Zhang xiaodi 657695 Part A by Xiaodi Zhang

ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN STUDIO

AirStudio XIAODI ZHANG 2015

AIR STUDIO #2 TUTOR: CHEN STUDENT: XIAODI ZHANG STUDENT NUMBER: 657695 SEMESTER TWO, 2015

Table of Contents

Part A

Introduction

Design Futuring

Design Computation

Composition/Generation

Conclusion

Learning Outcome

Algorithmic Sketches

Reference

INTRODUCTION Xiaodi Zhang

My name is Xiaodi Zhang (Dora), I am 21 years old and a third year student in Bachelor of Environments majoring architecture.

Born in Beijing, China, I have been studied in Melbourne since 2012. I used to study accounting in the foundation before the University. While accounting is boring for me, so I changed to study architecture because I like drawing and designing.

Architecture is a comprehensive career which intergrades multidisciplinary. The complexity of architecture itself is attracting for me because I found that architectural designing is related to plenty of precedent researches, science, landscape, etc. Also, using designing techniques, some architects create parks, furniture, products or even fashion design. I am really interested in the designing process of challenging and exploring the conventions with multidisciplinary.

My Projects

I learnt rhino skills and paneling tool skills in the subject of Digital Design and Fabrication. Digital technique allows me to expand the designing approach and design something that is extremely hard to produce by two dimensional drawing. It provides a quicker way to create and change the design for designers and it shows a shift from traditional design to computational design. I also understood the digital fabrication procedure of CNC machine and 3D printing. The fabrication skills with fabrication machines and variable materials are useful for further model making.

Part A CONCEPTUALIZATION

Part B CRITERIA DESIGN

Part C DETAILED DESIGN

A.1. DESIGN FUTURING

BEIJING GARDEN EXPO PARK 2013, Beijing, China

Fig 1. Beijing Garden Expo Park

environment ecologically, the previous geography of rubbish landfill is remained and designed as a sunken valley with plenty of vegetation. The selection of vegetation species is related to scientific analysis such as digital diagraming of sun hours per day (Fig. 2).

Fig 2. Diagram of Sun Hours per day for Wave Garden, Beijing Garden Expo Park

Beijing Garden Expo Park (Fig. 1) is located at the west bank of Yongding River. The site used to be a construction rubbish landfill. However, the abundant environment has been reused and recreated as an ecological park with science and technology. Water recycling system is installed in the park and the vegetation as a filter ameliorates the water quality of Yongding River. 1 With the concept of representing the 1. China International Garden Expo, About Beijing Garden Expo (2013), < http://www.gardenexpo-park.com/About/abge/162.html > [accessed 12 August 2015].

The project as a “democratic design” focuses on the sustainability of environments. 2 The park improves the regional ecological environments, and thus it leads to the direction of the city development which combines cultural inherence with ecology priority aiming to serve people’s livehood. It also has educational functions not only for science popularization but also for the increased potential of sustainable design in the future. As the project is finished by the integration of design and science, multidisciplinary is another emerging direction for design development in the future. 2. Tony Fry, Design Futuring: sustainability, ethics and new practice (Oxford: BERG, 2009), p. 1-16.

UPPSALA POWER PLANT BIG, 2014, Uppsala, Sweden

Fig 3. Uppsala Power Plant

Uppsala Power Plant is a biomass cogene- BIG also challenged the conventional industry ration plant as a supplement for the existing layout and building geometry. They replaced infrastructure designed by BIG in Sweden. the linear layout with compact layout and created the dome structure combining maxiThe plant was proposed to be seasonal mum enclosure with minimum envelope. The use as the peak loads happened in au- colored photovoltaic panels allow the dome tumn, winter and spring. However, with structure to express thermal exposure by diftransparent enclosure, the new build- ferent color ranging from red to blue. 4 ing is designed to invite people visiting in summer when the plant shut down. The project is considered as a “critical de3 Consequently, the plant will provide sign” which beyond “radical design”. For the cultural and social life in summer. Also, designing process, BIG identified the shortBIG designed the building as an edu- coming of precedents and provides a betcational centre in winter. Thus, the plant ter design with exploration and innovation. is fully functional in terms of energy, so- Moreover, the consideration of how to incial, cultural and educational aspects. tegrate the site with the project both functionally and visually is always important.

Fig 4. Diagrams of form generation 3. Karissa Rosenfield, BIG’s “Unconventional” Uppsala Power Plant Designed to Host Summer Festivals (2015) <http://www. archdaily.com/603259/big-s-unconventional-uppsala-powerplant-to-host-summer-festivals> [accessed 12 August 2015].

4. BIG, Uppsala Power Plant (2014) <http://www.big.dk/#projectsupp> [accessed 12 August 2015].

A.2. DESIGN COMPUTATION

THE WATER CUBE 2007, Beijing, China

Fig 5. The Water Cube

Fig 6. Framework of the Water Cube

The National Swimming Centre, also kown as the Water Cube, was constructed for the Olympic Games in Beijing.

is impossible to be represented by two-dimensional drawings accurately. Thus, computational design provides much more potential possibilities for architects and allows designers to experiment a variety of solutions as fast as possible.

The structure derives from the form of aggregated water bubbles in foam. ARUP designers represented the idea by dividing the space into cells of equal volume with the least number of surfaces and without gaps. As a result, the geometry is composed of repetitive units which makes the building to be easily built. Meanwhile, random appearance is generated from arbitrary angles as well. Thus, the facade and the structure are continuous element that works together, representing the water bubbles in aggregation through architectural expression. Computational techniques are used in both designing process and construction process. The geometry of the building was designed in computer directly as the form

For construction process, ARUP relied on the algorithmic system to test the structural performance of different design configuration and easily make changes to the structural system. 5 As the architectural design has been shifting from the traditional design methods to the computational design, designers are required to have computational abilities which can utilize software expertly. However, software is just a designing tool which cannot replace appropriate decision making. Thus, designers should always focus on the idea itself and the functions and amenities of architecture.

5. Rita Margarida Serra Fernandes, Generative Design: a new stage in the design process (2013) <https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/downloadFile/395145541718/ Generative%20Design%20a%20new%20stage%20in%20the%20design%20process%20-%20Rita%20Fernandes-%20n%C2%BA%2058759.pdf> [accessed 12 August 2015].

ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION 2010 ICD/ITKE, 2010, Stuttgart University

Fig 7. ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2010

Fig 8. Diagram for construction

The project was a temporary research pavilion designed by ICD and ITKE in 2010. The project was a material-oriented computational development and the final outcome turned out to be a bending-active lightweight structure made by plywood strips.

Computational technology is not only helpful for design and construction, but also important for experiments. The project indicates a new tendency of the integration of algorithms skills with researchedbased experimental design. 7

The project started with the material research of the elastic bending ability of plywood strips. Physical experiments were made to test the bending property of the material and the forces of the whole structure. Based on the material behaviors, the computational model contained with all the measurement of plywood deflections under bending and geometric information, and generated the required structural analysis model.

For younger generation of architects, â&#x20AC;&#x153;research by designâ&#x20AC;? is regard as an emergence of architecture field. Multidisciplinary research now is becoming a fundamental approach for experiments and exploration of computational geometry. In this case, the material research is predominant in the designing process as it directly influenced on the geometry. With computational techniques, material design is shifted to be a significant part in architectural design since it may provide potential possibilities for structure and form.

The final physical model was made by 80 plywood strips after accurate detailed structural calculation generated by the computer. 6 6. Stuttgart University, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2010 (2010) <http://www. achimmenges.net/?p=4443> [accessed 12 August 2015].

7. Rivka Oxman & Rovert Oxman, Theories of the Digital in Architecture (New York: Routledge, 2014), p. 1-10.

A.3. COMPOSITION/GENERATION

SWARM INTELLIGENCE Tyler Julian Johnson, 2010 The project is a generative design using computational techniques based on the research of swarm intelligence.

Fig 9. Emergent Architectural System

The swarm system in this project relates to the swarm behavior of people with an attractor. Attraction agents and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s movement is recorded and inputted into the computer to generate diagrams of patterns (Fig. 8). Using the research as a basis, the architectural design is developed according to the geometry of the pattern. 8 Using the generative design method, designers are able to create the a generative logic, which provides a range of possibilities and automatic fashion for further development. 9 This methodology contributes to the creativity and exploration from the nature and surroundings.

Fig 10. Iterations of Multi-Agent Behavior in 2D

8. Tyler Julian Johnson, Swarm Intelligence (2010) <http://www. tyler-johnson.com/Swarm-Intelligence> [accessed 13 August 2015].

However, for most of the time, generative design only creates a dramatic geometry without functioning. Designers should use generative design as an approach for finding a creative form and put efforts to design the functions and amenities as well.

9. Branko Kolarevic, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York: Taylor & Francis, 2003), p. 3-62.

ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION 2011 ICD/ITKE,2011 The project uses computational technique to explore the performative capacity of sand dollarâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biological structure and express it in architectural form. Manufacturing processes are also under the computer control which automatically calculate the effectiveness of a range of geometries. The pavilion is finally built by thin sheets of plywood with CNC machines cutting the material piece by piece in the particular angle. As shown in Fig. 10, the form of the pavilion is consist of a series of modular and the form is developed by making geometric variation of the components. Since the modular are linked together at edges, the change of a single unit relates to the difference of the whole structure. 10 Generative and parametric design methods allow a form transforming consistently and continually under changes of parameters, which provides harmony and unity to the geometry. Unlike the conventional design, the emphasis of generation shifts to the designing process because the form keeps changing through the process, as well as the performance of structure and material. With computational techniques, designer can change any step of process efficiently and effectively.

Fig 11. Research Pavilion 2011

Fig 12. Diagram of form generation

10. Institute for Computational design, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 (2011) <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> [accessed 13 August 2015].

A.4. CONCLUSION

In Part A, I learnt that how design can be used for nature and how computation influences on design process and outcome. Design Futuring introduces how design serve for nature and people. From ethical aspect, design is not an isolated artificial product. Rather it should be considered holistically as a project contributes to the sustainability of the environment and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s lifestyle. In addition, good architectural design can relate to the context and broaden the functions for people. Potential possibilities and innovation are key values that designers should to explore. Design Computation and Composition/Generation illustrate how computational methodology applies to and influence on design. Shifting from conventional design to computational design, designers are able to create and test more possibilities and change the designing step quickly and easily by using computers. Research-oriented design and generative design are emerging and developing through digital technology. Under this background, designers for younger generation are required to have computational skills and multidisciplinary knowledge. Parametric design is my intended design approach. Instead of a specific shape, designers create a sequence of parametric equations to generate the geometry. It brings infinitely potentialities for designers, which attracts me by the algorithmic logic and variable possibilities.

A.5. LEARNING OUTCOME

Before I study this subject, I categorized all the projects made by computers as digital design. After the reading and lecture, I understand the categories of digital design, and how computational design benefit to design process and bring possibilities for design and developing directions. Furthermore, I also realize that there is ceratin risk for design computation. Although parametric design and generative design could generate fantastic geometry, a good project could not be created without plenty of analysis for functionality and amenity. Focusing too much on poetry aspect will result in less decision making for designers. My previous design were all carried out by rhino with compositional designing method. By learning the theories of computational design, I found that my previous design could be represented by algorithmic logic and hence the form could be changed and improved with a variety of possibilities quickly and efficiently.

A.6. ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

REFERENCE

BIG, Uppsala Power Plant (2014) <http://www.big.dk/#projects-upp> [accessed 12 August 2015]. China International Garden Expo, About Beijing Garden Expo (2013), < http://www.gardenexpo-park.com/About/abge/162.html > [accessed 12 August 2015]. Fernandes Rita, Generative Design: a new stage in the design process (2013) <https://fenix.tecnico.ulisboa.pt/downloadFile/395145541718/Generative%20Design%20a%20new%20stage%20 in%20the%20design%20process%20-%20Rita%20Fernandes-%20n%C2%BA%2058759.pdf> [accessed 12 August 2015]. Fry Tony, Design Futuring: sustainability, ethics and new practice (Oxford: BERG, 2009), p. 1-16. Institute for Computational design, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 (2011) <http://icd.unistuttgart.de/?p=6553> [accessed 13 August 2015]. Johnson Tyler, Swarm Intelligence (2010) <http://www.tyler-johnson.com/Swarm-Intelligence> [accessed 13 August 2015]. Kolarevic Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York: Taylor & Francis, 2003), p. 3-62. Oxman Rivka & Oxman Rovert, Theories of the Digital in Architecture (New York: Routledge, 2014), p. 1-10. Rosenfield Karissa, BIG’s “Unconventional” Uppsala Power Plant Designed to Host Summer Festivals (2015) <http://www.archdaily.com/603259/big-s-unconventional-uppsala-powerplant-to-host-summer-festivals> [accessed 12 August 2015]. Stuttgart University, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2010 (2010) <http://www.achimmenges. net/?p=4443> [accessed 12 August 2015].

IMAGE REFERENCE

1. Xinhua, “Explore Garden Expo Park in 360 degrees”, 2013 <http://www.bjd.com.cn/10beijingnews/ photos/201308/05/t20130805_4278523.html>[accessed 12 August 2015]. 2. Balmori Associates, “Wave garden”, 2012 <http://www.balmori.com/portfolio/sound-waves>[accessed 12 August 2015]. 3. BIG, “Uppsala Power Plant”, 2014 <http://www.designboom.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/ bjarke-ingels-group-big-uppsala-power-plant-sweden-designboom-02.jpg> [accessed 12 August 2015]. 4. BIG, “Diagram of Uppsala Power Plant”, 2014 <http://images.adsttc.com/media/images/54e7/a98c/ e58e/ce7f/c300/0118/large_jpg/upp-9-16-5_original.jpg?1424468339> [accessed 12 August 2015]. 5. ARUP , “The Water Cube”, 2007 <https://www.google.com.au/search?espv=2&tbm=isch&q=water+ cube+beijing&revid=1383332959&sa=X&ved=0CBwQ1QIoAWoVChMI6Ya5gP-lxwIV5CSmCh0qcA wu&dpr=1&biw=1366&bih=643#imgrc=gIH4vCoAVQ4GMM%3A> [accessed 12 August 2015]. 6. PSI, “The framework of the Water Cube”, 2007 <https://www.google.com.au/search?espv =2&biw=1366&bih=643&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=water+cube+frame&oq=water+cube+fram e&gs_l=img.3...29041.30342.0.30439.6.6.0.0.0.0.317.317.3-1.1.0....0...1c.1.64.img..5.1.316.Eg Aq 8 _ r NA E # i mgd i i = 9 BU L 3 d q h _ x v b c M % 3 A % 3 B 9 BU L 3 d q h _ x v b c M % 3 A % 3 B o0fx1eex7R0YM%3A&imgrc=9BUL3dqh_xvbcM%3A> [accessed 12 August 2015]. 7. ICD, “Research Pavilion 2010”, 2010 <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/icd-imagedb/ICD_ITKE_Pavilion_ web.jpg> [accessed 12 August 2015]. 8. ICD, “Research Pavilion 2010”, 2010 <http://formsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/POSFig02+3.jpg> [accessed 12 August 2015]. 9. Tyler Johnson, “Emergent architectural system”, 2010 <http://www.tyler-johnson.com/Swarm-Intelligence> [accessed 13 August 2015]. 10. Tyler Johnson, “Swarm Intelligence”, 2010 <http://hisheji.qiniudn.com/qiniu/1550/image/0b7a1a3d 7cc35de2f7444bcee9c8e166.jpg> [accessed 13 August 2015]. 11. ICD, “Research Pavilion 2011”, 2011 <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> [accessed 13 August 2015]. 12. ICD, “Structural joints”, 2011 <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> [accessed 13 August 2015]. 27