plusX.Space

from Wojciech Karnowka Portfolio

by Wojciech Karnowka

OCULAR ENVELOPES

London, United Kingdom

Organisation:

Project Team:

Pilbrow&Partners / Research

May 2021

Wojciech Karnowka

Architects and developers are actively pursuing the automation of diverse aspects within the design process. Despite its growing popularity, particularly in the media, it remains accurate to say that generative tools have yet to achieve widespread adoption. I have been working on an algorithm aimed at partially automating office space planning. This approach is especially pertinent to refurbishment projects, where rapid feasibility assessment is crucial. The algorithm generates and assesses layouts based on multiple criteria, encompassing environmental considerations.

Originally conceived as a feasibility study at Pilbrow&Partners for PlusX, a UK-based developer, the project has evolved. While the initial studies were halted, I have continued to develop the generative model to facilitate automated fitting for potential projects. My aspiration is to refine the algorithm further, with the ultimate goal of introducing it as a opensource project.

This endeavor and its algorithms draw inspiration from a range of well-established and documented algorithms. The concept is influenced by the approach outlined in “Augmented Space Planning Using Procedural Generation to Automate Desk Layouts” [1].

Select

Outline

Type of Algorithm

Define Grain

Direction

Layout Parameters

Priority

Outcomes

Solutions

Pool

Solution

Statistics

Output Solution to File

1Anderson, Carl & Bailey, Carlo & Heumann, Andrew & Davis, Daniel. (2018). Augmented space planning: Using procedural generation to automate desk layouts. International Journal of Architectural Computing. 16. 164-177. 10.1177/1478077118778586.

Borgo Miranda

Monte Bre, Lugano, Switzerland

Client:

Project Team:

Gruner&Friends (remote)

March 2022

Wojciech Karnowka

Calvin Sin

Gruner & Friends designed Borgo Miranda, the 5-star hotel resort in the ticinese village of Monte Bre. Monte Bre is situated on a 1.4 hectare mountainous site above the towns of Locarno and Ascona. It enjoys views towards the south over the Lago Maggiore.

The objective was to create a village that integrates into existing tissue of Montre Bre. The data collected from the site and its envrionment was used to evaluate and optimise the design - with particular focus on views, surfaces and cost. The position of each space is algorithmically decided based on topography, and scoring system developed to evaluate quaity of each configuration.

Topography

The colour gradient displays slope of the topography, with red depicing step areas and green flat areas. Algorithim then places building strategically to facilitate access, to reduce circulation space and minimise excavation.

Clusters

Buildings are clustered to minimise facade surfaces whilst mainitainig local typologies. Consequently, complexity is reduced in construction and design.

View Study

Each individual house in cluster has freedom to rotate and re-locate within X,Y direction to avoid overlapping views to acheive an overfall better view.

Cham

Cham, Switzerland

Client: Project Team:

Gruner&Friends (remote) March 2022

Wojciech Karnowka Calvin Sin

Gruner&Friends actively participated in an extensive urban study centered around the potential of the “Cham North” site. Spanning over 26,000 sqm, the site boasts a gentle slope that leads toward the Lorze stream.

Positioned along Knonauerstrasse, “Cham North” is poised to serve as the starting point for the forthcoming Cham - Hunberg bypass. This strategic location embeds the area into the transit network and positions it as a notable entrance to Cham.

Throughout the project, in collaboration with Calvin Sin, our design team took the lead in formulating scripts that could generate and assess various massing models based on different typologies. We further optimised specific parameters within the designated design domain, all while considering the site context and ensuring compatibility with the views from neighboring buildings.