A r c h i t e c t u r e D e s i g n J o u r n a l

S T U D I O

A I RA D e s i g n J o u r n a l b y H e n d y Y u d h i s t i r a

S t u d e n t I D : 5 5 1 4 8 6

“We shape our building; Thereafter, they shape us”

Winston Churchill

C O N T E N T S

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Architecture As Discourse

Computational Architecture

Parametric Modelling

Algorithmic Explorations

16Conclusions

17Learning Outcomes

My name is Hendy Yudhistira. I’m a second year architecture student in The Uni-versity of Melbourne. I grew up in Bekasi, a town in Jakarta’s Greater Region. I moved to Melbourne in 2010, in order to finish a degree in architecture. I did virtu-al environments in my first year of university. Studying Rhino was really helpful for my previous design studios. I was able to express my ideas in a whole different way using computer programs. I consider my study in Virtual Environment unsuccess-ful, because I did not end up with a very satisfying model, even though I could pass the subject. Therefore, I aim to develop my skills and have a better understanding

of computer architecture by doing design studio air.

I N T R O D U C T I O N

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CASE FOR

INNOVATION

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A R C H I T E C T U R E A S

In recent years, architecture is not only seen as an individualistic form of art, but also a com-plex form that relates to the complex environ-ment surrounding it. According to Williams (2005), there are a number of different ways to approach architecture: architecture as a form of art, architecture as a symbolic realm, and archi-tecture as spatial experience.

Defining architecture as a form of art, accord-ing to Williams (2005), is misleading. Architec-ture, unlike any other form of art, goes through lengthy and complex designing process to be created. Take painting as an example. A painter is given a blank page, a paint, and all the free-dom he can get to express his ideas. Architec-ture, in terms of design space, has a lot of limi-tations, including size of space, the function and the form of its surrounding environments. In other words, it is essential for an architecture to relate to its environment. Moreover, unlike a painting, architecture involves a lot of experts, including the architect him / herself, a geotech-nical engineer, structural engineer, etc.

Viewing architecture as art is a very narrow paradigm. In fact, there are kinds of building that is not intended as art (Williams 2005), which broadens the approach, and allows vari-ous types of interpretations. This kind of ap-proach is called architecture as sign.

Another important approach in architecture-

WEEK 1

D I S C O U R S Eis relating to its surrounding environments. Frank Gehry (2005) explained that a building-“interacts” with its surrounding building in dif-ferent ways. It can be passive, stoic, or it could be a passionate player. The interaction is what makes architecture different from paintings and other form of art. It has a broader meaning beyond the aesthetics of the building. A build-ing can accomodate social and political aspects of a city. This is when a building becomes a pas-sionate player. Most importantly, it needs to be open to interpretation, question, and use. The complex interaction behind a design process and its openess to interpretation and discus-sion is what makes architecture, a discourse.

One of the aims of creating the gateway project is to create a spatial experience that contributes to the urban landscape. It also needs to com-municate an idea to the users. These following precedent projects are a few examples of archi-tectural designs, which reflects those principles.

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“The only thing an architect can do is be optimistic about how it (the building) in-teracts with the surrounding buildings. It can be a passive player, it can be a stoic player, it can be a passionate player.”

Frank Gehry “Sketches of Frank Gehry”

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KEBONY KREOD SCULPTURELocation : Peninsula Square, EnglandArchitect : Pavilion ArchitectureCompletion : 2013

Image Source: http://www.ecobuild.co.uk/var/uploads/exhibitor/5419/28k4d0a0xs.jpg

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Kebony KREOD structure is an award winning piece designed by Pavilion Architecture. As the name suggests, the material used for this project is Kebony. It is a sustainable alternative to tropical hardwood (Bustler 2013). Sustainability is one of the aims of this project. Using parametric design tools, the designers were able to create a structure, which is not only functional, but also eye-catching. With the unique structural design, the architect is trying to enourage sustainable and forward think-ing, in terms of building method, in this digital era (Bustler 2013). Despite the fact that this is not a permanent building, the main ideas that it’s trying to convey will challenge and inspire other design-ers to move forward in terms of design methods to create sustainable architecture. As previously discussed, the architect should think beyond the aesthetics of the building. Architecture should have a significant impact, and in this project, the impact would be preserving the environment. The fact that materials are scarce and will be depleted, Sustainability is a factor that should be taken into account in today’s architecture.

Like Kebony KREOD structure, the Gateway Project should convey a meaningful idea to its users. Of course, It should be able to stimulate a conversation and interpretation. 3D modelling softwares, such as Rhino and Grasshopper, will be able to help designers, to achieve these aims. Kebony KREOD structure inspires me to create a design, which structure is eye-catching and func-tional at the same time. It delivers a unique spatial experience, which gives a positive atmosphere to an area. These concepts will be significant for the designing process of The Gateway Project.

Fig: Kebony KREOD Street View

Fig: The structural tesselated surface.

Fig: The inside view of Kebony KREOD

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BURNHAMPAVILIONLocation : Chicago, USAArchitect : Zaha Hadid ArchitectsCompletion : 2009

Image Source: http://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/burnham-pavillion/

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Same as Kebony KREOD, Zaha Hadid’s Burnham Pavilion is a temporary structure. It was exhibited in Chicago in 2009. The aim of creating this ur-ban sculpture is to encourage exploration and so that the users would consider the future of Chi-cago (Zaha Hadid Architects, as cited in Design Boom 2009). Again, the idea of moving forward is embodied in this design. However, rather than conveying the idea of sustainability, this project is focusing more on the idea of form. The structure is mainly made up of non-euclidean geometry, shaped like a topography map, which could be the representation of Chicago’s topological map. It’s trying to encourage the use of fluid forms, by fully utilising digital technology that is available in this era. With the aid of computer technology, we can move forward from rigid, platonic solids, to fluid form such as this one, because the current tech-nology allows us to do so. This is the representa-tion of Daniel Burnham’s visionary plan of Chi-cago: “reinvention and improvement on an urban scale and welcoming the future with innovative ideas and technologies” (Design Boom 2009).

The idea of fluid form is very important in the Gateway Project, specifically, the idea that it con-tains. The design will sysmbolise the vision of Wyndham City to keep moving forward.

Fig: Topological Map on the Surface

Fig: Burnham Pavilion at night

A R C H I T E C T U R E

WEEK 2

COMPUTATIONAL

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It is argued that advances in computer tech-nology have influenced building designs and construction practices, by allowing architects and builders to construct very complex forms that were difficult to achieve using traditional construction technologies (Kolarevic 2003). The physical form of architectural design is al-ways changing from an era to the other. The renaissance is known for its astounding façade, pillars, and arches, modern architecture for its platonic solids and monumental buildings. The form of architecture changes as more ef-ficient construction & design methods are in-vented. The introduction of CAD technology influences the form of recent architectural de-signs, as well as the process of designing. One of the most prominent features of computer-aided architecture is the ability to generate forms and alter them until a desirable outcome is achieved.

Today, The process of describing and con-structing a design can be more direct and more complex, due to the greater facility and speed to extract, exchange, and utilise information, with the help of computer technology (Ko-larevic 2003). Therefore, it expands the possi-bility to experiment. It is even argued that to-

-day’s architectural design process is emphasis-ing on “finding the form” instead of “making the form” (Kolarevic 2003).

Today, the technology allows architects to move on from platonic solids to undulating curves, which in turn, allows new ways to express an idea. In addition to the features previously ex-plained, computers are capable of generating a four-dimensional model that contains all qual-itative and quantitative dimensional informa-tion necessary for design, analysis, fabrication, and construction, and also time-based infor-mation needed for the sequences of assembly (Kolarevic 2003).

One example of building that utilises this fea-ture is Walt Disney Concert Hall, which will be examined in this journal as well. In addition to the capability of generating models, com-puter architecture allows architects to fabricate virtual model into physical 1:1 scale building, for example, Frank Gehry’s Nationale Neder-landen Building in Prague, Czech Republic. The glass panels on the building were cut us-ing digitally driven cutting machines, which translate the information directly from digital software.

Many argues that computation has brought us one step further in the world of ar-chitecture. This section will elaborate the use of digital technology in contemporary architecture, its possible advantages and disadvantages for the Gateway Design Proj-ect, and architecture in general. Arguments will be supported by citing from relevant sources as well as examining relevant precedent projects.

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One could say that architectural design is in its transition era. Despite the fact that archi-tectural firms are starting to utilise CAD, it takes time to fully understand the capabilities of CAD. Therefore, a design will be limited to the architect’s knowledge on CAD technology. However, the fact that CAD could help archi-tects to reach a level of precision that could not be reached using only pen and paper, and the ability to experiment on shapes, compensate the limitations. Using design software, will be useful for the project by providing the capabil-ity to experiment on shapes and generate pat-terns, required to create a spatial experience discussed in the previous pages.

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1WALT DISNEY CONCERT HALL

Location : Los Angeles, CaliforniaArchitect : Frank O. Gehry & AssociatesConstruction : 1996-2003

Image Source: http://archikey.com/picture/read/1192/The-Walt-Disney-Concert-Hall.jpg

Walt Disney Concert Hall, located in Los Angeles, California, is an assembly of undulating smaller pieces that forms into one complex form. The complexity of the design is Frank Gehry’s rejec-tion to modern architecture, where “less is more” and “form follows function”. It is an expression of freedom and creativity by breaking acceptable social norms. Of course, freedom and creativity could also be related to the purpose of this build-ing as a musical concert hall and the home of Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. One of the key elements in Walt Disney Concert Hall is how it responds to its surrounding environments. The building stands amongst other iconic structure with cultural values. Gehry decided to break down the scale into smaller pieces in order to respect the iconic buildings. Yet, the building still stands out with its sophistication and lustrous exterior. The presence of the building gives more opportunities for social interactions and intimacy. It gives new life to a district of private places and conventional architecture.

As shown in figure 5, Frank Gehry utilises com-puter program to contain all quantitative and qualitative required in the whole project. In ad-dition to using computer program as a designing tool, Frank Gehry utilises the program to commu-nicate the project information to all participants of the project including architects, engineers, general contractor, subcontractor, and the own-er (Stanford University 2001). Stanford Univer-sity research (2001) has shown that 4D model is useful to visualise the project, refine the interior and exterior scaffolding strategy, installation of the complex ceiling of the concert hall, analysis of construction, and communication of ideas. In the designing process, Rhino was actually used to import NURBS based geometry from CATIA, add names to the geometry, break up the geom-etry, and finally, convert the geometries to VRML (Stanford University 2001). Even though the soft-ware used in this project is more complex, the idea of visualising the project, refining the design, and communicating will be useful for the benefit of The Gateway project.

Fig: Walt Disney Concert Hall and Surrounding Area

Fig: The main Auditorium

Fig: 4D model of Walt Disney Concert Hall08

KAOHSIUNG PORT TERMINALLocation : Kaohsiung, TaiwanArchitect : Reiser + UmamotoConstruction : 2012-present

Image Source: http://www.bustler.net/images/news2/kaohsiung_port_terminal_reiser_umemoto_4.jpg

“Reiser + Umamoto awarded first prize in the Kaohsiung Port Terminal Competition”

As the name suggests, Kaohsiung Port Terminal is a place, which main purpose is to dock ships and board people onto the ship. However, the design intent has a deeper meaning than that. Designed by Reiser + Umamoto architecture, this building is scheduled to complete by 2014. The building is located in Kaohsiung’s harbour district in Taiwan, and it is intended to revitalise the area by trans-forming it from an utilitarian industrial zone to a place of recreational use (World Architecture News 2010). Another essential element in Kaoh-siung Port is how it connects to the surrounding environment. The existing pedestrian pathway is amplified by creating a continuous elevated public esplanade along the waterfront (World Architec-ture News 2010). The boardwalk in the waterfront space connects the new pop music centre, the arts centre, and the shopping districts. The place will be a very important landmark in Kaohsiung Port Terminal by giving a new life to the city.

The utilisation of complex non-eucleidan geom-etry in Kaohsiung Port Terminal is an evidence that it was designed using computer program. Reiser + Umamoto Architecture proposed a “dy-namic 3 dimensional urbanism” (Bustler 2013). The undulating shapes of the building is a result of manipulating shapes in digital programs. Using 2D media to create this building would have been very difficult, in terms of precision, because the building consists of angled and complex forms. Here, computer program is used to refine the form of the building, and then, all information is translated back to 2D media as floor plans for the builders. It is not clear whether Reiser + Umamo-to utilises the same complex 4D modelling tools as Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Concert Hall, but it is very clear that digital software is proved useful, in terms of communicating an idea to the people involved in this project including experts and the stakeholders.

Fig: Kaohsiung Port Terminal Street View

Fig: Fluid form of Kaohsiung Port Terminal

Fig: Floor Plans of Kaohsiung Port Terminal

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M O D E L L I N G

WEEK 3

PA R A M E T R I C

The previous section discussed about the ben-efits of computation in general. However, in computational architecture, there are two types of design tools: conventional design tools and parametric design tools. Parametric design, as the name suggests, utilises parameters to create a form. In conventional design tools, changing the form of an object is very difficult, especially when the object is complex, because changing one element of the object could require ad-justing other parts of the object (Woodbury 2010). This obstacle could limit the possibil-ity of exploration. Therefore, to overcome the limitations, one needs to utilise parametric design tools. What differs parametric design tools to its conventional counterpart is, instead of creating design solution by manipulating the model directly, designers establishes re-lationships of parts, build a design, and edits the relationship (Woodbury 2010). One of the advantages of using parametric design tool is the system’s ability to keep the design consis-tent with the relationship (Woodbury 2010). With parametric design, a designer is able to modify a form by changing the parameters of that form.

Parametric design could become the unified style of the 21st century. Unified, in this con-

-text, does not necessarily mean lacking va-riety. Patrik Schumacher (2010) argues that unified style means consistency of principles, ambition, and values. In terms of principles, there are a certain positive & negative prin-ciples, which can be used as a guideline for parametric design. Modernist architecture is known for its segregative functional zoning. This is typical to Louis Kahn’s buildings, such as Esherick House and Kimbell Art Museum, which he referred to as served and servant spaces. Segregation of spaces using zones is something that should be avoided in parame-trisicm, along with rigid forms, simple repeti-tion, lack of order, and rigid functional stereo-types (Schumacher 2010). On the other hand, the positive principles include: “all forms must be soft, all systems must be differentiated and interdependent, all functions are parametric activity scenarios, and all activities communi-cate with each other.” (Schumacher 2010).

For the benefit of this project, the utilisation of parametric software allows more time and freedom to experiment. As previously said, in conventional design tools, if one element is changed, other parts of the object will need adjusting. Because Grasshopper is able to over-come those limitations, it means that less time-

Parametric design tool is a part of computater architecture. This section will explain the definition of parametricism in architecture, the advantages and disadvantages sof using Parametric design tools, and how parametric modelling changed the process of designing in the world of architecture.

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will be needed to do the same amount of work, which gives the designer more time and flex-ibility to keep refining the model until a satis-fying result is achieved. Using the Grasshopper plug in will provide a better capability to create a form that is hard to achieve using Rhino or any other conventional computer-aided de-signing tool. The principles explained above will also be taken into account for the develop-ment of this project. These following precedent projects are examples of designs created using parametric methods and principles.

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YAS HOTELLocation : Abu Dhabi, UAEArchitect : AsymptoteConstruction : 2007-2009

The aim of this project is to create a architectural landmark inspired by the aesthetics and forms as-sociated with speed, movement and the artistry and geometries, which form the basis of ancient Islamic art and craft traditions (Mondo Archi-tecture 2013). The design outcome is very fluid, which embodies the initial concepts of the project. One of the most prominent features of Yas Ho-tel is the tesselated form of its external cover. The curvilinear geometric gridshell has approximately 5,000 glass panels, which vary in size from about 450mm to approximately 3 metres in maximum dimension (Mondo Architecture 2013). Using parametric design tool, the multiplication of the pattern was done by the computer, while the ar-chitect controls the parameters. Using this meth-od, the architect will be able to create tesselated surface that follows the flow of the form. Without the utilisation of parametric design software, cre-ating structure of the glass panel would be diffi-cult because the size of each panel is unique.

Another factor of parametric design that became an advantage in this project is the ability to make changes at one point without having to alter oth-er parts of the model. There were a number of changes made in this project, especially with the lighting. The tesselation of the surface was tested against the response to the lighting effect (Mon-do Architecture 2010). According to Brian Stacy, from Arup Lighting, which manages the lighting in this project, “As the project’s design evolved so did the luminaire design; and vice versa” (Mondo Architecture 2010). The evolution of the design was made possible by the versatility of parametric design tools to refine a model and also the 3D soft-ware that handles the lighting design. This shows that parametric design tool would be the most ef-fective method of designing in the Gateway Proj-ect, because refinements occur constantly, and the time is very limited. Using parametric design will also help to create a form that is fluid and also add a certain characteristic on the surface. I have al-ways been interested in buildings with tesselated surface such as the Yas Hotel.

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Fig: The hotel’s interior

Fig: The hotel’s bridge

Fig: Close view of the glass panels

EXPLORATIONS

WEEK 4

ALGORITHMICIn order to get a better understanding on Parametric design tools, I made a number experiments on defi-nitions that I found in the internet. This is an example of a form that utilises Tesselated surface. It actually reminds me of The glass panels on the external surface of Yas Hotel.

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The arrangement of nodes is actually pretty simple. There are three number sliders. The first one on the divide node works to increase the quantity of the patterns. The other two are connected to offset nodes. If the number sliders are tampered with, we can see that the angle of the curves changes. Here is the result of the experimentation:

I multiplied the amount of geometric patterns and set the angle so that it resembles the shape of dia-monds. The result is an organic form that resembles the fluidity of Yas Hotel’s external cover. This defini-tion will be taken into account for the Gateway Project.

C O N C LU S I O N SWith the availability of computer technology, designers are able to take a step further in the world of architectural de-sign. Computer technology is a new media that allows more freedom and creativity, in addition to the conventional two-dimensional media. Despite the fact that there are still a number of disadvantages, the advantages that it offers com-pensates for it.

For the Gateway Project, using Computer program, espe-cially Parametric Design Tool is the most effective way to create a modern piece of architecture, with the possibilities that it offers. In comparison to conventional computerised design tools and two-dimensional drawing space, It pro-vides the designer the ability to do more exploration and re-finement, because there are time constraints in this project, and parametric design tools is relatively more time efficient. In addition to time efficiency, using parametric design will allow the designer to create a fluid, organic form that de-livers a sense of excitement and aesthetics that the project is trying to achieve. This is only achievable with the aid of parametric design tools. The gateway will be a modern piece of architecture that will have a huge impact on the image of Wyndham City.

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L E A R N I N G O U T C O M EAt the start of this subject, I had a very minimal understand-ing on digital architecture, even though I took Virtual En-vironments in the first year of my studies. We learned the basics of Rhino and briefly discussed parametric modelling. However, my limitations in computer software became a hurdle during my semester. After doing this subject, I re-alised that there are so much more to do with with Digi-tal modelling tools, especially with Grasshopper. Doing the readings and doing research on the relevant precedents have actually broadened my knowledge. I believe that paramet-ric design tools would provide more advantages than disad-vantages. It would give me more flexibility to experiment. Throughout the semester, I aim to develop my skills in com-puter software, which would be very useful for my career.

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B I B L I O G R A P H YBustler 2010, viewed 1st April 2013, < http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/kaohsiung_port_termi-nal_by_reiser_umemoto>.

Bustler 2013, viewed 1st April 2013, < http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/surface_design_award_winner_kebony_kreod_sculpture/>.

Design Boom 2009, viewed 1st April 2013, < http://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-burnham-pavilion-chicago/>.

Haymaker, J & Fischer, M 2001, Challenges and Benefits of 4D Modelling on the Walt Disney Concert Hall Project, Stanford University, Stanford, viewed 1st April 2013, < http://cife.stanford.edu/sites/de-fault/files/WP064.pdf>.

Kolarevic, B 2003, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing, Spon Press, London.

Mondo Arc 2009, viewed 1st April 2013, < http://www.mondoarc.com/projects/Architectural/378800/yas_hotel_abu_dhabi_uae.html>.

Schumacer, P 2010, viewed 1st April 2013, < http://www.nzarchitecture.com/blog/index.php/2010/09/25/patrik-schumacher-parametricism/>.

Williams, R 2005, 'Architecture and Visual Culture', in Matthew Rampley (ed), Exploring Visual Cul-ture: Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, Edinburgh University Press, Edinburgh, Scotland., pp. 102 – 116.

Woodbury, R 2010, Elements of Parametric Design, Routledge, London.

World Architecture News 2010, viewed 1st April 2013, <http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=15490>.

Image Sources:Page 4 : http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/surface_design_award_winner_kebony_kreod_sculpture/

Page 6 : http://www.designboom.com/architecture/zaha-hadid-architects-burnham-pavilion-chicago/

Page 8http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/14/Walt_Disney_Concert_Hall_and_surrounding_area.jpghttp://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zaWy3FBLW_4/TKPP3C9F48I/AAAAAAAAAck/dgtlNc1nX6g/s1600/wdch2.jpg

Page 10http://www.bustler.net/index.php/article/kaohsiung_port_terminal_by_reiser_umemoto

Page 14:http://www.asymptote.net/buildings/yas-hotel/