ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: AIR
William Zeng 363773
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Contents
CONTENTS PART A: EOI I: CASE FOR INNOVATION XX. INTRODUCTION A1. ARCHITECTURE AS DISCOUSE A2. COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE A3. PARAMETRIC MODELING A4. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS A5. CONCLUSION A6. LEARNING OUTCOME
PART B: EOI II: DESIGN APPROACH
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Introduction to Myself
About myself Hello everyone, my name is Bixiang Zeng, William is the prefer name I used. I’m from China and this is my third year of Architecture in Melbourne University. I have just finished a two months intership with MarchesePartners back in Guangzhou. I’ve done some of the CAD drawings and sketchup models for some projects in Sydney. One of the most interesting subjects about digital design was Virtual Environment as I’ve learnt a bit of digital design during the course.
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Virtual Environment
Project in Virtual Environment These were some of the photos of my project in Virtual Environment. These works has engaged to digital design to some degree and obviously, digital design now is the indispensable way to architecture design. Digital tools always give people a bigger range to create as it could model thing much quicker and precise. People could create some very interesting surface on the building such as the commerce building for RMIT. A new approach can be found in digital modeling.
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A.1 Architecture As Discourese
ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE Through enormous period of time, people have shifted
social or political impact on this building as Schumacher has
their views about architecture from a shelter to a piece of
said that:
art, then from a simple art to an art that could effects the surrounding atmosphere. According to Richard Williams, architecture is the most public of the arts. In his words, architecture communi-
“Architecture discourse is reflected architecture’s social and political impact and responsibility.” -----Schumacher, Patrik3
cates with people and the surrounding area all the time as
In this course, during the gateway project, how to engage the
“...architecutre is as much a philosophical, social or professional realm as it is a material one, and it is through the consideration of architecture as discourse that one can engage with it as visual culture.”1
project with the brief that can express the attitude towards the
The difinition of the term discourse from dictionary
and representation.
social and political reponse without harming the shape of art has become one of the most important things. In this part, two public buildings will be used to demonstrate how architecture reflects its social or political impacts through several aspects, namely framing views, engagement with public
is: ‘To discribes, a formal way to thinking that can be expressed through talks and words’.2 However, in this case, architecture has become a language that telling the interaction between the shape of the builidng and the
1.Cited from: Architecture and Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts. (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005), P.103 2. Dictionary.com 3. Cited from: The Autopoiesis of Architecture: A New Framework for Architecture (Chichester: Wiley),P. 18 5
A.1 Architecture As Discourese
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A.1 Architecture As Discourese
PRECEDENTS DUTCH EMBASSY REM KOOLHAAS
The first public building that would illustrate the argument would be the Netherlands Embassy in Berlin. It is designed by Rem Koolhaas and the building was opened in 2004. Some people may argue that the embassy should be a political building rather than a public building. However, it is considered as a semi-public political building. First of all, the reason why this embassy stands out from other embassy building is it frames views. Unlike the other embassy, which the view would be the building itself, the Dutch Embassy in Berlin frames views for people to view at. By having views for people, people would accept the building as it is part of the surrounding environment easily. This would illustrate how well the building is communicating with the surrounding environment through the views that it frames. Moreover, similar with some Rem’s works later in his career, engaging with the public is one of his main themes. Surprisingly, a public space for people to rest is located on the ground floor of this embassy. This act changes surrounding atmosphere. An embassy should be solemn and strictly controlled. However, its engagement with people around makes the embassy integrated into the surrounding office
1. commons.wikimedia.org
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A.1 Architecture As Discourese
environment. This building does not engage with public by only having the ground floor as a public space, it also allow people to explore the inside as well. People can view things happening inside the building as glass is widely used in this building. Some have said that the most important thing that this building engaged with people is the Ambassador’s office as
“… has a cantilevered black box that serves as a meeting room …… at the eight level above the void” ----OZAN AVCI1 from this quote, the location of the main office has again, integrated with surrounding environment and less solemn atmosphere. Furthermore, this building has represented the nation of Netherlands and Germany by the composition of the building. The embassy consists of an L-shaped and a cube building. These two buildings are connected with each other, which representing these two nations are deeply cooperating regardless of the past.2 Besides, the building also representing Rem himself as the way the building is designed is full of his own style, such as ramp, disruption of orders.
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1. OZAN AVCI, 15th International Planning History Society Conference, P. 07. 2. CHASLIN, FRANCOIS (2004): The Dutch Embassy in Berlin by OMA / Rem Koolhaas, NAi Publishers, Rotterdam. P. 90. http://www.oma.com/projects/2003/netherlands-embassy
A.1 Architecture As Discourese
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A.1 Architecture As Discourese
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A.1 Architecture As Discourese
PRECEDENTS Guangzhou Opera House Zaha Hadid
The Opera House in Guangzhou, China is designed by Zaha Hadid and the building was opened on May, 2010. This building sits with the riverside location and it is at the heart of Guangzhou’s cultural development. There are some reasons why this building would identified as one of the buildings that shows strong sence of discourse. First of all, the building itself did not frame views, however, the allocation of these two parts of the building frames a view for people. Different from the Dutch Embassy designed by Rem Koolhaas, the view of this building is more natural. The Pearl River, which crosses the city of Guangzhou, can be viewed through the pathway between these two parts. People could experience the discovery of Pearl River through this pathway. Secondly, this engagement with public is also very important while talking about discourse. It is said that this Opera House was influenced by river valleys – and they way which the exterior are transformed.1 By doing so, it provides a approach that could merge this building into the harmony environment. Moreover, engaging with
By Iwan Baan
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A.1 Architecture As Discourese
public also means how or who would more likely to use it. Unlike the other public building, where only one type of user could more likely to use, wide range of users can use this building. Furthermore, as the opera house is surrounded by office buildings, it has become one of recreational place for the workers. People can relax on the bench outside the building or go into the building and have a walk. It has perfectly engaged with people and enrich the activities for those who work nearby. Lastly, for this building, it is not only a representation of Zaha herself, but also a representation of the city. The building itself has illustrated how different cultures can come together and merge as one. Two separate parts but functioning as one. As one has said that:
“The Opera House design is ... exploration of contextual urban relationships, combining the cultural traditions that have shaped Guangzhou’s history, with the ambition and optimism that will create its future.” ---- ArchiDaily
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1. http://www.archdaily.com/115949/guangzhou-opera-housezaha-hadid-architects/ 2. http://www.archdaily.com/115949/guangzhou-opera-housezaha-hadid-architects/ By Iwan Baan
A.1 Architecture As Discourese
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A.2 Computational Architecture
COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
icd.uni-stuttgart.de
“Ability to frame the problem in a manner that will make it amenable to solution” ----Yehuda E. Kalay1
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A.2 Computational Architecture
Throughout enormous period of time, the way of designing has changed from using hand drawing with pencil and easier to use computer to conduct digital experience. Some people believe that
“design computation is still only seen by many as ‘just a tool’ abd renite frin tge reak vysubess if creatuve desugb […]” ---Frazer, John H.2 However, using computation as a tool is not computational architecture, it is just computerization. Computational Architecture is that computation or computing as a computer-based design tool. It would be a new way to approach building design and it also becomes one of the most important parts of digital design.
etries has increased as well. However, as the technology level of reality world is limited by the development of the industry, the increase in achievable range is slower than the increase in conceivable. Nevertheless, computation brings a brighter future of the shape of the building. Façade is no longer a flat wall that distinguish the exterior and interior, it has another function that is to decorate the building as well. In the past, decoration is installed separately on the façade. However, computation allows people to pre-fabricate the façade through modeling on it. This has save not only the budget, but also the time commitment on the building during the construction.
By having computation, design process has been reshaped; the order of the process is no longer linear. The order may be disorder. Two photos were shown on the lecture slides that the order of project phases could be varies.3 By having changes on the order of project phases, more critical aspect could be covered during the design or construction period. Computation can also brings more dynamic shapes for designer to choose. No doubt that it has increases the range of conceivable geometries and enhance designer’s creativity. By doing so, the range of achievable geom
1.Cited from: Frazer, John H. (2006). ‘The Generation of Virtual Prototypes for Performance Optimization’ 2. Cited from Terzidis, Kostas (2006). Algorithmic Architecture (Boston, MA: Elsevier), p. xi 3. Week Two Lecture Slides, Introduction to Computation, p. 42 15
A.2 Computational Architecture
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A.2 Computational Architecture
PRECEDENTS RMIT NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING LYONS ARCHITECTS
The RMIT new Academic Building was designed by LYON ARCHITECTS at March 2009 on Swanston Street. One of the reasons why this RMIT new Academic Building would become my precedent is because the construction period is very short. 10 stories multifunctional teaching space had been built within two years. The reason why construction could be finished in such a short time is due to the use of pre-fabricate material. Computation allows the designer to estimate the Secondly, colorful surface is one of its symbols that differ from other buildings. The striking multi-coloured geometric facade which features on all sides of the building. By using computation, it allows people to give functional activities for these geometric faรงade. These triangular windows and sun shades provide the bold and colourful identity which connects with the RMIT architectural branding.1
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http://www.lyonsarch.com.au/rmit-university-swanston-academicbuilding/?b=1
A.2 Computational Architecture
Furthermore, irregular shapes of windows are located on every faรงade. Computation gives architect a way to calculate the area of the window and send these figures to the manufacture. In this way, windows can be installed to the building as soon as it arrived the site. If people are not using computation, windows need to be cut on site and it would waste not only the money, but also increase the workload.
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1. http://theredandblackarchitect.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/ the-red-black-review-swanston-academic-building-building80-rmit/ www.designcityliving.com
A.2 Computational Architecture
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A.2 Computational Architecture
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A.2 Computational Architecture
PRECEDENTS HARPA CONCERT HALL AND CONFERENCE CENTER Olafur Eliasson This Harpa concert hall and conference center was designed by Henning Larsen Architects in co-operation with Olafur Eliasson. It opened on May 4th, 2011. The location of the building gives the building a sense of changing, as the building is isolated. The building itself stands between the sea and the land. How to get into the environment harmony become one of the biggest things for the architects.1 Changing the natural lighting level is one of the way that would help this building to merge into this atmosphere easily. Glass façade is a good way to start. The whole building was designed within a steel frames. However, the panels around are irrgular. Only one way to create this is to use computation. Like the rest of the building its design draws on nature, particularly that of crystalized basalt which is evident in the geometrical pattern of the structure’s skin.2
www.architecture-view.com
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A.2 Computational Architecture
By using computationing, the shapes of the glasses could be set easily compared to those methods used in the old days. Glasses panels in different colours in different shapes are hard to controlled as each single glass panel has its unique shapes.
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1. http://www.archdaily.com/153520/harpa-concert-hall-andconference-centre-henning-larsen-architects/ 2. http://www.designboom.com/architecture/henning-larsenarchitects-harpa-concert-hall-and-conference-centre-nearscompletion/ toptravellists.net
A.2 Computational Architecture
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A.3 Parametric Modelling
PARAMETRIC MODELLING
www.patrikschumacher.com
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A.3 Parametric Modelling
“Parametric Modelling is to marks parts of a design, relate and change together in a coordinated way.� ---Woodbury, Robert1 Parametric modeling is underlying the principle of con-
By having parametric modeling, mathematical thinking needs
nectivity of elements. By using the parametric modeling,
to be used. Architects or designers need to know the relation-
architects need to identify all the relationship between
ship between two elements.
different elements, different groups. The reason why parametric modelling is unique is because of the idea of
It is always important to think the impact of having the para-
explicit relationship between parameters and a geometry.
metric modeling. Parametric modeling can be learnt by any
Designer can control the value of each groups or even
one, as long as they know the relationship between the elements
elements to create complex surfaces and curve. There are
that are going to be used. More and more architects will use
three main approaches to parametric modelling, Graph-
parametric modeling as their design method. In such a digital
based, Logic-based and Algebraic approach.
age, the crucial things for a good architecture should be context. The building should be able to express the architect’s idea
Each of these three approaches have its own advantages.
through the building itself.
For example, Graph-based is more reliable, the speed and the clarity of the solution. The sequence of this approach is directed by the arrows to nodes.2 However, once the direction was wrong, the outcome will become disaster.
1. Woodbury, Robert (2010), Elements of Parametric design (London: Routledge) pp.5 2. Woodbury, Robert (2010), Elements of Parametric design (London: Routledge) pp.7 25
A.3 Parametric Modelling
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A.3 Parametric Modelling
PRECEDENTS THE WATERCUBE PTW ARCHITECTS
Aviva Stadium in Dublin is designed by Populous and engineered by Buro Happold in 1878.1 In this project, it illustrate that parametric modeling can engage in multi-disciplinary approach in entire design process and construction phase. The digital model of this building has been shared with different parties and refinements were made. In this case, parametric modeling acts as a bridge that connects those suggestions. During the lecture, it is said that parametric modeling provides control to establish a rational and stable structure. It has enabled the control of geometries form in this stadium. For example, the cladding system on the rooftop, which is slopped with angle and changes in dimensions as well, is controlled by the parametric modeling.
1. http://www.archdaily.com/60213/aviva-stadiumopens-today-in-dublin/ www.myarchn.com
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A.3 Parametric Modelling
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A.3 Parametric Modelling
PRECEDENTS MICHAEL SCHUMACHER WORLD CHAMPION TOWER L-A-V-A MICHAEL SCHUMACHER TOWER is designed by L-A-V-A, (Laboratory for Visionary Architecture). It is the first building that branded after a formula 1 champion.1 The tower is designed as 250 meters structural high. However, if buildings have excess a certain height, wind loads become a critical problem to the building. The designers have used parametric software to create the shape of the tower so that the geometric forms can obtain an efficient structure.2 Prefect shape of the tower could be easily determined compared to the traditional way of design, as equations were used to define all the possibility outcomes. These parameters would calculated through all sets of functions to create the most rational curve or shape of the tower.
1. http://www.archdaily.com/7240/michael-schumacher-world-champion-tower-in-dubai-l-a-v-a/ 2. http://www.mswct.com/michael-schumacher-tower/ www.myarchn.com
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A.4 Algorithmic Explorations
ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS
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A.4 Algorithmic Explorations
These are some of the screen shots of my model. It has a very complex surface. However, the surface is achievable in real life. Spiraling points were created before the curves. After having these points, lines are connected to with two points coordinately. Having two curves that spiraling in 3 dimensional, command of lofting could be used. Since the Oc Tree command requires a geometry shape and populate geometry, the curve that created before could be appointed as geometry. Therefore, we could connect the geometry with the populate geometry, then connect the Oc Tree command. Boxes or rectangular shapes appears on the side of the spiraling curve surface. The reason why I choose these sketches is because it represent a new technology to resolve or achieve the shape that people could not done before. By using parametric modeling, shapes that are ridicules can still be modeled. Therefore, these images could inspire me to explore more in parametric modeling.
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A.5 Conclusion
CONCLUSION As images are shown before, the sketch model of my design is based on a volcanic shape. Hollow inside the building, which provides an extremely large interior space. Rooms or patterns are located on the surface of the volcanic shape. The way it innovates is how rooms can be piled up together to create a large space. The gateway project requires a project on the highway. It is important to provide enough space for cars to go through and stable structure. Technique that used in this sketch model provides a way to do so. Therefore, it would be a good way to start practicing a solution towards a large traffic flow. Moreover, by using the parametric modeling to finish this project, it could provide a new view for people from other discipline that architecture. People may experience a new technology through driving pass. Structures, patterns may be a brand new idea for them.
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A.6 Learning Outcomes
LEARNING OUTCOME Computational architecture has become very familiar to us. Starting at year 1, virtual environment, digital fabrication has become one of the fast fabrications I have ever met. The term of parametric modeling is strange for me at the first time, however, through the research and exercise that we’ve done in the first week, I’m now interested in how far can parametric modeling goes. What would be the boarder of it. Possibility is one of the key words of computational architecture. Through the computer programming or parametric modeling, different approaches could solve one problem. However, while facing multiple options, people must deeply considered before making the conclusion or decision.
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