606964 ka lam ng

2013 SEMESTER 1606469 KA LAM NG, CAROL

STUDIO AIR

STUDIO AIR JOURNAL2013 SEMESTER 1606964 KA LAM NG, CAROL

TUTOR: CHRIS GILBERT & ROSE GUNZBURG

CONTENTIntroduction

Part A: Case For InnovationA1 Architecture As A Discourse A2 Computational Architecture A3 Parametric Modelling A4 Algorithmic ExplorationsA5 ConclusionA6 Learning Outcomes

Part B: Design ApproachB1 Design Focus B2 Case Study 1.0 & 2.0 B4 Technique: DevelopmentB5 Technique: PrototypesB6 Technique Proposal B8 Learning Objectives & Outcomes

Part C: Gateway Project ProposalC1 Design Concept C3 Final ModelC5 Learning Objectives & Outcomes

References

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I was born in ZhangShan, China. I moved to Hong Kong when I was four and finished my primary and secondary education in Hong Kong. I obtained the architectural studies associate degree at City University of Hong Kong. After I finished the two-year associate degree, I applied the third year entry of the bachelor degree of Environment, major in architecture at The University of Melbourne. I would like to travel around different places to experience different cultures and explore more about architecture and life.

I like architecture, and I did a pavilion, a single family house, a library, high rise office and residential buildings in my previous study. Although the study processes were hard and needed to spend a lot of time, but

INTRODUCTION

HELLO

This is a journal for a girl from Hong Kong to record the study. Hong Kong is totally different from Melbourne. The girl is trying to adopt the new life and start a new adventure in the city.

I still have fun and satisfied. The statement “after pain is gain” is always encourage me and help me to overcome the difficulties.

We always work with some computer programs, such as Adobe, Auto CAD, SketchUp, Revit and Rhino to carry out our designs. But it does not mean we are doing “ digital architecture”. This type of architecture is quite new to me. I can find their in magazines and on the Internet. Some of them are really impressive in the form, facade and structure design. However I did not use this kinds of methodology and concept in my studio design works. Fortunately, I got a chance to do it when I was working at Hong Kong Design Centre, a publicity-funded, non-profit organization as

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internship. During December 2012, we carried out a very interesting workshop with MVRDV and The Why Factory, to explore the evolution of the skyscraper in the Asian context. It inspired me to explore more about the future city development. I believe that workshop let me contained more understanding on digital architecture. We did try to adopt pixelization to study the relation between the open spaces to human activities and building forms. The design process was systemic and mathematic. The spaces and façade designs of the pixelated towers is under the accurate computing calculations.

After the workshop, I tried to explore more about “digital architecture”. I searched out another design methodology, fabrication. And it let me understood architecture created digitally might not involve the use of actual materials. It relies on “sets of

numbers stored in electromagnetic format” used to create representations and simulations that correspond to material performance and to map out built artifacts. Digital architecture does not just represent “ideated space”; it also creates places for human interaction that do not resemble physical architectural spaces.

Digital architecture allows complex calculations that delimit architects and allow a diverse range of complex forms to be created with great ease using computer algorithms. The new genre of “scripted, iterative, and indexical architecture” produces a proliferation of formal outcomes, leaving the designer the role of selection and increasing the possibilities in architectural design.

INTRODUCTION

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PART A. E0I I

CASE FOR INNOVATION

We love imaginative passion projects that bring together brilliant people to awesome ideas. How architecture can contribute to our daily life? Also the specific potentials of algorithmic design and

parametric modelling. The precedent cases can give us some clues on the idea of innovation.

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A.1.

ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

[A]ny serious “rethinking” of architecture at the start of this century cannot be undertaken without upsetting the structure and emphases

of the traditional profession, of traditional typologies, and of traditional modes of envisaging the architectural subject […].

Vidler, Anthony (2000). ‘Review of Rethinking Architecture and The Anaesthetics ofArchitecture by Neal Leach’, HarvardDesign Magazine, 11, pp. 1-4, p. 3

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WALTER GROPIUS

BAUHAUS DESSAUAfter the First World War, the defeated Germany was seeking a solution to the crisis of values in which he was immersed. Intellectuals believed that the political irrationalism had led to violence, should be imposed

now critical rationalism, able to resolve social contradictions.

Gropius was deeply involved in these approaches, their great show of architectural rationalism would be the unique Bauhaus building in which are grouped the characteristics of the Modern Movement: rationally articulated pure volumes (functionalism), innovative use of new materials

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A.1. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

en.wikiarquitectura.com

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http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Bauhaus-Dessau_innen.JPG

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nerdmeister/2675731348/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/carstenrammoser/3224349629/

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Gropius discoursed his architectures in a very functional and economical way. With the curtain walls and spare rectilinear forms, the architecture crystallised what would become the dominant type of modernist architecture. Rowam Moore, an architecture critic, thinks it was one of the most prodigiously influential buildings of all time.

The school building presented a symbolic image to the world, even noways. From the above image, it showed the surrounding buildings of Bauhaus were in classical style, but the building of Bauhaus. It was unique. Gropius, rather than visually amplifying the corners of the cubic body of the building, allowed the glass surface to overlap the edges, thereby creating the impression of lightness. The entire complex is rendered and painted mainly in light tones, creating an attractive contrast to the window frames,

which are dark.

Today, the Bauhaus is therefore once more a vital place for experimental design, research and teaching, similarly dedicated to the cultivation and communication of the Bauhaus legacy.


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WANG SHU

NINGBO HISTORIC MUSEUMThe museum is designed by architect Wang Shu, who is the first Chinese citizen awarded the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2012. The concept of museum design is a combination of mountain, water and ocean, as the East China Sea has played an important role in the history of Ningbo. Features of Jiangnan residences are integrated into the museum design by decorations made from old tiles and bamboo. This design alludes the geographical feature in Ningbo as well as the unique local building method, thus making the architecture a symbol of local history and culture. Museum won the Lu

Ban Prize in 2009, the top architecture prize in China.

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© Iwan Baan


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© Iwan Baan

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Architecture represented the times. Groupies expressed the physical innovations to his works; Wang Shu evoked the past, emotional feeling to his architectures.

Wang spent years working on sites to learn Chinese traditional building skills. His studio tries to merge ancient aesthetics, sustainability concepts and modern technologies together. This unique combination of traditional understanding, experimental building tactics and intensive research defines the basis for his studio’s architectural projects.

The Ningbo Historic Museum is his represented work. Rather than looking toward the West for inspiration, as many of Shu’s contemporaries do, his work is rooted in the context of Chinese history and culture. His buildings have a very rare attribute, which is a commanding and even, at time, monumental presence, while functioning superbly and creating a calm environment for life and daily activities. He designed the museum with the concept of the mountain, which is part of the

Chinese tradition.

The museum presents the collective memory of local history while preserving the traditional building craft. In addition, the methodology that the architect adopted is purely refer the traditional Chinese architecture. The facade is built with recycled bricks and tiles, which contain hundreds of year history. Wang followed the skill of building WaPan wall to construct the facade. The skill is nearly lost nowadays.

It helps to remind Chinese to preserve the valuable traditional contents that they have, not to only trace after those idea or concept which not suitable to local condition. Not only Chinese, all the people in the world should provide meanings and values to architecture. The best way to do this is refer to the local content that we have. Wang showed the world a good example.

This is how Wang Shu understand architecture and presenting his messages through architecture.


© Iwan Baan

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A.2.

COMPUTATIONALARCHITECTURE

http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6253

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Human is intelligent. We can invent and control many things. However, human is kinds of living creature. We would have physical and emotional feelings. We make mistakes; we feel tired; we will die…… We cannot ignore our basic needs. That’s mean we contain limitations and constrains for only using human resources in the architectural design process.

The invention of computers overcomes the disadvantages of human-being; computers will never tire and get bored with repeated work. They can handle complicated calculation and working processes without make arithmetical mistakes. With “intelligent” enough design systems, computer can even understand the input data of the architect or designer, and be able to provide rational appraisal of designers’ solution, such as cost, structure stability and energy consumption, for further development.

In the past when computers were not so advanced, architects and constructors needed to produce many physical models to test the possibility of building designs, which required a lot of man power and time to carry out. Also the

design solutions of problems were not as much as now. This is the limitation of without computers. With the quick and accurate responds of computer nowadays, it helps us to work out more design possibilities and save lots of resources. For example we can demonstrate the architecture under various conditions such as strong wind and heavy snow in computer, evaluate the strength of structures, test different kinds of materials and so on. We no need to use so many resources, but still can generate predictable designs.

The Helix Bridge (Above) is the world’s only double helix bridge. The complex structure can be more easy to carry out under the help of computer. Double helix structure was conceived as both a highly efficient and exciting form that integrated with the curvilinear plan. It forms a dynamic spatial experience as well as, unlike other bridge structures, enables the canopy to be integrated into the segments between the helix tubes and their interconnecting ties.

A.2. COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

© Cuno SieberHELIX BRIDGE, SINGAPORE

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Architects are capable to generate both rational and creative design outcomes.Since computers will contribute their superb rational and search abilities and humans will contribute all the creativity and intuition needed to solve design problems.

Another example is the Expo Axis in Shanghai World Exposition. It was the largest membrane roofs structure at that time. Larger mega-triangles were mapped in a more or less manual process on the 3-D surface of the glass cones. These were subdivided into smaller triangles of identical geometry with vertices connecting six members. The challenge for engineering is not the construction of the detail or the rationalisation of geometry, but the development of the meshing tools and the precise transfer and control of data.

I believe there will have mainly two directions for the ongoing changes within design and construction industries. Definitely, the architecture designs will be more complex and architectural language will become more

complicated. The form of architectures is developing into more irregular, organic and funky. The typology of architecture will disappear gradually. It is because computer systems are becoming more advanced, which serve as a platform for designers doing experiments. More and more experimental architectures with impressive structural systems and materials will be built. Architectures are becoming more extreme and extraordinary, especially in those developed and rich areas. Computational architecture is getting more common.

Another way is computers help us to “plan” our architectures. In the Renaissance, human constructed buildings, but we plan more with the help of computers. We are not following and copying the traditional patterns, but considering more external factors. With computer, we can get the information more easily, and to design a more livable environment.

EXPO AXIS, 2010 WORLD EXPOSITION AD Volume 83, Issue 2, From Model Thinking to Process Design, March/April 2013

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A.3.

PARAMETRICMODELLING

http://gmik.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/img_1863.jpg

How does the parametric modelling and scripting cultures affecting our architectural design process?

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NBBJ & CCDI

Hangzhou Sports CenterNBBJ adapted the Grasshopper during schematic design and design development. The software help to generate the stadium bowl’s struss configuration. Also the generative design the facade of the stadium is formed of a series of unique truss modules. The exterior shape would immediately adjust and various changes could be evaluated and produced during design process, since the architecture is defined by loose geometric rules in computer.

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http://www.nbbj.com/work/hangzhou-stadium/#next

A.3. PARAMETRIC MODELLING

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We are exploring the specific conditions of location and function, and searching for a unique identity and aesthetic expression for each architecture. However the processes take a period of time. At its most demanding for the emerging connoisseur, parametric modelling affords a significantly deeper engagement between the computer and user by automating routine aspects and repetitive activities, thus facilitating a far greater range of potential outcomes for the same investment in time.

Along with extending design experimentation, scripting can also be the antidote to standardisation forced by an ambition to lower production costs, rather than any more sophisticated motivation, such as avoiding simple repetition and segregative functional stereotypes. This has the potential to free up the designer to spend more time on design thinking. It offers the designer opportunities to escape the strictures inherence.

In HanZhou Sports Center design competition, NBBJ won. It is based on the leveraged parametric scripts and modelling techniques which development and optimized the exterior shell. The architecture model was parametric, designers could changes any detail in an short turnaround and eliminated the problem in traditional modeling method. “ build-test-discard”.

The parametric model was used as the basis for cross-disciplinary collaboration with engineers and material consultants. The engineers and consultants could use the design team’s output directly for performing their specialized design and analysis operations. The close communication between disciplines enabled the design team to ensure quality control and also find opportunities for further optimization.

Advantages of Using Parametric Modelling


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CARLORATTI ASSOCIATI

THE CLOUDBuilding constructed for Olympic games and world fairs often are marked by a massive and monolithic heavy- handedness, while occupying lots of space. The design concept of The Cloud is a contrary. It seems to be a as light as air and is a homage to the digital era, characterized by bits and atoms, leaving the confines of traditional materials, such as steel and glass.

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http://www.raisethecloud.org/gallery


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The Cloud is an impressive competition proposal, but it would not be built. It maybe is one of the unbuild cases of parametric modelling. In short term, the parametric modelling helps us to save time and costs, but it is not the same thing in long term. Designers might not have the ability to estimate the result, since the modelling techniques are not mature in every area of construction. The defects appear after the finish of architecture. We need specialists to help, since it is not every contractor can handle such complex constructure structure systems.

New forms are possible to generate by using computer-controlled manufacturing techniques. People are enthusiastic to explore the limit of parametric modelling, it drives designers to over focus the forms of architecture, but basic concerns of designing a suitable space for the users. The sites condition, users’ behavior and cultural factors are not the first consideration criteria for parametric modelling design.

While the computer design methodologies are adopting by different buildings in various location, those architectures do seem the forms tend to be obviously similar. The forms will inevitable the same or very likely. They will lost the iconic image in the future, when the computer modelling techniques are getting more common in use.

Short-comings of Using Parametric Modelling



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A.4.

ALGORITHMICEXPLORATIONS

By Aaron McLeran and Pehr Hovey

After exploring different cases and trying to set up new definition in Grasshopper, I realise that there is no end in the world of parametric modelling. We can create what we want, if the definitions are made. Sometimes I get lost in the definitions.

During the modelling exploring process, I feel interested in the sectioning, panelling and pattern things. It is quite satisfying for the architecture forms, facade and structure. Also the new knowledge let me have a new understanding of spaces. How can we generate a mathematical architecture with impossible-like form? Software provide us a platform to make impressive to possible.

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Geometry+Rotation+Panelling

Geometry+Rotation+Panelling+Triangulation Algorithm

A.4. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS

Repeating the same geometry and rotate the panels by various angles.The spaces between the panels become stress when the rotation angle is getting bigger and bigger.

This matrix shows a variation in form by simply changing themodels into triangulation algorithm. The results are unexpected. The original folding forms of the models which cannot be easily observed. The various tilled angles transform into different thickness under the mathamatic calculations. Also individual pattern structure in developed in different model, which provides many possibility during design process.

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Rotation Angle: 0° Rotation Angle: 10° Rotation Angle: 30° Rotation Angle: 45° Rotation Angle: 60° Rotation Angle: 75°

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Geometry+Rotation+Panelling ( Grasshopper Definition)

Geometry+Rotation+Panelling+Triangulation Algorithm (Grasshopper Definition)

A.5.

CONCLUSION

After the study of readings and precedent cases, we should understand architecture is not a isolated object. It contains different relationships between the site, users, or non-users. Also there is some hidden relationships that might not easily discover by us, such as the historical and cultural one. Architecture is a kind of tools to deliver the message of designers and manipulate our human activities.

The tool have never changed, but the methods to provide messages changing time by time. How do the designers pass on the ideas? In the digital age, computer is the most common device to work with. We are more rely on digital devices. Although computers make our life more effective and comfortable, it is no feelings. If we only rely on computers or software to help us generate the spaces, it just likes a mathematics formula. No sympathetic responses will be formed, architecture will not contain any meaning to people. Therefore, we have to get a balance.

http://www.christoph-hermann.com/generative-design/parametric-design-barotic-interiors-l

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A.6.

LEARNINGOUTCOMES

http://blog.algorithmicdesign.net/acg/parametric-equations

I am interested in explore the ideas of different people on architectures. Theories or the observation of other people let me think more and understand the principle behind the action. The lectures and readings help me a lot. Although some of the information and concepts are not easy to understand thoroughly. But It always keep updating my knowledge by reading those materials. And the Studio introduced a new design method to me. We need to tackle the computing tasks every week. I can follow the tutorial videos to finish the tasks. I can handle the basic definition in Grasshopper. However, I feel a bit discouraged when I cannot work out the steps, or cannot find out the mistake. I know the parametric modelling is a trend of architecture development. I will have chances to use the software in the design process.

I am quite looking forward to the design that I am going to produce.

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PART B. E0I II

DESIGN APPROACH

In this section, we are going to do research and explain our area of study. Also demonstrations of specific design technique will be shown, for the

future design development.

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B.1.

DESIGN FOCUS

TessellationTessellation is a collection of pieces that fit together to form a plane or surface. It has a long history which could be found in ancient Rome’s mosaics, in Islamic architecture’s Byzantine Empire screen walls or in Gothic cathedrals’ stained glass windows. Tessellation is an interesting topic to explore. How can the precedents be inspired to generate a complex and beautiful 2-dimension pattern to 3-dimension structure.

Our group discovered that properties of tessellation can be of two ways: self-standing and surfaces that rely on the structure. In various kinds of experiments, we tried to explore the relationship between tessellation, parametric design and material characteristics. New materials engender new forms, and architectural design benefits from addressing and applying new materials. Tessellation offers a way to build smooth form using sheet materials. Maximize the geometry and material properties, they can change the shape of designs. This reaction of forms and materials transform structures into a dynamic form.

By using grasshopper, digital surface definition and tessellated construction methodology are brought together through digital fabrication.

http://amlam.deviantart.com/art/vector-tessellation-159429162

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B.2.- B.3.

CASE STUDIES

After we confirmed our design approach -- Tessellation, we picked two cases to study the techniques and exploring the possibility of the approach by using the grasshopper.Voussair Cloud and Ployplux are chosen as case study. Although the cases have same approach, they obviously contain quite different outcomes. Our intension of studying the cases is to explore the structure support of the projects and how designers applied innovative ideas and parametric programs. We are curious about the results.

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IWAMOTO SCOTT

VOUSSAIR CLOUDWe thought the installation is supported by the structure inside the

exhibition area at the beginning, but we found that it is a self-supporting structure after our study of the precedent. The designer adopted

“force” as the installation’s structure. Voussair Cloud also shows an alternative interpretation of tessellation:

not all the surface spaces have to be filled. The emptiness of the surface provides a connection of spaces and feelings which generates another

kinds of architectural discourse.

The installation is constructed using paper-thin wood laminates, scored with a laser and folded along the curved seam into wedges. The curvature creates a impressive form. The installation relies on the internal surface tension to hold its shape and allows for a structural porosity within the constraints.

The concave modules pack together and naturally creating vaulted forms with a light porous surface. The form-finding exploration of the whole is thus dependent on the geometric performance of the individual units.

Voussoir Cloud intentionally confuses the structural and material strategies. By beginning with a material operation, the design process is focused on calibrating the relationship of digital model to physical result.

This is a interesting point to study.

http://www.demagazine.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/VC-Petal-Formation.jpg

http://www.plataformaarquitectura.cl/2011/06/06/voussoir-cloud-iwamotoscott-architecture-buro-happold/vc-arandd/

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B.2.-B.3. CASE STUDY

Adjusted the Size & Height of Parameter

Test of Gravity

Increasing Edges


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SOFTLAB

POLYP. LUXDifferent from Voussair Cloud, Polyp. Lux is

installed on the ceiling structure. It forms by thin plastic sheets. The shape of the installation

would change gradually, when the area structure and the area of the “ceiling” changed. Moreover,

gravity of the Earth acts as an attract point to pull each plastic sheet toward the ground. The pattern changes in different points of the

installation. This provides a flexible appearance of the artwork.

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http://inessah.com/item/polyp-lux/

The sculptural work was generated through a gravity driven process in which three funneling forms of varying depths hang downwards. The surface is made of light weight material which provides flickering and blowing in the wind with the intention of slowing down traffic through the experience, engaging and encouraging visitors to commingle and interact with the work.

In addition, by using computing calculation , its surface contains more than 1400 battery powered LEDs, installed onto the mylar panels which make up the form. Designers used parametric tools to help they to predict the form of the installation when they tried to use different kinds of materials and patterns. This is what we can take advantages by using designing software.


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Patterning

Pipe

Original Circling

Fillet

Density


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B.4.

TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT

We adopted the metaphor of conch-shell as our preliminary design concept. The design is expected

to create intimacy and reciprocity between the users and the structure, evoking prosperous journey

towards Wyndham City.

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B.5.

TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES

In the preliminary design stage, we find many inspirations from the nature, such as the forces

(tension, compassion & gravity), light and shadow. Somehow these ideas are quite conceptual.

We hope the ideas can be transform into more systematic design process by using parametric

design tools.

ForcesGeometry

Material TransformationLight

ShadowWind

http://www.dataisnature.com/?cat=1

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Material: Translucent Papers Strategy: AccumulatingSpecial Condition: Lighting

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Material: Translucent Papers + Iron wires Strategy: Accumulating, overlapping, spiralSpecial Condition: Lighting & Shadow

Prototype 1: GeometryTranslucent Papers

Description:Repeating the cubic form of element. Each element might contain different features, such as solid and semi-open. Also the scale of the design is flexible, which the number of elements can be adjusted easily.

Analysis:The lighting effect looks good with the translucent materials. It might have large contract of light effect by using different kinds of materials.

Translucent Papers + Iron wires

Description:Triangular elements construct along the metal wire to create different shapes.

Analysis:Triangular elements could easily form spiky shadow effects. The provides a energetic and dramatic feeling.

B.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES

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Material: Wax + WaterStrategy: Change of Material State, pouring forceSpecial Condition: Cool-down & Heat-up Effect Self-stand Structure

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Material: Translucent Paper + Balloon + Glue + Water Strategy: Change of Material StateSpecial Condition: Lighting, Self-standing Structure

Prototype 2: Material PerformanceWax + Water

Description: Melting the candle wax and pour it into cold water. The wax is immediately cool down and re-formed. Gravity would let it forms some organic and dynamic shapes in a short time.

Analysis:The outcomes are interesting. However we cannot find any parametric tools to help us to predict the forms of outcomes.

Translucent Paper + Balloon + Glue + Water

Description: Dissolving glue into water and tears translucent paper into small pieces. Put all pieces of papers into the glue water. By putting papers on the surface of balloon to reform the shape. When it dried, it becomes hard and forms a self-supporting shell. Light pass through or penetrate the gap and create beautiful pattern.

Analysis:Translucent paper is soft and cannot be supporting structure, however when we put glue with paper, the material performance changed.


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Material: Translucent PaperStrategy: FoldingSpecial Condition: Special Form & Patterns

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Material: Translucent Papers Strategy: FoldingSpecial Condition: Special Form & Patterns

Prototype 3: PatternTranslucent Papers

Description:Folding is a kind of structure forming process. We tried to adopt this to form our structure.

Analysis:Taken from the geometry prototypes, we kept experimenting triangular forms. Since triangle is the most stable geometry and widely adopted in tesselation

Translucent Papers (Origami)

Description:Papers will change form a structure during folding process. When we put many origami together, they are interlocking each other form a strong connection.

Analysis:Tessellation can be demonstrated by modular origami by the repetitive patterns. We found out the spiky form generated evocative shadow and unexpected atmosphere.


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Material: Balloon + Cord + CardboardStrategy: StructureSpecial Condition:

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Material: Translucent Paper Strategy: Movable Joints, Compassion forceSpecial Condition:

Prototype 4: StructureBalloon + Cord + Cardboard

Description:A balloon put in a string nest. The nest acts as a structure or a connection between other structure to hold the balloon.

Analysis:Internal force generated by the balloon inside the string nest to maintain the shape of the nest.

Translucent Paper ( Cubic)

Description:External compressional force added to form movements between different cubes.

Analysis:The moving elements demonstrate the movement possibility of solid. The structure changes when pressure adds upon the surfaces.

In reality, wind movement might form pressure on structure and push it to change.


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B.6.

TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL

From the experiments these we have done, tessellation can be applied in various forms,

materials and structures. The form and material performance are the aspects that we could take consideration into our gateway design project.

http://www.dataisnature.com/?cat=1

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B.8.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

It has come to our understanding that the fundamental starting point of our design should be to question ourselves as to what could be the possibilities that may produce best outcome to correspondingly achieve identity of the rapidly developing and urbanizing Wyndham City. Since the City is the fastest growing municipality, establishment of its identity should be considered in our design.

Given that computational design has brought today’s architectural world various potentials in approaching design analogy to installation stage, our group came to an answer that Tessellation could bring so much potential to the project.

When we move from one space to another, the transitional point is the critical point to give the best impression. In our case it will be approximately forty seconds of quick impression, mainly by the users with automobile.

Tessellation is advantageous in this sense, as it has rich aesthetic properties involving morphology that is dynamic and repetitive: the best way to maximise user experience. The perforated design allows for sunlight to filter through the holes of structure by day. Due to the proximity of highway and excessive amount of speed, structural rigidity of design can be an issue. This issue can be solved by introducing firm joints to connect each panel component. Given these advantageous characteristics, tessellation can be a powerful urban attractor.

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PART C

GATEWAY PROJECT

PROPOSAL

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C.1.DESIGN CONCEPT

Material performance is a interesting area to study. Since the technology is more advanced nowadays,

we understand the characteristics of kinds of materials.An attractor point informed approach

allows for an interactive architecture which can engage the user from multiple viewpoints,

presenting opportunities for distorting the user’s perception of space and time. This can transform

the typically mundane task of driving into a rich and memorable visual experience which reflects ideas

about the context.

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C.1. DESIGN CONCEPT

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Proposed Design 1: Tunnel Form + Wax At the beginning, we tested to form structure with wax and water. We found it is a interesting and challenging study. We discovered wax melts when the temperature reaches 50°c and cool down becomes solid again under 50°c.

We tried to apply this into our design to form a special experience and eye catching sculptural design for the drivers and visitors passing through the gateway. And the design would change times by times, especial in hot conditions which is very suitable to place next to the highway.

We tried to put water and wax into a special designed container (with convex glass) and construct the containers into a big panel covering

the highway. Interesting forms of wax and shadows are supposed would cast on the road.

Unfortunately, the wax didn’t form organic shapes in water without the pouring force.

C.1. DESIGN CONCEPT

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The Spiral

The design is developed from our preliminary design approach. Inspired by the design philosophy of Alva Siza. The patterning tessellated structure intended to frame the view of the drivers and visitors. A wide opening of the spiral structure eventually narrower down at the end of the design.

This contains a symbolic meaning of inviting people to visit Wyndham City.

However, the design is not strong enough to present our idea of “ Change material state”.

Proposed Design 2: Spiral Form + Pattern

C.1. DESIGN CONCEPT

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C.3.FINAL MODEL

TRANSFORMATION

FROM... TO...Distance Far NearSpeed Slow FastMaterial Soft StructurePreception of Highway Pass through Stay

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C.3. FINAL MODEL

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C.1. DESIGN CONCEPT

Distance : FROM Far TO Near Speed : FROM Fast TO Slow

Visualization of the abstract idea “speed” to identify the aspiration of Wyndham’s fast growing. In order for the city to achieve its identity of space, our design considered engaging users with experiences, that creates discourse, not stopping as a static monumental object on site.

Also we tried to form a strong connection to the service station near to our site. In our investigation, people, both drivers and visitors saw the service station in their visual area, they tend to drive slower and walk faster. If we locate our design in that visual attraction point, people can experience our design more intensively.

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C.3. FINAL MODEL

POCKETS

1.8 M

1.8 M +1

Material : FROM Soft TO StructureWe tested the material performance of paper in the previous stage. Obviously most people think normal paper is not sutiable to be structure. However, our group tried to combined the advance paramatric tools to help us to explore the possibilities of paper.

The organic form of the gateway design contains 8000+ standardized paper origami interlocking to create a intense detail. Moreover, it proliferates continuity: continuity of surface morphology, continuity of the structural patterns across the surface, and varied interrelationships of each element. They are simply bolted together,

therefore they are easily assembled and disassembled. Also the design can transform to kaleidoscopic forms to fulfill different needs.

The structure is doubly curved. Forces dissipate across the assembled surface to create structural stability. Each element is 1.8m in height. At night, light permeates the edges of the gaps of the origami.

Finally, we think we are quite successful to turn a soft material to structure.

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C.3. FINAL MODEL

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[Above] Model With Light Effect

C.3. FINAL MODEL

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C.3. FINAL MODEL

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C.3. FINAL MODEL

Form Generation Concept

At the preliminary design stage, we explored the material performance of paper when a paper’s structure changed from 2D to 3D (Origami).

The form of the gateway design is generated the compression and tension forces added to the elements to maintain the self-supporting feature of the design. Therefore, the design twists and formed a ribo like form.

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C.3. FINAL MODEL

Preception of Highway: FROM Pass Through TO StayThis is a important concept of our design.

Normally the mobility on highway is always high. High speed movement of traffic along the highway. People are not often to stop, apart from the have accidents or special need.

We are trying to create a visual arts installation to catch attention. Moreover, we intended to locate the design next to the service station, people would not will to stop and enjoy the interesting spacial environment created by the gateway. People would like to slow down the foot and speed to enjoy the peaceful environment.

This will break preception of people think highway is not a good place to stay. And in long run the design might encourge people to visit.

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C.4.

After three month study, we had chance to apply a new methodology design approach into our design. We did presentations, passed through different design processes, exploration and production, also overcome various difficulties.

It is challenging to use parametric tools to design and it needs time to practise. Sometimes I think three month is too short and time flies so fast. The design still needs further development and exploration, also testing before it builds in reality. Parametric tools give us advantages to work out some design concepts we cannot work out before, and provides more possibility and flexibility for our design.

Moreover, those tools are mathematical. They provide accuracy from our designs and construction process, if we can provide accurate definition. This is the good point of using parametric tools, however it also is a limitation of design. If designer can not provide definition, the design could not be tested with the tools. In addition, similar design definitions will generate similar form, which make architecture missing the uniqieness of the design.

Sometimes I feel difficult to handle the tools. I hope I can have opportunity to explore more about the logic of the computer program. However, the study process give me have a new view point and new understanding of architecture discourse: is architecture only architecture? Architecture should be a combination of different aspects which is sophisticated and interesting. And in different times, people might have different approaches to create a new movement of architecture design.

Process is always hard, but I really gain a lot during the time. Also when I look back, I feel satisfied. That is architecture gives me.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

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REFERENCES

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Books, Journals, ArticlesBranko Kolarevic, Architecture in the Digital Age: design and manu-facting, ( New York, NY: Spon Press, c2003

“City Plan 2011-201”, (2013) Wyndha City Council

Collector’s Edition EVOLO SKYCRAPERS Book, Technology Advances, Ecological Urbanism, an New Frontiers. 624 pages, 2012

Horton, Guy. “ The Indicator: Craft in the Digital Age” 18 Feb 2013. ArchDaily

Neil Leach, Helen Castle, Parametricism: A Ne Global Style gor Archi-tecture and Urban Design, Architectural Design (Digital Cities, Vol 79, No 4, July/August 2009)

William, Richard, Architecture and Visual Culture, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005

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