Digital Design - Module 01 Semester 1, 2019 Thomas Emerson (995854) Sean Guy + Studio16
Week One
Reading: Zeara Polo, A. 2010. Between Ideas and Matters.
According to Zeara-Polo, the diagram does not play a representational role in the design process but provides an organisational and can have a performative quality depending on how it is deployed. Explain how Diagram is different from Signs and Symbols? (100 words Maximum)
Signs and symbols are physical manifests which represent notions and create links between tangible and non-tangible objects. It is through these conventions which allow individuals to recognise constructs from any viewpoint. Signs and symbols allow us to create connections with familiar concepts and thus, play a representational role for the dynamic object they are representing . On the otherhand, a diagram relates more to the relationships built within space and prescribes the performance within the area being deployed. In context, however, both diagrams and symbols are used together as a way to gather and convey information to the viewer being presented.
2
Week One
Precedent Analysis
Figure Two
Figure Three
Figure One: Nico Saieh, Venice Biennale 2012: Radix, 2012, photograph, ArchDaily: https://www. archdaily.com/267567/venicebiennale-2012-radix-aires-mateus/ bnl_aima_10 Figure Two: Combining the spheres Figure Three: Using the provided sections as a reference. Figure One
Figure Four
Figure Four: Boolean difference
For this to work, the program of Rhino was used to construct the 3-dimensional object. From here, the usage of spheres and aligning them up with their respective plans/sections as a reference point, I was able to dictate the height and width of the spheres. After establishing the positioning of the spheres, I then moved into using the command ‘box’ which allowed me to extrude a rectangular shape which will be iused as the foundation of the structure. After combining the two, I then used the command ‘boolean difference’ which enabled me to erase the form of the spheres into the shape of the box, allowing for the Radix shape to appear.
3
Week Two
Reading: Hertzberger H. 2005. The in-between and The Habitable Space Between Things, from Lessons for Students in Architecture. Herzberger discusses how design should not be extreme in its functionality. Use your precedent study to explain how the pavilion allows for an appropriation of use. (100 words Maximum)
Herzbeger suggets for efficent design to be valid in it’s functionality, the notion of interpretation and freedom must be taken into consideration. He suggets that us, as designers should approach their concepts in a flexible and arbitary approach, in order to avoid rigid and inflexible solutions. The construction and design of the Radix supports this statement. The open arch entrances create an unexpected invitation for indiviudals to walk in. Additionally, the use of steps gives freedom to the users to utilise them as a seat, as supposed to traditional norms.
4
Week Two
Isometric
Radix Pavilion Isometric The costruction process involved the usage of a box and using the ‘booleandifference’ function to extract spheres into the shape of the box. After doing this, I then exported my model into Illustrator where I adjusted my line weights to gain a sense of both hidden and visible lines. This is a North-East isometric view of the pavilion, I decided to chose to have this view as it gives an indepth of the context and space within the pavilion. The Radix is a rather simple, yet unique pavilion and has been designed in a critical manner. The pavilion consists of three entry/exist points and can be examined in a visual, abstract manner from the outside as opposed to being used as a sheltered construct from the insides. In terms of the ciruculation, multiple paces can be assessed. As the pavilion moves closer towards the canal, people tend to slow down their pace to admire the water, as opposed to moving away from the water indicating to increase their pace. Additionally, it gave me an indepth assessment behind the varying heights of the vaults and how the voids of the structure are used. Furthermore, it gave me a broader insight to threshold. This structure allowed me to identify the soft/hard thresholds and how the area being used is multi-functional.
5
Week Two Diagrams
Circulation Diagram
Threshold Diagram
The first diagram gives an insight behind the structure of the pavilion. The second diagram is flipped upside down with a heat-map to dictate where movement is most to least present. Finally, the third diagram gives an insight behind pace and direction of movement.
The first diagram gives a visually representation of the strucutre. The second diagram is another heat-map of which shows where people tend to be situated based on context. Finally, the third diagram showcases where people tend to pause/move based on area.
6
Appendix
Process
Using the sections to recognise the size of the spheres required.
Combining the spheres modelled, Colours are used to represent the different spheres.
Adding the box to ensure dimensions and height are correct.
Using the booleandifference command to remove the spheres into the box.
7
Appendix Process
Adding the ribs into the vaults using more spheres.
Ribs applied to the adjusted box.
Using illustrator to adjust line weights and colour for photoshop use.
Using photoshop to finalise the design.
8