Concrete and Interactive Light by Zhuo

CONCRETE AND INTERACTIVE LIGHT

ZHUO JIANG MLA CANDIDATE 2015 Rhode Island School of Design

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Landscape Architecture Degree in the Department of Landscape Architecture of the Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, Rhode Island. By Zhuo Jiang Date 05/27/2016

Approved by Masters Examination Committee:

Scheri Fultineer, Department Head, Landscape Architecture

Suzanne Mathew, Primary Thesis Advisor

Kaki Martin, Secondary Thesis Advisor

Contents Overview

Phase 1 Material Research

Phase 2 Experiments

Phase 3 Experiments and Proposals

Overall Assessment

Overview More people in the world today live in cities and metropolises than in the countryside. They migrate from inland to villages, from villages to cities, and from cities to metropolises. The population increase in the cities and the high urbanization make underground transportation systems more important than ever before. However, most underground transportation systems were built to be purely functional, rather than beautiful or entertaining. When you walk on the ground, you see the shadows of the trees, hear the singing of the birds, and smell the flowers. Even if you are walking on a busy street, you can still hear the music from the stores, or maybe, standing in front of a window, you might see an amazing wedding veil. When you take a night bus, you can see the lonely walker, the light of a skyscraper, and the moon if the weather allows. Compared with the experience of walking on the ground, underground traveling is boring and monotonous. There are some surprises when you come across a subway musician or the work of a graffiti artist. However, most metro line stations today are designed to be functional, rather than entertaining. If people’s perception above ground is a wave line, then people’s perception underground is more like a straight line. How can we enhance the experience of underground travel? It is important to consider all of the elements that attract people’s attention above ground and underground. Above ground, these include the natural environment, cultural resources, and functional programming. All of these elements have the capacity to draw people’s attention and enhance their experience. However, in underground space, the environment is constructed by physical architecture; the only variable elements are people themselves. To enhance people’s experiences traveling underground, it is necessary to introduce more changes and variable elements to the

underground space. Most underground space is made of concrete, which, as a material, gives off an air of coldness and consistency. In aboveground locations, the everlasting concrete was put into a changeable environment. Its environment changes constantly: from sunrise to sunset, from spring to winter. The snow covering it will melt, the river flowing by may dry, the grass around it may die, but the concrete will still exist. The poetry and beauty of the material is evident in comparison with the changeable outside environment. This study uses light as both the changeable environment and variable elements in underground space. By exposing the unchanging concrete to the changeable light, It tries to create an interactive underground landscape that enhances people’s perception and interaction. To achieve this goal, this thesis includes three parts. The first part researches concrete in order to understand the characteristics of concrete, and uses case studies to study the performance of concrete with light in underground space. The second part includes a series of experiments using concrete and light to explore the new design potential of concrete with light. The third phase studies the possibility of using this method in an underground space.

Phase 1 Material Research

Abstract Concrete is a very cheap material and is very common nowadays. In some locations, because of erosion by wind, heat, and gravity, it gets chunky quickly. It used as a cheap pavement material in some places, and it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t allow water get through, which causes a flood problem in urban environments. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s more, because it looks so plain, some people think concrete architecture is scary, ugly, and unnatural. In most situations, concrete is only used as a construction material and is covered by other materials which have better aesthetic value. However, there are some techniques and design methods which can make concrete a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing material. By changing the way we use concrete, we could greatly improve our environment.

Introduction My investigation looks at how concrete works with light to create an interactive landscape in an underground transportation space. It includes studies of new developments in concrete technology and interactive light design. It explores how to apply these new technologies to landscape architecture design in a humanmade environment, where concrete and light have the potential to become vibrant, interactive parts of the space. Phase One includes research on a series of materials, and case studies on translucent concrete, interactive LEDs, concrete surfaces, and concrete structures.

Methods 1. Material research of translucent concrete, interactive LED, concrete structure, and concrete surface 2. Case Studies of the Europe Gate, Dune 4.1, and Twin Sunken Stations.

Phase 1 Translucent Concrete

What is translucent concrete? Light translucent concrete is a concrete-based building material which has light transmitting properties. The light-transmitting property is mainly due to uniform distribution of high numerical aperture Plastic Optical Fibers throughout its body. 1

Material Fine Concrete: Consists of cement and fine aggregate such as sand

Opptical Fibers: Flexible, transparent fiber made up of glass or plastic.It transmits light between two ends of fiber. Optical fiber transmits light so effectively that there is almost noloss of light conducted through the fibers.

1. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Material Science and Engineering Technology.â&#x20AC;? Light Transmitting Concrete -. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://engowa.blogspot.com/2015/12/light-transmitting-concrete.

Phase 1 Translucent Concrete

The Europe Gate

Built in 2004 by Áron Losonczi & Orsolya Vadász 2

2. “Light Transmitting Concrete or Transparent Concrete.” Light Transmitting Concrete or Transparent Concrete. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.slideshare.net/SahlaFathima/seminar-report-53878460.

Phase 1 Translucent Concrete

The sculpture was built by both normal concrete and translucent concrete. Three lights were embedded in the concrete.

During night time, the light shines through the translucent concrete, clearly showing the different textures.

Phase 1 Concrete Structure The sculpture was built by both normal concrete and translucent concrete. Three lights were embedded in the concrete. During night time, the light shines through the translucent concrete, clearly showing the different textures.

The scope of geometry for free form concrete structures is determined by its formwork. Using modern methods for manufacturing a wide range of formwork topology has become feasible for production.

Adaptable formwork for free- form walls and shells. 3

3. Vollers Dr. ir. K.J., Rietbergen D.; A method and apparatus for forming a doubleâ&#x20AC;?curved panel from al flat panel; PCT; WO 2009/002158 A1; 2008

The stations developed by Spora Architects are along the Budapest’s new 7.34-kilometers long Metro line. It connects the city’s south-Buda district with the center of Pest on the other side of the Danube River. Architects choose to use concrete functionally and aesthetically. The cross-bracing reinforced concrete not only reduces the need for columns but also creates open and uninterrupted space. As the architect himself said, ”the most challenging aim for us was to rationalize the structures, architecture, technology and space as originally planned while at the same time rethinking the project according to the 21st century’s spirit”. 4 In this case, the concrete as a material itself became a way to indicate the “21st-century spirit” or in other words, another way of indicating high technology. 5 It provides a distinctive visual feature of the station.

4. “Twin Stations / Sporaarchitects.” ArchDaily. 2014. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www. archdaily.com/546390/twin-stations-sporaarchitects. 5. “Twin Stations / Sporaarchitects.” ArchDaily. 2014. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www. archdaily.com/546390/twin-stations-sporaarchitects. 20

Linear LED panel works with concrete beams.

Szent gellĂŠrt tĂŠr station designed by spora architects

Phase 1 Interactive LED

What is Interactive LED Panel?

Material used for Interactive LED Panel Sensor:

Interactive LED panels are circuit boards filled with superbright LEDs that respond in a complex, subtle, and gentle fashion to the stimulus provided by human interaction.

Octolively modules use a combination of active and passive near-infrared sensing to detect motion. Octolively modules can respond to changes in light and shadow with essentially unlimited range. LED:

Programming: You can program it yourself by programmer software such as the USBtinyISP. Using a controller like Arduino to connect physical world to computer.

DUNE 4.1 MAASTUNNEL is a public, interactive landscape placed in the Maastunnel for the Rotterdam 2007 City of Architecture. With its upgraded embedded technologies, this enlarged interactive artwork reacts to the daily sounds and motions of passers-by. 6

6. â&#x20AC;&#x153;DUNE 4.1 MAASTUNNEL, Rotterdam - E-architect.â&#x20AC;? Earchitect RSS. 2010. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.e-architect.co.uk/rotterdam/dune-maastunnel.

Texture & Form Concrete is liquid during the building process, and can therefore adapt to almost any desirable form and also to a broad variety of surfaces.

It has the potential to enact far-reaching changes in the application of ornate textures and shapes for tessellation. The resulting objects challenge us to recognize the full potential of concrete and its casting.

‘Edgy’ wall at Islington House, London Tile design by Patrycja Domanska 7

7. “ISLINGTON HOUSE – LONDON | KAZA Concrete.” ISLINGTON HOUSE – LONDON | KAZA Concrete. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.kazaconcrete.com/project-gallery/projects/islington-house.html.

Phase 1 Concrete Surface

Color The resulting color shade of the concrete is mostly influenced by the formwork material's absorbency. A formwork surface that absorbs liquid well will generate a darker concrete color.

Colored Concrete

A standard color or create your own unique hue.Same strength, stability, a and durability as non-colored concrete. The colors are vivid, eye-catching, weatherproof, and long-lasting. Many of these pigments are created from recycled sources, making colored concrete a sustainable building resource.

Minimally treated timber

A formwork material that repels the water and keeps it at the surface will generate lighter shades of concrete. Chapparal

Colonial

Sahara

Caramel

Rosa

Shark

Sandbox

Shadow

Terra Cotta

Polycarbonate panel

Texture & Form Concrete Plates

Floor Concrete

Rough Concrete

Bare Concrete

The formwork panel and its dimension a re i n c o r p o r a t e d t o r a s t e r i z e t h e facade. The formwork panel becomes an ornament making reference to the construction process. 8

8. Knaack, Ulrich, Sascha Hickert, and Linda Hildebrand. Concretable. n.p.: Rotterdam : NAI010, 2015.

Findings + Conclusions

Assessment

Concrete could work with light to create a more interactive landscape. There are ways to use the new concrete technologies to create a more dynamic landscape, which is different from the concrete construction we see every day. What more, the formwork influences a lot about the form, texture, even color of concrete. For next step, there should be a experiment of designing a different formwork to see the difference in the outcome of the concrete.

The research question in this section deals with whether concrete could work with light to create an interactive landscape. This phase focuses on studying the material and its capability of to be an interactive component of a space. The work in phase two let us understand the potential of concrete, and of combining translucent concrete and interactive LEDs to create an interactive landscape. The case studies of various concrete surfaces let us learn about how concrete works in a modern construction way. This phase could be improved by a deeper analysis of how using concrete and light could influence the phenomena of the space and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception. Because it is mostly focusing on the study of material, and in that process, it may overlooked the space itself. It will be helpful to include specific study about the site in phase two.

When we are designing, we are so worried about being artificial or not natural. Ever since Central Park was designed, a lot of designers want to create natural green spaces in the city. However, the city itself is constructed by the humans. Standing in the Washington metro station, under the amazing ceiling, watching so many people passing by, made me aware of the enormous power of humanity. It is a world dominated by humans and their sublime technology.

Phase 2 Experiments

Abstract When thinking of underground space, some people may have an uncomfortable feeling. This is similar to how many landscape architects feel about artificial space; they are more comfortable creating a landscape with natural light and plants. Phase Two studies how to use artificial light and concrete in order create an underground landscape. The experiments shows how interactive light could change the performance of concrete. The light analysis of Dupont circle station shows how a concrete built metro station performances under a normal light. The proposal of using a projection light in the station gives us the possibility of improving the interaction of the space by using the methods of the experiment.

Introduction

Methods

The goal of phase two is to explore the possibility of using concrete in conjunction with light to create an interactive landscape. There are a series of experiments to explore this idea, including a study of the surface of concrete, the form of concrete, and translucent concrete. The experiments test how light influences the performance of concrete, if concrete performs differently when the direction of light is changed or the light source is changed.

1. Cast different forms of concrete piles. 2. Apply different lights, including LED light panel, Projection light. 3. Study of Washington Metro station

Phase 2 Light and Form

Clear concrete has a clean surface, which reacts excellently under the light. In underground space, the artificial light would give the concrete the illusion of a soft surface, and you could clearly see the shape of the curve.

-LIGHT AND FORM

RM OF CONCRETE INFLUENCES PERFORMANCE

OUTSIDE LIGHT Outside light

OUTSIDE LIGHT

INSIDE LIGHT

Inside light

INSIDE LIGHT

OUTSIDE LIGHT

Outside light

INSIDE LIGHT

Inside light

ANGING OF LIGHT INFLUENCES PERFORMANCE 33

Phase 2 Light and Form

LED screens have been installed in underground space for a long time now. Recently, new light technologies have been developed which could be installed in underground space; mapping projection is one of them. This new technology could help concrete perform differently in underground space.

Normal Projection Process

Mapping Projection Process

CODING

Phase 2 Site Analysis

PROJECTOR

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

There are three kinds of light in Dupont Circle Station; the central light between the two railways is the strongest light source, and there are also two light strips along the edges of the tunnel. Installing the dashboard along the side could make the concrete side panel much brighter. Also, there are red lights along the pedestrian walkway, to warn people about the edge of the platform.

Phase 2 Site Analysis

With Central Light On, Sides Lights On 42

ALL LIGHT ON

Only Central Light on

CENTRAL LIGHT

Only Sides Light On

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

When Train Coming, Half Light From Central Was Covered

TRAIN INTERACTIVE

Phase 2 Future Proposal

There are many ways to apply the experiments conducted in this phase to an underground space. One of the proposals is to exchange the central light source for projectors; the ceiling would end up resembling a large screen. Using creative light projection, we could create a new landscape. Another proposal is to exchange the current concrete in the Dupont Metro Station with translucent concrete that has LED screens installed beneath it. In that case, we could create interactive light; for example, when people pass by the concrete, it could shine. .

Findings + Conclusions The site analysis of Dupont Circle Station in Washington DC is useful to help us understand the unique quality of space which is created by concrete and light. The high ceilings, the expansive and empty platforms, the lack of direct light: these features give the visitor a unique experience and a visual feast. When you stood and watched the repeated patterns of the escalator passing by, you almost felt like it was endless; you almost forgot where you were. It will be important to relate this kind of experience to the study of the material. The experiment of using a changing projection light on the concrete panel is to find out how to use light and concrete to create a unique experience for the visitor. Another case is when you were stepping out of the subway exit at Time Square New York, you felt like you entered another world, traveling from a technology reminiscent of the 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to the 21st century. The noise seemed to crush my mind as you looked at all the high buildings, busy cars driving by, people walking around you, and the LED screens shining. We are lucky to live in this era; we have the advantage of new technologies, the ability to travel by sky or underground, and the infrastructure to share information all over the world. The case of Dupont Circle Metro station also shows us the beauty of concrete under the light. The light working with the form of the pre-cast concrete shapes creates a soft and clean underground landscape. However, the direction and the power of the light is constant, which means there is not too much interaction between people and the landscape. To increase the interaction between people and their landscape, phase two gives the proposal replacing the central light with projection. It will work because of the geometric shape of the concrete panels â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is easy to calculate how the light will interact with these surfaces, and therefore direct the light to interact with the activity 48

in the space. To test the method of projection light: experiments one is casting 16 square concrete piles with simple geometric shapes. Component these concrete piles to a concrete panel and projected a video, which could perfectly fit the form of the concrete panel. This experiment made clear the potential of connecting the physical concrete panel with a changeable computer world. Another experiment consisted of inserting optical fiber into concrete in order to create concrete through which light could pass. Put an LED panel underneath so that light could go through with the optical fiber. Using an Arduino controller, it is easy to control the light of the LED. If a sensor were connected, to capture the activity in an underground space, it would be possible to create an interactive light with these interactive concrete panels. Through these experiments and the case study of Dupont Circle Metro station, it is clear how new technology could be useful to developing an interactive underground landscape with concrete and light.

Assessment A series of experiment in Phase Two explores the possibilities of concrete. It proves fascinating possibilities, using with optical fiber inserted, projection lighting, and interactive LED lights. However, It did not include the performance of the concrete itself; all these new possibilities used light as the driving force. The thesis is about the performance of concrete working with interactive light, but still that concrete itself needs to be further explored. Or, all these could also be applied to other materials, like plastic. What missed in phase two is another series of experiments exploring the unique qualities of concrete that make it work with light to create a unique landscape.

PHASE 3 EXPERIMENTS AND PROPOSALS

Abstract The experiments with concrete and light continued in phase three. Experiments include a series of light tests of the concrete panel from Phase Two and also with the new concrete structure developed in Phase Three to catalyze different reactions using a different light. Phase three also studies how to use concrete built an architecture structure and how to use already-built concrete architecture in conjunction with light. Build the concrete beam structure model by using steel and steel mesh as the framework and concrete shaping the beams. This method is also applied to build a concrete tunnel model by adding fiber in the concrete. Use LED light to see how these structures perform under the light.

Introduction

Methods

This Phase still focuses on the study of how the change of the light could influence the performance of concrete. The light aboveground changes constantly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; every minute, every season, and everywhere. Traveling above ground, exposed to the changing of light, gives people the sense of time passing. However, the light in underground space is artificial light, which is manipulated by a human. The light in most underground space is fixed and doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change. Today, there are several new light technologies that could be applied to underground spaces in order to create a dynamic environment in underground space. The LED light and the projection light are two ways that we can easily control light and encourage it to react with its environment. The clean surface of concrete could provide a good surface for projection light, and the translucent concrete provides an opportunity to work with LEDs to create an interactive light that works with concrete.

1. Experiment of same concrete shape under different light. 2. Experiment of different concrete under same light

Experiment 1 The projection light could give concrete different characteristics than people usually imagine concrete to have. The clear and flat surface of concrete has the advantage of absorbing the projection light. In underground space, this property of concrete could make it work well with projection light to create a different atmosphere. The color of the projected light could give the concrete different expressions of temperature and emotion. The changing of light could enhance peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception of the form of concrete. As the only changing outside element in the otherwise static underground space, the change of light would bring peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to their physical surroundings, and give people the sense of time passing.

Procedure Sketch models of concrete piles

3D printing the object

Using silicone to make the mold of the object

Cast concrete

Design the projection light, make a video

Project the light

Observation How different color could influence the concrete The performance of the concrete in an underground space might vary depending on the color of light it with which it interacts. Concrete itself has its material characteristics. Under normal light, it has a solid and gray color, and gives people the impression of being cold. When colored light is projected onto concrete, the coldness of concrete is reduced, and the form of concrete is strengthened by the light.

How the shape of light could influence the concrete The blue projection light becomes the framework of the concrete panel. It shows the shape of the concrete panel but creates a much lighter atmosphere compared with the solid, cold impression concrete gives under normal light.

Conclusion The projection light could give concrete a different appearance, but the clear and flat surface of concrete has the disadvantage of absorbing the projection light. In underground spaces, this property of concrete could make it work well with projection light to create a different atmosphere. The color of light could instigate a different expression of temperature and emotion by the otherwise cold and static concrete. The changing of light could enhance peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception of the form of concrete. And as the only changing outside element in an underground space, the change of light would bring peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention to the physical space, and give people the sense of time passing.

Experiment 2

Observation 1

The translucent concrete provides the opportunity to work with LED panels which could create interactive light. This experiment compared regular light with the new dynamic light to study the performance of concrete under a different light. Sketch models of concrete piles

3D printing the object

PROCEDURE Using silicone to make the mold of the object

Cast concrete

Install LED

For the same concrete pile, under a normal light, the surface of the concrete is flat and smooth. When the light source is moved to the hole of the curve, it shows the shape of concrete pile more clearly.

Observation 2 For the same concrete pile, under a normal light, the surface of the concrete is flat and smooth. When the light source is moved to the hole of the curve, it shows the shape of concrete pile more clearly.

Conclusion Using the embedded optic fiber and the LED light, the concrete itself could become the light source. Concrete would then not only be the building material, but also a changing element controlled by designers. Concrete in underground space is usually treated as the building material, rather than a dynamic design element. With this technology, the concrete closely connects with light become a variable element.

Experiment 3 This experiment is to explore how the concrete structure will influence the performance of concrete with light in underground space. It includes the study of concrete not only as a structural material but also as a sculptural expression of landscape performance. In above ground space, there are many cases of using concrete in a sculptural way. The goal of this experiment is to better understand how concrete works in a structural way, understand how to build space using concrete, and explore how to create a dynamic underground space with concrete structure and light.

1．Using steel to build the concrete framework

2．Using steel mash to shape the structure of concrete

3．Fill the frame work with concrete

4．Install light for the model

Observation With the same curved concrete structure, a simple spotlight could lighten the space and show the vault softly. However, the linear light only strengthens the space of the structure and texture close to it, but creates a sharp contrast of the light part and dark part of the concrete structure.

The linear light works with the linear concrete beams in a way that could strengthen the structure of the concrete. The concrete beams become the main characters in the space; this combination of light and structure works not only as a structure of the model but also tells the story of the space.

Conclusion Concrete has the ability to create a dramatic space that can tell a story. The structure of concrete itself has the potential to be a landscape sculpture. The right light design, could show the structure of the concrete, giving people a clear view of the space and making people feel safe.

Prototype Train Station In underground spaces, since there is no natural landscape, people can easily lose their sense of direction. This model uses different colored lights to guide people. It also uses LED lights and translucent concrete to interact with people; a changing light would attract more attention from people to provide information effectively. Also, the interactive concrete wall could enrich the entertainment function of the metro station: it could be, for example, a space for subway artist.

Concrete form+ Light

Tunnel

Landforms + bike path + color light Since there are no automobiles in underground space, the tunnel creates a safe space for biking. The unique concrete structure and light could create a mysterious and exciting cycling experience. This design uses landforms to create different cycling experiences, and also to create a landscape for people who are watching from inside the train.

Translucent Concrete+LED light

Concrete form+ Light

Translucent Concrete+LED lig

Entrance When people enter the underground world, they feel isolated from the outside world. This proposal uses concrete and translucent concrete to build a more natural transition between the underground space and the aboveground space. The concrete structure could become the sculpture of the park, and it is also the mark of the entrance of the metro station.

Translucent concrete

Escalator

Concrete+Projection light

The Dupont Circle station is 100 feet underground. It is a two minute escalator ride to get into the station. The narrow space and forced movement can provoke feelings of being physically and mentally out of control. To reduce the potential depression about entering the space, we could use projection light to attract peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. At the same time, projection light could make a familiar and friendly image for people;, the moving escalator, and a designed concrete curve could help to create the virtual reality experience.

Interactive wall

ght

Findings + Conclusions This phase focuses on how the experiments could be applied on a large scale. It started with the analysis of people’s different travel experiences aboveground and underground. Generally, there are more stimulations aboveground. The main elements that influence people’s perception are elements of the variable environment. Compared with aboveground space, underground space is physically unchanging. To enhance people’s perception and interaction in an underground space, we should add more variable elements to the underground landscape. Concrete works well with a variable environment. As a building material, it is constant – it shows the beauty of constancy and coldness when it is paired with a changing environment aboveground. As time passes by, snow melts, iron rusts, grass dies, concrete remains the same. It always seems new and everlasting because of the solid and strong volume, the clear and flat surface, and the gray and cold color. The combination of the dynamic environment and the everlasting, static concrete give the landscape its poetic nature. However, in underground space, without the natural environment, the beauty of concrete is lost. Light becomes the only possible changeable element in underground space. My experiment uses light as a variable element, working with the unchanging concrete to create underground space. Light in this case can enhance the performance of concrete and improve people’s perception and interaction in an underground space. The study of this phase includes reorganizing the experiment, testing the concrete with different lights. Use a projection light to see how changing the color and the shape of the light could influence the performance of concrete. Compare the regular flat light outside with an inserted LED light and used optic fiber in the concrete to let light pass through. This helped show how light can give concrete a different shape and texture. 68

Assessment Phase Three gives a series of proposals that used these methods of light and concrete at a metro station, such as Dupont Circle. However, there is a lack of step that moved straight from experimenting to proposing changes, without critically evaluating the results of experiments. Phase three should continue doing the experiments and include a deeper analysis of the different results. The proposals do not need to be site specific. It may have been more effective to make a prototype that gave people a clear idea about the outcome of my experiments. There also should be more analysis of how many variable degrees we need to improve peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perceptions. Though the current situation might lack stimulation or variable elements, too many variable elements may also not work well.

Overall Assessment

Final Conclusions In conclusion, underground transportation spaces should be considered in the general planning of a city in the same way that the above ground space is considered. These spaces can and should be built not only for function but also as civic spaces with aesthetic value and good interaction and perception with people. Using concrete as a material in conjunction with the element of light has the potential to create an amazing underground world. When we are designing, we are so worried about being artificial or not natural. Ever since Central Park was built, many designers focus on creating natural, green spaces in the cities. However, cities themselves are constructed by humans. Standing in the Washington metro station, under the amazing ceiling, watching so many people passing by, gave me a sense of the enormous power of humanity. It is a world dominated by humans and their sublime technology. We need to change our ideas about the way we treat our green space in the cities. Using light as the variable element could improve the performance of concrete and make concrete feel poetic in an underground space. The concrete could be used as a sculptural element in underground space. Working with a changeable light, could improve peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s perception and interaction with underground spaces.

Final Assessment During the process of this thesis, there are a lot of desperate times and a lot of confusing times that if it is too far away from the original questions. However, there still is something interesting and figured out for what the real interest and the real goal of this thesis. The beginning of the thesis more focused on the material itself. Phase One, the material research period, studies the characteristics of concrete. However, It is not started from a perspective as a landscape architect. During the process of defining the topic, concrete is the first word chosen. But it was important to figure out how to use concrete as a landscape architect, not an architect or an engineer. There is no need to repeat what engineers already did to make translucent concrete. It is not an original invention. The research of concrete should focus on the performance of concrete in landscape architecture in an underground space. There are some essential characteristics of concrete, the poetic, decorative qualities of concrete showed in Phase Three, which should have been considered in phase one. Phase One was useful as a tool for inspiring my methods of experimentation in Phase Two. It is the foundation of the thesis. The study of LED lights inspired me to explore how different light could influence the performance of concrete.

In the schedule for this thesis work, Phase Two was allotted for experimentation and Phase Three for the proposals, but during the real process, the experiments were continued into Phase Three. If there is an opportunity to redo it, the schedule should be changed so that Phase Two focused on broad experimentation, and after an evaluation at the end of Phase Two, Phase Three would continue the experiments, but more specifically. For example, Phase Two should include experiments of projection light on concrete, LED light on concrete, and different types of concrete structures under the light. Phase Three might only focus on different projection color on concrete. There is no need to render design of the experiments; a prototype of the methods of the application of concrete may be more suitable. If this study continues, there should be a major phase involving testing the experiments in an underground transportation space. For example, it would be important to test how different projection color works on different concrete structures. There should be a real test of projected light in a real concrete metro station like the Washington D.C. metro station. If the light doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t work in a real underground space, there is a need to continue to experiment to find a way to improve it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; or give up this idea and continue with other experiments.

The experimentation with projection light in Phase Two was successful. The experiment was started with the projection light, and it worked and continued with a deep study of a proposal in Dupont Circle Station. However, the experiments of projection light should start more broadly. There should be a series of experiments using light and concrete. After initial experimentation, there should be an evaluation to choose the most successful experiment and start a new series of experiment focusing on that.

Bibliography 1. “Material Science and Engineering Technology.” Light Transmitting Concrete -. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://engowa.blogspot.com/2015/12/light-transmitting-concrete. 2. “Light Transmitting Concrete or Transparent Concrete.” Light Transmitting Concrete or Transparent Concrete. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.slideshare.net/SahlaFathima/seminar-report-53878460. 3.Vollers Dr. ir. K.J., Rietbergen D.; A method and apparatus for forming a double‐curved panel from al flat panel; PCT; WO 2009/002158 A1; 2008 4. “Twin Stations / Sporaarchitects.” ArchDaily. 2014. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.archdaily.com/546390/twin-stations-sporaarchitects. 5.“Twin Stations / Sporaarchitects.” ArchDaily. 2014. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.archdaily.com/546390/twin-stations-sporaarchitects. 6. “DUNE 4.1 MAASTUNNEL, Rotterdam - E-architect.” Earchitect RSS. 2010. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.e-architect.co.uk/rotterdam/dune-maastunnel. 7. “ISLINGTON HOUSE – LONDON | KAZA Concrete.” ISLINGTON HOUSE – LONDON | KAZA Concrete. Accessed May 22, 2016. http://www.kazaconcrete.com/project-gallery/projects/islington-house.html. 8. Knaack, Ulrich, Sascha Hickert, and Linda Hildebrand. Concretable. n.p.: Rotterdam : NAI010, 2015.