engaged with in our project to realize a design on site. The inherent properties of each material were tested for behavioural pattern in conjunction to the acting forces and source of output. The Strand are also tested for mass, size and density all parameters that define the output.

Through our digital tests we identified that the deformation of a rigid geometric shape can be achieved by slightly manipulating the material properties or by changing the pressure and direction of the acting forces. This analases helps us to set up a language and typologies in our design.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

TEST 1 High Resolution of surface texture

62

TEST 2 High Resolution of surface texture

TEST 3 High Resolution of surface texture

Material definition

F

Material definition

F

Material definition

F

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Density

1.0

Density

1.0

Density

0.8

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle Dia

0

Neighbouring particle Dia

1.0

Neighbouring particle Dia

2.0

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0.2

Thickness

0.01

Thickness

0.01

Thickness

0.01

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

1.5

Surface Friction

1.0

Mass

0.1

Mass

0.1

Mass

0.05

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Turbulance Scale

0

Turbulance Scale

1.0

Turbulance Scale

5.0

Darg force

0.2

Darg force

0.2

Darg force

0.2

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Time

150

Time

150

Time

150

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

0.1

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

V1

Algorithm

V2

Algorithm

V3

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

TEST 4 High Resolution of surface texture

TEST 5 High Resolution of surface texture

TEST 6 High Resolution of surface texture

Material definition

F

Material definition

F

Material definition

F

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Density

2.0

Density

1.0

Density

1.0

Neighbouring particle force

6.0

Neighbouring particle force

8

Neighbouring particle force

0

Neighbouring particle Dia

2.0

Neighbouring particle Dia

1

Neighbouring particle Dia

3

Friction Flow rate

0.1

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Thickness

0.015

Thickness

0.01

Thickness

0.01

Surface Friction

1.0

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

0.1

Mass

0.05

Mass

0.01

Mass

0.05

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.3

Internal Pressure

1.0

External Pressure

0.4

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.1

Surface Tension

0.1

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Turbulance Scale

1.0

Turbulance Scale

4.0

Turbulance Scale

10.0

Darg force

0.1

Darg force

0.2

Darg force

0.5

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Time

150

Time

150

Time

150

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Elasticity

0.1

Elasticity

0.1

Elasticity

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

V4

Algorithm

V5

Algorithm

V6

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

TEST 7 High Resolution of surface texture

64

TEST 8 High Resolution of surface texture

TEST 9 High Resolution of surface texture

Material definition

F

Material definition

F

Material definition

F

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8 /-2/+2

Density

3.0

Density

1.0

Density

1.0

Neighbouring particle force

2

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle Dia

1

Neighbouring particle Dia

6

Neighbouring particle Dia

0.5

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

1.0

Thickness

0.01

Thickness

0.02

Thickness

0.01 2

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

Mass

1.0

Mass

0.1

Mass

1.0

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

1.0

Turbulance Scale

0

Turbulance Scale

1.0

Turbulance Scale

1.0

Darg force

0.5

Darg force

1.0

Darg force

0.2

Speed

1.0

Speed

5.0

Speed

1.0

Time

150

Time

150

Time

150

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

1.0

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

V7

Algorithm

V8

Algorithm

V7

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

TEST 10 Medium Resolution of surface texture .

Varying Material systems.

TEST 11 Medium Resolution of surface texture .

Varying Material systems.

TEST 12 High Resolution of surface texture.

Varying Material systems.

Material definition

A+B

Material definition

A+B

Material definition

A+B

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Density

3.0

Density

1.0

Density

1.0

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle force

6

Neighbouring particle Dia

0

Neighbouring particle Dia

0

Neighbouring particle Dia

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Thickness

0.03

Thickness

0.1

Thickness

0.01

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

2

Mass

0.3

Mass

0.1

Mass

0.1

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Turbulance Scale

1.0

Turbulance Scale

5.0

Turbulance Scale

5.0

Darg force

0.2

Darg force

0.1

Darg force

0.1

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Time

150

Time

100

Time

100

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

V1

Algorithm

V2A

Algorithm

V3

A

B

C

D

E

F

65

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

TEST 13 Medium Resolution of surface texture .

Varying Material systems.

TEST 15 High Resolution of surface texture.

Varying Material systems.

Material definition

A+B

Material definition

A+B+C

Material definition

A + B+ C + D

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Gravity

-9.8

Density

1.0

Density

3.0 / 1.0

Density

2.0 / 1.0

Neighbouring particle force

6/6

Neighbouring particle force

6/6

Neighbouring particle force

6/6

Neighbouring particle Dia

0/2

Neighbouring particle Dia

0/3

Neighbouring particle Dia

2/2

Friction Flow rate

0 / 0.1

Friction Flow rate

0

Friction Flow rate

0

Thickness

0.01

Thickness

0.1 / 0.05

Thickness

0.1 / 0.01

Surface Friction

2

Surface Friction

2 / 0.3

Surface Friction

2

Mass

0.1/ 0.01

Mass

1.0 / 0.01

Mass

0.1 / 0.01

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2

Internal Pressure

0.2 /0.05

External Pressure

0.2 / 0.8

External Pressure

0.2

External Pressure

0.2

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Surface Tension

0

Turbulance Scale

1.0 / 5.0

Turbulance Scale

1.0

Turbulance Scale

1.0 / 5.0

Darg force

0.2

Darg force

0.2 / 0.02

Darg force

0.2 / 0.01

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Speed

1.0

Time

150

Time

150

Time

150

Viscosity Multiplier

0

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Multiplier

1.0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Viscosity Contrast

0

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

-

Elasticity

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Elasticity Breaking Point

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Static Friction

-

Algorithm

V2 + V7

Algorithm

V1 + V6

Algorithm

V3 + V5

A

66

TEST 14 Medium Resolution of surface texture .

Varying Material systems.

B

C

D

E

F

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

THE USE OF EXTRUSIONS TO GENERATE SPACES AND ENCLOSURES. This images starts defining the use of extrusions to dictate spaces. The image can be percieved at varying scales. It speaks of the inside and the outside where we have articulated spaces availble along the outer edge where as a more standardized and defined space available along the insides.

The varying use of lengths and thicknesses of the extrusions generate characteristics that can be translated to specific usable spaces.

The zoomed in areas clearly showcase the use of the different type of extrusion behaviour which articulates a type of space.

The denser extrusions provide very rigid and well defined edges on one side where as the finer extrusions provide the pockets of spaces which can be articulated for different purposes.

The overlapping of the extrusions are designed to generate a sense of distortion of the geometry.

This plays with the generation of character to the surfaces. A interface of open and closed surfaces lik the usable spaces.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

THE TEST BED We narrowed out that testing for material predictability is one the key processes that help to define its usability.

Thus we design a set of experiments to engage with material systems and test their breaking point. The tests also set out to test the modulation of the properties of clay. To properly realize the project and test its capability as a system that can engage with the architectural and urban scale the material needed to respond to certain pre-determined criteria such as stiffness, the resistance to erosion, softness, slump, degrees of bending, interaction between the material systems and reaction to acting forces.

The process developed during the year formulates our project as a recursive process adopting and adapting information between the digital and the physical outputs. The digital tests developed the absolute data which could be processed and tabulated based on each type of force acting, the levels of forces in play and the conditions of the global parameters. The physical experiments generated a more intuition based output.

The forces acting were global and this helped to study the natural action of the material with acting gravity and a constant pressure of the end effector with the acting resistance of the scaffolding.

Thus testing the material systems both digitally and physically simultaneously was the key approach. This methodology helped in testing the limits digitally and physically generating the behavioural patterns and tendencies that we could simulate and set up more precise outputs with respect to acting forces.

CHAPTER 8

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

8.1.1 TESTING MATERIAL PREDICTABILITY A series of material tests to outline the understanding of the base material systems that compose the site are designed. Clay as a material is most commonly found around the region of Manaus, we decide to test the material with the information that we have gathered from our digital simulations and also derive from the experiments certain other aspects that were not pre-empted. Clay as a material system has inherent properties of elasticity, plasticity, density, all of which can be manipulated to a certain degree. The degree of manipulation is what the tests identify.

Understanding materials is defined by understanding the capability to manipulate them. The core properties of clay were close to what we identified for our proposal, but testing its unpredictability defined the final outcome.

Image 8.0

A - COHESION

B - MULTI MATERIAL

C - SEPERATION

D - STATIC

E - LAYERING

With plain Red clay (series of images 8.0) - Low elasticity in the material causes for it to break off after attaning a certain length.We also see very interesting results in the terms of composition of the extrusions and how the forces in play and angles in which the pressure is applied while the material is being pushed through the mesh generates variations in the formations. Dependant on the applied pressure on the material and quantity of material at a point. max length attained is approximately 5cm after which the extrusions begin to break off.

ANALYSIS Test 1 (image 8.2)- With a high resolution mesh we get High resolution of strands. The strands although pushed with the same amount of pressure display variations based on the forces of gravity and sorrounding material.The weight of the material also defines the length at which the material can stand without drooping.

Test 2 (image 8.3)- Inequal porosity in mesh. Here thicker material extrusions are seen to follow a more homogenous behaviour Image 8.1

Image 8.2

Test 3 (image 8.1)- With low porosity of meshes we have thick and heavy extrusions. layering of the material extrusions upon each other. The shape of the mesh is carried along through the length of the material.

The higher resolution mesh with equal porosity showcased a dynamic reaction to the pressure applied. The strands displayed directionality influenced by the angle of pressure. the Characteristics of micro level forces acting between the strands are most interesting and it is this behaviour of the individual strand that defines the action of the whole.

Thus angle and amount of pressure has the maximum influence on the final output. The overlapping of the strands display definition in structure.

A change in the property of drying - low humidity in the material causes an increase in the brittleness of the material. Testing air dried clay we identified Low elasticity and fineness of the extrusions causes for it to break off after attaning a certain length. Longer drying time. Less pressure is needed to push the material. Material is too powdery in texture and thus cannot stand on its own.

Image 8.3 70

Increase in the wetness of the material/ humidity level of the material we identified an increase in the weight of the material thus the extrusions generated are heavy and clump together.

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

ANALYSIS Test 4 (image 8.4)- A change in the humidity levels of the material generates a base change in the behaviour of clay. The property of elasticity can be manipulated by changing the wetness ratio. This manipulation has a breaking point at which the material collapses within itself. The density reduces and thus we see layered clumps of the material formed over the strcutural mesh.

Test 5 (image 8.5)- varying the pressures at points along the structural mesh we can extract differences in the design output. higher resolution meshestend to allow higher definition in the formation of the extruded material. we see clear strand differentiation and the material is compact together with greater strength although it is more divided.

With faster drying materials we identified Low elasticity, fast drying time and brittle composition of the material causes for it to break off after attaning a certain length.We also see very interesting results in the terms of composition and definition of the extrusions and how the forces in play and angles in which the pressure is applied while the material is being pushed through the mesh generates variations in the formations. Higher levels of manipulation is required to aquire desired results. At the micro level the material looses its compactness when the level of humidity within decreases.

Image 8.4

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

8.1.2 TESTING MATERIAL MANIPULATION As identified throught the prior experiments, the material properties need to be manipulated to achieve desired results in terms of increased length, increased elasticity, ability to hold itself at varying resolutions and finally degrees of resistance. To try to achieve these properties in a material we tested by manipulating the base property of elasticity. The property of high viscosity is seen in all types of oil, thus we tested to tranfer this property of viscosity into the characteristic of clay. Adding oil to clay at varying ratios identified the possible changes in the property of the material.

At certain degress the material responded to the additive but failed to fulfill certain other parameters.

Image 8.5

ANALYSIS Test 1 (image 8.6) - Low elasticity and fineness of the extrusions causes for it to break off after attaning a certain length. Longer drying time. Less pressure is needed to push the material. Material is too powdery in texture and thus cannot stand on its own.

Image 8.6

Image 8.7

Test 2 - varying the ratio of the oil added into the material increses the level of elasticity but reduces the property of definition in the material and also the material behaves sloppy and cannot withstand its own weight.

Test 3 (image 8.7) - the material stands by itself as long as it has a level of humidity. Once the material dries it becomes brittle and cracks before it dissipates into powder.

Test 4 (image 8.8/8.9) - A composite plain flour and oil with salt and cream of Tartare is used to produce play doh which mimics the properties of clay. The material can be manipulated and unlike clay displays brittleness when dried thus additives can be used to increase its plasticity. Low elasticity and fineness of the extrusions causes for it to break off after attaning a certain length. Through the experiments conducted using this material we see very interesting results in the terms of composition of the extrusions and how the forces in play and angles in which the pressure is applied while the material is being pushed through the mesh generates variations in the formations.

Image 8.8

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Image 8.10

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Test 5 (image 8.11) - Testing silicon sealant . The properties of silicon - its high elasticity and ability to remain maleable, is desired to generate suitable results of the extrusions. The material is also highly resistant to counter forces afetr it has fully cured. The increased Elasticity. High density and elasticity in the sealant allows for longer strands and more flexible usage of the material in terms of textures. Thus the test resulted in the option of using silicon as an additive to clay to create a more elastic composite.

Image 8.11

Test 6 (image 8.12) - Finally a composite of the produced clay compound tested with varying ratios of silicon as an additive resulted helped us identify the material composite that is most suitable for developing extrusions as a system of construction and developing a new architectural language. The composite displays increased Elasticity. The combination of the silicon with the Play doh which has a softer and elastic consistency by itself helps render the length of strands although the weight of the material mass causes it to break off. Thus an assumption can be made that by testing the ratio between the silicon and clay the required composition can be achieved. The material displays defined extrusions and maintains definition along the length. varying pressure at certain areas can stimulate the layers of textures that we can see in the image. The extrusions vary from rigid surface forms to articulated expanses of textures that can form stuctural modules and and spatial characteristics can be generated based on the combination of the pressure and surface extrusions.

Image 8.12

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

8.1.3 SYSTEM OF CONTROL To establish a mode of control to the otherwise unpredictable conditions of the material output. To allow for a more controlled form of pressure that can be used to produce desired range and type of extrusions we developed a system of applying patterned end effectors onto the structural base. The patterns generate layers of precision that can be incorporated onto the final surface. The key parameters that play a role in manipulating the resultant output are : presure, material types, porosity levels, scales of resolution, length of strands, direction of force.

Image 8.13

Image 8.14

ANALYSIS Image 8.13 is an example of a designed control interface, the resultant material surface can be seen as image 8.14.

These control interfaces or end effectors can add value to the otherwise banal nature of the surface. This interface helps link and develop a more profound design language whcih is easy to use, manipulate, replicate and construct.

Thus this renders the system of design as one that can be used by the masses and with minimum instructions, hence creating a universal system of construction.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Material - Produced clay compound + Silicon + Thixotropic for every 100 gm.

Mesh Used - 500x500mm Woven mesh, 5 mm porosity.

Direction of application - Vertical against Gravity (Bottom to Top).

Output - Directional extrusions with definition between strands. Material reacts to the forces of gravity. The silicon helps to increase the elasticity of the aterial thus producing longer length of strands.

Length - Dependant on the applied pressure on the material and quantity of material at a point. max length attained is approximately 10 cm. after which the material collapses. the increase in the quantity of silicon added into the material influences the length.

The shape and pattern of the extrusions are controlled with the help of an interface in the form of vinyl paper cut according to the pattern and stuck onto the surface to generate pressure areas. We see the blending of the two different material systems along the edges of the pattern. The Red material is denser that the yellow and thus we see a form of seperation that occurs between the strands.

Image 8.15

The Red Material Composite is extruded through the high resolution mesh The dense property of the material generates a very definite resolution of the strands. The material is more rigid when the extrusions are the length of a stub. The strands deform and generate layers when extruded with constant surface pressure.

Image8.15 show the behaviour of the strands along the bends of the geometric surfaceThe two materials - one denser that the other show a difference in the way they bend against gravity. The Darker material comes off as more rigid strands. Clumped together to form definite structural formations.

Image 8.16

Image 8.16 - Mapping the behavioural pattern of the red material along an external facing acute angle on the geometry. The material is extruded to its maximum length and develops layers of extrusions that is further subjected to the internal forces between the strands which causes it to add mass to the edge surface, distorting the linear edge.

Image 8.17 -The lighter yellow material when extruded along the linear external edge of the geometric surface behaves displays more clumping up of the material. the material reacts more to the angle in which the pressure is applied than the force of gravity. we see layering of the strands and seperation within the whole mass.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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Multi materials with controlled surface. Change in the material system generates a shift in the behaviour of the strands the denser red material hold firm while the lighter yellow material sags.

A closer look at the change in the material system.Multi materials with controlled surface. Change in the material system generates a shift in the behaviour of the strands the denser red material hold firm while the lighter yellow material sags.

The image demostrates the fall of the material when exerted onto a inward facing surface. The two material clash and we see the lighter material cave inward with the force of the dense red material.

Dense Red strands

UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Multi materials with controlled surface. Varying lengths of the extrusions generate a vibrant surface texture which can be translated to the varying scales of construction.

ZOOM in showing the varying behaviour patterns based on the length of the extrusions.

Layers of multi materials are extruded to manipulate the outputs and develop a more multi behavioural system.

Multi materials with controlled surface. Change in the material system generates a shift in the behaviour of the strands the denser red material hold firm while the lighter yellow material sags.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

DESIGN PROPOSAL As a response to the development of the Urban we propose to engage with a process that seeks to explore a mechanism or a machine. The machine extracts the input data from the contextualized site to generate an urban intervention in the form of extrusions as a beginning state of the LOOP. The new urban intervention will stimulate urban changes, fluctuate an urban flux and complete the cycle by a feed back into the urban context. The secondary urban context as the new input data then initiates a secondary state of urban intervention generation. The process iterates itself and evolves in the motion of a LOOP. The machine is also physically acting as an Extruder which collects, mixes and extrudes the materials on site. However, the parameters of the machine are defined by designers including the materials to collect, the direction of output extrusions, the material distribution pattern, how long, how thick, what shape and the material districbution of each extrusion.

As to the research methodology, both analogue experiments and digital simulations are employed to develop on the material system and the machine. The two counterparts inform, support and approve each other iteratively. The analogue physical experiments as a base inform the basic setup of the initial digital simulations. The digital simulation breaks through the limits of the physical materials and conditions which allows us to expand the behaviours and possibilities of the urban intervention as an extrusion. Recursively, the digital simulation will conduct the analogue experiment in a highly predictable manner. The process iterates itself and promotes the counterpart to a more precise level.

DESIGN PROPOSAL

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Simulating extrusions on varying simple geometric forms. Here each colour represents a defined material the properties of which are setup from the digital library. The scaffolding a simple linear geometric forms designed to have obtuse angle bends. The tests analysed the behaviour of the materials and the output as strands.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

In the application stage, using Manaus as a test site, where the mechanism is applied, occupies a valuable location in the Amazon surrounded by a highly complex urban flux. As a post-colonial city, Manaus has experienced an enormous vibrations in the economics since the rubber boom. As a free trade zone, Manaus has range of liberty in policy which has a strong connection with the local economics environment. Both reflect on the urban morphology and architectural forms deeply. Meanwhile, the natural environments also impact the pattern of the city profoundly such as the humid weather, soil condition, continuous changing terrain, abundant green system and ecosystem as well as the mix of the two very different rivers.

A A B B C C D D E E

Testing the formation of extrusions at a quasi architectural scale. The formations are defined for varying purposes and based on the forms of the geometry. By varying the lengths and textures of the extrusions we can articulate different spaces.Simple geometric forms - enclosures amd open surfaces are carefully designed to generate spaces that can then be spatially articulated. The textures and type of extrusions are carefully designed to suit the spatial definition and needs. The type of extrusion also determines the material typology in use thus the life span of the space is determined .We propose the use of material that is a composite of a more resilient material - clay and rubber mixed to produce a space that need to withstand the natural forces, where as more open and dynamic spaces can be furher enhanced with a material typology that can shift in form producing a dyanic surface formation and also establishes a faster Loop.

These surface can be constantly in motion and changing.

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

The extrusions are based on the patterns of control. The colours represent the varying material systems the properties of which are defined in the digital library. The density and mass of the material have the highest impact on the formation of the extrusions. The simulation tests the use of the control interface. The images captured of the growth of the extrusions at different progessive frames helpes dicipher the need of the kind of output based on the purpose it is deployed for. Hence the length plays an important role in generating the spatial characteristics of the different regions in our design.

Frame 3

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UCL - The Bartlett School of Architecture - RC17 / UDII - L O O P - Final design Report - Yunchao Tang / Anabelle Viegas / Yiwei Li - 2013-2014

Therefore, certain information is carefully collected, selected and processed as the input data for the LOOP. The material system is the stem of the entire process which is considered as local data. Once the LOOP initiates, a state changing urban intervention is generated by the machine controlled and designed by the designers, corresponding to the instant changing contextualized urban context. The LOOP initiates the urban changes and pushes the evolution of the city. The urban intervention created provokes the possibilities for inhabitation.

Manaus as prototype in turn reapproves the machine (or the design system) we create and identify the LOOP practically. The LOOP will operate itself but adjust by the designers according to the changing urban context as a process iterating the procedures of design, fabrication, participation, decay and finally disintegration.

Finally, the proposal is a bottom up process whilst also dealing with certain entities that are pre determined, and the whole is defined by the materials in context. The process through its simplicity can be adopted to develop a system, spaces and places at the scale of an object to that of a city. The agencies that work with the system are adaptable, flexible and customisable. Its a scalable process that can be customized to the environment it stands within. The process feeds on being adaptable and flexible within the context whilst setting in motion a system of generation of the urban at a pace that the cities are developing at. The process allows for fast and rapid construction when in time of need. The Methodology dveloped while it stands to be flexible is quite directed and specific to the regions of a particular character.

A - MULTI MATERIAL

B - STATIC/ RIGID

C - DENSITY

D - ANGLE OF BEND

The extrusions are based on the patterns of control. The colours represent the varying material systems the properties of which are defined in the digital library. The density and mass of the material have the highest impact on the formation of the extrusions.

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