Air part b

STUDIO AIR PART B

ABPL30048, STUDIO AIR, 2016 SEMESTER 1 WEIRAN WU,

B1. RESEARCH FIELD GEOMETRY

G

eometry lies at the core of the architectural design process throughout the history, even till nowadays. The idea of architectural geometry is omnipresent, which looks at the design, analysis and manufacture processes, from the initial form finding stages to the final construction.1 Geometry is one of the major design solution finding techniques that have been applied to architecture throughout the time. Stepping into the digital age of architectural practice, the notion of geometry becomes more complex and meanwhile strongly challenges contemporary practice, featuring in freeform structures, curves, surfaces creation, paraboloids, geodesics, digital prototyping and etc.

A

s discussed in Part A, complex freeform structures are one of the most conspicuous but also controversial trends in contemporary architecture.2 This examination on exploiting geometry in architecture forms through digital technology has been pioneered by architects such as Frank Gehry2 and later, Zaha Hadid. Indeed, the concept of architectural geometry form finding in this generation is varied from the past, while it currently emerging at the border of differential geometry, computational mathematics and architecture.2 This use of geometry and computational mathematics bears a great potentials to advance the field of freeform architecture.2

W

ith the application of computation design process, characterized by dynamic, open-ended and unpredictable but consistent transformations of three-dimensional structures, are giving rise to new architectonic and geometric possibilities.3 For instance, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao (figure 1) is one of the earliest geometric architecture examples that captures the zeitgeist of the digital age revolution, which challenges not only the way we design buildings, but also how we manufacture and construct them.3 In this case, the CAD and CAM technologies started to impact on architectural design and construction practice.3

F

urthermore, new digital architectures are emerging from the digital revolution, architectures that have found their expression in highly complex, curvilinear form that seems to gradually enter the main stream of architectural practice,3 such as Zaha’s practice. However, architecture geometry also contribute to the testing and experimentation on material possibilities and fabrication. This can be accessed through the three case studies, including VoltaDom by Skylar Tibbits (figure 2), Gridshell by SG2012 (figure 3) and Green Void by LAVA (figure 4).

B2. CASE STUDY 1.0 SG2012 GRIDSHELL SMARTGEOMETRY, RPI, TROY, NY

BY MATSYS, 2012 Gridshell is a project created by Matsys Design studio in 2012 while they participated in the annual SmartGeometry conference held in Troy, NY. This few day workshop at Smart Geometry 2012 focused on the design and construction of a wooden gridshell using only straight wood members bent along geodesic lines on a relaxed surface.4 In this case, a gridshell refers to the specific structure that derives its strength from its double curvature but constructed of a grid or lattice.5 In this case, grid pattern replaces the shell material which enables the overall structure to benefit from the combined action of shell and arches and thus to achieve unique shapes.5 Using parametric tools, such as grasshopper, kangaroo and Karamba, the design was developed and analysed to minimize material waste while maximizing its architectural presence in the space.4 To be more specific, digital modelling can be directly translate into fabrication process for testing to produce the exact amount of material needed for assemble. At the same time, material possibilities were being examined in their capacity, limit and feature to allow the production of this free standing and curvy form. In addition, a feedback loop was designed between the parametric geometric model and a structural model allowing for a smooth workflow that integrated geometry, structures, and material performance.4 Therefore, in this case, the use of materials, digital computation and fabrication techniques allows the achievement of this freeform geometry structure.

MATRIX OF ITERATION

Origin Definition

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Variable Pipe

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Weaverbird Frame

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Weaverbird Stellate

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change Input Curve

Change Input Curve

Change Input Curve

Change Input Geometry / Curve

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Series Jitter Pipe

Change in Parameters

Adding Extend Curve

Adding Delaunay Edge

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Triangle Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change Input Curve / Pipe

Change in Parameters / Adding surface Adding Weaverbird Frame

SUCCESSFUL SPICIES CRITERIA EVALUATION

S4_2

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics

Analysis: 1. The various thickness allows gridshell to be supported by a primary structure and braced by a secondary members, creating variable voids volume.

2. This might lower the material efficiency and higher the cost.

3. Maintain the original geomtry to preserve design intent

S5_3

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics

Analysis: 1. Constructed by mesh surfaces, creat a folding effect.

2. Increasing amount of material use, highly rely on digital computation and fabrication to achieve material efficiency, which makes constructability harder to succeed.

3. Maintain the original geomtry to preserve design intent but using completely differenct construct methods.

4. Not Functional but more sculptural.

S5_1

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics

Analysis: 1. Surface has been divided into square grid with sufficient amount of void allowing animal getting through 2. Using the combination of square and triangle grid allows easy fabrication and control of material 3. Maintain the original geomtry to preserve design intent while altering the whole structural performance of the gridshell.

S9_1

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics

Analysis: 1. Change the original basic geometry to explore further possibilities of gridshell structure, which result in a ‘stadium’ like form.

2. In terms of large scale, all these curves might causing fabrication issues, requires material possibilities and testing.

3. The voids varied based on the curve, which in relation to the structural performance.

B3. CASE STUDY 2.0 THE ARTS CENTRE MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA

BY SIR ROY GROUNDS, 1973 Based on our group direction in part C, which is looking into animal habitation while allowing undisturbed human interaction or observation, a lattice structure has been considered for case study 2 for exploration. Hence, the spire of the Melbourne Art Centre was chosen as my second case study for reverse engineering.

The original spire envisaged by Roy was one of the first structures in Australia to rely on computer-aided-design, which unfortunately being replaced due to public controversy, political inquiry and financial reassessment.6 However, the existing new spire was still based on Ground’s original design, which I found with a great potential to further examine and explore on. The spire features the possibilities of an open lattice, space frame design coincided with technological development, which includes a coloured webbing around the lower section that simulating the flowing folds of a ballerina’s tutu.7 On top of that, a new lighting system was add on to the design for dramatic night-time imagery.7 In this case, the new technologies emerge with the architecture design in all aspect, which contribute to the design integration.

REVERSE ENGINEERING RECORD PROCESS

STEP 1

STEP 2

Created a basic form/surface

Using Isotrim/subsurface to extract an isoparametric subset of the surface

STEP

Offset th generated distance polylines from the structe

P3

he curves d from the between s created e deconed brep

STEP 4

STEP 5

Fillet the sharp corner of the curve

Join the brep together

REVERSE ENGINEERING ILLUSTRATION DIAGRAM

B4. TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT MATRIX OF ITERATION

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Change Structural Connection

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Adding Surface

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Weaverbird Frame

Change in Parameters

Change in Insert type

Change in Parameters

Offsetting Mesh / Adding Polygons Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Insert type

Adding Triangles Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Adding Quads Split Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Insert type

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Polygon Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Change in Parameters

Adding Weaverbird Carpet

Change in Parameters

SUCCESSFUL SPICIES CRITERIA EVALUATION

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics Analysis: Sufficient amount of voids are created by the triangulated grided structural members. In this case, all the structural members are in straight line, which makes construction and fabrication easier to achieve, while provide a stable structure using the triangle braced. Furthermore, it preserved the original design intention in a similar way.

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics Analysis: This is one of the most simple but efficient structure that have been created. It provides large void volume that minimum the affect of the structure brings to the nature and wildlife. The horizontal and vertical structural members allows efficient structural performance. However, the curvy lines might result in complicated fabrication in this large scale.

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics Analysis: Attaching a surfave on the structural elements with various void volume gives a new look to the design which is different to the orginal design intention. However, it performs better and more stable in terms of protecting the structure. In addition, the techniques of attaching surface will be useful for generating part C design proposal. However, the surface layed on the structural members might give conlicts between the design proposal, where the voids allows undisturbed animal habitation and activities.

Criteria Rating: Voids Function Structural Performance Constructability Aesthetics Analysis: Variable rectangulated grid replace the lattice structure, and act as a self-supporting structure in this case. Voids volumes are provided allowing animal habitation. However, it might be hard to fabricate as the slightly curvy divided grid and the variable length of each grid,, which requires custom fabrication of each on them.

B5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES Digital Fabrication was being used to produce and testing the design possibilities in this case.

Digital modelling and fabrication is a process that joins design with production through the use of 3D modelling software and manufacturing process. Tools such as 3D printers, Laser cutter, CNC Router, Robot arms allows designers to produce design digitally and actually test the design. Therefore, complex surface can be produced with the assistance of computation techniques and the continue experimentation of material properties.

In terms of our design, which featuring on the connections between rods members and the connection between frame and panelling, 3D printer will be the most appropriate method for us to produce knots connections.

Four Different types of knots are designed in our group, and 3D modelling by us to allow connections between rods and rods, rods and panels, rods and stretching fabrics, and other possibilities. By considering and measuring the size and thickness of materials that we are going to use, knots are 3D modelled in Rhino with accurate sizes to accommodate the material.

Then, these digital model will be sent to the 3D printers.

The first knots featuring the connections between rods (as a frame) and stretchable fabrics. As

the rods and fabrics cannot firmly connected by themselves, the knots will act as a media to connect the rod to itself, while also stabilised the fabric on it. Rods will be infix into the cross-like shape, while the fabric will be kind of screw into the hole between the cross and stabilised using the nut caps that are also printed by the 3D printers.

The second knots is an elaborate, free-rotate joint that allows rotation between the rods and the panels, which enables three dimensional structure in all directions. For this connection prototype, two components are intersecting into each other, and fixed using a 3D printed screw and nut cap in the middle. In this case, the screw ensures the joint will not fail, but also makes it possible for rotation.

The third connection are for the rods and panels, where the rods will be infix into the cross-like shape, and the panel will be inserted inside a gap between the cross. During the testing and experimentation, we find out that larger panels can also be inserted into the gap due to its bendable properties, that can be further explore to fit our design intention.

The forth knot is a simple and tiny connection that are able to connect for rods in a planar or slightly curve surface. It was done by the Boolean different of a cross through 3D modelling software.

This type of connection can be used where some sights are blocking for protections, as it allows three dimensional rotated connection that can be rising up from the surface.

The panels are made by translucence plastic materials, which allows some view form the surface to the wetland underneath, at the same time, provide a protective and safe impression for pedestrians.

This fixing knots are being test by placing weights on the stretchable fabrics, which appears to be firmly stabilised and able to hold a moderate mass. Hence, the can be used for Part C where the stretchable fabrics connects to the structure system, in places where people are allow to laying and sitting down.

Its advantage is on its size, which allows material efficiency in construction. However, it also having the problem of not able to connect the panels or fabrics to the rods. Hence, it can only be used for the substructure system or the surface where no panels are attached to it.

B6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL Rotunda Wetlands: Location: South of Westfield Reserve, cleared vegetation on both sides of the creek Coordinate: 37 South, 145 East Path Slop: 3 Degree

General:

Wetland Specific:

The wetland landscape which has really obvious attributes. This site is a restored wetland and is quite important for the wildlife since it plays the role of a litter trap, a filter, and a shelter for the area. The topography is quite flat in this area. Sporadic pools along the path and manmade wooden pavilion near road can be observed. Near the river, lots of indigenous plant are planted. It acts as the habitants for fishes, insects and birds.

A human made wetland was established in 2000 (Merri Creek Management Committee, 2009). The water was supplied by surrounding residential area. The pools can filter the pollutants and also act as a habitants for those semi-aquatic vegetation. Indigenous grasses were putted in surrounding which provided the habitants for aquatic invertebrates, reptiles, frogs. Most of these faunas were locally extinct before this project established and under the protection of endangered flora and fauna. Shrub plantings let leaf litter, bark and logs accumulated for bird nesting. The biodiversity was enhanced by this project.

The importance of the Wetlands of Merri Creek: Each greenfield on the diagram is regard as a small subsystem belongs to universal ecosystem of Melbourne. They interact with each other. Merri Creek significantly acts as a habitat corridor of state.

Merri Creek connects other small patches around this corridor.

SITE ANALYSIS - MERRI CREEK & THE ROTUNDA WETLAND

The Rotunda Wetland

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Pedestrain Hierarchy

Pedestrain Circulation

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Fauna Distribution

Water Element

Substructure

Rise Point Low Point

The project is located at Rotunda Wet-

The surface was integrated as a whole

lands, in order to create a walkable sur-

with the substructure system, which

face allowing human get involved into

makes the surface to flow fluently. Panels

this manmade wetland for closer but

will be attached to the lattice structure,

undisturbed observation on the wildlife,

indicating the path for pedestrian to ex-

while the substructure creates voids for

plore around. Therefore, the rising and

animal habitation. Hence, the substruc-

descending point shown in the diagram

ture will interact with some of the active

acts as a guide for human to discover-

animal traces, both within the wetland

ing around the area and sightseeing the

and the creek, as indicated in the sub-

specific view. For instance, the lowering

structure diagram. In addition, it also

point located around the creek and the

act as the support for the upper surface,

major animal traces allow people to get-

which requires strong structural ability

ting closer view to the wildlife, gaining

and evenly distributed.

a better understanding, contributed to wildlife preservation. On the other hand, the rising point allows people to reaching the tree top to observe the birds’ habitation with similar purpose.

Problems: The human made wetlands enhance the Merri Creek Ecosystem significantly.

However, the wetlands are isolated from the human beings. Since there is no paths for citizens to get inside the wetlands.

Design Concept: To create a structure that can optimized the existing wetlands which can let human get involves.

Design Responds: 1. Substructure be used as the habitants for the animals and plants.

2. Self-supported 3. People can get close to the animals but do not disturb their activities.

4. Allowing horizontal movements across the river.

5. Vertical communications between human and various animals habitants

FEEDBACK FROM INTERIM PRESENTATION Work to combine both

Create a technique that is modularised

Create modules with vary in shape and form

Detail site analysis diagram in specific area

Digital fabrication of different connections

RESPONSE Critical to using one integrated definition to create this surface-structure form. Try to look into the Kangaroo plugin that can produce this similar effect on the curvy surface. In addition, a “frame and infill� system might be used, like panelling, to attach to the lattice structure, which act as a pathway for pedestrian, or voids to stop the pedestrian getting through.

This is particularly regards to the walkable surface that using panelling and patterning techniques to create a multi-functional surface. We have decided to make some spaces void (the places where protected animal lives or the place where requires sunlight getting through), and some solid spaces (where the path for human to walk, sit and being encouraged to explore around).

Various shapes and forms can be used on the surface, as the narrowing walking surface can be the area where human should be pass quickly, avoiding disturbed the wetland underneath. On the other hand, the wider walking surface can be the place where people are encourage to explore and relax, allow people slowly walk around, or laying down.

The site analysis diagram presented in the interim presentation is less specific as it looks into a large range of area. Hence, some detailed diagram will be provided that looks specifically into our chosen site, which will be more helpful to develop our design intention and form of the idea. For instance, the traces of animal activities, the water flooding area, and etc. Therefore, our design (especially the form of our walkway) should be optimised and response to these issues identified from the diagram.

In this case, digital fabrication is critical to find and explore the way of the structural connections, in order to figuring out how to create form. It is important to understand how connection pieces affect or compromise aesthetics and functions. Few connections details has been explored in both two dimension and three dimension to test, especially the connection between structural members and the panels that creates the surfaces.

B7. OBJECTIVE & OUTCOME Coming to the end of Part B in Studio Air, gaining knowledge from the Learning Objective, I started to realise the importance of computation design in the field of architecture in this age of digitalisation. Part B is a critical part in the course, which not only enable me to develop my skill on grasshopper, but also develop my understanding of algorithmic design and its impact on architecture industry. To be more specific, we are allowed to use programing and parametric to generate design ideas, and even have opportunities to fabricate it. During the whole process of iteration on grasshopper definition, the controversial argument on computation design becomes significant. I believe it is critical to understanding the benefits and limitation of digital design, which can be beneficial in further exploring design possibilities, or otherwise might losing the design intention during the iteration. However, the process of reverse engineering and playing around the definition of the case studies are extremely beneficial and appealing, giving us opportunities to develop a personalised repertoire of computational techniques, gaining knowledge in algorithm construction. Through my case study 2, I also sees the new opportunities the computation techniques can bring to an old design. Furthermore, the prototype was definitely beneficial, allowing us to transfer digital models into digitally fabricated prototypes. In this case, we are able to test the boundaries of material properties, investigate scales, geometry compositions, physical forces, and even assemble of the prototype as well. However, during the ongoing process of Part B, I still see the limitation on my scripting and parametric modelling techniques. I believe the logic behind all the scripting and programming are more important to assist my further design, especially to refine an integrate definition for my design in Part C.

B8. ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

REFERENCE

1.

Pottmann, Helmut. 2008. Advanced in Architectural Geometry. 2008.

Vienna.

2.

Pottmann, Helmut. et al. 2008. Geometry of Architectural Freeform Structures. (Osterr, Math, Gesellschaft: Internat. Math. Nachrichten). Nr. 209 (2008), 15–28 3.

Kolarevic, Branko. 2003. Architecture In The Digital Age. New York, NY: Spon Press.

4.

Matsys, “SG2012 GRIDSHELL”, (2012), http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/ 5.

Wikipedia, “Gridshell”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gridshell

6.

Slideshare, “Understanding Gridshell Structures - Mannheim Multihalle Case Study”, (April, 2014), http://www.slideshare.net/whysodumbdotcom/understanding-gridshell-structures-mannheim-multihalle-case-study 7.

Wikipedia, “Art Centre Melbourne”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arts_Centre_Melbourne 8.

Art Centre Melbourne, “Our Spire”, https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/~/media/artscentre/files/about-us/ corp-media-kits/corp-media-kit--spire.ashx?la=en.

9.

MCES, “Merri Creek and Environs Strategy 2009-2014”, (2009), http://mcmc.org.au/file/MCES/MCES%20version%20provisionally%20adopted%20by%20mcmc%20for%20web.pdf