week4

DESIGN STUDIOARCHITECTUREAIR

Qi Wei 531474

CONTENTS

part A - Case For InnovationA.1. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSA.2. COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTUREA.3. PARAMETRIC MODELLINGA.4. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONSA.5. CONCLUSIONA.6. LEARNING OUTCOMES

part B - Design Approch

part C - Project Proposal

B.1. DESIGN FOCUSB.2. CASE STUDY 1.0B.3. CASE STUDY 2.0B.4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENTB.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPESB.6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSALB.7. ALGORITHMIC SKETCHESB.8. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

C.1. GATEWAY PROJECT: DESIGN CONCEPTC.2. GATEWAY PROJECT: TECTONIC ELEMENTSC.3. GATEWAY PROJECT: FINAL MODELC.4. ALGORITHMIC SKETCHESC.5. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

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eoi i: case for innovation

PART Aeoi i: case for innovation

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ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO - AIR

Part A - Case For Innovation Part B - Design Approach

Hello,My name is Qi Wei, also called Bella. I am a Chinese girl came to Australia 5 years ago, finished high school in Brisbane and then came to this wonderful city, Melbourne! I study as an international student in University of Melbourne Bachelor of Architecture degree and this is my third year in university.

Before I came to university, I only able to do some basic AutoCAD drawings and Archi-CAD designing in high school. Then I start to learn Rhino in my first year at university in the course of Virtual Environments, however, I still know little about digital design or digital designing tools. When I finish the course, I realize there are limitations that using Rhino to do 3D models without any plug-ins. Grasshopper is the plug-in I first meet in this course, the air studio. I find it is amazing.

Therefore, the main reason I want to join this course is to enhance my digital drawing or modeling skills, especially with Rhino. Parametric architecture looks cool and is be-come more and more popular nowadays, which make me highly interested in learning Grasshopper.

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WEEK 1 - Architecture As A Discourse

Part C - Expression of Interest Part D - The Gateway Project

A.1.1. INTRODUCTION

Part 1 - Case For Innovation

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Part B - Design Approach

Part 3 - Expression of Interest Part 4 - The Gateway Project

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A.1.2. PREVIOUS WORKThis is the BODYSPACE Project, which I finished in my first year at university in Virtual Environments. The aim of this project is to build a complex form that is made from paper, can be lit from within like a lantern and is worn on the body. One requirement for this project is to develop three-dimensional forms from the analyses of existing natural process.

Module one in this project I remember was to engen-der stage. I used drawings and physical scale mod-els to develop a series of three-dimensional forms based on the analyses of existing natural processes. Module two was digitizing and elaborating. I tried to use orthographic method and contouring method to describe my model and then digitize the model into three-dimensional computational representations. Rhino was the main software used. Module three was fabricating. This stage was altered several times, but each time the model became better.

During this course, I understand that digital designs would somehow limit our ability to engage with crea-tive work. Even now I bury this in mind.

My experience with digital architecture is just like what I said before. Technically, to be honest, I feel more confident with AutoCAD then Rhino. AutoCAD is normally used for digital design and drafting. We can draw both two-dimensional and three-dimen-sional drawings in the software. Unfortunately, I haven’t try three-dimensional drawings in Auto-CAD. Rhino is also a digital designing software has the advantage of making complex three-dimension-al NURBS models. Though it is my weakness, I am highly interested in this software. I look forward to exploring Rhino in this course.

Theoretically, it is obvious that digital technology is a great impact on architecture design. And I think it is just a beginning of that. It is undeniable that those enormous and complex building designs could grab people’s eyes, which I think will be the trend of fu-ture architecture design.



7- Richard Williams, ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005), pp. 102-116.




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A.1.3. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSEArchitecture can be simply understood as a shelter or a building in ancient time. In other words, architecture is “a material one” (Rich-ard, 2005, pp103). But it is absolutely not what architecture means nowadays. With the fast development of technology, architecture possesses its new meanings; “architecture is as much a philosoph-ical, social or professional realm as it is a material one” (Richard, 2005,pp103).

Architecture nowadays is a discourse. In my opinion, architecture is like a discourse more than art due to it has all kinds of parameters that constrain it. An art is done by an artist freely, meets his own appetite. But an architecture needs to meet the clients appetites, or even the whole public’s appetite. It also has other constrains such as theoretical issues, technological restrains, environmental limitations, social relations, cultural values, costs and so on. On the other hand, architecture also has an influence on those parameters, which is like a circular influence. Moreover, architecture as a discourse needs to be a sign nowadays. It should lead a discussion among people. A suc-cessful architecture could be a hot topic of the society regardless of time. Several precedents could be found in the following pages.

In this case, we are going to do the Gateway project in the next few weeks. The design aims to be a sign or bring up a topic among people contributing a discourse, while limits by physical structure. I suggest Grasshopper is a suitable digital tool to establish a common bond between an ideal model and real physical structure within the parameters.



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Fig 1.4.1 - http://onlyhdwallpapers.com/world/architecture-beijing-water-cube-desktop-hd-wallpaper-2727/

This project is the National Aquatics Centre of China (Fig A.1.4.1) finished in 2008. It located in the Olympic Sport Park in Beijing, which also known as ‘Water Cube’. The di-mension of ‘Water Cube’ is 177m in length *177m in width *31m in height. Inspiration of this design comes from the natural structure of a water molecule. The reason why I like this project is it has a strong idea of new architecture.

In terms of cultural values, the cube represents strict, well-behaved in Chinese back-ground. It makes a contrast with the Bird’s Nest beside, which has a meaning of harmo-nious. The central designing idea, water is a natural element, which represents happy and exciting in China. Like most other important structures in Beijing, Water Cube lays just aside the axis of the central city. The architecture has its cultural connection to the city. By looking at its appearance, the creative design of the exterior fabricate is eye-catching. It attracts most people to walk inside and have a look around. The architecture is creative. Technically, the building is mainly steel framed with ETFE cladding exterior. The advantage of ETFE cladding is it is transparent, which means the building is natural lighted during the daytime. It is environmental friendly. The building is also user-friend-ly. There are 6000 spectator seats and 11000 removable seats in the Water Cube. (Fu, 2005, pp13)

“Architecture can scarcely exist without patronage. And it is generally the client who determines the function of a project, its specification, its location and above all, its cost; the architect works within these parameters” suggested by Richard (2005).

I love the design of this architecture. The uneven bubble shaped structure are generated from computer to support the skin material. Parametric design in this case helps us to work through our way with these parameters and find an ideal solution for our design. Also makes the structure possible to build in reality. I have been there and walked inside. I saw the bubble cladding is steel framed. It is interesting that the structures of these bubbles follow the same principle as the real bubble does, forming hundreds of small circular hollow sections. They are incredibly strong and rigid. Water Cube is thought to be a successful example of modern architecture. It combines cultural, technical, envi-ronmental and visual features together making a ‘simple’ cube interesting. In my future design, I may regard ‘nature’ as my good teacher to help me with structure or design. That is making the architecture connect to the nature.

WATER CUBE

- Background info. from: http://baike.baidu.com/view/779442.htm?fromId=95252- Richard Williams, ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’, in Exploring Visual Culture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Mat-thew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005), pp. 102-116.




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Fig A.1.4.1

A.1.4. PRECEDENTS

Fig A.1.4.2

I tried to make the 3D model of the water cube using Grasshop-per. I find the real one is much more complex than this one. I have a lot to learn with digital design.

Beijing National Aquatics Centre, Beijing, China

Architects: PTW architects, Arup international engineer-

ing group, CSCEC (China State Construction Rngineering Cor-

poration) and CCDI (China Con-struction Design International) of

Shanghai.


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Fig 1.4.7-9 http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/galaxy-soho/

Fig A.1.5.1

Fig A.1.5.3

Fig 1.4.3-6 http://www.arch2o.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Arch2o-Galaxy-SOHO-Zaha-Hadid-Architects



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GALAXY SOHOThis amazing project is designed by a female architect, Zaha Hadid. The project began in 2009 and just finished last year in Beijing. The building has two major functions, which are a big shopping center and an elite office building. The plot area of this building is about 46965m2. Mainly, there four towers, which is 15 floors high, connect each other with continuous lines or flowing volumes.

In terms of cultural values, this building is a re-inventing of the classical Chinese courtyard and located at the central area of Beijing. It aims to create an internal world. Another inspiration of this design comes from nature, the terraced fields in China. It makes a connection between a modern city to nature. Aesthetically, it is also 21st century archi-tecture. The building lines are no longer straight all the time and the corners are not sharp any more. A creative and continuous form appears. Technically, the roof, light-ing systems, air conditioners and surface fabricates are all environmental friendly. 360 degrees view on the building is also users-friendly.

I love this design because I am impressed by the liquid geometries designed by Zaha. Parametric design helps to make such a form possible in real world. What’s more, the term “termite” needs to be mentioned here. The en-vironmental conditions of these towers are just like the termites. When the sun shines at one side of the termite, the ants will go to the other side because it is cooler there. Same principle was applied in these towers. Users could always get one side cool in the daytime. Galaxy Soho is a successful parametric design, which brings up a new way of thinking architecture. It also combines cultural, techni-cal, environmental and aesthetic features together to make a creative building, which I should bury in mind in future.

A.1.5. PRECEDENTS

Fig A.1.5.2

Fig A.1.5.4

Fig A.1.5.5 Fig A.1.5.6 Fig A.1.5.7

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- Yehuda E. K, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories and Methods of Computer-Aid Design (Cambridge, Mass: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5-25.- Kolarevic B, ‘Architecture in the Digtal Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003), pp. 3-28.

Part 1 - Case For Innovation Part B - Design Approach

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WEEK 2 - Computational Architecture

A.2.1. COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTUREDesigning process is kind of like problem solving method, which might include problem analysis, solu-tion synthesis and further research stages. The dif-ference is that designing process is not so rational but sometimes needs to achieve multiple goals or encounter uncertainties. Computers are superb ana-lytical engines though ‘they lack any creative abili-ties or intuition’ suggested by Yehuda (2004,pp2). Digital technology plays an important role in archi-tecture. They help people drafting and modeling architecture. Generative design method is one of unique innovation of computational based design method. Kolarevic (2003,pp13) describes as ‘de-signer articulate an internal generative logic, which then produces, in an automatic fashion, a range of possibilities from which the designer could choose an appropriate form proposition for further devel-opment.’ There is a circular communication from those design back to the designers. What’s more, digital architecture is not totally ideological or con-ceptual. They look like a new way of thinking ar-chitecture, but still can find historical precedents influencing the appearance of digital architecture.

With the fast development of computer programs, people are trying to make these programs easy to control and being more efficient. One new term

NURBS is introduced, which means Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines. The reason it becomes more and more popular is ‘the ability of UNRBS to con-struct a broad rage of geometric forms’, ‘it is de-fined within a local parametric space’ (Kolarev-ic, 2003,pp15). In parametric design, it is the parameters of a particular design that are de-clared, not its shape. By assigning different values to the parameters, different objects can be created.

Last but not least, manufacture technology is also an important influencing factor of computational architecture. As Kolarevic (2003,pp7) states ‘The information age is challenging not only how we de-sign buildings, but also, manufacture and construct them.’ Once upon a time ideas were constrained by technologies of representation. Now new forms are created such as parametric design, topological space, isomorphic surfaces and genetic algorithms.

Linking back to the Gateway Project, it aims to propose new, inspiring and brave ideas to generate a new dis-course. It is believed that computational based para-metric design is the way to achieve this final goal. Such a designing method is innovative and still under ex-ploring, therefore it is going to generate the discourse.



It is undeniable this architecture makes the city of Bilbao famous in the world. It is Guggenheim Mu-seum designed by Frank Gehry finished in 1997. The whole museum covers an area of 24,000 square meters, including 11,000 square meters are showrooms. It is not only the symbol the city, but also the icon of the digital information revolution. The design is really daring and innovative com-pare with other conventional design of museums.

Materials used in this museum are mainly glass, steel, limestone and titanium sheeting exterior. The

use of materials reflects the cultural background of the city, which is a city famous for shipbuilding. Simi-lar process and material of shipbuilding are used in this design. The design aims attract more people to the city to fulfill the resurge of this old harbor city. Aesthetically, the design is a free sculpture of curva-ceous metal-clad form. Creative and continuous lines delineate the building profile. Environmentally, the curve form of the design echoes the flow of water in the river beside. A connection is made between the design and nature. Titanium sheeting exterior could reflect the sunlight during the day so that the building

A.2.2.GUGGENHEIM MUSEUM


Guggenheim Museum, Bilbao, SpainArchitect: Frank Gehry


Fig A.2.2.1 - http://www.blogcdn.com/travel.aol.co.uk/media/2011/07/8.-archtctrllndmrksgggnhm.jpg

WEEK 2 - Computing In Architecture

A.2.2. PRECEDENT

could have different views always. Technically, a 2mm galvanized steel cladding was bolted to the tertiary layer and the interior side was covered with thermal insulation. According to Cesar Caicoya (1998), ‘One of the key factors in construction was the massive use of CAD/CAM technology, something fairly unu-sual in architecture. Without this technology, Bilbao Guggenheim would still be under construction today.’

What I think makes Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum successful is the adoption of computational design in this masterpiece. Like Kolarevic (2003)suggest in

his reading the museum ‘will not stand there without the computation innovation in architectural design, not to mention generating a new era for Architecture.’Computing design process makes the design unique and famous in the world. And it also makes it easier for people to achieve such a complex geometry. To link this idea back to our Gateway Project, I guess the design outcome should be totally different to the past. We are able to create something that different, exciting and eye-catching with the innovative compu-tational based design method, which is going to gen-erating discourse and inspires us during the project.


Fig A.2.2.1



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Fig A.2.3.1

Fig A.2.3.2

Fig A.2.3.3

Fig A.2.3.4


Fig A.2.3.1-6 - http://www.pscohen.com/images/projects/torus_house.jpg

WEEK 2 - Computing In Architecture


A.2.3. PRECEDENT

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This is the Torus House in New York designed by Preston Scott Cohen and finished by his company in 2001. The house was designed as a home for an artist as well as his studio with the support of com-putational design. Preston puts a focus on spatial investigations on topology, which is ‘a branch of mathematics concerned with the properties of objects that are preserved through deformations.’ (Kolarevic, 2003,pp6)

As can be seen from the images, a curving line crosses several flat surfaces including walls, floors and ceilings. The whole design becomes an un-dulating form. Few straight lines or sharp cor-ners could be found in the design, therefore the conventional surfaces lines are hard to be de-fined. Curved surfaces are used instead of nor-mal orthogonal intersections between separate planes. Due to the client established a require-ment, which is able to allow him entertain of-ten and paint on his rooftop, people could find a topological form of spiral staircase in the center

of the house. The staircase leading up to the roof and the other end connects to the parking area under the main body of the house. The designing idea here is that the interior of the house is like a threshold between roof and ground landscapes, which satisfies the requirement of the client.

This ‘smooth’ house design was done by using CAD/CAM technologies, so that complex topo-logical froms such as torus entered the architec-tural discourse. In this case, I see the problems put forward by the client and how do they be solved by the architect using parametric design method. Using a parametric design may help us having a better control over the problems en-countered and then solve in a more efficient way.

Linking back to the Gateway Project, I guess we can using parametric design to ‘hide’ something that we don’t want to show the public (like the structural frames etc.) so that develop a form bet-ter in aesthetic.

A.2.3. TORUS HOUSE

Fig A.2.3.5 Fig A.2.3.6

Torus House, New York, U.S.A.Architect: Preston Scott Cohen



19- Burry, Mark (2011). Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming (Chichester: Wiley), pp. 8 - 71.- Woodbury, Robert (2010). Elements of Parametric Design (London: Routledge) pp. 7-48

WEEK 3 - Parametric Modelling


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A.3.1. Parametric ModellingParametric modeling system differs from a tradi-tional system that ‘parts of a design, relate and change together in a coordinated way’ (Woodbury, 2010). It is easy to add or erase ‘parts’ (nodes) in a parametric modeling system. This system could also increase the design efficiency due to when the designer changes ‘parts’ the rest of the elements in relation to the ‘parts’ will changes accordingly. This will help the designer to save a lot time in real world application. Moreover, parametric mod-eling could provide us a lot of complex shapes or forms, which we can choose from or making an-other parametric system to help us choose from. Burry (2012) states that the system provides ‘a sig-nificantly deeper engagement between the com-puter and user by automating routine aspects and repetitive activities, thus facilitating a far greater range of potential outcomes for the same invest-ment in time.’ Parametric modeling could extend design experimentation efficiently. As we are de-signing architecture, not only choose a beautiful shape, it is important for us to consider the func-tion of the model. The model needs to satisfy the designing purpose. We can make good use of the system to adjust the shape into a favorable shape according to its function, cost, achievability and aesthetic. Generally, parametric modeling system is efficient and easy to control.

On the other hand, the disadvantage of paramet-ric modeling is that the designers need to learn how to using the parametric system. They need to be able to program the system making models as

they like, not be programed by the system. Some of the systems are complex and hard to learn, which need exploration time. Also, Burry (2011) says designers might ‘place their entire trust in the software engineers’, parametric modeling has a potential to limit the designers’ creative ideas. More specifically, changing inputs is easy to do in a parametric modeling system, while what if a new factor arise and does not belong to these in-puts. The result is it will cost the designer spend a lot time to add a new factor to the model in a parametric modeling system.

Actually, parametric modeling system is used more and more widely in real world. Because this system is quite like the designing process as men-tioned in the topic on previous pages. It is efficient and controllable though it needs technical skills. For future, I think parametric modeling method will still be popular and become more well-known to the public. It will be used mainly as a tool to-wards modern architecture. While the limitation of this method requires technical skills for the us-ers. Therefore, a potential future for this method will be developed as much easier for the public to use. Also, this system could be used for organizing spaces as well, not only the surface skins etc.

In terms of the Gateway project, parametric mod-eling will help us do the project in a more efficient way and make it easy to adjust the outcomes. It is believed that the project could generate a new discourse with parametric modeling system.



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A.3.2. TAICHUNG METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE

Fig A.3.2.1 Fig A.3.2.2

Fig A.3.2.5Fig A.3.2.4

Fig A.3.2.7Taichung Metropolitan Opera House, Taichuang, Taiwan.

Architect: Toyo Ito

Fig A.3.2.1 - http://www.archello.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/media_image/story/media/1217_metro_rend_01.jpgFig A.3.2.3 - http://thefoxisblack.com/blogimages//ito_taichung2.jpgFig A.3.2.2, 4-7 http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cG5UZiIU0fs/ULeKHvdmHwI/AAAAAAAAL_M/NQ8sPZoGXx0/s1600/Architecture_Taichung_Metropolitan_Opera_House_by-Zaha_Hadid-Architects_Taichung_Taiwan_world_of_architecture_10.jpgFig A.3.2.8 - http://www.tmoh.com.tw/image/ori/tmoh04.jpgGeneral background - http://www.tmoh.com.tw/page/04-design/design_main.htm


A.3.2. PRECEDENT


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A.3.2. TAICHUNG METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE

Fig A.3.2.8

This is Taichung Metropolitan Opera House located in Taiwan. This project is under construction since 2009 and will be finished at the end of this year. The designer of this opera house is a Japanese ar-chitect called Toyo Ito. His design ‘Sound Cave’, which is the opera house now like, won the entry in the competition. The whole build-ing is 37.7m high with a floor are of 51125.12sqm. Taiwan Govern-ment has invited tenders for 5 times, however there is no company dare to do the project due to the toughness of doing this structure. The Discovery Channel records the whole construction process be-cause it is rare to see in architecture history.

The aim of this project is to become the symbol of Taichung city. Taiwan government thinks Taichung city is lack of its own identity compare with other cities in Taiwan. The winner design is do eye-catching. The main structure of the opera house is formed by several connecting curved walls, embedded floors and a core service wall. Space is created freely with the rhythm of these continuous curved walls. Parametric modeling system could adjust this embedded space between the curved walls, so that to achieve the function of an opera house. (Details of each individual space in the opera house could be seen in FigA.3.2.8.) Structurally, the whole opera house is a horizontally and vertically continuous network. To construct a building with three-dimensional curved walls, they are divided into 58 curved wall units and structured by steel bar reinforcements and steel trusses. Environmentally, the continuous curved surface in an open structure actively engages its surroundings in all direc-tions. Materials used in the building are mainly concrete and steels, with aluminum sheeting and glasses. Aluminum sheeting and glass-es could provide the public a sense of dynamic, which flows the rhythm of the surrounding environment in terms of light and heat. The majority of materials used are recyclable eco-materials.

Toyo says ‘Architecture has to follow the diversity of society, and has to reflect that a simple square or cube can’t contain that diver-sity’. This matches the idea of architecture as a discourse. Paramet-ric modeling is the best way to control these complex forms and simultaneously satisfies the function of being architecture.For the Gateway Project, it needs to take us in a new direction and form-ing a discussion accordingly among the public. Parametric modeling method allow us have more freedom on design to exploring differ-ent forms, spaces, patterns, layouts and etc. Just like the precedent, we can explore forms and functions and develop the most satisfac-tory result for the project.

Fig A.3.2.3

Fig A.3.2.6

Taichung Metropolitan Opera House, Taichuang, Taiwan.Architect: Toyo Ito



Fig A.3.3.2

Fig A.3.3.1

Fig A.3.3.4


A.3.3. PRECEDENTA.3.3. SERPENTINE GALLERY PAVILLION


Fig A.3.3.3

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This is the Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2005 designed by a Portuguese architect Alvaro Siza and Eduardo Souto de Moura. The function of the pavilion is to serve as a café in the daytime and be a leaning and entertainment place at night. The central idea of this pavilion is to ‘guarantee that the new building, while presenting a totally different architecture, establishes a ‘dialogue’ with the Neo-classical house’.

The outcome is a pavilion that mirrors the domestic scale of the Serpentine and articulates the land-scape between the two buildings. Basically, the pavilion is in a simple rectangular grid form. The new thing is parametric modeling method is used to distort the gird a bit to create a dynamic curvaceous form. Computational technology could make simple forms unusual and open up a new field for us to look at. Parametric modeling could manage the curvaceous grid in terms of not only aesthetic, but also

the space under and structural stability. Environmentally, a translucent polycarbonate is used to cover the structure, which allows natural light to come through in the daytime. At night, the pavilion was lighted by these small solar-powered electrical lamps in the middle of each panel. Material used are mainly timer beams, which matches the surrounding environment and secure the rigidly of the struc-ture at the same time.

Thinking about the Gateway Project, we could explore simple repeated patterns and arranged them in an unusual form using parametric method. It will be faster for us to use parametric modeling to explore numerous possible outcomes. It will also be easier for us to adjust the outcome according to the client’s requirements, cultural background, social and structural issues using parametric modeling method. Then we are able to establish the most money, material efficiency solution of the project.

Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2005Architect: Alvaro Siza & Eduardo Souto de Moura

Fig A.3.3.1 - http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2.VI.jpgFig A.3.2.2 - http://www.serpentinegallery.org/3.VI.jpgFig A.3.3.3 - http://www.architecturetrips.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/2005-Serpentine-Gallery-Alvaro-Siza-e-Souto-de-Moura-C.jpgFig A.3.2.4 - http://www.serpentinegallery.org/4.VI.jpg


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WEEK 3 - Algorithmic Explorations

A.4.1 ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS

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These are some exploration I did with using parametric modeling system (the Grasshopper in Rhino). I first draw some curves and then loft them forming a NURBS surface. Then I used sur-face divide tool to identify a number of points on the surface. Different sets of points were also created, which were different in distance. At last, I make rectangles around the existing points. The distance between each individual points could be adjusted. The size of each indi-vidual rectangle could also be adjusted.

The inspiration of this model comes from Al-varo’s Pavilion. These rectangles were arranged along a NURBS surface in different sizes. In real world, it allows different amount of sunlight to come through.

Similar process could be done to the Gateway Project. Different sizes of patterns can create dif-ferent shadows, which would provide the public a different kind of experience. Using parametric modeling system is the most convenience way of doing the project so far I think.



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A.5.1 CONCLUSIONArchitecture nowadays is more like a discourse due to it has all kinds of pa-rameters that constrain it. Successful architecture should also be a symbol and able to lead a discussion among the public. The Gateway Project aims to being a successful architectural icon and being a hot topic among the public. It is suggested using parametric modeling system design approach is better for the outcome. The advantage of using this method is that it is a more controllable and efficient way for us to explore numbers of possible outcomes. I strongly believe that not only our designing group could save a lot time and encounter some ‘fresh’ (new and unknown) outcomes during the process, but also the clients could save money for doing the project efficiently and the aim will be fully reached.

Fig A.6.1.1 - http://nomadicform.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/images/9.96192258_large.jpg

WEEK 3 - Conclusion


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A.6.1 LEARNING OUTCOMESMore and more architecture nowadays are using parametric modeling system to build an outstanding and eye-catching architectural icon. Most people are excited about these curve lines and blob forms. I believe it will still be the trend for the next few years. In my opinion, architectural computing is one of the designing methods that aid us doing the process more efficiently and easy to control. It is not the whole architecture. We can not hundred percent ‘trust’ them and still need to have creative ideas. After four weeks experi-ence, In terms of the previous design, if I possess the ability to use parametric modeling design before, I could able to adjust the hole sizes on the lantern so that different amount of light could go through. Holes in the middle would not have strong and dazzling light and holes at the sides would not only have dim light. The result will be the users could get soft and diffuse light.

Fig A.6.1.1

eoi ii:design approach

PART Beoi ii:design approach



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WEEK 4 - Design Focus


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B.1.1 DESIGN FOCUS

week4

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