woo shuk yee 718781 final journal submission

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RSTUDIO AIR2015 SEMESTER 1 FINNIAN WARNOCK

SHUK YEE WOO, YUKI

3TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION

PART B. CRITERIA DESIGN

PART C. DETAILED DESIGN

A1. DESIGN FUTURINGA2. DESIGN COMPUTATIONA3. COMPOSITION/GENERATIONA4. CONCLUSIONA5. LEARNING OUTCOMESA6. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

B1. RESEARCH FIELDB2. CASE STUDY 1.0B3. CASE STUDY 2.0B4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENTB5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPESB6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSALB7. LEARNING OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOMESB8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

C1. DESIGN CONCEPTC2. TECHONIC ELEMENTS & PROTOTYPESC3. FINAL DETAIL MODELC4. LEARNING OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOMES

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“NEVER SATISFY AND KEEPING IMPROVING“

WOO SHUK YEEYUKI

INTRODUCTION

Studied 2 years of architectural studies in Hong Kong and transferred to the University of Melbourne as a 3rd year student, everything is new to me especially the learning environment and language as I am not a native speaker. “Never satisfy and keep improving” is my motto to learn and to remind myself not to be lazy and do my best all the time. Having 2 years of architectural studies does not give me advantage compare to other students as the teaching method and learning aim in Hong Kong is very different to those here. I have taught to design practically and learnt to comply with building standard in Hong Kong, this make my design in the two-year study lack of innovative idea and this restrict me to express and develop my creativity. So, I am here now seeking a different way of learning and keeping improving.

Design projects in my pervious study are more like real project which must be buildable concerning the structure and building regulations. Some examples are museum, high-rise headquarter building,etc.

Digital programs are important for me when doing projects which they help with fast production of drawings and renderings. Autodesk Revit is the main digital tools to work on project as I can generate plans, sections and renderings in a fast and convenient way. Rhinoceros and V-ray are also helpful in massing and designing process with simple commends to produce 3D models. As digital modelling tools are the trend in the industry, I hope to keeping improving and increasing my knowledge and skill in using digital tools. Grasshopper is a Rhino plug-in which I have heard about its advantages in modelling in a way like programming and it is well known in designing parametric models. I have never try to work with it before this studio and I hope to familiarize with its functions and produce great models after this semester.


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PART ACONCEPTUALISATION

A1. DESIGN FUTURING

TThe defuturing condition of unstainability and destruction of our natural environment are problems to due in the moment. “The ‘state of the world’ and the state of design need to be brought together.”1 Design acts an important role in solving the problem. Architects design architecture that shape our world, determine the way we live and even change our thinking.

As design can be easily approached by using software that everyone can simply design by choosing what they prefer. This makes design practice moving towards appearance and style. More specific in the field of architecture, people want to build stararchitecture that have high economic value or cultural value but ignore the environmental aspect and how the design can contribute to the way of living and the way of thinking.

“‘Design futuring’ has to confront two task: slowing the rate of defuturing[...] and redirecting us towards far more sustainable modes of planetary habitation. “2

In order to create better future for human being and our planet earth, designers have responsibility to redirect design to a way that helps to move towards this vision.


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1: Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethicsand New Practice (Oxford: Berg), pp. 42: Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethicsand New Practice (Oxford: Berg), pp. 6 FIG.1: Panoramic view of the Munich Olympic Stadium


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FIG.1: Panoramic view of the Munich Olympic Stadium


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MUNICH OLYMPIC STADIUMMunich, Germany, 1972

Frei Otto & Gunther Behnisch

Other than building a typical flat roof with heavy materials, a light tensile structure was used for the design of the roof of the Munich Olympic Stadium which is a very new idea at that time. Beside the materials, the form of the roof is a continuous sweeping tent-like structure which connected the main buildings of the Olympic game. The section (Fig.3) shows how the roof is connecting the buildings with the floating tent-like form. This is not just to create style or to make it look good but also provide connection between buildings which unitize the area of the Olympic game and connect people to the exterior with the transparency of the material.

The design changes people’s concept of how a roof can be made to create volume and provide such openness to connect to the exterior at the same time. The acrylic glass panels clad on the tensile membrane established a relationship to the surroundings letting daylight get into the covered space and the form is creating an artificial landscape as well.

After the end of the Olympic game, the structure remains just like the same after 40 years. The roof still serve as a nice cover for people to walk around and like in Fig.2 people can cycle under the roof and enjoy the daylight at the same time.


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FIG.2: Roof of the Munich Olympic Stadium

FIG.3: Section of the Munich Olympic Stadium

THE EDEN PROJECTMunich, Germany, 2001

Nicholas Grimshaw

The intention of building the Eden Project is using the greenhouses to educate the public with environmental issue and show them the importance of sustainable development. Typical greenhouses are box form made with transparent glass, but the Eden project is form by eight domes with the use of two layers of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) foil in hexagonal panels. ETFE foil is a perfect covering for a greenhouse because it is strong, transparent and lightweight. The lightweight characteristics allow easier construction of the domes to build on the uneven site.


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“I think this is a project we will return to time and again. Not just to see the structure, but to see the growth and change in this botanical kingdom.”3

Nicholas Grimshaw

3. Architecture.com, ‘Eden Project’, 2015 <http://www.architecture.com/Explore/Buildings/EdenProject.aspx> [accessed 19 March 2015]

An innovative idea of the project is that the pillows of ETFE foil on the façade of the Eden Project are adjustable, on a colder day, they can be pumped up with more air to provide better insulation; on a hotter day, they can be partially deflated to allow more cooling.4 This combines the use of technology to achieve the idea of moving towards sustainability which can be a solution to deal with the defuturing problem in our environment.

A later project, the Water Cube, the Beijing National Aquatics Center(Fig.5), is also using the ETFE foil on the façade to reduce energy cost. There are future possibilities to expend the use of this kind of new materials with the development of technology, to enhance the energy saving quality in buildings.


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FIG.4: Panoramic view of the geodesic biome domes at the Eden Project

FIG.5: The Water Cube

4. ‘Nicholas Grimshaw. The Eden Project’, 2015 <http://www3.uah.es/proyectosarquitectonicos_etsag/INSTALACION%20TEMPORAL/RECINTO%20EXP%20EXT/2_Referencias/Nicholas%20Grimshaw.%20The%20Eden%20Project.pdf> [accessed 20 March 2015]

A2. DESIGN COMPUTATION

“The majority of computer-aided design over the past fifty years has been directed toward developing computational systems that provide varying levels of assistance to human design by taking care of smaller or larger parts of the design process. “5 This has pointed out the design process is linked with the use of computational systems nowadays. With software like Rhinoceros, Grasshopper and Revit, calculation and complex modelling can be done by the computer to replace slow manual drawing and complex model making in the old days.

Design computation give assistance to our design process in many ways. Other than help with designing complex or parametric forms as mentioned, it also helps in material fabrication with the research in performance and energy and structure calculation. These uses of computation help to improve the performance and possibility of design, in terms of form, materials and increasing the degree of sustainability to benefit our environment.


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5. Kalay, Yehuda E. (2004). Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 4

FIG.6: Dongdaemun Design Plaza


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FIG.6: Dongdaemun Design Plaza


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FIG.7: Façade cladding system of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza

DONGDAEMUN DESIGN PLAZASeoul, South Korea, 2014

Zaha Hadid Architects

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is the first public project in Korea to utilize the 3-Dimensional Building Information Modelling (BIM) and other digital tools in construction.6 With the use of BIM and design computation, the design can be tested and adjusted with the digital design model to fit the client’s requirement and integrated engineering and construction requirements. The use of design computation in DDP takes the advantage of it which can improve the efficiency of workflow and fasten the design process.

In particular, the façade cladding system of DDP(Fig.6) is a result of design computation to calculate the size and degree of curvature with the parametric model. The material fabrication process also involves the use of computation with a mass-customization system in the fabrication process to produce the metal cladding information with the use of parametric modelling. With the help of computation, the performance of the cladding can be controlled and hence reduce cost and enhance the quality. This kind of design and fabrication process contribute a lot to the performance of the design and it may become an essential process for parametric designs in the future which depends on parametric modelling to help with the process.


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6. ArchDaily, ‘Dongdaemun Design Plaza / Zaha Hadid Architects’, 2014 <http://www.archdaily.com/489604/dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects/> [accessed 20 March 2015]

IAC InterActivecorp HeadquartersNew York City, USA, 2007

Gehry Partners, LLP

Like Frank Gehry’s famous Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, the design of the IAC InterActivecorp Headquarter keep using irreglar form and to facilitate the process of designing these kinds of buildings, design computation tools will be helpful in doing that. The IAC InterActivecorp Headquatarters is designed with the irregular twisting form which makes the entirely glass facade produce thousands of unique facade components with different dimension and curvature. The process of producing these facade components is operated with 3D building information model. It provides accurate demensions for each component to be made and fasten the process of calculating the dimensions and the fabrication of the components.

Cold-blending is used as the construction method for the glass panels which is different from typical manner that soften glass with heat. The blending angle is calculated with the digital model and the workers install each units by physically joining corners into place.

Architect like Frank Gehry who likes to design irregular and complex forms will find design computation takes a important part in their design process to reduce time and cost and most importantly produce accurate components for construction.


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FIG.8: IAC InterActivecorp Headquarters


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FIG.8: IAC InterActivecorp Headquarters

A3. COMPOSITION/GENERATION

Other than help with the design process to make precise drawings, accurate dimensions, research on performance and other advantages, it also extend the parameters for design formation. It can be an algorithmic idea in computation can be an inspiration for architect to generate new design options.

The algorithmic based design approach using digital tools involves the concept of generating design following a logical flow. Architect just need to set constraints and the software will generate models base on the factors provided in a short time. This gives designers a fast and flexible way to explore design by testing different factors. The idea of it required the designer to have deep understanding of the algorithmic concepts; otherwise the software will become a constraint in design and discourage our creativity.


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“When architect have a sufficient understanding of algorithmic concepts, when we no longer need to discuss the digital as something different, then computation can become a true method of design for architecture.”7

Brady Peters

7. Peters, Brady. (2013) ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algo-rithmic Thought’, Architectural Design, 83, 2, pp. 12

FIG.9: Embryological House


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FIG.9: Embryological House

Embryological House

Greg Lynn, 1997-2001The Embryological House is a conceptual project that based on digital tools to generate models of a house. Greg Lynn thinks beyond the idea of house typology and go for some organic and parametric forms. The idea of the house is flexible and he wants to push the capabilities of existing manufacturing technologies for the production of non-standard architectural forms.

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FIG.10: Development of the Embryological House

The project was developed with geometrical modelling and character animation software (specifically MicroStation and Maya), as well as digitally-generated physical mock-ups. The use of multiple software applications to develop the work’s forms is inherent to Lynn’s creative process.8

Using this approach to design, models can be easily generated by giving command to the computer, but saying to use it as a real practice, it requires a lot of testing and understanding of the use of algorithmic concepts in order to generate a totally desirable model.

8. Docam.ca, ‘Embryological House, Greg Lynn’, 2015 <http://www.docam.ca/en/component/content/article/106-embryological-house-greg-lynn.html> [accessed 20 March 2015]

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Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion

Zaha Hadid ArchitectsThe Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion is not a firm structure which it travelled all over the world, Hong Kong, Tokyo, New York until reaching its final stop at L’Institut du Monde Araba in Paris.9

The pavilion is designed with digital tools to form a series of continuous arch shaped elements and loft them to create the surface for enclosure.

9. ArchDaily, ‘Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion / Zaha Hadid Architects’, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/144378/chanel-mobile-art-pavilion-zaha-hadid-architects/> [accessed 20 March 2015]

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FIG.11: Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion

With the idea to travel between cities, the parametric model is used in designing the structure and the steel structure has been designed to be built in less than one week.

This continuous parametric form provides a variety of interior space (Fig.12) due to large flexibility of its plan.

This case of design using parametric model shows the accuracy in digital modelling can make the generated parametric model into a real project with the great flexibility but not just a free from building.

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FIG.12: Interior space of the Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion

A4. CONCLUSION A5. LEARNING OUTCOMES

The concepts in designing architecture can be related to the defuring condition in the moment, which design should play a role to change the condition as it determine the way people think and live. A尸s a designer, we should be responsible to the environment.

Design computation is a way to make the design process effective and accurate, the benefits to design process includes fast 3D modelling design of form, structure, material fabrication, performance research, etc. With the help of computation, there are possibilities to move towards sustainability in terms of design.

With digital designing tools, algorithmic based design is a new option for designer to develop creativity by giving command to the computer and generates models. It is a way that extends the parameter of design if a deep understanding of its algorithmic thinking is achieved.

Designing with digital tools can produce innovative design in form, materials, structure and many different ways, it can also enhance the performance to achieve sustainability which may become a dominant way of design in the coming future.

Learning from reading and hand on experience in using digital tools to generate models in the studio, I have a new perception on the usage of computation tools which can help with design and construction of a real project is a significant way. The idea of being responsible to the defuturing condition make me rethink about the intention to design and I will try to integrate the usage of digital tools to achieve the vision of designing in a more sustainable way. In my past design, creativity is not a main focus and I am hoping to develop my creative thinking in design with the use of digital software and the algorithmic thinking to design. I am looking forward to get inspiration from the studio.


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A5. LEARNING OUTCOMES


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A.6. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES


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Trying different degree of rotation

Make the lines 3D. These are my favourite model as it show clear variation when I change the factors on it and it produce nice result.

Making sphere base on the tree generated


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BIBLIOGRAPHY

1: Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg), pp. 42: Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg), pp. 63. Architecture.com, ‘Eden Project’, 2015 <http://www.architecture.com/Explore/Buildings/EdenProject.aspx> [accessed 19 March 2015]4. ‘Nicholas Grimshaw. The Eden Project’, 2015 <http://www3.uah.es/proyectosarquitectonicos_etsag/INSTALACION%20TEMPORAL/RECINTO%20EXP%20EXT/2_Referencias/Nicholas%20Grimshaw.%20The%20Eden%20Project.pdf> [accessed 20 March 2015]5. Kalay, Yehuda E. (2004). Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press), pp. 46. ArchDaily, ‘Dongdaemun Design Plaza / Zaha Hadid Architects’, 2014 <http://www.archdaily.com/489604/dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects/> [accessed 20 March 2015]7. Peters, Brady. (2013) ‘Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought’, Architectural Design, 83, 2, pp. 128. Docam.ca, ‘Embryological House, Greg Lynn’, 2015 <http://www.docam.ca/en/component/content/article/106-embryological-house-greg-lynn.html> [accessed 20 March 2015]9. ArchDaily, ‘Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion / Zaha Hadid Architects’, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/144378/chanel-mobile-art-pavilion-zaha-hadid-architects/> [accessed 20 March 2015]


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IMAGE REFERENCE

FIG.1: Panoramic view of the Munich Olympic Stadium<http://www.blogcdn.com/realestate.aol.com/blog/media/2012/07/102-wikimedia-poco-a-poco.jpg>FIG.2: Roof of the Munich Olympic Stadium<http://imgkid.com/dload.php?i=http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Munich_-_Frei_Otto_Tensed_structures_-_5406.jpg>FIG.3: Section of the Munich Olympic Stadium<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/1297389391-olympic-tent-section.jpg>FIG.4: Panoramic view of the geodesic biome domes at the Eden Project<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Eden_Project_geodesic_domes_panorama.jpg>FIG.5: The Water Cube<http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Water_Cube_The_National_Aquatics_Center_Chaoyang_Beijing.jpg>FIG.6: Dongdaemun Design Plaza<http://www.archdaily.com/489604/dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects/533111d3c07a80d64200007e_dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects_zha_dppseoul_vsb_01-jpg/>Fig.7: Façade cladding system of the Dongdaemun Design Plaza< http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/5331120fc07a80d642000081_dongdaemun-design-plaza-zaha-hadid-architects_zha_dppseoul_vsb_05.jpg >FIG.8: IAC InterActivecorp Headquarters< http://c1038.r38.cf3.rackcdn.com/group1/building2176/media/media_52419.jpg >FIG.9: Embryological House< https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/39/8b/9e/398b9ea74dd4de12e598812f62cea94e.jpg >FIG.10: Development of the Embryological House< http://buildingsatire.com/wp-content/uploads/cache/2015/03/g-lynn_embryo-house/-1127361183.jpg >FIG.11: Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion< http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/1308263923-k5-5578.jpg >FIG.12: Interior space of the Chanel Mobile Art Pavilion< http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/1308264501-k5-5187.jpg >


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PART BCRITERIA DESIGN

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B.1. RESEARCH FIELD - STRUCTURE

structure in a building often serves as a supporting element. Typical structures usually provide a sense of regularity as they only fulfill the fundamental purpose of supporting a building.

However, with the development of computational tools, structure can be designed based on complex forms and patterns. Parametric design focusing on structure can create unpredictable results when the techniques are applying on different objects, surfaces or meshes. With the help of computational tools, structure itself can be aesthetically pleasing without adding any ornamentation. Structure can be interesting instead of boring.

Parametric designs create non-standard components in the structure and this shows the potential of the use of digital fabrication in the construction of structure,

Among different types of structure, I am particularly interested in waffle structure as I like to find out how parametric modelling can make this typically regular structure into different expressions and create variations.

2. Designplaygrounds, ‘Pudelma Pavillion - Designplaygrounds’, 2013 <http://designplaygrounds.com/blog/pudelma/> [accessed 19 April 2015]

1. Voyatzis, Costas, ‘Metropol Parasol // The World’S Largest Wooden Structure | Yatzer’, Yatzer.com, 2015 <http://www.yatzer.com/Metropol-Parasol-The-World-s-Largest-Wooden-Structure-J-MAYER-H-Architects> [accessed 19 April 2015]

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FIG.2: Metropol Parasol, J. MAYER H. Architects

FIG.3: Pudelma Pavilion, Eero Lunden and Markus Wikar

Waffle structure applied on a inverted hanging surface creates irregular grid patterns and the grids following the surface provide a sense of a invisible force holding the structure up.

CNC fabrication is used to allow the entire structure work in compression with no glue and minimal screws. And a basic mortise and tenon joint was utilized for almost every connection in order to create the irregular weave pattern. 2

The grid pattern in the passage is not facing the same direction but following the surface. The use of digital fabrication in this project shows how computational tools help in producing non-standard structure.

This project will be used to reverse-engineer using grasshopper later and more information will be provided later in this journal.

Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure.1 This large sculptural waffle structure proof that a structure itself can be iconic and stand out in the city of Seville. The regular gird pattern applied in a complex, organic form create contrast which make the structure stands out in the city.

FIG.1: The passage , 2011 matR Project

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2. Designplaygrounds, ‘Pudelma Pavillion - Designplaygrounds’, 2013 <http://designplaygrounds.com/blog/pudelma/> [accessed 19 April 2015]

1. Voyatzis, Costas, ‘Metropol Parasol // The World’S Largest Wooden Structure | Yatzer’, Yatzer.com, 2015 <http://www.yatzer.com/Metropol-Parasol-The-World-s-Largest-Wooden-Structure-J-MAYER-H-Architects> [accessed 19 April 2015]

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FIG.2: Metropol Parasol, J. MAYER H. Architects

FIG.3: Pudelma Pavilion, Eero Lunden and Markus Wikar

Waffle structure applied on a inverted hanging surface creates irregular grid patterns and the grids following the surface provide a sense of a invisible force holding the structure up.

CNC fabrication is used to allow the entire structure work in compression with no glue and minimal screws. And a basic mortise and tenon joint was utilized for almost every connection in order to create the irregular weave pattern. 2

Metropol Parasol is the world’s largest wooden structure.1 This large sculptural waffle structure proof that a structure itself can be iconic and stand out in the city of Seville. The regular gird pattern applied in a complex, organic form create contrast which make the structure stands out in the city.

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B.2. CASE STUDY 1.0

Lattice and grids generated via Lunchbox plugin are tested on two different surfaces, mobius surface and enneper surface. Different types of structural patterns are applied on the surfaces and their parameter values are adjusted to create variations of patterns.

Diagrid StructureGrid Structure Hexagonal Structure

U division = 3V division = 3












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Hexagonal Structure Random Quad Panel Space truss Structure

MOBIUS SURFACE









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ENNEPER SURFACE

Diagrid StructureGrid Structure Hexagonal Structure













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Hexagonal Structure Random Quad Panel Space truss Structure









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Space truss Structure on mobius surface


Diagrid Structure on mobius surface

Successful Iterations

As definition of a case is not used in the production of the matrix, selection of the following iterations is based on the appearence of the structure pattern and whether the structural pattern is reasonable.


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Space truss Structure on enneper surface

Grid Structure on enneper surface


The diagrid structure on mobius surface and grid structure on enneper surface selected show a more regular type of structural pattern but interesting at the same time as they created asymmetrical pattern based on the surfaces. The two space truss structure iterations are more complex patterns and the truss density and patterns are still reasonable and beautiful.

This project is not the most innovative one in terms of form and function, but the process of applying waffle structure on a complex object and digital fabrication marks the significance of this project.

A waffle structure of 26 vertical ribs and 24 horizontal struts is created on a initial form which the grid pattern is following the surface of the surface.3 As shown in the close up (FIG.9) and the scaled model (FIG. 4&5), the horizontal struts are not extruded in the same direction.

As a student project, real fabrication of the structure is different from the fabrication of small prototypes. With the dimension limitations of plywood, the strusts need to be segmented by creating joints.3 The digital fabrication process with non-standard components (FIG.7 & 8) created using computational tools help the students to construct the structure with no construction company. This project shows the potential of digital fabrication which can produce complex structures.

3. Pagnotta, Brian, ‘2011 Matr Project: “The Passage”’, ArchDaily, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/161894/2011-matr-project-the-passage/> [accessed 22 April 2015]

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B.3. CASE STUDY 2.0The passage , 2011 matR Project

FIG.4 & 5: Scaled model of the project

FIG.6: Plan view of the passage

FIG.7: Vertical ribs

FIG.8: Sheet layout of horizontal components

“I strongly believe this design is a physical manifestation of the creative thought process, implemented through digital fabrication techniques.”3

Douglas Steidl, dean of Kent State’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design

3. Pagnotta, Brian, ‘2011 Matr Project: “The Passage”’, ArchDaily, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/161894/2011-matr-project-the-passage/> [accessed 22 April 2015]

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FIG.7: Vertical ribs

FIG.8: Sheet layout of horizontal components

FIG.9: Close up of the passage

CURVE

Step1: Draw curves to based on the initial form Step3: Divide the curves in equal counts to outline the horizontal struts

Step4: O尸尸ffset the lines planarly to the surface to create depth of the horizontal struts

Step7: O尸尸ffset the lines to create depth of the vertical ribs

Step6: Make contour lines on the surface to outline the vertical ribs

Step2:Loft the curves to create a similar surface

DIVIDE CURVEFLIP MATRIX PLANAR

INTERPOLATE

CONTOUR OFFSET

OFFSET

LOFT

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Reverse-engineering of “The Passage”

Step4: O尸尸ffset the lines planarly to the surface to create depth of the horizontal struts

Step5: Loft the lines to create the horizontal struts

Step8: Loft the lines to create the vertical ribs

Combination of the horizontal struts and vertical ribs produced the waffle atructure

Step7: O尸尸ffset the lines to create depth of the vertical ribs

PLANAR

OFFSET LOFT

LOFTOFFSET

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Similarities: Similar structural pattern following the surface is created in the outcome.

Differences: As the initial form recreated is not exectly the same with the original project. The size and shape of the vertical ribs and horizontal struts are different from the original.

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Final outcome

Perspective view

Plan view

Front view

Shape manipulation

Ribs depth

Ribs density

Grid pattern

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Next step...

In the next part, the definition of “the passage” will be taken as a starting point to develop different outcomes by changing its factors.For example, changing the initial curves to manipulate the shape of its initial form, changing the grid patterns using Lunchbox plugin tested in case study 1.0, changing parameter values to create different ribs depth and ribs density.

Front view

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B.4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT

Original curves Triangular curves Rectangular curves

Distance between vertical ribs = 2000No. of horizontal struts = 10Vertical ribs depth = 300 Horizontal struts depth = 200


Distance between vertical ribs = 1000No. of horizontal struts = 20Vertical ribs depth = -1000 Horizontal struts depth = 500

Distance between vertical ribs = 500No. of horizontal struts = 25Vertical ribs depth = 300 Horizontal struts depth = -600


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Rectangular curves Random curves 1 Random curves 2

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Original curves Random curves 1

D沁epth = 400沁













Grid Structure

Diagrid Structure

Hexagonal Structure

Space Truss Structure

Typical waffle structure on 3D metaball

Others:

D沁epth = 400沁D沁epth = 200沁

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Random curves 1 Random curves 2

















D沁epth = 400沁D沁epth = 200沁 D沁epth = 200沁

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Random curves 2Distance between vertical ribs = 500No. of horizontal struts = 25Vertical ribs depth = 300 Horizontal struts depth = -600

Rectangular curves

Distance between vertical ribs = 1000No. of horizontal struts = 20Vertical ribs depth = -1000 Horizontal struts depth = 500

The selection criteria for the successful iterations are focusing on the appearence, reasonability of the grid patterns and possibility of a particular function on the structure.

The rotated rectangles create an interesting wavy shape for the whole structure. A negative value on the verical ribs depth makes the ribs stand out. The closed rectangle curves make it became a tunnel-like structure which can be built on a path way or can be adjusted as climbing facilities for children.

The form produced with random curves creates a warpping effect which makes the structure look different on every side. The wraping form has many potential functions such as covering a path way, letting plants grow on the grids and making climbing facilities or benches

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Grid structure on Random curves 1Depth = 400U division = 20V division = 10

Typical waffle structure on 3D metaball

A grid pattern following the twisted surface makes a nice frame for growing plants or climbing facilities. The grid pattern is curved but still possible to fabricate by digital fabrication.

Typical waffle structure on a 3D metaball mesh is created by personal interested. Although it is not related to the case, the regular grid on an organic form is quiet aesthetically pleasing and a low density grid pattern can be a shelf for planting or placing other things. A sculptural climbing facility is also possible form this structure.

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B.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES

Grid pattern following a surface

Laser cut components produced by fabrication definitions and the file is sent to fab lab and the components are cut in boxboard::

Typical waffle grid on 3D metaball

Two kind of grid pattern in the following is selected to apply fabrication definitions using grasshopper. Notches is produced on the intersecting components for assembly. The components of the prototype for grid pattern following a surface need to be unrolled to laser cut.

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The components are slightly bended for the prototype of the grid pattern and fit into the notches. The result shows a nice pattern following the curve surface. When light shine on the prototype, beautiful light and shadow effect is created. Lighting effect is one of the important selection criteria as the design should not cover too much daylight in the natural environment.

The prototype for the metaball is less interesting compare to the grid pattern as the components with larger area cover the light. From the prototype, it shows that a small model or a small installation cannot express the sculptural aesthetics of waffle structure on a 3D geometry.

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B.6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL

One of the successful iterations is selected as the base for the design. Adjustment is made on the iteration in order to fit into the site:

Site Plan

Distance and size between curves is adjusted to fit length of bridge

Grid pattern is modified to around 500mm x 500mm per grid

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A cover for the Merri Creek Trail Bridge is selected for my final design.

As the existing bridge is located near the junction of the Merri Creek and the Yarra River, the bridge should be more significant to represent the starting point of the Merri Creek.

A iconic structure is decided to build on the existing bridge and fit with the existing site at the same time to minimize effect to the natural environment.

Close up of the existing bridge with the proposed cover

27m

3m

The design concept for the cover of the Merri Creek Trail Bridge is to create a wrapping structure which the two ends are enlarged to create a sense of welcoming.

From the east and west elevation, the wrapping form and the curved structural members make the view of the entering point of the bridge interesting.

The cover is not fully covering the whole bridge to keep the pedestrians close to the natural environment. The grids of the structure will provide different light and shadow effect during different time of the day.

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East Elevation West Elevation

PERSPECTIVE AND ELEVATIONS

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North Elevation

Perspective

West Elevation South elevation

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Rendering

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From the matrix exercise of case study 1.0 and case study 2.0, I have a chance to test the variations produced using Lunchbox plugin and recreate a built project myself using grasshopper. The matrix exercises help me develop and get familiarize with the parametric modelling techniques learnt from tutorial and online videos.

By making prototypes, I experience the digital fabrication process by applying fabrication definitions; laser cut components and assemble them to produce small prototypes. Computational tools are particularly helpful in the fabrication process to produce accurate components in parametric design and I can never fabricate even a small prototype myself due to the complexity of the structure.

The process of planning a proposal for my design let me consider all the aspects relating to my design including the site, the possible functions and the surrounding environment.

From the feedback gained during the interim presentation, I realized my technique maybe too simple although the form is nice. In order to create a innovative design, I will try to adjust the model in the next stage. More variation maybe made in terms of the structural pattern such as making the two ends more fluid. Incorporating other techniques like tensile membrane or making super light structure using other materials can be ways to improve my design.

The joints between structural components and the connection between the structure to the existing bridge will be the next part that I need to consider.

Overall, I got a great experience in testing the possibility of definitions and trying to fabrication something using computational tools. The process in part B really helps me develop knowledge of parametric modelling and move a big step in my first algorithmic design experience.

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B.7. LEARNING OBJECTIVE AND OUTCOMES

From the feedback gained during the interim presentation, I realized my technique maybe too simple although the form is nice. In order to create a innovative design, I will try to adjust the model in the next stage. More variation maybe made in terms of the structural pattern such as making the two ends more fluid. Incorporating other techniques like tensile membrane or making super light structure using other materials can be ways to improve my design.

The joints between structural components and the connection between the structure to the existing bridge will be the next part that I need to consider.

Overall, I got a great experience in testing the possibility of definitions and trying to fabrication something using computational tools. The process in part B really helps me develop knowledge of parametric modelling and move a big step in my first algorithmic design experience.

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B.8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

RECURSION

Layers of pyrmaid generated from the surface of a pyramid produced a complex and detailed model.

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A surface is lofted from two curves and a triangle panels are created on the lofted surface using Lunchbox plugin that I have tested in case study 1.0. The definition is then applied on the triangulated surface and it generates a very beautiful result. The generated surface looks like a highly decorated wall.

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BIBLIOGRAPHY

1. Voyatzis, Costas, ‘Metropol Parasol // The World’S Largest Wooden Structure | Yatzer’, Yatzer.com, 2015 <http://www.yatzer.com/Metropol-Parasol-The-World-s-Largest-Wooden-Structure-J-MAYER-H-Architects> [accessed 19 April 2015]2. Designplaygrounds, ‘Pudelma Pavillion - Designplaygrounds’, 2013 <http://designplaygrounds.com/blog/pudelma/> [accessed 19 April 2015]3. Pagnotta, Brian, ‘2011 Matr Project: “The Passage”’, ArchDaily, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/161894/2011-matr-project-the-passage/> [accessed 22 April 2015]

IMAGE REFERENCE

FIG.1: The passage<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745952-img-6298.jpg>FIG.2: Metropol Parasol<http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/69/Espacio_Parasol_Sevilla.jpg>FIG.3: Pudelma Pavilion<http://designplaygrounds.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Pudelma-Paviljonki_02.jpg>FIG.4 & 5: Scaled model of the project<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745943-img-4186.jpg> <http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745942-img-4179.jpg>FIG.6: Plan view of the passage<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745987-pix8.jpg>FIG.7: Vertical ribs<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745990-vribs.jpg>FIG.8: Sheet layout of horizontal components<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745939-hrib.jpg>FIG.9: Close up of the passage<http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/1313745952-img-6298.jpg>

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PART CDETAILED DESIGN

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C.1. DESIGN CONCEPT

After getting feedback from the interim presentation and reviewing my own design, I agree that sectioning is hard to make a project interesting and innovative. The waffle structure I presented in the interim presentation is a standard and regular waffle structure which is not surprising enough to add a significant structure to the Merri Creek Trail Bridge.

Keeping the concept of wrapping an existing bridge with a parametric structure, I tried to refine the form to fit the site and experience other kind of technique. Getting inspiration from the grasshopper 3D forum, I experimented on a few plugins in grasshopper such as Cytoskeleton, Plankton and Weaverbird. The new structure is mainly formed by Cytoskeleton, a wireframe thickening tool in grasshopper, which input plankton mesh and output mesh. Weaverbird is used in making the base structure for the wireframe and smoothing the output mesh with smooth and organic joint. As both the input and output from Cytoskeleton are meshes, I tried to apply the definition recursively to from structure based on the wireframe of the mesh produced. This created a structure pattern with structure in it.

Initially I planned to make a plastic structure, but after trying to make prototypes and gaining comments from the final presentation, I decided to change the structure to a lightweight inflatable structure as the plastic structure is too thick and heavy which is actually impossible to build.

Keep reading and I will show you how I get to this design and the design process to produce the structure and fit into the site.

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TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

Step1: Draw curves to fit on the existing bridge

Step4: Create plankton mesh and thickening the wire frame on the trangulated mesh using Cytoskeleton

Step2: Loft the curve and make mesh for inputing to Weaverbird

Step5: Apply plankton and Cytoskeleton recursively to generate mesh structure based on the wire frame of the mesh on step4

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Here I will demonstrate how I get to the recursive structure using Cytoskeleton, Plankton and Weaverbird plugins in grasshopper - from the initial curves, to the base structure and then to the recursive structure generated on the wire frame of the base structure. As the outputs are meshes, I use rendered diagrams instead of vector linework to demonstrate the steps.

Step2: Loft the curve and make mesh for inputing to Weaverbird

Step5: Apply plankton and Cytoskeleton recursively to generate mesh structure based on the wire frame of the mesh on step4

Step3: Use Weaverbird trangular subdivision to make trangulated mesh

Step6: Smooth the connection using Weaverbird’s catmull-clark subdivision

RELATIONSHIP TO SITE

SITE PLANSource: google map Sun path: http://www.gaisma.com/en/location/melbourne.html

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The site is located near the junction of Yarra River and Merri Creek and one of the design concepts is to build a significant structure to perform as a landmark of the area. By making the structure as an inflatable cover for the bridge, the light-weight structure can be made huge. Translucent grey PVC plastic is used as the material for shading purpose. As the main users of the bridge are hikers and cyclists, the structure can act as a shading device when they pass thought the bridge. The shadow cast on the bridge with the structural pattern provides an interesting light and shadow effect as well. Lights can be installed in the inflatable structure so that it wills glow at night which is another great lighting effect. The light effect is shown in the renderings in next few pages.

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SUPPORTS AND CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

SOUTH ELEVATION

NORTH ELEVATION

SUPPORTS

In order to fix the inflatable structure to the existing bridge, metal wires are used to connect the light-weight plastic sheets to the bridge. I tried to apply definitions learnt in the studio to the pattern of the metal wire. I experimented on the L-system definitions with Anemone to create the recursive lines and adjust the angles of the generated line to fit the model. Pipes are produced based on the lines and are baked. The angle and length is then adjusted in rhino to connect to the bridge and the inflatable structure. The recursive patterns of the support are a representation of trees which respond to the surrounding natural environment.

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

To construct this model, translucent grey plastic PVC sheets are cut to accurate dimensions and shapes and then glued with PVC adhesives, meter wires will be added at the joining part to make it more rigid. This will be demonstrated in the prototypes. Connection parts are added to the PVC sheets for joining supports to the bridge. The glued structure is then transported to site and filled with air on site. Metal wire in recursive pattern is prefabricated and connects the structure to the existing bridge.

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Cut PVC sheets

Jointing sheets together with PVC adhesive and meteal wire added to the joint

Connection parts added to the glued sheets

Recursive patterned metal wire prefabricated in factory

Transport materials to site and fill the structure with air

Connect the structure with the prefabricated wires to the bridge

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RENDERING - DAY VIEW

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RENDERING - NIGHT VIEW

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C.2. TECHONIC ELEMENTS & PROTOTYPES

PROTOTYPE 1:

A connection joint for the nodes of the structure is made with paper clay and plastic tubes are used to represent the straight members between nodes. However, due to the complexity and large amount of members, there will be hundreds of non-standard joining nodes required to produce and the joint produced is not smooth enough. This method is not cost and time effective as the construction process will be very difficult and it is hard to assemble so many joints and members.

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PROTOTYPE 2:

The first two prototypes are planned for the initial design of a solid structure and the result come out to be failed and the solid structure is considered as not possible as it is too thick and heavy. The last two prototypes are planned for the jointing of the PVC sheets for the inflatable structure.

This is another prototype I planned after prototype 1 failed. Members are divided in to parts and prefabricated with joints and finally fix into each other and leave a thin jointing line. From the comment given during the final presentation, this prototype will be failed as the last member will never fix into the structure.

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PROTOTYPE 3:

A member is unrolled in rhino and cut using tracing paper to test the shape and smoothness of the ending part. The resulting joint is not smooth enough as the unrolled pattern didn’t account for the gluing parts with affect the shape and dimension of the member. A refined pattern is then created:

The refined pattern is cut in plastic sheets and glued together. Thin metal wire is added to the connecting part to hold the shape and make it more rigid. This prototype showed a more smooth ending part and the metal wire is effective in holding the shape of the structure.

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PROTOTYPE 4:

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Details of the overlapping parts and glued with metal wire inserted. The glued part is slightly darker but it does not affect the appearance as a whole.

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C.3. FINAL DETAIL MODEL

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Two scale 1:200 final models are made with different materials for different representation. 3D printing is used with powder and PLA. The powder print with higher resolution is used to represent the form of the structure and it is attach to a laser cut boxboard site for colour consistency. The PLA print is made in slightly translucent white colour to represent a more realistic material and details like the pattern of the supports, trees and scaled humans were added to create the site condition. The site is laser cut with luan plywood to represent the natural environment.

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POWDER 3D PRINT (FROM REPRESENTATION)

PLAN VIEW

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SOUTH VIEW

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NORTH VIEW

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EAST VIEW ＷＷＷＷ WEST VIEW

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ＷＷＷＷ WEST VIEW

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DETAIL VIEW

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PLA 3D PRINT (REALISTIC REPRESENTATION)

PLAN VIEW

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SOUTH VIEW

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NORTH VIEW

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PERSPECTIVE VIEW

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PERSPECTIVE VIEW

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DETAIL VIEW

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DETAIL VIEW

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Algorithmic design and parametric modelling was new to me before this studio and I was always fascinated by the complexity and unpredictable result of parametric modelling. I’ve developed skills in using 3-dimensional software especially in searching on possibilities of algorithmic design after finished this studio.

Both conceptual and technical knowledge is strengthened by planning a design proposal with parametric models and hand-on fabrication of real prototypes and final models.

In preparing this journal, it helps me experience a design workflow which begins with conceptual knowledge, to studying precedents, then adjust and develop my own design concept. The fabrication and detailing process allow me to challenge myself in producing real product and learn from errors.

In designing complex parametric model, computational tools are essential and very helpful to test and produce accurate models which are really hard to produce manually.

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C.4. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

I can say Studio Air is the most special and enjoyable studio I’ve taken as it allow me learnt new techniques which I never thought I will get in touch with. The free and unpredictable design process surprise me every time when I test on grasshopper.

It was a great experience to design with parametric modelling and this can applicable in future design when I want to think beyond the box and create innovative designs,

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woo shuk yee 718781 final journal submission

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