STUDIO AIRJOURNAL

ABPL30048ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO: AIR

YIJIA ZHANG 611692S1 2015

A.1. DESIGN FUTURINGA.2. DESIGN COMPUTATIONA.3. COMPOSITION/GENERATIONA.4. CONCLUSIONA.5. LEARNING OUTCOMESA.6. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION

PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION

PART B. CRITERIA DESIGN

B.1. RESEARCH FIELDB.2. CASE STUDY 1.0B.3. CASE STUDY 2.0B.4. TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENTB.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPESB.6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSALB.7. LEANING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMESB.8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

PART C. DETAILED DESIGN

C.1. DESIGN CONCEPTC.2. TECTONIC ELEMETS & PROTOTYPESC.3. FINAL DETAIL MODELC.4. LEANING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

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My name is Yijia Zhang, third year architecture student from Guangzhou, China. From the beginning of early education, I always consider myself a science student; I did well in Maths and other science subjects. However deep down in my heart, what really makes me happy is when a pencil and piece of paper were given to me, or cardboards to cut and fold. When applying for University of Melbourne, considering I never did something related to architecture, a choice between 'comfortable' or 'challenge' was given to me. Two years later, I have no regret on the decision I made.

I love architecture that gives people strong impressions, whether it stands out from everything nearby or simply makes people feel calm and relax. The experience I got in relation with process of design and making are from architectural studios. Every week, new ideas, sketches, models need to be generated

consistently, it is all about making the spaces better for people to stay in, how functions and structures work together, how innovative the concepts and appearance are and how it communicates with people.

Digital designs are first introduced to me in the subject 'Virtual Environments', where our challenge is to fabricate a lantern using 3D modeling tool Rhinoceros together with paneling tool and grasshopper plug-ins. It really helps to develop an understanding of the software and allow me to familliarise with fabrication process using Fablab. The concept of my design generated from sunflower and the algorithm behind. The connection between nature and architecture is interesting, the growth of them may somehow follows certain rules and form patterns that one cannot imagine.

INTRODUCTION

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PART A. CONCEPTUALISATION

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A.1. DESIGN FUTURING

PRECEDENT 1: URBAN ADAPTERLOCATION: HONG KONGDESIGN YEAR: 2009CONSTRUCTION YEAR: 2009

The urban adapter is a project of street furniture for the Hong Kong & Shenzhen bi-city biennale of Urbanism/Architecture. It is designed by Rocker-Lange Architects of Boston and Hong Kong. This creation aim to achieve endless results in variable shapes and sizes that fit into specific location. The group believes that although Hong Kong has multiple functional urban furniture with innovative expression and style, the lack of uniformity may cause loss of a unique identity of the city. Urban adapter, however, is designed to be holistic with the city[1]. The benches, constructed in timber, are not only for sitting, but also combined with other features. Incoperating recycling containers, flower buckets and billboards for advertising or education, it serves as a functinal space for communication and interation in the busy urban area.

Urban adapter is designed based on digital parametric model, it analyses data of the intended site to generate a form that fits the space. The use of parametric design statergic provides multiple options for designers, it is no longer human who makes the decision of shapes and analysing the site, computers now do the job for us and seeking out the one that meets the information provided. In this case, the benches will interact with its surronding while adapt the site condition[2].

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nl_ws-VGfw/UO6zqXIC2fI/AAAAAAAAUjg/qpTrPypFszc/s1600/Urban+Adapter+by+Rocker-Lange+Architects01.jpg

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http://c1038.r38.cf3.rackcdn.com/group5/building41698/media/upnu_urban_adapter_rl_01.jpg

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Nl_ws-VGfw/UO6zqXIC2fI/AAAAAAAAUjg/qpTrPypFszc/s1600/Urban+Adapter+by+Rocker-Lange+Architects01.jpg

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A.1. DESIGN FUTURING

PRECEDENT 2: GARDENS BY THE BAY / GRANT ASSOCIATES

Gardens by the bay is a garden project located at the marina bay in singapore. It is cooperation between both architects and landscape architects. The garden features two themes - the flower dome (cool dry biome) and cloud forest (cool moist biome), with horticulture spaces with thousands of plants imported worldwide.

One of the iconic designs are the supertrees, the tall vertical tree shape elements are used as gardens with tropical flowering climbers, epiphytes and ferns. This design considers sustainability as an essential component; the canopies of supertrees create shades during daytime as well as adjust microclimates; during night, the lighting effect and multimedia creates an environment for entertainment. New technologies like solar photovoltaic are also used in building to save energy consumption and costs[3].

"Our brief for Gardens by the Bay was to create the most amazing tropical gardens in the world, incorporating cutting edge environmental design and sustainable development principles. We had to factor in the challenges of both the Singaporean climate and working on a reclaimed waterfront. We wanted to capture people’s relationship with nature and use innovative technology to create rich lifestyle, educational and recreational experiences for both local residents of Singapore and visitors from around the world. All these elements informed the vision and creation of the gardens." — Andrew Grant, Director, Grant Associates

http://www.thousandwonders.net/Gardens+by+the+Bay

http://ideasgn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Gardens-by-the-Bay-02.jpg

http://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2012/06/dezeen_Gardens-By-The-Bay-by-Grant-Associates-and-Wilkinson-Eyre_27.jpg

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http://www.thousandwonders.net/Gardens+by+the+Bay

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A.2. DESIGN COMPUTATION

PRECEDENT 1: BEIJING NATIONAL AQUATICS CENTER/ PTW ARCHITECTS

The beijing national aquatics center is design for the beijing 2008 olympics games aquatic centre, it provides multifunctional leisure spaces as well as fitness facilities. The undefined cluster shapes of foam bubbles are design to inform water elements and symbolized bio-mimicry of nature[4]. The material for constructing the exterior is a transparent dual etfe cushion envelope, which contributes to the achievement of ecologically friendly design and great thermal efficiency[5].

The cluster outer shell of the swimming center is an example of computational design in term of the simulation of bubble formation that naturally occurred; however, the concept behind the selection of ‘foam apparent’ or ‘water related feature’ seems not as strong as other bio-mimicry inspired design, it may be just for appearance rather than a more innovative approach.

National Aquatics Center "The Water Cube" http://www-scf.usc.edu/~richarrl/itp104/outside.jpg

http://acdn.architizer.com/thumbnails-PRODUCTION/66/0f/660f41c15c063f5f48a916250db3849c.jpg

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National Aquatics Center "The Water Cube" http://www-scf.usc.edu/~richarrl/itp104/outside.jpg

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A.2. DESIGN COMPUTATION

PRECEDENT 2: FIBER COMPOSITE ADAPTIVE ARCHITECTUREDESINGER: MARIA MINGALLON, SAKTHIVEL RAMASWAMY AND KONSTANTINOS KARATZASLOCATION: LONDON

The fibre composite adaptive systems are designed as part of the master program, Emergent Technologies and Design, at the Architectural Association in London by Maria Mingallon, Sakthivel Ramaswamy and Konstantinos Karatzas. It is a thesis project of bio-mimic material system that has the ability to self-organise. The aim is to eventually transfer into architectural applications.

Self-organisation principles can be seen in nature quite often. Plant growth into a structure that gets maximum sunlight and ventilation conditions, same thing happens when we design buildings, the envelope always needs to be considered. However, in reality, sun will change its orientation during the day, wind will change its direction unpredictably. It is ideal to have a ‘living’ building that can adjust itself according to environment[6].

A term called ‘thigmo-morphogenesis’ used to describe ‘the changes in shape, structure and material properties of biological organisms that are produced in response to transient changes in environmental conditions’; examples in nature includes sunflower movement

responds to sunlight and bone structure of sea urchins. The material which allows this motion is fibre composite tissue, using fibre composite adaptive system to emulate the natural process can give the characteristic to architecture. A program is designed to use multiple parameters, which are senses, as input through artificial neural network to achieve state of equilibrium[7].

The design not only rely on programming to arrange openings or shading system, but aim to let the building dynamically adapts the changing environmental conditions.

http://www.biomimetic-architecture.com/2010/fiber-composite-adaptive-architecture/

http://www.morfae.com/0397-mingallon/

http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/1295552317-04-1000x656.jpg

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http://www.biomimetic-architecture.com/2010/fiber-composite-adaptive-architecture/

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A.3. COMPOSITION/GENERATION

PRECEDENT 1: NATIONAL LIBRARY IN ASTANA, KAZAKHSTAN / BIG

The design for kazakhstan’s new national library in astana is a winning project of an international design competition by big. It consists of two main areas – a circle and a public spiral. The twisted shell challenges the sense of wall and roof, horizontal and vertical connectivity.

This geometrical shape seems like nothing but a play on mobius strip to me a t first; however, according to bjarke ingels: “the circle, the rotunda, the arch and the yurt are merged into the form of a moebius strip. The clarity of the circle, the courtyard of the rotunda, the gateway of the arch and the soft silhouette of the yurt are combined to create a new national monument appearing local and universal, contemporary and timeless, unique and archetypal at the same time”[8]. The design clearly considers the history, culture and function integrality.

The patterns on the façade are arranged base on the building envelope. By calculating the thermal exposure, climate information is generated and translates into the shading system of patterning. It is described as a form of ecological ornaments that response to solar impact.

This design represents computational design using algorithm thinking. The use of mobius strip, which mentioned in korarevic’s article[9] as non-euclidean geometries, shows a basic

element of digital design. These topological geometries are aesthetic, technological and ideological, they represent the new thinking of spatial relationship and interconnections with building elements[10]. The arrangement of shading pattern also informs the way that generate suitable design solution through programming.

Astana National Library - BIG http://www.bustler.net/images/gallery/big_anl_18.jpg

East-west section Elevationshttp://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/1251244057-elevations3.jpg

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Astana National Library - BIG http://www.bustler.net/images/gallery/big_anl_18.jpg

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A.3. COMPOSITION/GENERATION

PRECEDENT 2: ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION 2012

The pavilion designed by institutes at the university of stuttgart is a collaboration work of both architectural and engineering researchers. It has two main focuses, the biomimetic design strategies and process of robotic production.

The design simulates the morphological principles of arthropods’ exoskeletons to explore a new construction method in architecture. The ‘bottom-up’ design approach can be seen during the process. Movements and principles are being observed, analysed then abstracted in order to transfer into a new language; it then builds by robotic equipment using carbon and glass fibres to simulate the method of natural fabrication.

By integrating form, material, structure and fabrication technology into design process, this project represents an entire sets of computational design concept. ‘the concurrent integration of the biomimetic principles of the lobster’s cuticle and the logics of the newly developed robotic carbon and glass fibre filament winding within the computational design process, enable a high level of structural performance and novel tectonic opportunities for architecture.[11] it symbolized new architectural design possibilities of an extremely lightweight and materially efficient structure.

http://www.gabreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/2-icd-itke_rp2012_rh_02.jpg

https://i.vimeocdn.com/avideo/442464521_1280x720.jpg

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http://www.gooood.hk/_c_c3O_knUkmB-wqWguOTawAIum3h8ev5Bm3rFGe9y__Q596xnEgjx9B6hRFETlOxhNIq7jWIgPtu80DxKYeIJvk6hQZ_8lco1.jpg

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A.4. CONCLUSION

A.5. LEARNING OUTCOMES

In part A, we start by discussing the future. As the population growing rapidly, sustainability becomes an important concept in designers’ mind, architecture associate with environmentally friendly, renewable resources features gain its popularity. However, design futuring is more than being ’green’, it is about optimization of structure and material use, being able to adapt changing environments and making quick response. ‘Design democracy’, [12] referring to the deregulated pluralization of design activity, allowing more people to involved in design process, with the aids of more and more cheap digital tools, the value of ‘design’ or ‘style’ becoming less

influential.

Then we talked about computational design and generative design. The concept of computational design needs to be separated from computerization, the later just means using computer as a tool to virtualize a physical model or sketch. Computational design is a ‘bottom up’ process; it is base on algorithmic programming to control input information therefore create a system that fits the condition. This method solves problems that can not be done using traditional ways.

Before the subject begins, an architecture that using computational design method means a beautiful or different appearance that often involve complex structure, smooth round surfaces or interesting patterns. After three weeks of understanding, I learned that is has other applications. Digital tools and parametric programming can achieve more than just aesthetic, it provides innovative spaces, forms, structures, construction methods,

unconventional materials and much more.

In cooperating computational tools grasshopper, this subjects project need to be designed integrally with the given site, the surrounding condition, also structure and material.

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[1],[2], Urban Adapter by Rocker-Lange Architects Natasha Lyons, January 2010, Accessed 19 Mar 2015. <http://www.dezeen.com/2010/01/08/urban-adapter-by-rocker-lange-architects/>

[3]Gardens by the Bay / Grant Associates, 17 Jul 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed 20 Mar 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=254471>

[4], The Watercube - National Aquatics Centre, Beijing, Accessed 19 Mar 2015. <http://architectu-reinsights.com.au/architecture/the-watercube-national-aquatics-centre-beijing/>

[5], Giermann, Holly, Architectural Innovation Inspired by Nature, (03 Mar 2015. ArchDaily). Ac-cessed 19 Mar 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=604846>

[6], Furuto, Alison, Fibre Composite Adaptive Systems / Architectural Association, (20 Jan 2011. ArchDaily). Accessed 14 Mar 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=105431>

[7]EHSAAN, Fiber Composite Adaptive Architecture, OCTOBER 25, 2010, <http://www.biomimet-ic-architecture.com/2010/fiber-composite-adaptive-architecture/>

[8], Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; Lon-don: Spon Press, 2003).p6

[9], Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; Lon-don: Spon Press, 2003).p7

[10], Basulto, David, National Library in Astana, Kazakhstan / BIG, (25 Aug 2009. ArchDaily. )Ac-cessed 19 Mar 2015. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=33238>

[11], ICD/ITKE Research pavilion 2012. Accessed 19 Mar 2015. <http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=8807>

[12],Fry, Tony (2008). Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg).p11

REFERENCE:

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A.6. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

WEEK 1

Populated points: num=900,500,200,50Octree: premitted content per leaf=2,5,1,1

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WEEK 2

ADJUST UNARY FORCE TO ACHIEVE LOSE/TIGHT WEBS

LOFT - MESH - ANCHOR USING POINTS OF COLUMNS

USE OF KANGAROO PHYSICS SIMULATION PLUG-IN

MESH/WEB SUSPENDED BETWEEN COLUMNS

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PART B. CRITERIA DESIGN

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B.1. RESEARCH FIELD: GEOMETRY

A soap film, formed by dipping wire frame in soap solution, can be used to visualize an area-minimizing minimal surface. One famous example in architecture practice is the roofs of Munich Olympic Stadium; it takes soap bubble as inspiration and applies the minimal surface and form finding principle [1].

Geometry plays an important role in architectural design. With contemporary digital design being used, parametric tools are used frequently for structure and material optimization. In addition, sustainability has always been a main theme for architectural designing. Achieving more with less involves creating maximum space with minimum material, with can be visualized through the aids of grasshopper plug-in kangaroo physics. It simulates how an elastic material will preform as its equilibrium, relaxed state. The model then, can be broke down into pieces and fabricate effectively. The following design study will be focus on minimal surfaces, relaxation and form finding.

PRECEDENCE 1. GREEN VOID By LAVA

The first precedent is the Green Void by LAVA, it is a direct representation of relaxation surface. The design features a lightweight, freely stretching sculpture hinging inside the center of building. It connects with walls, ceiling and floor, the elastic, rubbery material forming a large interior space. The design uses computer-modeling tool to simulate the complex natural system that requires minimal adjustment onsite [2]. The minimal usage of material also highlights the awareness of sustainable design.

http://www.designboom.com/tools/WPro/images/rid24/green4.jpg

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PRECEDENCE 2. SHELLSTAR PAVILION By MATSYS/HKU/Art Lab HK

The second precedent that embodied the concept of form-finding is Shellstar Pavilion by Matsys. Working fully with parametric designing tools, the pavilion was generated with maximum spatial performance in minimal structure and material, due to the efficiency of process it is completed within 6 weeks. One major technique involved is digital form-finding using kangaroo physics, the catenary shape thrust surface was self-organized to achieve optimal structural performance [3].

http://c1038.r38.cf3.rackcdn.com/group5/building45063/media/baaf_shellstar7733.jpg

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B.2. CASE STUDY 1.0

DERMOID III by SIALThe third iteration of Dermoid, designed by The Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory (SIAL), RMIT, is an installation that experiment with material behavior and construction techniques. Compare to the elastic material used in Green Void for demonstrating relaxed material and the principle behind, this project aim to test the material, structure and technique that can be used for fabricating a self form-finding object. A structural simulation was run together with physical model making in plywood strips in order to achieve a flexible skin [4]. Focusing on the designing process of form-finding rather than

fabrication technique, kangaroo physics will be used for experimenting varies possibility of self-organizing surfaces to achieve maximum space inside with less structure and material.

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SPECIES 1Change force amplitude/input geometry

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SPECIES 2Change control cruve boundary/adding new control points

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SPECIES 3Change of anchor points

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SPECIES 3Change of anchor points/input geometry/curves

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SPECIES 4further alternations (display in surface for better demonstration)

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SPECIES 4 Continuefurther alternations

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1. Form-finding property, relax of surfacesThis case study example explore these techniques using kangaroo, therefore the successful outcomes need to show that.

2. OpeningsOpenings allow circulation as well as views, which is important for later stage.

3. Internal space, voidThe case study uses 'pressure' in kangaroo forces to create space,the inflated structure is an essential feature.

4. Stability of surface and structureWhen changing parameters of forces, a certain range need to be maintained, otherwise the input geometry will 'fly away', which means it is not balanced. In addition, the anchors of surface need to be strong to hold the structure in physical model.

5. Sustanabilityachieve 'more' with 'less' material

Selection criteria and most successful iterations:

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Most successful iterations:

1. Shows both inflating and stretching between control curves.

2. Large volume, can be stable, surface seems dynamic, almost flowing.

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Most successful iterations:

3. Large openings, the anchors points stretching the surface to form several ‘columns’ which can support itself.

4. Openings and internal space, this one seems to have least surface area, which re-quires less material for fabrication.

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B.3. CASE STUDY 2.0

The gridshell displaced at SmartGeometry 2012 is a project designed by the Gridshell Digital Tectonics. Neither its structure nor material looks similar with the previous examples of relaxation surface and form-finding designs, however, the geodesic lines that applied can be seen as an understanding of minimal structure as well. Geodesic lines represents the shortest distance that travelled across two points on a surface. In this case, the technique was used to draw

a series of intersecting curves on a relaxed surface [5]. The strips stretching in all directions forming patterns, the area underneath can be considered as space defined by it. This type of structure may be included in later design and fabrication stage as a substitute for irregular soft fabric-like surfaces. Another use for gridshell is to act as a framework to support unconventional material.

GRIDSHELL/GRIDSHELL DIGITAL TECTONICS

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Input curves loft divide curve explode tree shift list geodesic lines

METHOD 1.

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divide explode tree arc rebuild curve loft

shift listgeodesic lines

Input curves

divide explode treeInput curves

METHOD 2.

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The first method does not have the smooth cureve created by the second method, however, the lloft surface can be used for other patterning.

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B.4. TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

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B.4. TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

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1. Related to the conceptUse of optimal structure and minimal material.

2. Openings and spaceOpenings for circulation and view, internal space for activities.

3. Stability of structureStructure is interconnected, can support its weight.

4. Connect to environmentThe creek is a natural environment, design can relate to the ecosystem.

5. Ability to be fabricated

Selection criteria and most successful iterations:

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Most successful iterations:

1. Use of three layers of geodesic lines with adjustment to curves division and lists shifted, it forms a triangulated pattern. It can be a stable and strong structure.

2. By altering the curves order, it creates a tent-like shape, can be used for relaxation surface or framing.

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Most successful iterations:

3. Using method one with further development, this iteration remains me of plants growth, which is useful for future design.

4. Applying voronoi to surface, the structure is different and can be use as pattern for later refer-ence. Voronoi is also an algorithm developed from nature, it fits the theme well.

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B.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES

This installation is desgined to be climable staircase in exhibition. it uses vertical, interconnected nets as material [6], which is related to the concept of relaxation surfaces. It can be either weighted down by sand bags or draping freely on air, which will gently swing

when people walk through. I want to achieve a similar structure in my design, by hanging a relaxed structure from the suspended railway, hence the material need to be soft, stretchable but also strong.

Precedence: NET LINZ

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B.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES

Different material and technique are tested to look for a strong, flexible, and also sustainable one for future design.

1. Threads wrap aroundhigh level of deform, ramdon pattern, can cover differenve shape and size framing.

2. Nylon netrelatively weak, easy to break, however can achieve elastic, stretching effects well.

3. Threads tied by knotsfish net structure, strong, but takes time to fabricate

4. Yarn by knittingVery strong and flexible, but have certain shapes and need large amount of material.

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B.6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL

The site is located near the Rushall railway station, surrounded by mid-dense recidential area. Existing users for this place are families, runners and cyclists. Since the families are used to sit around the parks and people who do exercises normally just passby. there is a lack of human activities around the creek. The suspended railway and the ecosystem under create an oppoturnity for me.

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Technology has become part of out life long before, however the fast moving development of society leads to damages of environment. Sustainability therefore becomes main theme for lots of design concepts nowadays. For my design, I want to merge the two elements together, it will allow people to experience the advantage of technology brings to our life while

pay more attention to our environment. Minimal as well as sustainable material will be used in the design. Natural inspired elements will be used with parametric design tools to create a relaxed hammock structure between the suspended railway and creek.

B.6. TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL

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B.7. LEANING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

By the end of part B, I am able to understand the very basic of parametic design tool grasshopper and its plug-in kangaroo physics. The interations of case studies have developed further than last two weeks and I am beginning to visualise the design project through the outcomes of it. By studing Precedence project and the chosen research field, the idea of relaxation surface and form finding structure and the application of physical simulation tools become more clear to me. It also bring

me the awareness of sustainability that it can be achieve through optimize the surface area therefore minimise material usage. I am aiming to achieve that in the following exploration.

In turns of the design outcome, clearly it is not enough for the actual design and needs to be developed further. There is also lack of consideration of prototyping and creating a structure that can be use for the proposal.

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REFERENCE:

1. Hermann Karcher and Konrad Polthier, An Introduction to Minimal Surfaces, Architecture and Tent Roofs, 2013, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany, Accessed 30 Apr 2015 http://page.mi.fu-berlin.de/polthier/booklet/architecture.html

2. Baraona Pohl, Ethel. Green Void / LAVA, 16 Dec 2008. ArchDaily. Accessed 30 Apr 2015. http://www.archdaily.com/?p=10233

3. SHELLSTAR PAVILION, 2013, http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/

4. Dermoid Australia, 2013, http://cita.karch.dk/Menu/Research+Projects/Digital+Formations/Dermoid+Australia+

5. SG2012 GRIDSHELL, http://matsysdesign.com/category/projects/sg2012-gridshell/

6. Net Linz, OK Center for Contemporary Art / 27.06. – 19.10.2014, Linz, Austria, http://www.numen.eu/installations/net/linz/

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B.8. APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

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PART C. DETAILED DESIGN

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C.1. DESIGN CONCEPT

Site: the site is lack of general information about positioning, diagrams need to be provided to show details.

As our brief is to design something that can not touch the ground, it has to be supported by trees or other elements on site, it is essential to consider the bearing capacity of what your design is to be anchored on. Moreover, the design itself should be constructed in generally lighter material so that it is less likely to fail and collapse. I straggled at first and come up with using the walkway that attached to suspended railway to create an extension to the existing structure. However, critics on whether an additional component is needed when there is already walkways or people to travel through.

I rethink the concept of connecting nature and technology and found that it will be more clearly expressed through placing the design in between the two elements. In addition, the steel structure will be easier and more likely to support the design rather than the walkway. The creek itself has quite a long distance in relation to the railway, it is not practical to hang things above it where will potentially

be dangerous to people and it is difficult to access. Therefore, it will be relocated above the grassland near the creek, the distance is suitable around five to six meters and still be able to have the look towards the creek.

Construction methods: The triangulation process given to the design to create a planar surface weakens the existents of grasshopper technique, it can be also generated just by rhino or other simple methods and the focus will lies entirely on execution.

The triangulation method provides ease of construction where it is just sticking pieces of triangles together, which is not challenging and not much work is needed to do so. Therefore, this idea is abandoned after the presentation.

Instead of making a relaxed surface and panelize it, I am thinking using not just the form but also a similar material that performs in the same way, so that the simulation runs for testing elastic fabric is not only a form finding process but actually helps to build the structure and acts as a dynamic stretching installation.

FEEDBACKS FROM INTERIM

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Justification of form: the form created has not intension and just a play on the original shapes; more development and thinking need to be put in.

By considering the site features with the suspended railway, creek and grassland and combining the idea of merging nature with technology, my focus will be letting people to experience the elements that I framing in. Therefore, the shape, the arrangement, the openings and material property is designed base on the views framing and to direct people to those points through the design. The relation with rigid structural framing and fluid soft natural grass and river need to be connected and represented in harmony.

As the kangaroo physics simulation transfers geometrical surface into individual components of springs, which then contract and expend under tension and compression, the outcome is more likely to be a smooth rounded surface. In order to presents element on both site features, I still want some rigidity on my design. By achieving this, I come up with several solutions.

By manipulating data, which restrains the performance of springs in physical simulation, it can show some extent of rigidity. The spring force is determined by the proportion of length that each spring will shrink to. The greater the number the more rigidity can be seen.

By controlling the division of surfaces, the cross section will looks more angular rather than a circle. When reducing the number of panels on surface, the smoothness will reduce and create a rounded geometrical effect.

By creating patterns or cutouts to emphases the lattice structure of railway.

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The brief of our project is to create an installation that is not touching the ground, it should be a living system that express, support, amplify or question the relationship between technical, cultural and natural system. Technology has become part of out life long before, however the fast moving development of society leads to damages of environment. Sustainability therefore becomes main theme for lots of design concepts nowadays.

In my point of view, both elements are essential for future development. With the advanced technology, people already get used to the efficiency and convenience it provides. On the other hand, no one wants to live in a polluted environment, we love fresh air and blue sky and the trees generate oxygen that keep us alive, we can not live without them.

For my design, I want to create an installation that merges these two essential elements together, when people come and use the space, it will allow them to experience the advantage of technology brings to our life while pay more attention to our environment.

When walking around the site, I have noticed that there are trails and cycle ways for people doing exercise, however it lacks recreation space. Moreover, there are many families with children and I think a place for fun activities and relaxation is needed here. Therefore, the user targets for my design are children and their families. Minimal as well as sustainable material will be used in the design with parametric design tools to create a relaxed cocoon structure between the suspended railway and creek.

DESIGN CONCEPT:

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Concept sketch of the structure, merging green soft natural features with grey steel lattice construction material.

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RESIDENTIAL AREA

THE CREEK

THE RAILWAY

THE SITE

Design is located at the central space framed by technical (railway), cultural (residential area) and natural (Merri Creek) elements.

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THE RAILWAY

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CONCEPT DIAGRAMS:

Generate central recreational space.

Connect with path to move around.

Create openings for views that I want to capture.

The trees on this side of the installation shows the seasonal transformation of leaves, which is a feature of nature.

Here the bridge, the gas pipe, and the running water can be viewed. they all presents the elements that exist around us everyday.

Twisting the end to create more space and cut the straight view towards center.

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Extend a space near the end to create an entrance, a space at central area with closed bottom part to generate extra volumes as well as increase central space.

Extension upwards to connect to suspended railways.

Final form ready for further manipulation.

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ADJUSTING VARIABLES:

Division of mesh box: 10, 5, 2, 1

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By kangaroo Physics the structures are relaxed and create flexible surfaces with different smoothness. The density of panels and the limitation of relaxed form restrained by it is essential to the design concept. It aims to represent both hard and soft therefore, the one on left is selected due to its ability to maintain some rigidity but still shows the relaxation process.

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Adjusting spring forces in physical simulation. The second one is selected due to the tension force created, the suitable tightness allows enough internal space.

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Square panels are cpnverted into x-shape panels with holes on edges for joining.

Material using will be degradable polypropylene, the x-shapes also allow the stucture to sketch and rotate to adjust its shape.

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ENVISAGED CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

Steel structures are bolted with edge panels and railway.

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15000mm

Cables are used to connect the suspended ends of the structure, rope ladder is placed at entrance for access.

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4500mm

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PLAN VIEW

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0 1m 2m

ELEVATION

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ELEVATION

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0 1m 2m

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C.2. TECTONIC ELEMENTS & PROTOTYPES

2/3 of the model is fabricated into detailed model (around 200 pieces). It is important to show the real life construction process and its ability to support weight.

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Turining square panels into fabrication x-shape panels.

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PROTOTYPES

Material and fabrication methods testing.

200gsm cards through card cutter are the first prototypes. Card cutter creates clean surface rather than burned black spots which is a problem when using laser cutter, however there are limitations when using card cutter. The material is quite limited and it turns out cards are too thin and weak when it bends or twists. Polypropylene is used instead because it is thin, flexible while relatively strong.

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Connection and hand-cut testing.

While waiting for fablab, i try to cut shapes by hand. The holes for joining are impossible to cut therefore it is best to use laser cutter. Concealed snap-fasteners are the ideal material for joints however the polypropylene is too thick, the paper fasteners are used instead for physical model.

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Inspiring by both tested joints a bolts and nuts connection with flat ends seems to be a suitable method to connect the panels, it is strong and smooth for people to climb in the design.

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CONSTRUCTION PROCESS

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C.3. FINAL DETAIL MODEL

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C.4. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

This part of the project is to transform a concept into digital model and finally construct it through real-time construction methods and materials. Coming from part C, where I have no idea what I am going to design and get lots of critics from interim presentation, I start to think about the issues, the opportunities, trying to link the required design brief. The final design achieves what I see as appropriate for the site, the users and meets the requirements. There are several things that I think should be improved and need to be considered and developed further. The physical model is in 1:10 which is not big enough to test the rigidity and bearing capacity in reality, meaning that it is still unknown that whether the structure will success or not (although the connection and material are quite strong). Whether the

size of openings and dimension of entrance, tunnels are adequate for people to go through. It is suggested that a second skin can be placed inside the current structure for better performance as well as strengthen the fabric.

Overall, my digital design and fabrication skills are improved significantly during this semester’s practice, as the society moving forward digital design and parametric modeling will keep influence the way architects design. It is also important for me to apply the knowledge I’ve learned to the future study and works and keep improving.

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