Ayaka Sato_Y5 | Unit 14 | Bartlett School of Architecture

All work produced by Unit 14

Cover design by Charlie Harris

www.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture

Copyright 2021

The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

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FIGURES PLAY

THE MIND SPORTS STADIUM

Tokyo, Japan

The project explores the structural principles of traditional Japanese timber constructions for application in designing a large-scale mind sports stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The country is facing a demographic crisis, with forecasts suggesting that half of the population will be over retirement age by 2050. To address the issue of a hyper-aged society, a novel entertainment typology is proposed. This typology integrates the popular Japanese mind sport of Shogi, which is renowned for its intellectual challenge and is widely played by an aged demographic.

The proposal for robot figures seeks to provide a unique entertainment experience that combines technology with traditional cultural entertainment. Sited in Odaiba, a high-tech entertainment zone within Tokyo Bay, the project explores a robotics mind sports stadium, which will create a new horizon for the ageing society within an

urban context. The overall structural system is developed by integrating traditional Japanese timber constructions of flexible structures and the reciprocal stacking method. The system functions as a component that can be combined to form a more extensive system for a substantial roof on a large scale. The roof opening considers its connection with the surrounding urban environment, linking the urban and waterfront areas. The movement of figures establishes the spatial arrangement, and an atrium promenade is introduced to respond to players of varying skill levels. In addition to providing a new kind of entertainment, the proposal will pave the way for human and AI coexistence inside built environments.

Ayaka Sato 21137024

BARC0175

Advanced Architectural Design II 2023/2024

Unit 14

Unit Tutors

Dirk Krolikowski

Jakub Klaska

FIGURES PLAY.

THE MIND SPORTS STADIUM

Future entertainment typology in Tokyo, Japan

The project explores the structural principles of traditional Japanese timber constructions for application in designing a large-scale mind sports stadium in Tokyo, Japan. The country is facing a demographic crisis, with forecasts suggesting that half of the population will be over retirement age by 2050. To address the issue of a hyper-aged society, a novel entertainment typology is proposed. This typology integrates the popular Japanese mind sport of Shogi, which is renowned for its intellectual challenge and is widely played by an aged demographic. The proposal for robot figures seeks to provide a unique entertainment experience that combines technology with traditional cultural entertainment. Sited in Odaiba, a high-tech entertainment zone within Tokyo Bay, the project explores a robotics mind sports stadium, which will create a new horizon for the ageing society within an urban context.

The overall structural system is developed by integrating traditional Japanese timber constructions of flexible structures and the reciprocal stacking method. The system functions as a component that can be combined to form a more extensive system for a substantial roof on a large scale. The roof opening considers its connection with the surrounding urban environment, linking the urban and waterfront areas. The movement of figures establishes the spatial arrangement, and an atrium promenade is introduced to respond to players of varying skill levels. In addition to providing a new kind of entertainment, the proposal will pave the way for human and AI coexistence inside built environments.

SECTION 01: ARTEFACT RESEARCH

FRAGMENT EXPLORATION III 1.1

ARTEFACT CASE STUDY I - KINTAI BRIDGE

KINTAI BRIDGE - DIFFERENTIAL TIMBER SYSTEM

KINTAI BRIDGE - RECIPROCAL STACKING SYSTEM

KINTAI BRIDGE - ASSEMBLY RESEARCH

ARTEFACT CASE STUDY II - HORYUJI PAGODA

HORYUJI PAGODA - JOINERY AND ASSEMBLY

HORYUJI PAGODA - LOAD TRANSFER MECHANISM

RECIPROCAL STRUCTURE EXPLORATIONS

FRAGMENT EXPLORATION I

FRAGMENT EXPLORATION II

SECTION 02: BRIEF AND CONTEXT

CONTEXTUAL RESEARCH - TOPOGRAPHY OF JAPAN

JAPAN - TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

JAPAN - ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY

JAPAN - POPULATION

PROJECT BRIEF - ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

PROJECT BRIEF - SHOGI (JAPANESE MIND SPORT)

PROJECT BRIEF - ROBOTS INTEGRATION

PROJECT SITE - TOKYO BAY

PROJECT SITE - ODAIBA

SITE ANALYSIS

PROGRAMME - ROBOTICS MIND SPORTS STADIUM

SECTION 03: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

SHOGI MOVEMENT EARLY EXPLORATIONS

FRAGMENT DEVELOPMENT

GLOBAL FORM EXPLORATIONS

GLOBAL FORM DEVELOPMENT

SECTION 04: DETAILED DEVELOPMENT

ROOF STRUCTURE AND ANALYSIS

PRIMARY STRUCTURE

STRUCTURAL COMPONENT I

STRUCTURAL COMPONENT II

PRIMARY STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

JOINERY AND ASSEMBLY

STRUCTURAL OPTIMISATION

STRUCTURAL AGGREGATION - AXIS I

STRUCTURAL AGGREGATION - AXIS II

VERTICAL CIRCULATION

FRAGMENTS

PREFARICATION AND CONSTRUCTION

SPATIAL TYPOLOGIES

SECTIONAL FRAGMENT

PROJECT KEY LEVELS

SECTION 05: FINAL DRAWINGS & GENERAL ARRANGEMENTS

AERIAL VIEW - GLOBAL SCHEME

EXTERIOR - WATERFRONT ACCESS

EXTERIOR - URBAN SIDE ENTRANCE

INTERIOR - SEA SIDE OBSERVATORY

INTERIOR - CORNER DISPLAY ZONE

INTERIOR - ROBOTICS PLAY

INTERIOR - OBSERVATORY CORNER

INTERIOR - EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

PERSPECTIVE SECTION

SITE PLAN

01

SECTION 1: ARTEFACT RESEARCH

Bridge to pier connection

The bridge piers themselves have a concrete structure on the inside, with the surface being covered in dressed stone for decorative purposes.

Hinge

1.5 m thickness stone cladding

Metal Straps

KINTAI ARCH BRIDGE

The Kintai Bridge, located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan, is an exemplary timber structure known to withstand seismic activity. The structure spans the Nishiki River and was initially constructed in the year 1673. It is the most extensive wooden arch currently in existence.

Girder

Cross Beam

Omunagi

Komunagi

Cross

The Kintai bridge is built of several wood species best suited to each member’s function. Keyaki (Japanese zelkova) is utilised for structural members and members that transfer heavy loads. Matsu (Japanese pine) is employed in other places because of its superior resistance to bending. Because Hinoki cypress is resistant to decay, it is applied in areas exposed to the elements, such as the bridge plate, tread, and railing.

Hinoki Cypress Matsu Pine

Keyaki Zelkova

Hiba False arborvitae Kuri Chestnut Kashi Oak

Hinge arc

h structure

Load-bearing strucure

Fiber direction

Radial direction

Tangential direction

The structure of wood

pith - central cylinder of tree heartwood - the dense inner part of tree trunk spawood - outer part - less durable & lighter color cabium - growing part of the trunk bark - the external covering of wood

3 different planes of section

The properties of wood are explained in three directions.

1. tangential direction (direction tangent to annual rings)

2. radial direction (direction outward from the center)

3. fiber direction (direction toward the trunk)

KINTAI ARCH BRIDGE

The wood used must withstand harsh weather conditions, such as wind and rain. Due to the susceptibility of the outer layer of wood, referred to as the ‘sapwood,’ to decay, only the inner part, known as the ‘heartwood,’ was utilised. The use of diverse timber species and carefully selecting wood parts enable the bridge to attain optimal structural and material efficiency.

Sapwood Heartwood

Pith Heartwood Bark Cabium Sapwood

Handrail

Bridge plate and tread

BRIDGE ARCH COMPOSITION

The loads, including the weight of the arch bridge, generate vertical and horizontal reaction forces at the fulcrum. Consequently, the arch is designed in such a way that the axial force dominates while minimising the bending moment on each member. Hence, the slender timber elements (measuring between 6m-8m) are stacked together to form a greater cross-sectional area, mitigating their inherent susceptibility to compression force.

Kurabi (diagonal bracing)

Keta (girder)

Hari (cross beam)

Back bracing

Kusabi (wedge)

Heikin-gi (levelling packer)

Bridge plate and tread

reciprocal relationship

RECIPROCAL CANTILEVERING STACKING

Each member protrudes by about one-third of its length from the girder member directly beneath it. With the formation of this orthogonal lattice structure, a selfstabilising system that can be disassembled and reassembled is formed in creating an arch bridge, establishing a linear reciprocal relationship.

Linear

JOINERY SYSTEM

The structure of the Kintai bridge uses only mortise and tenon joinery. One girder member is vertically attached to another girder or wedge while also being perpendicularly connected to the front and rear cross beams. Long dowels are also used for the assembly of vertical components. This configuration induces deformation at multiple locations, where friction reduces the lateral forces caused by earthquakes.

PHYSICAL ASSEMBLY

A segment of the Kintai bridge digital model was extracted to conduct further research into the reciprocal relationship of component assembly at a 1:20 size. Throughout this process, it has become clear that the structural relationships of each component are evidently based on the principles of ‘orthogonal reciprocal interactions.’ This arrangement connects the straight girder members at both ends, allowing the endpoints (fulcrums) to move forward simultaneously, creating a continuous connection.

Assembly of first few girders

The components are laser-cut for physical assembly

Physical model in scale 1:20

Rear cross beam

Front cross beam

Wedge

First girder

Second girder

Girder to cross beam joint mortise and tenon joints

Girder to girder joint dowels connection

Cross beam to girder/wedge joint mortise and tenon joints

Wedge to girder joint dowels connection

Not carrying the weight of the building

Long eave roof

Due to heavy rainfall

Balancing Mechanism

HORYUJI PAGODA: EARTHQUAKE PROOF STRUCTURE

The Horyu-ji Pagoda, commonly referred to as the ‘Five-story Pagoda,’ is a famous example of Japanese architectural architecture and Buddhist creative expression. Built in the early 7th century, this building is one of the oldest remaining wooden structures in the world. The structure has endured 46 earthquakes with a magnitude of 7.0 or more since it was built.

Central column - Shinbashira

Gap between the central column and the structures

INDEPENDET STACKING

The structure of the Five-storied Pagoda consists of five layers that are stacked independently of each other. Each floor rests only on the pillars of the layer below and the cross beams on the rafters and do not attach to the floor they are placed on. By employing a layered structure, the likelihood of transmitting movement from the lower stories to the upper levels is diminished, even in the event of swaying in the first story during an earthquake.

An earthquake can cause lateral displacement in a pagoda. The lowest box-like structure leans to the left, the one above it to the right, the one above that to the left, and so on, similar to a person performing a snake dance.

eave load load from level 4

ROOF - BALANCING MECHANISM

The deep eaves in Japanese traditional architecture are supported by employing ‘levering’ and ‘cantilevering’ principles through bracket complexes.By extending the beam beyond one of the supporting points and implementing the lever principle, it can sustain a certain load placed on the beam outside of its span.Thus, the eaves construction uses side pillars as fulcrums and the eaves as levers

Forming Triangle

Truss Action

Principle of Lever

By stacking the members in this manner, the direction of the wood fibers alternates horizontally and vertically, which makes the structure more rational.

Bracket system for the point where two horizontal members intersect.

BRACKET AND DOWEL SYSTEM

The bracket complex comprises two basic parts: the bearing block and the bracket arm. It firmly supports the horizontal members, such as beams, crossbeams, and braces, that bear the weight from above, effectively transmitting the force to the pillars. Its purpose is also to provide support for the extended eaves by relocating the support points of the corner beams and eave rafters beyond the pillars

Side pillar Inner pillar

Bracket arm

Glulam-Timber componentsCurved Glulam-Timber components

RECIPROCAL STRUCTURE

Reciprocal 3 dimensional aggregation

Curved components

The reciprocal structure has no central node but provides mutual support to each other. The study investigates the development of a reciprocal structure in curved components.

Triangle Square

Pentagon

Hexagon

Angular change

TIMBER FRAGMENT EXPLORATION I

The investigation of the combination of curved components in overlapping stacking is further examined in vertical aggregation by altering the angle.

Branching morphologies

TIMBER FRAGMENT EXPLORATION II

Another investigation into the principles of bifurcation, examining the branching morphologies that occur through alternating angles and diagonal expansion.

TIMBER FRAGMENT - AGGREGATION

The earlier work on fragment analysis is expanded by examining the threedimensional stepping cantilevering stacking method to maximise the use of floor space while decreasing the floor area.

TECTONIC FRAGMENT - ORTHOGONAL ARRANGEMENT

The concept of offsetting is expanded upon in the cantilevering system, which utilises the technique of offsetting between parts and weaving to create a bigger aggregated system.

SECTION 2: BRIEF AND CONTEXT

NORTH KOREA

Major Ports

Ferry

0m 10m 25m 5m

100m 50m 150m+

East China Sea

Yellow Sea

SOUTH KOREA

CHINA

RUSSIA

North Pacific Ocean

PROJECT SITE - JAPAN

377,973.89 km2

Japan is predomminantly mountainous, about 3/4 of the national land is mountains. The country comprises of a stratovolcanic archipelago over 3,000km along the Pacific coast of East Asia. It consists of 14.125 islands. Geographically cut off by the oceans surrounding it, the historical events that have taken place there are relatively distinctive and influential.

Sea of Okhotsk

Philipine Sea

JR KYUSHU (KYUSHU)

HOKKAIDO SHINKANSEN JR EAST (TOHOKU) JR EAST (JOETSU) JR CENTRAL (TOKAIDO) JR WEST (SANYO) JR WEST (HOKURIKU)

Line Start End

Tokaido Shinkansen

Sanyo Shinkansen

Tohoku Shinkansen

Joetsu Shinkansen

Hokuriku Shinkansen

Kyushu Shinkansen

Nishi Kyushu Shinkansen

Hokkaido Shinkansen

Tokyo

Shin-Osaka

Tokyo

Omiya

Takasaki

Hakata

Takeo-Onsen

Shin-Aomori

Shin-Osaka

Hakata

Shin-Aomori

Niigata

Kanazawa

Kagoshima - Chuo

Nagasaki

Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto

TRANSPORTATION NETWORK

Shinkansen, or ‘bullet train,’ originally ran on the Tokaido line in 1964 and now spans 2,830 km with top speeds ranging from 240 to 320km/h.

TRANSPORTATION LEGEND

Main Cities

Shinkansen station

JR Hokkaido

JR East

JR Central

JR West

JR Kyushu

174,171,000 76,007,000 93,489,000 44,452,000 31,670,000 14,488,000 1,601,000 Annual Passengers

195 million passengers/year (2021)

SAPPORO

OSAKA

Japan

of

ECONOMY AND INDUSTRY OF JAPAN

TOKYO

WORLD’S MOST POPULATED CITIES

Total population: 124,631,000 (2022)

126,803,861 128,105,431 127,250,933 126,993,857 126,662,427 126,255,866 125,791,677 125,244,761 124,612,530 123,951,692

POPULATION DENSITY

The total population of Tokyo reaches 38 million people when the adjacent metropolitan areas of Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba are taken into account. With a population of over 124 million people, Japan has the distinction of being home to the world’s most populated urban area, Tokyo, which accounts for nearly 30% of the country’s total population.

7. SENDAI 2.3m

6. SAPPORO 2.6m

8. HIROSHIMA 2.0m

2. OSAKA 13m

3. NAGOYA 9.5m 5. SHIZUOKA- HAMAMATSU 2.9m 4. KITAKYUSHU-FUKUOKA 5.5m

2050 DEMOGRAPHIC CRISIS

The population in which the proportion of individuals aged 65 and above is more than 20%, with predictions indicating that by 2050, 40% of the population will be above the age of retirement. The combination of a high life expectancy and a low reproduction rate necessitates immediate attention to national and economic security.

ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY

An investigation into the entertainment sector in Japan with a specific emphasis on contrasting traditional and contemporary types of entertainment.

Traditional

Kabuki

KotoSumo

Shogi

Origami

Gachapon

Kyogen

Cosplay

Video games

Anime

Idol - girl groupVocaloid Contemporary

POP CULTURE (Manga/Animation)

Mind Sports

MIND SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT

Naturo - Shikamaru Nara

Shogi Sasu Kedamono

Human Shogi

Bonus: Hikaeu no Go

March Comes in Like a Lion

Shion no Ou (The Flowers of Hard Blood)

Mind Sports Olympiad

(at Tendo Sakura Festival, Yamagata)

SCALING UP THE BOARD

Car Shogi

20 pieces 81 square board

SHOGI - JAPANESE CHESS

9×9

Shogi, one of Japan’s most popular board games, is a game of skill focused on intellectual aptitude that is regarded more difficult than international chess.

Spread to Japan

It is thought to have originated in India and was passed on to Japan via China and Korea.

More difficult than chess - because once players capture an opponent’s piece, they can use that piece as their own—meaning that while chess games on the whole get simpler as fewer pieces are left on the board, shogi gets more complex

The diary of the Matsudaira clan dated 1587 February

Castle Shogi Tournament once a year

Shogi Day - 17th November is designated as Shogi day since then.

Computer Shogi - Robotic Player (DENSO)

2014

Super human

When Japanese Capital moed from Nara to Kyoto

Earliest Shogi Record

Robotics in Shogi

Human lost Robot for the first time

Mind Sport Olympiad, London

Robotics in Chess

Chaturanga, India

SHOGI RANK SYSTEM

Non-Industrial Robots

Humanoid Robot Mecha

Human Companions Robots

Teach English Interact and live with Emtional caring Receptionist Solve loneliness and help with physical disability Optimised for human interaction SOFTBANK ROBOTICS ORY LAB INC

NEC CORPORATION

INTELLIGENT SYSTEM RESEARCH INSTITIUE OF JAPAN AKA INTELLIGENCE

Industrial Robots

1 robots every 15 people

Japan has about 631 robots every 10,000 human in manufacturing sector, while the US has 274 robots. Japan is the largest manufacturer and exporter of industrial robots, with 45% of global supply and only 2% is imported. (As of 2022)

1 robots every 35 people

By 2030, the robotics market is projected to triple.

THE LAND OF RISING ROBOTICS

Japan has a robust relationship with the robotics industry, and non-industrial robots, serving as human companions, can assist elderly individuals in maintaining their health and activity levels at home by alleviating stress and loneliness.

AIBO

LOVOT

GUNDAM

ASIMO

Multi functional mobile assistant

Soothing and healing

Entertainment HONDA LOVOT -GROOVE X AIBO - SONY

BANDAI NAMCO

Future of Robotics Market

Social Robots - comunications

WIPO PARO PEPPER MUSIO

1500-1899

1900-1955

1956-1975

1976-2015

TOKYO BAY ‘UMETATECHI’

Land reclamation has been employed since the 16th century to create additional area for expansion, manufacturing, and other activities. The utilisation of reclaimed land has been crucial in meeting the increasing demands of Japanese society, especially in densely populated urban regions where land availability is restricted.

CHIBA

Aqua-LineExpress

TOKYO

KANAGAWA

GUNDAM

RaibowBridge

Train Station

Rinkai Line

Odaiba Area on n entation n a o t t i en e st Orie Or Techno-Futurist Or T ist itO O st s Orien n Futturi no uturistFuturis an rom an urban kyo Bay from y hift at Toky The shift at Tok Th T atTokyoBayfro a h B he shhi h ay Tokyo B Bay y a ky at rom community mununittycommuni m del living com od d ” and mod d subcenter” m “ “su “s s “subcenter” “subcenter”andmodmode mo o “subbc su r” mo b t nt nce ceen n er er” r m mode nt district di d ent t ainment nmmen m rict nt tertainmnteteertain t and anddenente d ping a pinng hoppingshopppin ho a assh o a to a to a shopping a t g an oashoppingan n toashoppingand and sho sh ip ainm an me hift from t hift f shift f etal shif a al s m ta larger societ e eta t et mirrored a larg m mi mirrored a reddllar ala o a or lar mirrorore ro d r rr e re ning, guided by g lanning, guide nn uideed an a g n , gu n u nin ed ni cratic, utopian pla o lapl echnocratic, utop tec te e technocra ra o echnooc c echn pian crat bureaucra r an bure n bu u au bur opolitan polli po metroppoli e metr metro o tional and met nation na natio i attio ation metropolitan cies. Tokyo International

Cruise Terminal

ODAIBA (ISLAND FORT) DEVELOPMENT

A showcase for futuristic living redevelop the capital’s unutilised areas into new, bustling city centers

Shinagawa offing Seaweed production area

between Japan and the US.

TOKYO CITY

Connecting Shibaura Pier and the Odaiba waterfront

Drifitng events

Beach volleyball at Shiokaze Park, triathlon and marathon swimming at Odaiba Marine Park, and gymnastics at a new gymnastics venue.

town tokyo big sight to hinode pier, asakusato shinbashi to hinode pier

The location includes a train system that connects Odaiba Island to the city centre, as well as an elevated train system that links different areas inside the island. project site

EXISTING PUBLIC CONNECTIVITY

toyko water bus

odaiba seaside park

to shin kiba

toyosu

shin-toyosu

shijo-mae

ariake tennis no mori

ariake

kokusai tenjijo tokyo bigsight

tokyo teleport

cruise terminal

daiba

to shinjuku

rinaki line (underground) yurikamome line (elevated line) water bus route

Rinkai line

OVERGROUND ENTRANCE ZONE

F&B QUARTER

TRAINING QUARTER

EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

ROBOTICS PARK WATERFRONT PARK

URBAN PROMENADE

CULTURAL INNOVATION HUB

ROBOTICS INTERACTIVE/DISPLAY

B.O.H

RESTAURANTS

FIGURES CAFE MARKET

TRAINING ROOM

AMATUERPROFESSIONAL

SHOGI PARLOR ATRIUM

UNDERGROUND ENTRANCE ZONE

TRAIN STATION

INFORMAION WCs

RESEARCH LAB

ENTERTAINMENT HUB

MIND SPORTS STADIUM

CONTROL ROOM TAKEN AREA

WAITING AREA

PROGRAMMES FOR ‘ROBOTICS MIND SPORTS ’

TICKETING AREA

Tecnocratic Utopia - ‘increased leisure time, self-cultivation, and human creativity, as new communication networks enabled decentralised, flexible, harmonious social interactions’.

SECTION 3: DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

ROBOTICS MIND SPOPT STADIUM Scaling up the board and robotics pieces, considering the movement of the capturing pieces.

Shogi Pieces

Shogi Pieces Robotics PiecesRobotics Pieces Movement Movement

Narigin

Narikei

Narikyo

Tokin

Ryuo

Ryume

Gold Generals

Silver Generals

Knights

Lances

Bishop

Rook

Pawns

SHOGI

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT STUDY

The initial design research primarily focuses on the disparity in size between the larger robots components and humans, as well as the vertical movement of these components. Additionally, the design takes into account the scale of the robotics elements while considering the elevated seating area.

Robotics Pieces movement

Robotics Park

Captured Capsules

Control Tower

SPATIAL ARRANGEMENT STUDY

The aggregation of the fragment allows for the identification of its potential within a broader system, as well as the analysis of its spatial arrangement along the horizontal axis.

RECIPROCAL ROOF FORMATION EXPLORATIONS

This fragment further investigates the method of cantilevering stacking to create a roof structure. Additionally, it explores the possibility of designing an atrium space beneath the structural platform, which can serve as an urban promenade walkway.

Komadai

Outdoor stadia

Atrium

Robotics stadia Taken area

Competition board

STANDS DESIGN

The consolidation of the fragment is examined to provide a platform for seating area. The space between the stage and the audience sitting area is specifically designated as the area where robotics pieces are positioned.

Planning strategy: diagonal to urban axis urban axis

GLOBAL FORM ITERATIONS

Positioning the global structure in a diagonal manner relative to the urban axis results in reduced connectedness to its current urban environment.

Planning strategy: parallel to urban axis urban axis

Sectional study

GLOBAL FORM ITERATIONS

Aligning the global structure parallel to the urban axis enhances its connectivity to the urban environment.

URBAN AXIS OPENING

The study investigates the correlation between the shape of a roof and its openings, as well as the stage located beneath it.

URBAN AXIS

URBAN AXIS CONNECTION

Providing an entry point to the raised pedestrian pathway while creating a connection to the urban environment.

Urban Axis

Entrance from the urban realm

SECTION 4: DETAILED DEVELOPMENT

Vertical loads exerted on the side pillar

load from above (N)

The simplified diagram depicting the basic idea of lever principle

overturning moment fulcrum fulcrum

Abstraction of the roof structure from the pagoda structure

extended roof structure

A point of ‘contraflexure’

At the point of contraflexure, the bending moment value is zero - neutral axis -

extended roof structure

LEVER PRINCIPLE

The principle of lever is applied to the morphology of the macro component. In order to prevent the occurrence of overturning, the fulcrums are positioned at two separate locations to maintain stability while allowing the roof eaves to extend in both directions. The examination of bending moments yields results regarding the thickness of the main structure and indicates the potential for reducing the thickness at that specific location.

Fulcrum

Fulcrum

atrium

Fulcrum extension

PRIMARY STRUCTUAL COMPONENTS

The construction of this structure necessitates that each component extends in a distinct direction with varying lengths to provide mutual support. The investigation thus focuses on the applicability of the structural principle of ‘reciprocal cantilevering stacked beams’ under these conditions.

Component # 1

Component #2

Component #3

COMPONENT #1 DEVELOPMENT

Within the broader structure, component #1 displays a 45-degree angle. The positioning of the cross beam is determined by the elevation of the slab. The placement of the cross beam establishes the position of the slab level, which ultimately decides the floor level, fixed at a height of 4.5 metres. This suggests that both the front and back cross beams have a dual function: connecting the stacked beam structure and supporting the weight of the slab.

Base Assembly

Shifting Inward

Shifting fulcrums

Cross beam

Girder

COMPONENT #2 DEVELOPMENT

During the examination of bending moment, it was seen that component #2 experiences forces in two separate directions originating from components #1 and #3. Additionally, it experiences the highest level of stress compared to the other two components. An examination of the structure’s composition uncovers its inherent stress condition, which consequently signifies its thickness; at the point of maximum bending, the thickness is augmented, while at the point of opposite bending, it should be diminished.

Base Assembly Shifting Inward

Shifting fulcrums

First girder

Second girder

Second girder Inward shifting

girder

Fourth girder

Fifth girder

Sixth girder

Seventh girder

Eigth girder

Ninth girder

point to the roof rafter

Shifting curvature

PRIMARY STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS

The system functions based on the premise of consistent width at every connection point, following the same structural concept while adapting the cross beams to match the desired slab level. The analysis involved assessing various curvature formations and determining that fulcrums may be moved to different locations while maintaining consistent shifting distances across all prototypes.

Base formation

Inward stacking

Component #1

Component #2

Component #3

Bending moment diagram with horizontal floors

JOINERY AND ASSEMBLY

This illustrates a complete arrangement of the three main framework prototypes that have been created. The horizontal floors function as a stiffening element, linking the main structure on both sides of components #1 to #3 and causing them to move together horizontally when exposed to lateral forces. The uppermost and lowermost floors have the main responsibility for flexing among the three parimary stacking structures.

Location of secondary beams

Component #1 to roof rafters connecting point

Component #3 to roof rafters connecting point

Component #1 and #2 connecting point

Platform integration

Component #2 and #3 connecting point

Component#2 and plinth connecting point

Component#1 and plinth connecting point

Node 01 : Joint for component#1 and #2

Node 02 : Joint for component #2 and #3

Node 03 : Joint for component #1 and #3 to roof rafters

Node 04 : Joint of component #1 and #2 to groud

PRIMARY STRUCTURE JOINERY

The connection between the stacked column and cross beams uses simple interpretation of traditional Japanese mortise and tenon joinery detail.

Stacked column layer 1

Stacked column layer 2

Cross beam

Stacked column to beam connection

Stacked column to beam second layer connection

STACKING DETAIL

Each layer will incorporate finger joints to connect the individual members, while dowels will be employed to secure each layer together.

300mm glue-laminated timber

300mm

1200mm

Finer ioints

Dowels assembly

SEATING ARRANGEMENT

The developed structure features two levels of seating stands positioned above the stage, which may be accessed from both levels in between.

Seating level 1

Seating level 2

EXTENDED SEATING ARRANGEMENT

The extended seating arrangement is formed by combining two modules of the structure, with the primary component pushed backwards to support the extended part.

Shifting primary structure supporting extended seating

Stage level

SYSTEM AGGREGATION - AXIS I

Combining four modules will enable the stage to be positioned, while creating a larger platform area where additional programmes can be incorporated. This demonstrates both the configuration of individual seating modules and the expanded seating version, which offers greater diversity and segmentation of the seating areas.

SYSTEM AGGREGATION - AXIS II

This illustrates the structural system’s versatility by showing how it may be scaled up or down to accommodate different roof slopes. Additionally, the aggregated system generates spatial opportunities, leading to the formation of an atrium space between the two sides.

Secondary beams and floor grid system

VERTICAL CIRCULATION INTEGRATION

The structural system incorporates vertical circulation that spans from the lower to the upper floors, using the floor system’s integration at each 23-meter interval on both sides.

VERTICAL CIRCULATION FRAGMENT

The location of vertical circuation adheres to the morphology of the primary structural framework as an architectural language.

TYPICAL FRAGMENT

The typical fragment depicts the state and interconnection of the surrounding park conditions, transit system, and the mind-sport robotics stage.

3. Secondary structures and floor panels installation

Roof structures installation

5. Roof panels installation

2. Primary structures installation

1. Site preparation and plinths installation

rafter Roof beams

purlin

Concrete plinthFloor panelCross beam

joist Secondary beam

OPEN SPACE

> Viewing platform

> Food centre

ENCLOSED SPACE

> Educational training centre

TYPICAL FRAGMENT

OPEN SPACE

> Viewing platform

> Food centre

ENCLOSED SPACE

> Reception/ Ticketing area

IN BETWEEN FRAGMENT

SPATIAL TYPOLOGIES

Enclosed spaces are created behind the seating stands to accommodate the ticketing area and educational centre. The platform on the upper and lower levels of the stand will be an open place for retail and observation.

Roadside Connecting bridge Connecting bridge

Stage side

Stage side

Train to the city centre

Main robotics stage

Entrance from the north side park

Connectivity with the elevated atrium promedane

Connectivity with the transportation system

SECTION 5: FINAL DRAWINGS

The design of the roof, with its axis-aligned opening showcases the seamless integration of significant infrastructure within the urban environment.

URBAN STADIUM

SEASIDE GRAND ENTRANCE

The seaside facade showcases the horizontal connection to its corner entrance, as well as the surrounding parks.

URBAN CONNECTIVITY

The urban axis opening serves as a connection between the urban side and the seaside, linking both sides of the context.

The corners of each wing function as robotics exhibition atriums, which are enclosed by the structural form and also act as circulation platforms to connect each wing.

ROBOTICS DISPLAY ATRIUM

NIGHT TIME PLAY

Mind-sport play scene at night from the corner, highting the continous platform where audiences can circulate around.

OBSERVATORY

Located at the intersection of the educational cluster, just opposite the atrium space, is an observatory that offers an exquisite view of the rainbow bridge and the coastal park underneath.

EDUCATIONAL CENTRE

Located at the back end of the robotics stage, there is a grouping of enclosed educational centres where individuals can engage in the practice of shogi. These centres are organised into clusters based on skill level.

SECTIONAL PERSPECTIVE

A sectional perspective view highlights the overall building spatial sequence from the parks and the enclosed clusters at different levels.

CROSS SECTION

1:500 @ A2

All work produced by Unit 14 Unit book design by Charlie Harriswww.bartlett.ucl.ac.uk/architecture

Copyright 2021 The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL All rights reserved.

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CRAFTED HORIZONS 2024

At the center of Unit 14’s academic exploration lies Buckminster Fuller’s ideal of the ‘The Comprehensive Designer’, a master-builder that follows Renaissance principles and a holistic approach. Fuller referred to this ideal of the designer as somebody who is capable of comprehending the ‘integrateable significance’ of specialised findings and is able to realise and coordinate the commonwealth potentials of these discoveries while not disappearing into a career of expertise. Like Fuller, we are opportunists in search of new ideas and their benefits via architectural synthesis. As such Unit 14 is a test bed for exploration and innovation, examining the role of the architect in an environment of continuous change. We are in search of the new, leveraging technologies, workflows and modes of production seen in disciplines outside our own. We test ideas systematically by means of digital as well as physical drawings, models and prototypes. Our work evolves around technological speculation with a research-driven core, generating momentum through astute synthesis. Our propositions are ultimately made through the design of buildings and through the in-depth consideration of structural formation and tectonic. This, coupled with a strong research ethos, will generate new and unprecedented, one day viable and spectacular proposals. They will be beautiful because of their intelligence - extraordinary findings and the artful integration of those into architecture.

The focus of this year’s work evolves around the notion of ‘Crafted Horizons’. The term aims to highlight the architect’s fundamental agency and core competency of the profession to anticipate the future as the result of the highest degree of synthesis of the observed underlying principles. Constructional logic, spatial innovation, typological organisation, environmental and structural performance are all negotiated in a highly iterative process driven by intense architectural investigation. Through the deep understanding of constructional principles, we will generate highly developed architectural systems of unencountered intensity where spatial organisation arises as a result of sets of mutual interactions. Observation as well as re-examination of past and contemporary civilisatory developments will enable us to project near future scenarios and position ourselves as avant-garde in the process of designing a comprehensive vision for the forthcoming. The projects will take shape as research based, imaginative architectural visions driven by speculation.

Thanks to: ALA, Boele Architects, Daab Design, DaeWha Kang Design DKFS, Heatherwick, Knippershelbig, NK3, RSHP, Seth Stein Architects, ZHA, Expedition Engineering.