AIR
JOURNAL
ABPL30048_2017_SM2 Xinjie (Jill) Hu 788178
TABLE OF CONTENT INTRODUCTION 1 PART A CONCEPTUALISATION A. 0 3 A. 1 5 A. 2 13 A. 3 21 A. 4 31 A. 5 31 A. 6 32 BIBLIOGRAPHY & IMAGE LIST 33
INTRODUCTION I am an architecture student and this is my second year in university of Melbourne. Before I came here, I studied for one year in China University of Science and Technology. My learning experience in Chine helps me to understand the construction and technical drawing a lot when I study here, due to those knowledges are the main emphasis in Chinese university. But there is a bad side to everything. I had a bad impression on modern architecture and architects at the time. This is because when I did research about house group built in Hangzhou which was designed by David Chipperfield and his architecture factory, I found that the houses had poor ability of adapting to the climate of Hangzhou. The interior walls and furniture ruined by the accumulated wet air. That problems were supposed to avoid if they did deeper research on east China climate. 1
fig. 1 selfie
Since my study emphasis at that time is study how to design architecture functional and comfortable, the first impression on modern architects push me to overgeneralize modern architecture in the extreme. This prejudice changed little by little in the last one and a half year. I learned both history of Chinese and oversea architecture and experienced two studios’ study, found more advantages of modern and post-modern architectures. Also, I realized the prejudice is actually resulted from the Chinses old school and conceit. My study experience on different countries push me to find my present destination in this major after I subjectively contrast these two. I hope that my experience in studio AIR will help me to find problems and solve them if any luck and also learn parametric architecture of course.
fig. 2 digital model for studio earth - aerial view
fig. 3 digital model for studio earth - perspective
2
fig. 4
PART A CONCEPTUALISATION A. 0 The construction industry developing history in China tell me a truth that quality of architecture is the most important thing to architects. Few years ago, Chinese construction factory need a large number of architects and they built houses, apartments, office buildings in an incredible speed. That situation changed in the last few years. After the people’ requirement on number of living space is not the most urgent thing, clients started to think highly of architecture’s quality such as aesthetics and high-tech. As a result, it is cdevelop the quality of architectures. In this case, parametric modeling is the most promising mothed. Pioneer architects like Zaha Hadid who practice that give later architects another possibility on future architecture. 4
fig. 5
A. 1 DESIGN FUTURING Precedent 1 Notro Dame Du Haut
Le Corbusier is the most famous architect of the 20th century, urban planners and writers. He is a radical architect who lead the modern architecture movement, a main advocator of modernist architecture, and the important founder of machine aesthetics. Notro Dame Du Haut is one distinctive design throughout all his works. It has a complex structure which meets people’s aesthetic psychology. This is because simple structure contributes to good designs such as Villa Savoy in the past and a similar item will not be popular after a few years development in architecture. Villa Savoy reminds people of classical mechanics, the idea of Euclidean geometry while Notre Dame Du Haut reminds people of modern mechanics, non-Euclidean geometry.
It is easy to understand that people’s taste on architecture changes and architects who find it out quickly do not fail to create a good design. Negative example like “less is more” is not always right. Venturi said “less is bore” which criticized Mies Van De Rohe’s notion and put up with the contradictions and complexities of architecture1.
1 Morton, Patrica A, 'the legacy of complexity and contradiction', journal of the society of architectural historians, 2016 Dec, v75, n4, 401-402. 6
7
fig. 6
Except of meeting the temporal taste, Notre Dame Du Haut stood the test of time. Personally, I think that the most spectacular part of Notre Dame du Haut is its roof. The curved roof peels up towards the sky and looks like it is floating above the whole building as it is constructed on embedded columns hidden in the walls2.
fig. 7
This special design results of a contrast between the weightless roof and heavy
massive buildings. In the same time, the sculptural effect walls, sporadic windows define the purity of this subject as well as break the convention of Gothic cathedral. We can see that how a revolutionary change on current affairs gives architecture a new future.
2ă&#x20AC;&#x20AC;Kroll, Andrew, 'AD classics: Ronchamp /Le Cobusier', Archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/84988/ ad-classics-ronchamp-le-corbusier> [10 Aug 2017] 8
fig. 8
Precedent 2 Cliff House
"AS AN ARCHITECT, YOU DESIGN FOR THE PRESENT, WITH AN AWARENESS OF THE PAST, FOR A FUTURE WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY UNKNOWN. " - NORMAN FOSTER
Like Dunne and Raby said, "we need to dream new dreams for the twenty-first century as those of the twentieth century rapidly fade. ". Paramedic design opens a new perspective on wild imagination and more possibilities for current people. Cliff House is a such typical work. It is a collaboration between Kokkugia/ Roland Snooks and the Mitchell Lab at Texas A&M3. The first time I saw this building, I was shocked and felt confused about the distinction between structure and ornament. It is covered by this composited skin which blur the interior view, or maybe, indicate people to find this appearance.
3ã&#x20AC;&#x20AC;hume coover studio, 'the cliff house', suckerPuch, <http://www. suckerpunchdaily.com/2014/02/19/cliff-house/#more-35257> [10 Aug 2017] 10
fig. 9
The interior strands etch their “roots” into the cliff surface which produce the illusion that the house is a grown cocoon or mollusc.
fig. 10
This condition is described as “neither geological nor synthetic; instead it sets up a tension between the two” 4. In some kind, I find this computerprogramming network gives life to building and make building no longer a functional concrete giant. Also, the use of composite material in the Cliff House has a more aesthetic and high-tech intentions. It states a new era where expressive appearance arouses users, builders or designers’ interest. I think this vitality is appreciated for now and future architecture.
fig. 11
4 humer coover studio, 'the cliff house' 12
fig. 12
A. 2 DESIGN COMPUTATION Precedent 3 Walt Disney Concert Hall Design computation makes the impossible structure, compositions and shape come into being in digital world. The computer programming is beneficial to modern architects who want to bring their idea with incredible curves or weird shapes into reality. Like Kalay said, "and they always have side effects and aftereffects, which may render the solution unacceptable for reasons not directly associated with the problem itself"5. In this context, architects can easily to communicate with builders and
clients in front of a computer screen and have an overall and detailed view of their design without making a physical model. Which I think is the most significant thing is that computer record the design process, it gives designers a clear works and processes’ display and let them make the best modification.
5 Kalay, Yehuda E. (2004). Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 5-25 14
The Walt Disney Concert Hall’s sweeping, metallic surfaces have become associated with Frank Gehry’s signature style. Its unique appearance makes it an important landmark on the southern avenue of downtown Los Angeles. For modern architecture, it defines deconstruction in terms of its composition of undulating, angle forms and exposed framed windows. For its interior, Gehry use steel frame take place of columns and steel frame can be directly observed by visitors when they look through a skylight. This steel structure and the design of atrium contributes to an irregular and open interior space that is compulsory for concert hall with orchestra and audience occupying a certain space6. Also, the interior walls and ceiling act in cooperation with exterior appearance. 15
Some of them are continuous and curved which blur the structure bounds. According to Gehry, the billowing ceiling act as part of the acoustical system as well7. In this case, the concert hall is the product of highly controlled computer programming. The outcome of parametric orders in turn indicate and spilt the interior space which achieves a harmony between incredible geometry-shape exterior and practical interior space.
6 Jones, Rennie, 'AD classics: Walt Disney Concert Hall / Frank Gehry', Archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/441358/ad-classicswalt-disney-concert-hall-frank-gehry> [10 Aug 2017] 7 Jones, Rennie, 'AD classics: Walt Disney Concert Hall / Frank Gehry'
fig. 13
"ARCHITECTURE IS THE ART OF HOW TO WASTE SPACE." -PHILIP JOHNSON
fig. 14
fig. 15
fig. 16
Precedent 4 Centre Pompidou-Metz
The sculptural-effect architecture completed by Frank Gehry express a strong individualism. I think he looks back to Dutch expressionism but replace the old material by highly specific steel structure. Also, he applies the later deconstruction notion to his design which produce an extreme personal style architecture. According to Didier Boy De La Tour’s article, Gehry’s architecture “spoils its functionality ...... results in poor conditions for displaying and viewing art”8.
On contrast, there is an opposite style of architecture appears at the same time. Instead of pursuing extreme individualism, Shigeru Ban architects utilize computation to renovate old industrial architecture. Center Pompidou-Metz is one of such examples.
8 Didier Boy De La Tour, 'Centre Pompidou-Metz / Shigeru Ban Architects', Archidaily ,<http://www. archdaily.com/490141/centre-pompidou-metzshigeru-ban-architectsy> [10 Aug 2017] 18
fig. 17
Despite of the irregular curved and hollowed skin and mesh constructed supporting elements, the functional space is built just like normal buildings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; box shape rooms, vertical wall and flat ceilings. Some cantilever rooms break through the exterior surface and change the original presentation of skin structure, which brings two distinctive systems into a conjunction effect. Conceptualizing the relationship between interior and exterior makes sure that architecture leaves deep impression with visitor and maximize its original function at the same time.
fig. 18
In this context, computation is more a method to decorate the existed structure rather than directly define the boundary of functional space. fig. 19
20
fig. 20
A. 3 COMPOSITION/GENERATION As previously discussed, the algorithmic modelling and programing give designers more possibilities in terms of conception with odd geometry and complex structure. As for generation and compositionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s positions on design process, â&#x20AC;&#x153;modeling of initial condition of an object instead of modelling the final frameâ&#x20AC;?9 defines their value. However, the shortcoming is obvious, the outcome of algorithmic modelling need tests the ability to stand because structure maximumly compromise to desired appearance. So, designers are supposed to speculate the potential failure on structure and familiar with the outcome of each algorithmic order. 9 'what is generative design', geverative design ,<https:// generativedesign.worldpress.com/2011/01/29/what-is-generativedesign/> [10 Aug 2017] 22
fig. 21
fig. 22
Precedent 5 Leeza SOHO - under construction
With the advent of parametric era, architecture is more conception than architecture as buildings10. This notion is apparent on Zaha Hadid and her colleagues’ works. As Zaha Said, we can’t fully use each corner of buildings just like we can 100 percent make use of natural materials. This notion is contrary to the Bauhaus’ functionalism that they put up with maximizing space utilization. Personally, I agree with Bauhaus.
However, at the perspective that SOHO’s historic positions formed and business form grew, SOHO contributes to an organic flow between people and architecture, Zaha’s design achieves another space utilization. Because it gives people another choice. The building is worth constructing as it attracts people and leaves deep impression on them. This value is irrelevant function or space utilization. 10 Oxman, Rivka and Robert Oxman, eds (2014). Theories of the Digital in Architecture (London; New York: Routledge), pp. 1–10 24
fig. 23
fig. 24
In this case, Leeza SOHO apparently has ability to attract people and money flow because of its impressive appearance and derivative business such as high-tech construction materials. Despite of these, some Zaha style features and computation design details can be observed. The barrel shape building is consisted of two separate irregular curved volumes. The opposite sides respond to each other which can be observed through the gap spanning two volumes. I guess the structure system of Leeza SOHO compromise to parametric conception in term of ambiguity between functional spaces. fig. 25
26
fig. 26
Precedent 6 Antwerp Port House
Another example called Antwerp Port House represent similar notion. Unlike underconstruction Leeza SOHO, Antwerp Port House is laid on a historical building – the former Antwerp Port offices. With respect for the historical building, the original building is preserved and new office structure is designed oved the original building. According to Zaha’ research, “the old fire station also highlighted the role of its originally intended tower - a grand, imposing component of the
fire station's Hanseatic design. Its bold vertical statement, intended to crown the imposing volume of the building below, was never realised”11. That push Zaha to create a composition of new and old: a brand new and modern volume floating above the original building.
11 Binet, c, 'Antwerp Port House / Zaha Hadid Architects', archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/795832/antwerp-porthouse-zaha-hadid-architects> [10 Aug 2017] 28
fig. 27
fig. 28
fig. 29
fig. 30
It is an angular irregular structure covered by triangular facets transparent glasses. The old and new meet at the central courtyard of old office which is enclosed with glass roof. As we can see, how generation gives a different future of architecture. New architecture form stands on the urban plan and relates closed with city development. Also, conceptions bring into reality and interrelate with historic buildings. The association between parametric design and paper design process contributes an integration relationship. fig. 31
30
A. 4 CONCLUSION
A. 5 LEARNING OUTCOMES
As I said at begining, I was prejudiced about parameterization and its architectural outcome. But that's resulted from one-sided understanding of modern architects and architecture.Last few weeks' study give me a comprehensive understanding of modern architecture and design computation process.
The study process of using Grasshopper is pretty confusing at first. Even a simple order brings about a massive form. But the problem is that few of them is under controled. After watching more videos, the situation becomes better. It is possbile that I input orders to get my wished outcome and if any luck get a surprised aesthetical form.
The precedent works done by prevoious architects give me great confident to achieve something on parametric design. The outcome of a series of order has potentiability to be a brand new subversive "conception" or only a failure of massive disordered data. So, specteculating the potential result becomes significant.
In the Meantime, the traditional design process still kidnap my mind to think in old way. I feel struggled when the design task is start with a conception and all my knowledge bring me back to think of functions and structures. I hope this problem can be fixed in the near future.
31
A. 6 APPENDIX
32
BIBLIOGRAPHY Binet, c, 'Antwerp Port House / Zaha Hadid Architects', archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/795832/antwerp-port-housezaha-hadid-architects> [10 Aug 2017] Didier Boy De La Tour, 'Centre Pompidou-Metz / Shigeru Ban Architects', Archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/490141/centrepompidou-metz-shigeru-ban-architectsy> [10 Aug 2017] hume coover studio, 'the cliff house', suckerPuch, <http://www.suckerpunchdaily.com/2014/02/19/cliff-house/#more-35257> [10 Aug 2017] Jones, Rennie, 'AD classics: Walt Disney Concert Hall / Frank Gehry', Archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/441358/adclassics-walt-disney-concert-hall-frank-gehry> [10 Aug 2017] Kalay, Yehuda E. (2004). Architectureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 5-25 Kroll, Andrew, 'AD classics: Ronchamp /Le Cobusier', Archidaily ,<http://www.archdaily.com/84988/ad-classics-ronchamp-lecorbusier> [10 Aug 2017] Morton, Patrica A, 'the legacy of complexity and contradiction', journal of the society of architectural historians, 2016 Dec, v75, n4, 401-402. Oxman, Rivka and Robert Oxman, eds (2014). Theories of the Digital in Architecture (London; New York: Routledge), pp. 1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10 'what is generative design', geverative design ,<https://generativedesign.worldpress.com/2011/01/29/what-is-generativedesign/> [10 Aug 2017] 33
IMAGE LIST fig. 4 - 7 http://www.archdaily.com/84988/ad-classics-ronchamp-le-corbusier fig. 8 - 11 http://www.suckerpunchdaily.com/2014/02/19/cliff-house/#more-35257 fig. 12 -15 http://www.archdaily.com/441358/ad-classics-walt-disney-concert-hall-frank-gehry fig. 16 - 19 http://www.archdaily.com/490141/centre-pompidou-metz-shigeru-ban-architectsy fig. 20 - 25 https://generativedesign.worldpress.com/2011/01/29/what-is-generative-design/ fig. 26 - 31 http://www.archdaily.com/795832/antwerp-port-house-zaha-hadid-architects
34