Weiran Wu_692252_Air Final Journal by Weiran

STUDIO: AIR

ABPL30048 2016, SEMESTER 1 WEIRAN WU

692252

CONTENTS PART A: CONCEPTUALISATION

A0. INTRODUCTION A1. DESIGN FUTURING A2. DESIGN COMPUTATION A3. COMPOSITION/GENERATION A4. CONCLUTION A5. LEARNING OUTCOME A6. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES A7. REFERENCE

PART B: CRITERIAL DESIGN

PART C: DETAILED DESIGN

INTRODUCTION I really like a version talking about architecture, “learning architecture is knowing about everything”. Although we don’t have to be excelled in all fields, it is beneficial to know a bit about everything. Learning architecture in University of Melbourne allows me to involve in all parts of design process, from its beginning to its finishing, from proposal to design to construction.

eing a third-year-student majoring in architecture, my passion toward architecture and built environment might be influenced by what I was constantly seen and heard when I was a little girl. I was born and raised in a small town, witness the changing skyline of the city. Having parents who love travelling, I started my journey when I was two, and continuing to explore different cities, meet their people, learn their culture, try their custom, enjoy their landscape, and always attached to their unique built environment. Apart from travel, my interests don’t stray too far from the design field – I love all sorts of crafting and have a great enthusiasm for photography. I used wanted to be a fashion designer for such a long time, but my passion to architecture suddenly triggered when I first time personally experience the affect that an architecture brings to me. I still can remember the feelings when I step into the magnificent architecture that I thought I could only dream of and experience its interior. Hence, architecture for me is all about the experiences and its relations with the users – either interactive or repulsive.

When I first attended the studio, I realise the importance of the digital design theory and tools, which is exactly what I am lacking off. Hence, I begins with no experience on digital design tool in Earth Studio, which is my first time learning Rhino by myself, and gradually improve my skills on design software like AutoCAD and Rhino through Water Studio. Some basic skills of presentation tools, such as InDesign, are also developing along with the project presentation. Hence, computer programs are used as an assisting tool or a platform to visually show my design idea apart from physical model. Entering Studio Air, a new software plug-in – Grasshopper will be introduced, working along with Rhinoceros, focusing on digital parametric design. This concept is not as new to me as I have encounter this concept of digital architecture during my participation in one of the AA visiting school last year. For me, it seems to be a trend for future architecture, which also boosting the growth on building technology, like 3D printing. I hope I can gain a more comprehensive idea about digital architecture during this studio, and discover my interest in digital design.

A1. DESIGN FUTURING Heydar Aliyev Center Baku, Azerbaijan, 2012 By Zaha Hadid

Before going deeply into the project, I

believe it is critical to know about Zaha Hadid, who uses digital technology in a very innovative way with the design of her buildings. Many of her buildingsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; contribution in the architecture design industry attributed to her interest in interface between architecture, landscape and geology as the practice integrates natural topography and human-made systems that lead to experimentation with cutting edge technologies. Consequently, this process might often result in unexpected and dynamic architectural form, such as this Heydar Aliyev Center which feature Zahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature elaborate curves and undulations.

Heydar Aliyev Center shows us that a

digital designed architecture can firmly attached to cultural, historical and regional notions of the country. Its design is a departure from the rigid and often monumental architecture of the former Soviet Union that is so predominant in Baku, aspiring instead to express the sensibilities and diversity of Azeri culture1. In addition, the continuity and fluidity of the design establish a confluent relationship between its surrounding plaza and the building interior, modifying the surface to create an architectural landscape serving the function of the building1. The undulations, folds and inflection1 blur the conventional differentiation between architecture and landscape, interior and exterior.

Figure 1. Front view

Figure 2. Side View with landscape

Although fluidity in architecture is not a new concept in this field, Heydar Aliyev Center indeed relates the historical understanding of the ground they inhabit to the architecture1. In addition, its contemporary design also express the optimism attitude looking in to the future. It is revolutionary for Zaha to establish these relations, not through the use of mimicry or iconography of the past, but with a firmly contemporary interpretation with digital design.

On the other hand, different to many

others digital design projects, this gets to be built successfully with the advanced technological support as well as the progressing interest on digital fabrication. Additionally, the extended boundaries of the strictly design allows changes, imaginations and inspiration for searching future design methodology.

Heydar Aliyev Center might be cutting edge, but its design form is not as radical nor controversial as some of the parametric design at the time. Its clear and fluid outline and the dominated clean white surface allows imaginations flow freely with given material expression. Zaha’s design is an example which encourages designers opens up all sorts of possibilities in architectural form finding, and allows discussion, debates and collectively definitions to a preferable design future to a given group of people. I believe, one of the many reasons that makes this building so successful is the designers working with the experts2 throughout the whole process of the project. This therefore allows continuous appreciation for the project from the local and continue to use and value this building.

1. Zaha Hadid, “Heyder Aliyev Center”. 2. Archdaily, “Heydar Aliyev Center Zaha Hadid Architects”.

Starbucks Coffee at Dazaifu Tenman-Gu Fukuoka, Japan, 2012 By Kengo Kuma

Before getting to know the design, it is

vital to consider the site itself, its location, its surrounding and its history. I always believe that a good design, no matter bygone or prospective, should response to the surrounding environment, either in a harmonious or contradictive way. Kengo Kuma, an noted Japanese architect, retains and adapt the traditional Japanese concept between nature and built environment to the modern context and design. In this case, the project aimed to make a structure that harmonize with the Dazaifu Tenmangu â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of the moset major shrines in Japan, as it stands on the main path to the shrine with traditional Japanese building surrounded, using a unique system of weaving thin woods diagonally3.

With the assistance of digital design

technology, the diagonal weaving wood sticks arranged in a certain composition with complicated joint to avoid concentration on a single point3, in order to bring in a sense of direction and fluidity.

Wood is a major element in Kengo

Kumaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s design, which reveals a sense of traditional Japanese architecture, however, represented in a modern and contemporary architectural design. His design renovate Japanese architecture, allow tolerance in architectural materials.

Different to some of the digital parametric design which is just some random investment in art with no meanings, this project create an environment that provide a sense of place on this small street that leads to a historical shrine where two million visitors pass each year3. I believe this project will be continuing being appreciated by the publics, users and owners, as Kuma uses materials in a way that honoured the history of Japanese building techniques4 that harmonizes the surrounding environment.

Figu

The marriage of contemporary with tra-

ditional in all aspects of design were appreciated. Interestingly, Kuma still captures a multitude of Japanese tradition while using the latest technological advances in both digital design as well as material exploration. His uses of basic bacterial is intriguing, creating a feeling of motion as well as a

This bold, imaginative design on a street that leads to an ancient structure makes the whole project unique, and expand the future possibility for the field to explore this concept. In addition, Kuma’s techniques on space creation and human experience in built environment inspire many new generation, who might trying to combines culture and history with modern and abstract style, and redefine the relationship between human and built environment.

ure 3 (Top). View from the interior

ure 4 (Right). View form the street / entrance

ure 5 (Bottom). Details on timber sticks arrangement

3. Archdaily, “Starbucks Coffee / Kengo Kuma & Associates”. 4. Carla Aston, “Anakyzed & Admired / Starbuck’s genuine appreciation of great design”.

A2. DESIGN COMPUTATION Guangzhou Opera House Guangzhou, China, 2011 By Zaha Hadid

When we think of digital design,

we always tend to think of all the intricate composition and fancy parametric architectural form, which brings out the question that if digital design can actually solve design problems in architecture. The Guangzhou Opera House, I believe, is a great example of successfully use of computation in the architectural design process. Graduated from Architectural Association School of Architecture, Zaha firstly adopted computation design in her practice and use it widely in all her projects. Guangzhou Opera House is one of the recent work done by Zaha Hadid, and built with the benefit from emerging technologies on production as well as material creativity on fabrication.

The location of the Opera House was

set at the heart of Guangzhouâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture development area, surrounded by the skyscrapers and financial centres, overlooking the Pearl River5. In order to harmonise with its riverside location and unifying the adjacent high-rise contemporary buildings, this complex architectural form illustrate the twin boulder-like configuration in a stream smoothed by erosion5.

Computer programs are being used in the design process, not only assisting designers by taking care of smaller or larger parts of the design process such as drafting and modelling as architects started in decades ago, but also propose design solutions for appraisal and further development by human designers6. The design evolved from the concepts of a natural landscape and the captivating interaction between architecture and nature, considering as an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;organicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; architecture. In addition, it also involves the concept of geology and topography within the architectural form itself influence by the rivers and the original landscape5. Therefore, the continue development on computation design system and media change the original way of architecture design practice, which allows digital media engage from design idea generation to architectural form production, and expanded access to information6, opened up the design process for people in other department working together for a better and practical design solution.

In addition, computation design free

the constrain of walls, columns, windows and others architectural elements, and start to re-discover the spatial relationship between all these elements as well as the connection between architecture itself and the surrounded site. In Guangzhou Opera House, the fold lines in the landscape define its terrains and dramatically cut the interior and exterior valleys for circulation, lobbies and cafes, which allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the building5.

In this case, I believe the form formation has been analysis and calculated by the computer program to form an optimised result or guide the process toward a particular solution for architect to further develop. Hence, conceivable and achievable geometries will be mutated towards an unexpected or unconceivable geometries for designers to explore on that, which changes the means of creativities.

Figure 6. External view

terials all worked together in Guangzhou Opera House to ensure a pleasant journal and acoustic feast for the public. This was achieved with the progressing emerging technologies and material experimentation along the way. For instance, custom moulded glass-fibre reinforced gypsum units have been used for the interior of the auditorium to continue the architectural language of fluidity and seamlessness5. This leads to the changing relationship between design firm and construction industries, as they tend to working as a whole to for optimise solution to the current architectural issues.

Figure 7. Internal View

Furthermore, form, function and ma-

Hence, computation gives unique opportunities for contemporary architects, Zaha in this case, to harmonize contextual urban relationships, fulfil the design goals such as involving cultural traditions in a contemporary functionalised architecture, and given ambition to create a new architectural future.

5. Archdaily, “Guangzhou Opera House / Zaha Hadid Architects”. 6. Kalay, Yehuada E, “Architecture’s New Media”.

ICD-ITKE Research Pavilion 2013 - 2014 By ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart

The continuing development on com-

putation media and emerging technologies have become constant driving force for architects and researchers to explore the application potentials of computational design and fabrication process in architecture8. ICD-ITKE research pavilion was a collaborative project between two institutes in order to develop a winding technique for modular, double layered fibre composite structures, which reduces the required formwork to a minimum while maintaining a large degree of geometric freedom7. Therefore, design and fabrication strategies were used to study biological construction processes for fibre-reinforced structure and achieving material-effective and functionally integrated7.

For this research pavilion, the architec-

tural potential has been expended into the field of nature and using biomimetic investigation to gain inspiration, in this case, the underwater nest constructed by water spider7. Hence, this construction process and pattern has been examined and analysed, abstracted and transferred into a technological fabrication process through the use of robotic method7. The development of the cyber-physical method allows constant feedback between actual production and digital control on robot7, which provides new opportunities for adaptive robotic construction process. Also, this transformation from biological creation sequence into a building construction application through the use of computation totally changed the original way of idea generation, design and construction8. In addition, this form finding process also allows opportunities in architectural innovation to achieve unconceivable geometries presented by computation.

Figure 8. ExternalView

Figure 9. Robotic Fabrication

This application of novel computational

design, simulation and robotic fabrication process is a great testing ground for experimentally prototype projects and innovative technology. It contributes opportunities for design and construction industries, open up possibilities and potential for future architecture design. The fabrication process for this pavilion was custom made robot tool, which also posed challenges for the material system that integrated with the architectural design. However, in reality, this amount of time investment and capital input indicates the problems of inefficiency if apply in commercial architecture, which is the major market and common setting for nowadays practice.

Figure 10. Internal view

Hence, although both this research pavilion done by institutes and the Guangzhou Opera House are designed by computation process, they still various in a way in terms of practicability in real life situation. Since Zaha Hadid is a branded practice in computation architectural design, the construction process will be relatively industrialising without enormous expense as the progressive experimentally project.

7. Archdaily, “ICD-ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart”. 8. Oxman, “Theories of the Digital in Architecture”.

A3. COMPOSITION/GENERATION La Sagrada Familia Bacelona, Spain, 1882-on going By Antoni Gaudi

Stepping into the digital era, architec-

tural industries completely changed its design process by the mean of computerisation and more recently, the arising of computation practice. Yet, back to the 19th century, computer design program has not been innovated yet. The architect at the time could only use the method of composition to finding architectural form and investigating geometric configuration. La Sagrada Familia is one of the catholic churches that was designed in that period. However, different to the others churches, La Sagrada Familia is still during construction, which allows involvement of the latest techniques participated for continuing design and production along several centuries.

The Sagrada Familia was designed by

Antoni Gaudi, who worked on the project for 43 years and passed away before the building finished9. Gaudi dedicated himself to this project and developed a unique language for the form and composition of the building9.

Plaster models and methodologies are left for future generation to carry on his work and continuing on the construction work. For instance, the developed strategic methodologies of columns generation and rectangular knots are significant in terms of making complex form by manipulation in simple geometrical rules10. The result of his method and forms analogous to the models produced by parametric and digital scripting that we used in recent computation design, which can be used as a tool to continuing work on the Sagrada Familia. For example, the resulting shape of two superimposed twisted columns performed with Boolean intersection is the actual column as developed by Gaudi9, as shown in Figure 12. Without advanced computation technologies, it is impossible for Gaudi to use Boolean intersection9. However, Gaudi managed to use his novel form-finding composition to design all the columns in the church, varying in sizes and shape for different performance.

Gaudiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s modelling techniques effective-

ly invent a â&#x20AC;&#x153;parametricâ&#x20AC;? design process before the launching of modern computer, with exploring geometric composition.

Figure 11. ExternalView

Along with the computation media development and its assistance, computer programmes are introduced into the construction and design to allow current generation to modify and test the model with different variables to ensure the workable structure and precise geometry generation suggested by Gaudi’s model for the Sagrada Familia.

Consequently, La Sagrada Familia is a

Figure 12. Internal columns

unique project which integrate traditional form generation techniques with modern computation generation as a synthesis. In this case, parametric modelling and scripting are efficient for reiterative experimentation and problem solving.

On the other hand, it is interesting to know that, Gaudi gained his design idea primary from nature, which is similar to contemporary architects who uses computation for idea generation inspired from nature, such as the biomimicry introduced in previous chapter.

9. Carlos, “Thinking parametric design: introducing parametric Gaudi” 10. Burry, “Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia”.

Dragon Skin Pavilion Hong Kong, 2012 by Emmi Keskisarja + Pekka Tynkkynen + Kristof Crolla (LEAD) and Sebastien Delagrange (LEAD)

The dragon skin pavilion is an archi-

tectural installation designed in order to experiment the possibilities use of the post-formable plywood11. With the revolutions in computation design, digital fabrication and manufacturing technologies, they allow opportunities for architects to explore the spatial, tactile and material possibilities with structure challenges12.

Regular, repetitive framework of the

rectangular plywood panel was used to explore emerging patterns and rhythms with structural challenges12. Balance was trying to be achieved between the original material and its gradually irregular interconnection as they constructed the overall form12. In order to incorporate performance analysis and knowledge about material, tectonics and parameters of production machineries in the design, computation was used to simulate building performance13. New custom digital tools and fabrication techniques were used, allowing architects or researchers to execute an accurate construction process without the need of conventional on-site communication method using drawings or plans12. Hence, performance feedback can be received at various stages, allowing alteration or new opportunities for design.

In this pavilion, the materials, tools and

structural performance become the fundamental parameters that can be analysis and calculated by computation for architectural form generation and creation13. Post-formable Grada Plywood was used as the sole material, which is a bendable new material, possible to revolutionise the industry12. CNC routers was used for heating and bending, while the cutting files will be generated by a computer programme, indicated by Figure 14. This process is called file-to-factory, where â&#x20AC;&#x153;algorithmic procedures were scripted to give every component their precisely calculated slots for the sliding joints, all in gradually shifting positions and angles to give the final assembled pavilion its curved fromâ&#x20AC;?12. Therefore, the tight connection between algorithm and computation given a new interpretation of design and construction process14.

Similar to the Research Pavilion by

ICD-ITKE, the time and capital investment are huge and the long experimentation process causes inefficiency if in commercial settings. However, these computational tools and techniques will become more significant, affecting the process of design, fabrication, construction, and also altering the traditional definition of architecture, moving toward a more digitalised future.

Figure 13 (Top). Overall view Figure 14 (Middle). Fabrication process diagram Figure 15 (Right). Internal connection details

11. LEAD, “Dragon Skin Project”. 12. Archdaily, “Dragon Skin Pavilion / Emmi Keskisarja + Pekka Tynkkynen + Kristof Crolla (LEAD) and Sebastien Delagrange (LEAD)”. 13. Brady, “Computation Works”. 14. Wilson, “Definition of Algorithm”.

A4. CONCLUSION The concept of architecture is kept

changing along with the emerging technologies. The launching of computer cause the architectural industry changed from traditional hand-drawing to computerisation, in regards to assisting design process, allowing alteration on drawings, and speed up the whole industry process from design to construction. Yet, this is just simply digitising existing procedures or process that are preconceived in our mind. Moving toward 21st century, digital tools was developed by architects to create opportunities in design process, fabrications and construction, which starting to redefine the practice of architecture. This is what we called computation, which extend designerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to solve complex problems and process information to be expressed as an algorithm.

Computation allows the parametric

design to bring efficiency into practices, and allowing generation of complex form that used to be unconceivable. It opens up all sorts of opportunities for architectures to use it for idea generation, building performance analysis, digital fabrication process, as well as collaboration between architects and engineers.

However, according to the case studies, the concept of computation is controversial, regards to its appropriateness and rationality in terms of responding to the site.

In my cases, computation free the

limitation on spaces and geometries, not restricted by the topographic and formality, and allowing exploration in innovative fabrication. Having the site in Meri Creek, aiming to restore the fauna living condition and provide habitation for animals from the water to the sky, allows the use of parametric modelling and scripting to generate complex order, form and structure to deal with this complex design situation. It has the potential to, in turn, provide inspiration for designers through the generation of unexpected result.

A5. LEARNING OUTCOME In the past few weeks, we have been

introduced to the basic theories of computation design in related to architecture idea generation. Before getting in touch with those emerging digital technologies and computation programmes, I mainly use computer as an assisting tool for drafting and idea presentation, which is already conceived in my mind. This conventional method of using computers is called computerisation, such as the use of AutoCad. Entering this studio, it pushed us to understanding another concept called computation, which reflected in software such as grasshopper. Unlike computerisation with rational abilities, computation allows creativities for idea generation based on the data imputed and design generated through algorithm. There is an interesting debate during the tutorial, focusing on computerisation and computation. After I follow the online tutorial on grasshopper and get to play around it, I realise the convenience and efficiency in form generation compare to only using rhino. Computationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s form generation always expand the limit on spaces and geometries, giving unconceivable results for architects to further explore on it. However, I believe the use of computation should be rational in terms of appropriate site responding as well as the importance of concept behind the form.

It seems to me that some of the current practice using computation is simply trying to achieve intricate fancy form, without any strong concept and reasons behind their generated form.

Nevertheless, I believe computation is

a trend for future architectural design, especially in terms of form generation, digital fabrication and construction process. For instance, in tradition architectural industries, architectural drawing was provided for construction companies to generate another set of structural drawing, then communicate on site with builders. However, in Zaha Hadid Architect, construction team working simultaneously with the design team on the same 3D model in software. Hence, computation technologies enable builders to build off 3D model instead of 2D drawing for Zaha, which allows efficient production for her complex geometries.

No matter how, it is a great and ex-

citing experience for me to learn about grasshopper and attempt to do some parametric design. It would totally change my idea generation if grasshopper would be used for my Earth studioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; pavilion, which would provide enormous possibilities and access to whole range of geometries for me to explore

A6. APPENDIX Algorithmic sketches Studio Air Week 1 - Week 3

In this exercise, five different techniques have been used to construct a vase. The simple lofting and extrution are similar to the rhino process, however, revolving techniqes and the 3D voronoi are quite interesting for exploration. Revolved curve is just an simple command, which makes the process simplier compare to the rhino process. On the other hand, the Voronoi vase in this case is much complicated, but it allows complex geometries to be achieved by using simple rules.

The using of grasshopper makes it much easier for geometric generation as well as creating pattern on surface. It broaden the opportunities on unconveivable geometries and design outcomes. In addition, it also enable creativities with alogrithem scripting by giving imput and generate design outcomes for you.

A7. REFERENCE 1.

Zaha Hadid, “Heydar Aliyev Center, Baku, Azerbaijan”, (November, 2013),

Http://www.zaha-hadid.com/2013/11/14/heydar-aliyev-center-baku-azerbaijan/ 2.

Archdaily, “Heydar Aliyev Center / Zaha Hadid Architects”, (November, 2013),

http://www.archdaily.com/448774/heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-architects 3.

Archdaily, “Starbucks Coffee / Kengo Kuma & Associates”, (February, 2012),

http://www.archdaily.com/211943/starbucks-coffee-kengo-kuma-associates 4.

Carla Aston, “Analyzed & admired / Starbuck’s Genuine Appreciation of Great Design”,

http://carlaaston.com/designed/proof-starbucks-honors-values-great-design-architecture 5.

Archdaily, “Guangzhou Opera House / Zaha Hadid Architects”, (March, 2011),

http://www.archdaily.com/115949/guangzhou-opera-house-zaha-hadid-architects 6.

Kalay, Yehuda E., (2004), Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories and Methods of

Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 5-25. 7.

Archdaily, “ICD-ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart”, (July,

2014), http://www.archdaily.com/522408/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2015-icd-itke-university-of-stuttgart 8.

Oxman, Rivka and Robert Oxman, eds (2014), Theories of the Digital in Architecture (Lon-

don; New York: Routledge), pp. 1-10. 9.

Carlos Roberto Barrios Hernandez, “Thinking parametric design: introducing parametric

Gaudi”, Design Studies Vol 27 No. 3 (May, 2006), http://sophclinic.pbworks.com/f/Hernandez2006.pdf 10.

Burry, M (1993), Expiatory Church of the Sagrada Familia Phaidon Press Limited, London

98p 11.

LEAD, “Dragon Skin Project”, (2012),

http://dragonskinproject.com/ 12.

Archdaily, “Dragon Skin Pavilion / Emmi Keskisarja + Pekka Tynkkynen + Kristof Crolla

(LEAD) and Sebastien Delagrange (LEAD)”, (March, 2012), http://www.archdaily.com/215249/dragon-skin-pavilion-emmi-keskisarja-pekka-tynkkynen-lead 13.

Peters, Brady. (2013) ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, Architec-

tural Design, 82, 2, pp.08-15. 14.

Wilson, Robert A. and Frank C. Keil, eds (1999). Definition of ‘Algorithm’, The MIT encyclo-

paedia of the Cognitive Science (London: MIT Press), pp. 11,12.

Figure 1 Hufton+Crow, 2012, “Heydar Aliyev Center / Zaha Hadid Architects” in Archdaily, <http://www. archdaily.com/448774/heydar-aliyev-center-zaha-hadid-architects>, [accessed 6 March 2016] Figure 2 Zaha Hadid, 2014, “Zaha Hadid’s Heydar Aliyev Centre is best architectural design of 2014”, http://www.bdonline.co.uk/zaha-hadids-heydar-aliyev-centre-is-best-architectural-design-of-2014/5068075.article, [accessed 6 March 2016] Figure 3 & 4 Masao Nishikawa, 2012, “Starbucks Coffee / Kengo Kuma & Associates” in Archdaily, <http://www. archdaily.com/211943/starbucks-coffee-kengo-kuma-associates> , [accessed 7 March 2016] Figure 5 Earthwalker, 2015, “【福岡】あれっ、これは参拝後にマストで寄るっきゃないっしょ、太宰府天満宮の参道途中にあるオサレなスターバックス”, <http:// www.earthwalkers.info/?p=3186>, [accessed 8 March 2016] Figure 6 & 7 Iwan Baan, 2011, “Guangzhou Opera House / Zaha Hadid Architects” in Archdaily, <http://www. archdaily.com/115949/guangzhou-opera-house-zaha-hadid-architects>, [accessed 13 March 2016] Figure 8, 9 & 10 Courtesy of ICD-ITKE, 2014, “ICD-ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 / ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart” in Archdaily, <http://www.archdaily.com/522408/icd-itke-research-pavilion-2015-icd-itke-university-of-stuttgart>, [accessed 14 March 2016] Figure 11 PhyreWorX, “La Sagrada Familia” in Historvius, <http://www.historvius.com/la-sagrada-familia-431/pictures/2179/>, [accessed 16 March 2016] Figure 12 Basilica de la Ssgrada Familia, “Geometry”, <http://www.sagradafamilia.org/en/geometry/>, [accessed 16 March 2016] Figure 13, 14 & 15 LEAD, 2014 “Dragon Skin Project”, <http://dragonskinproject.com/>, [accessed 17 March 2016]

STUDIO AIR PART B

ABPL30048, STUDIO AIR, 2016 SEMESTER 1 WEIRAN WU,

B1. RESEARCH FIELD GEOMETRY

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.

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

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 Gehryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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 Zahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

Adding Variable Pipe

Change in Parameters

Adding Weaverbird Frame

Change in Parameters

Adding Weaverbird Stellate

Change in Parameters

Change Input Curve

Change Input Geometry / Curve

Change in Parameters

Adding Series Jitter Pipe

Change in Parameters

Adding Extend Curve

Adding Delaunay Edge

Change in Parameters

Adding Triangle Subdivision

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 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stadiumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 Groundâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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 ballerinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

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 Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Change Structural Connection

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Change Input Surface

Change in Parameters

Adding Surface

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 Insert type

Adding Triangles Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Adding Quads Split Subdivision

Change in Parameters

Change in Insert type

Change in Parameters

Adding Polygon Subdivision

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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Verhicular Circulation

Infrastructure

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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 birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;frame and infillâ&#x20AC;? 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

PART C DETAILED DESIGN

ROTUNDA WETLANDS

C.1 SITE ANALYSIS 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:

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Verhicular Circulation

Infrastructure

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Pedestrain Hierarchy

Pedestrain Circulation

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Fauna Distribution

Water Element

Substructure

Rise Point Low Point

C.2 OBSERVATION Rotunda Wetlands: Location: South of Westfield Reserve, cleared vegetation on both sides of the creek Coordinate: 37 South, 145 East Path Slop: 3 Degree

C.3 DESIGN CONCEPT To create a structure that can optimized the exsisting wetlands which can let human get involves and share the space with animals.

The project is located at Rotunda Wetlands, in order to create a walkable surface allowing human get involved into this manmade wetland for closer but undisturbed observation on the wildlife, while the substructure creates voids for animal habitation. Hence, the substructure will interact with some of the active animal traces, both within the wetland and the creek, as indicated in the substructure diagram. In addition, it also act as the support for the upper surface, which requires strong structural ability and evenly distributed.

The surface was integrated as a whole with the substructure system, which makes the surface to flow fluently. Panels will be attached to the lattice structure, indicating the path for pedestrian to explore around. Therefore, the rising and descending point shown in the diagram acts as a guide for human to discovering around the area and sightseeing the specific view. For instance, the lowering point located around the creek and the major animal traces allow people to getting closer view to the wildlife, gaining a better understanding, contributed to wildlife preservation. On the other hand, the rising point allows people to reaching the tree top to observe the birdsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; habitation with similar purpose.

C.4 STRUCTURAL EXPLORATION

To minimise the disturbance of our structure to the site. We trying to build a self-supporting weaving structure. Compare to gridshell structure. A gridshell is a structure which derives its strength from its double curvature (in the same way that a fabric structure derives strength from double curvature), but is constructed of a grid or lattice. Bonding to the ground in order to maintain its shape. The self-supporting structure do not need the tensile force on the bottom of the structure. Thus, no need digging holes to bond the structure with frame. Digging holes will destroy the wetland obviously.

Image source:

http://www.biad-ufo.cn/cn/projectsshow.aspx?f_id=2063&type=4&years=&workfield=

Image source:

http://www.designboom.com/architecture/toyo-ito-taichung-metropolitan-opera/

C.5 STRUCTURAL OPTIMIZATION

We trying to create a weaving structure that can weave arbitrary shape. We can use this structure system to gain the weaving curves of our later optimised form. We use the kangaroo to gain the basic form in order to meet the basic physical principles. The weaverbird and Lunch box helps us to extract and adjust the curve from the shapes created by kangaroo. Karamba is a powerful tools for us to further optimised the curve. The curves were loosen according to the selected material.

C.6 PROTOTYPE A prototype was made to test our arbitrary shape weaving structure. Some weak points are discovered by us. Especially the star points. The star points are the points that connect four or more curves together. The principle stresses are relatively larger than other points and likely to occur connection failure. Some pipes also collapse due to the huge bending stresses, which mainly caused by the sharp changing shape. We trying to analysis the principle stress, bending moment, tension force and yield force by the millipede. And optimised our form according to these datas.

C.7 MASTER PLAN

OBSERVATION

BRIEF

STRATEGY

Isolated

Optimisation

Self-supporting Structure

Disconnected

Habitation

Inconspicuous

Recreation

Seeming Inanimate

Preservation

Manmade Wetland

- Kangaroo - Weaverbird - Millipede - Karamba Genetic Algorithm: Octopus - Smart Space Analysis - Geco - CFD

ucture

Octopus us ysis

VISIBILITY VISIBILITY ACCESSIBILITY ACCESSIBILITY

STRUCTURE STRUCTURE

MATERIALITY MATERIALITY

SUNLIGHT

PRESERVATION PRESERVATION

SUNLIGHT

HABITATION HABITATION RECREATION RECREATION

C.8.1 FORM FINDING PANEL ITERATIONS

C.8.2 FORM FINDING OUTLINE ITERATIONS

C.8.3 FORM FINDING FORM ITERATIONS

C.8.4 FORM FINDING GENETIC ALGORITHM (GA)

Octopus is a plug-in for applying evolutionary principles to parametric design and problem solving. It allows the search for many goals at once, producing a range of optimized trade-off solutions between the extremes of each goal. In our case, we use genetics algorithm to optimise structure,

shade and height for our design proposal. We trying to minimise the shading area to provide maximum sunshine for the vegetation underneath, create variable height that allows pedestrians observation from creek to treetop, and reduce week point in the structure.

C.8.5 FORM FINDING SMART SPACE ANALYSIS (SSA)

Iteration 1

Iteration 2

Iteration 3

Iteration 4

VISIBILITY

FIELD OF VIEW

DISTANCE TO

AVERAGE DISTANCE

PROPERTY ROADS VEGETATION WATERCOURSES VIEWPOINT DESIGN PROPOSAL

What can I see from my current location

What is directly visible from my current location. What is in my peripheral vision

How far away is everything from one or more locations

What is the average distance to all locations from all locations

C.8.6 FORM FINDING GECO:

A grasshopper plugin for evaluate design in Ecotect for sunlight performance improvement in specific environment context

C.8.7 FORM FINDING CFD: Simulate wind tunnel for visualizing airflow, able to identify complex flow behaviour including circulation regions and wakes. Allow design for safety and comfort for pedestrians by analyses the air flows between structure.

CFD FOR FINAL FORM

C.8.8 FORM FINDING MILLIPEDE: Millipede is a Grasshopper plug-in focusing on the analysis and optimization of structure. Shell Elements Visualization was mainly used which allows visualize the deformations in our system and generate meshes that visualize the distribution of forces and stresses over our shell element.

BENDING MOMENT

DEFLECTION

PRINCIPLE STRESS

YIELD

BENDING MOMENT:

DEFLECTION:

YIELD:

PRINCIPLE STRESS:

A bending moment is the reaction induced in a structural element when an external force or moment is applied to the element causing the element to bend. Millipede indicates through rainbow visualization of the maximum bending moment at the centre of each quad.

Deflection is the degree to which a structural element is displaced under a load, which is directly related to the slope of the deflected shape of the member under that load. Rainbow visualization of the distribution of deflections.

A yield strength or yield point is the material property defined as the stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. Ratio of stress to yield stress for specified material. Red means that the stress is over the yield stress threshold.

The maximum normal stress that the structure can have at its some points. In Millipede, Red/Cyan visualization depending on whether the dominant effect locally and at the specified layer is tension or compression.

C.9 SITE RESPOND

CANTILEVER OVER LAKE ENCOURAGE OBSERVATION CONCAVE TO REDUCE DISRUPTION TO EXISTING INFRASSTRUCTURE PROTRUDE REACHING TREETOP TO INCREASE ENGAGEMENT TO VEGETATION AS WELL AS OBERVATION ENRICH CIRCULATION WITH OBSERVATION TO CREEK CONCAVE TO INCREASE ENGAGE WITH HABITATION CONCAVE TO REDUCE INTERRUPTION TO EXISTING ROADS

CANTILEVER PLATFORM FOR LAKE OBSERVATION ZONE QUICK PASSAGE TREETOP OBSERVATION ZONE NATIVE FAUNA HABITANT OBSERVATION AND RELAXATION ZONE MERRI CREEK OBSERVATION ZONE DESIGN PROPOSAL [OUTLINE + STRUCTURE + MAIN PATHWAY]

C.10 SECTION

C.10 PLAN

C.11.1 FABRICATION ALLOCATION

C.11.2 FABRICATION MATERIAL

HIGH STRENGTH BREATHABLE UV PROTECTED GARDEN NON-WOVEN FABRIC

HIGH STRENGTH NETTED BURLAP

Able to support weight while its translucent properties allows sunlight to penetrate through, which will not damage the native vegetation in the wetlands.

Proposed for our prototype, high strength but requires larger connection to hold the fabric tight.

STRETCHABLE FABRIC

FIBERGLASS

Provide tensile shapes to construct the main pathway, create playful experience for pedestrians while reminds human to be aware of the vegetation underneath.

Strong lightweight and self-supporting material that always been used as a framing for a variety of structures. Solid fiberglass rods are used as it is non-conductive and extremely durable, less likely to brittle.

C.11.3 FABRICATION STRUCTURE

LOCATING

PRINTING

MARKING

INTERWEAVING

C.11.4 FABRICATION PANEL

C.11.5 FABRICATION CONNECTION IN DETAIL

C.11.6 FABRICATION PROCESS

C.12 FINAL MODELS IMAGES

C.13 RENDERED IMAGES

C.14 LEARNING OUTCOMES After final presentation, feedbacks are given specifically to our lack of explanatory diagrams. Therefore, in Part C, we use a lots of diagrams and matrix to show our design process, optimization methods and fabrication process. My learning outcomes are driven by the Learning objectives, which also act as a guidance tool for me when I lost my direction in computation design. Different to my first impression on parametric design, Studio Air provides a strong design based concept, which ensures the design remains logical and reasonable combining with algorithmic computation design. With computational explorations on design possibilities on Merri Creek, new ideas constantly come up based on the site analysis. Computation techniques and design process therefore did change the way of thinking. As Optimization is the most important features in our design, we get the experiences to explore a variety of plug-in for rhino and particularly grasshopper. The final outcome of our project are mixed.

The concepts are relatively complicated, features in both animal habitations as well as human beings. In this case, the benefits of computation design were shown, which enable designers to deal with complicated situation by manipulating computational geometry, data structure and programming with an optimized result. For instance, several plug-ins for grasshopper are able to calculate results to fulfil and balance varieties of criteria, such as Octopus. This really changes the tradition way of architectural design and practice, where the tradition way of optimizations requires various expertizes in different field. However, I believe certain amount of human controllability must require to ensure the design is logical, follow brief and reasonable, instead of a simple â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;crazyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; complicated form without a strong concept behind it. Computation design therefore speed up the design process and provide genetic algorithmic logic behind the collective resolution to the overall problems.

C.15 REFERENCE

Image source: http://www.biad-ufo.cn/cn/projectsshow.aspx?f_id=2063&type =4&years=&workfield= toyo ito: taichung metropolitan opera Image source: http://www.designboom.com/architecture/toyo-ito-taichungmetropolitan-opera/ biad ufo: Phoenix International Media Center