B CRITERIA DESIGN ZIKAI WANG 760549
tutor MEHRNOUSH LATIFI
2017, SEMESTER 1
B CRITERIA DESIGN
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B.1 Research Field SmartGeometry Gridshell, 2012 Technique: Geometry My initial research field was geometry and the gridshell built by the Gridshell Digital Tectonics workshop during SmartGeometry 2012 was my precedent. I chose this precedent for its potential form finding applications in lightweight double curvature structures. Gridshells can be optimized to avoid bending moment, with only the line of thrust running along its surface, allowing for lighter and more material efficient structures. Other design opportunities lie in the flexibility of gridshells to be combined with other design techniques such as to provide cladding. However, I will likely have to make a compromise between structural performance and other formal parameters in my design. Other issues include making up for the lack of stiffness compared to a continuous shell.
B.1 Research Field
The SmartGeometry gridshell was postformed from a flat grid of interwoven lathes. A team gradually pushed the timber lattice up and into position.
The key role parametric tools played was in creating a feedback loop wherein geometry and material performance parameters could interact to produce a relaxed surface structure which satisfied specific assembly and fabrication requirements. While using straight lengths of timber simplifies fabrication, and assembly can be relatively fast, I am concerned with the complexity of converting a design to a flat grid of elements which could be assembled by pushing and pulling members. I am also concerned with how to calculate forces occuring in the structure. Potentially a generative script could be designed to this end, to speed up the process of trial and error.
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1. Smartgeometry 2012, SG2012 Gridshell, 2012, < http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [accessed 24 April 2017]
B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 1 EVEN PIPE
My first species pushed the original geometry to the point it could no longer be recognised, to investigate how the original timber lathes of the gridshell might be replaced for different visual effects. I piped the gridshell with cross sections of varying shape and radius. Rotation of curves let me produce more irregular geometry. FLARED PIPE
TRIANGLE CROSS SECTION WITH VARIABLE WIDTH
TRIANGLE CROSS SECTION
TRIANGLE CROSS SECTION WITH VARIABLE WIDTH
SQUARE CROSS SECTION
SQUARE CROSS SECTION WITH VARIABLE WIDTH
ROTATED MEMBERS
ROTATED MEMBERS THIN PIPE
B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 1
PIPE WITH VARIABLE THICKNESS
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B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 2
B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 2
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Based on the catenary component from Kangaroo plugin, these iterations share the property of having a base shape in pure compression.
12 DIVISIONS 0 CIRCLE SHIFT 1 ELLIPSE SHIFT
8 DIVISIONS 2 CIRCLE SHIFT 3 ELLIPSE SHIFT -10 CATENARY LENGTH
12 DIVISIONS 0 CIRCLE SHIFT 1 ELLIPSE SHIFT -5 ELLIPSE Y-AXIS RADIUS
8 DIVISIONS 1 CIRCLE SHIFT 6 ELLIPSE SHIFT
12 DIVISIONS 0 CIRCLE SHIFT 1 ELLIPSE SHIFT 3D ROTATE CIRCLE
8 DIVISIONS 6 CIRCLE SHIFT 6 ELLIPSE SHIFT
12 DIVISIONS 2 CIRCLE SHIFT 2 ELLIPSE SHIFT
10 DIVISIONS 6 CIRCLE SHIFT 6 ELLIPSE SHIFT
12 DIVISIONS 2 CIRCLE SHIFT 2 ELLIPSE SHIFT
12 DIVISIONS 6 CIRCLE SHIFT 6 ELLIPSE SHIFT
B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 3
This species is based on the Voronoi component. Variation is achieved by changing curve density of base geometry. The addition of the cull component produced temperamental results.
18 DIVISIONS 0.2 RULED SURFACE
12 DIVISIONS 0.4 PIPE
25 DIVISIONS 0.9 PIPE
14 DIVISIONS 0.4 PIPE
12 DIVISIONS 0.2 PIPE CULL PATTERN
16 DIVISIONS 0.8 RULED SURFACE
15 DIVISIONS 0.9 PIPE CULL PATTERN
12 DIVISIONS 0.4 RULED SURFACE CULL PATTERN
12 DIVISIONS 0.9 RULED SURFACE CULL PATTERN
B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 3
10 DIVISIONS 0.4 PIPE
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B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 4
B.2 Case Study 1.0 Species 4
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With combinations of polygons as input geometry, I generated various cylindrical grids. Polygon variables include number of sides, pipe width, pipe density and polygon radius as manipulated by a graph mapper component.
15 DIVISIONS 0.3 PIPE
15 DIVISIONS 0.1 PIPE
15 DIVISIONS 0.3 PIPE
5 DIVISIONS 0.5 PIPE
15 DIVISIONS 0.3 PIPE
25 DIVISIONS 0.5 PIPE
12 DIVISIONS 0.3 PIPE
25 DIVISIONS 0.3 PIPE
12 DIVISIONS 0.3 PIPE
25 DIVISIONS 1.0 PIPE
B.2 Case Study 1.0: Results This exploration was based on the definition provided for the 2012 Smartgeometry gridshell. My selection criteria is based on whether or not the iteration result contained ideas either having direct application in my project or the design potential for further exploration, leading onto further options.
I selected this outcome over others because of how it deviates from standard gridshell geometry, showing that the definition has latent potential for natural shapes. The concept of individually rotating a regular grid of curves off their respective planes might have further uses if pursuing biomimicry as technique.
The technique of using catenary curves to generate structure in general could have applications in generating concrete shells, which are weak in tension. This iteration in particular uses base shapes rotated into different planes. Similar to the selected result to the left, this provides another way to create variation with computation.
This outcome converts the original gridshell into a voronoi frame, thickened into surface strips. This result has an interesting visual quality - the original shape appears to float within a bounding box. It hints at an alternative architectural application to which the gridshell definition could be applied, whilst remaining buildable from timber lathes like in the precedent.
The polygon tool permits creation of geometric variation quickly and easily. The regular diamond shape produced here could be created using a grid of stiff connecting members and joints instead of timber lathes. This outcome suggests an alternative assembly method to the push-up of the original gridshell.
B.2 Case Study 1.0: Results
The container-like shape suggests how the gridshell may be applied either to an overall tubular structure or coral-like polps adorning said structure.
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B.3 Case Study 2.0: Selected Project Cellular Morphology Facade by rat[LAB] New Delhi, 2015 This prototype by the architecture and technology research organization rat[LAB] explores the sustainability potential of facade systems and geometry optimization. The density, projection angle and direction of the hexagon grid skin is an parametric design using performance parameters to control sunlight, visibility and heat. The goal is to minimise active cooling and lighting.
B.3 Case Study 2.0: Selected Project
The prototype was exhibited at the ‘20under35 Exhibition 2015’ by DesignXDesign, demonstrating a facade system which by parametric algorithm, can be optimized for retrofitting to different building and climate contexts.
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Sushant Verma, ‘Cellular Morphology Facade’. 2017 <https://www. rat-lab.org/cellular-morphology-facade> [accessed 24 April 2017].
While the hexagon geometry expresses its computational origins very attractively, this proposal is as more an artistic installation suggesting how we might improve building performance without demolition, rather than a functional modification. The design intent of embedding performance into facade geometry using computational design is relatable to my own goal. The use of a grid of modular geometry with performance based adjustments for particulars may also be an approach suitable for my project.
B.3 Case Study 2.0: Reverse Engineer 1. I attempted and failed to use Kangarooâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planarize and spring components to create an algorithm which could create a pattern of planar hexagons on any surface.
4. By extruding the tile from step 2 I created these protrusion like elements as seen in the Cellular Morphology Facade.
Evaluation Compared to the Cellular Morphology Facade, my definition lacks the performance driven element. In order to improve the likeness I would add a force field attractor function so that the hexagons would point in different directions.
For my project I would consider using moulded brick, as this would be fairly efficient, or plywood, as is more commonly used in birds nest boxes.
To take this further, I would focus on customization of individual components, for projection direction, size and other parameters. Possibly these components could become the artificial hollows of my proposal.
5. Varying surface box height let me create variation in the hexagrid, but I could not find a way to generate the variation in scale and attraction seen in the Cellular Morphology Facade.
B.3CaseStudy2.0:ReverseEngineer
3. Using the surface box and box morph components I tiled my geometry onto a surface.
2. I started again with a more familiar method. I offset a hexagonal grid and created a tile which could be tessellated.
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B.4 Technique Development:
Species 1
This species tests the protrusions using voronoi grids altered with attractor points. Kangaroo is used to extrude the grid. A simple rectangle base was used for clarity andbecause the original base solid was too large to process efficiently.
400 SPRING STIFFNESS 200 POINT DENSITY
800 SPRING STIFFNESS 150 POINT DENSITY
400 SPRING STIFFNESS 150 POINT DENSITY
800 SPRING STIFFNESS 150 POINT DENSITY
400 SPRING STIFFNESS 250 POINT DENSITY
400 SPRING STIFFNESS 150 POINT DENSITY
600 SPRING STIFFNESS 150 POINT DENSITY
100 SPRING STIFFNESS 150 POINT DENSITY
B.4 Technique
400 SPRING STIFFNESS 350 POINT DENSITY T/F CULL PATTERN
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B.4 Technique Development:
Species 2 PROTRUSION 1 0.5 OPENING 20 HEIGHT
This species experiments with a single and then two attractor points to direct the protrusion angle and height. I believe this species will be useful in further developing our final script, however perhaps an iterative solver will be more suitable when dealing with many points.
PROTRUSION 1 0.4 OPENING 20-80 HEIGHT PROTRUSION 1 0.3 OPENING 20-100 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 1 0.5 OPENING 20 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 1 0.3OPENING 40--80 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.5 OPENING 20 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.2 OPENING 50-100 HEIGHT 1-20 ROTATE SERIES
PROTRUSION 1 0.5 OPENING 20 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 1 0.5 OPENING 50-120 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.25 OPENING 20 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.3 OPENING 60-160 HEIGHT 0.1-5 ROTATE SERIES
PROTRUSION 1 0.4 OPENING 50 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 1 0.2 OPENING 60-140 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.8 OPENING 80 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.2 OPENING 80-200 HEIGHT 0.1-6 ROTATION
PROTRUSION 1 0.9 OPENING 40 - 170 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.8 OPENING 30 - 150 HEIGHT
PROTRUSION 2 0.8 OPENING 60 - 190 HEIGHT 0.1-4 ROTATION
B.4 Technique
PROTRUSION 1 0.4 OPENING 20 - 120 HEIGHT
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B.4 Technique Development:
B.4 Technique
Species 3
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This species attempts to achieve close packing of modules of fixed radius using the Kangaroo plugin. I attempted to introduce variation using attractor points, and this produced the gaps seen in between modules. I switched from hexagons to circles for better packing.
20 POINTS 6 HEIGHT 0.8 SCALE
20 POINTS 6 HEIGHT 0.8 SCALE
25 POINTS 0.5-10 HEIGHT 0.8 SCALE
10 POINTS 6 HEIGHT 0.8 SCALE
15 POINTS 0.5-10 HEIGHT 0.9 SCALE
15 POINTS 5 HEIGHT 0.8 SCALE
15 POINTS 0.5-10 HEIGHT 1.1 SCALE
15 POINTS 10 HEIGHT 0.9 SCALE
15 POINTS 10 HEIGHT 1.0 SCALE
15 POINTS 10 HEIGHT 1.0 SCALE
B.5 Technique: Prototypes Prototype 1 - Fabrication The concept behind this prototype is to streamline the fabrication process by grouping the protrusions of our artificial fish habitat into square panels which can be tesselated across a surface. This saves time by reducing the number of joints and casts required. We started by cutting 4 foam models, each based on a different pattern. Of these, two were selected to cast a negative plaster mould, into which we poured plaster models.
Prototype 2 - Assembly With our second prototype we considered the assembly of our artificial fish habitat. During a meeting we proposed having a central column off of which the individual protrusions could be loosely hooked to by wires, and kept in place by each other. The hexagonal protrusions were cut from foam and skewered in pairs with wires wrapped around a timber dowel. The model was able to be stacked into different arrangements, and naturally assumed a stable configuration.
Cutting protrusions for Prototype 2 (above) Casting process for Prorotype 1 (left) Photos by Author.
B.5 Technique: Prototypes
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B.5 Technique: Prototypes
Prototype 1 (left) The plaster cast panels were intended to stacked and bonded much like a masonry dome, held in place by eachotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s friction and line of action. The plaster however was brittle around openings and easily broken during the removal process. I was concerned that the material may not be able to support the self weight of the entire structure, or even the installation process, which can place stresses on the components they are not intended for. The material choice did not fullly satisfy our selection criteria for strength. Reinforced concrete may be more appropriate material. The grainy material effect of the plaster contributed to its natural stony appearance, fitting given that one of our research fields was biomimicry. Prototype 2 (right) The purpose of the second prototype was to test an assembly process wherein the protrusions would be kept somewhat loose and allowed to settle into a stable configuration.
B.5 Technique: Prototypes
I was satisfied with the compositional effects produced by protrusions of differing lengths, which had a coral-like impression.
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The looseness of the composition gave me the notion that our structure might not be totally fixed, but have some capacity for movement in the water. This could help mimic natural vegetation, or dissapate structural stresses.
B.6 Technique: Proposal Maribyrnong River, Brimbank Park, Keilor East The site is an important wetlands valley located on the middle reaches of the Maribyrnong River, 15km north-west of Melbourne. The park contains an extensive trail network and is a major habitat for threatened native flora and fauna. As such, it has an important role in the health of the western suburbs.
Client The Maribyrnong is home to threatened native fish species. Threats include habitat loss due to human activity, predation and competition for habitat and food from exotic species such as Eastern Gambusia. Proposal We propose to install an artificial fish habitat on the bed of the Marybyrong river, upstream of the local weir. Research into biomimicry techniques will help us capture the qualities of natural fish habitats and attract fish, and provide a safe place to conduct life cycle activities. Research into geometry will contribute to generating the modular self supporting structure and produce the variation necessary to biomimicry. Compared to normal fish habitats made from timber and plastic, ours will have a greater life span and durability. Using computation techniques and performance based parameters will allow us to achieve a more attractive and successful habitat.
Land Victoria, Ferry Lane (Vicgrid 2485790, 2419135, 1:12000) <http://services. land.vic.gov.au/maps/interactive.jsp> (accessed 26 April 2017).
B.6 Technique: Proposal
Common Galaxia (Top), Flathead Gudgeon (Middle), Australian Smelt (Bottom) Melbourne Waters, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Know Your River: Marybyrnong River, 2015, < https://www. melbournewater.com.au/getinvolved/education/> [accessed 24 April 2017]
The drawback of our design lies in the greater time, equipment and materials consumed in the making, which we justify with the additional performative element rur artificial fish habitat will also have, as a installation, as a visible reminder to raise awareness to park goers about the threatened native fish species.
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References Smartgeometry 2012, SG2012 Gridshell, 2012, < http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [accessed 24 April 2017] Verma, Sushant, Cellular Morphology Facade, 2015, < https:// www.rat-lab.org/cellular-morphology-facade> [accessed 24 April 2017] Land Victoria, Ferry Lane (Vicgrid 2485790, 2419135, 1:12000) <http://services.land.vic.gov.au/maps/interactive. jsp> (accessed 26 April 2017).
References
Melbourne Waters, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Know Your River: Marybyrnong River, 2015, < https://www.melbournewater.com.au/getinvolved/ education/> [accessed 24 April 2017]
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