Architecture Design Studio: AIR

Vladimir Jokic389 997

Architecure Dis-course

Modern Computa-tional Design

Performance Driv-en Design

Modern Scripting

Matrix of Design Exploration

1 A Brief Outline on the Discourse of Architecture1 A Personal Project (Studley Park Boathouse)2 Blobwall (G. Lynn)3-4 Parametric Apartment Complex Proposal

5 The Advantages of Computational Design6 Innovations in Computational Design

7 Comparison of Old and New Design8 EcoTect Analysis

9-10 CJ R&D Center (Kinetic facade)

11-12 Matrix of Grasshopper explration13 Promising design exploration

Contents

Reverse Engi-neered Case

Fabrication

Design Concept

Reflction

14 Airspace Tokyo- Voronoi Pattern

15 Digital Fabrication16 Gantenbein Winery

17 Design Concept

18 Reflection

Contents

The project for the Wyndham Gateway project needs

to be an innovative and captivating installation that is

to reflect the changing and developing area within the

Wyndham region.

For this project the use of parametric design seems

the only appropriate solution because it represents the

future of architecture which is one of the key points

when ananlysing the region. It has many advantages

over conventional design, and can play a role in creat-

ing an attraction that defines the region.

The project involved designing a new boathouse in the mould of

a certain architect, in this case Alvar Aalto, the renowned Finnish

architect of the 20th Century. The focus of the project was to create

a boathouse which would create a building which would become

a local attraction to the site, whilst capturing key elements from

Aalto’s works (in this case public buildings because of the scale

of the project) and translating those same ideas and elements into

the 21st century. What this project taught me was to how to select

key elements, develop them and use them to drive a design which I

intend to do with the installation in Wynhdam City Council.

Tip!1My first point of focus in creating a work

based on Aalto’s revered architecture was to focus on the interaction with the surrounding environment, using the landscape to shape the design using materials to represent the surrounds. material honesty was a key com-ponent of his work. He used materials to express structure or culture both local and national.

2The second focus point of my design

was the organisation of space according to impor-tance, especially consid-ering this was a public building.

3The third area of focus was in creat-

ing a public space which would be both an attrac-tion to non paying patrons as well, ergo be a place of socialisation and interac-tion.

4The form had to rep-resent the building’s

strong public importance, which is why it revised the ‘tun’ form to bring the project into architecture more indicative of today.

The Blobwall installation is the first internationally

renowned project I would like to ananlyse as part

of my proposal for the use of technology driven ap-

proach to create the roadside installation in Wer-

ribee. The success of the Blobwall and the global

interest in it lies with how Lynn was able to redefine

what ‘building blocks’ could be. Instead of being

rectangular as is the norm, he proposed, designed

and built an installation that uses individually de-

signed ‘blobs’ as the building blocks for construc-

tion.

It’s success also stems from Lynn’s daring and

technology driven approach to architecture, the

building form is computer and software driven to

respond to certain drivers (wall curvature, number

of ‘blocks’ etc.). The process of computer modelling

allows for paperless architecture, one which is not

relaint on people being able to read architectural

drawings but rather have interactive 3D models to

examine and study during construction, it allows for

changes to be instantaneously reflected in the de-

sign/model. It is an adaptive and intitive process .

The installation redefined architecture by chal-

langing people to think outside the norm. it was a

groundbreaking project, but that is so often the case

with new and groundbreaking works when they first

appear. This type of installation creates several

ideas which I hope to recreate with my installation,

the primary being the creation of an installation that

comes to define the region by creating an installa-

tion that creates global and local interest.

Architecure DiscourseWhat defines Architecture?

My Personal ProjectStudley Park Boathouse

The Blob-wallBy: Greg Lynn

1These apartments are made using parametric computer

modelling. Each of these apart-ments is comprised of individual elements of ‘blocks’ ala Lynn that are pieced together depending on the needs of the tenants. This design takes great inspiration from nature; natural growth (seed and up), phyllotaxis and phototropism.

3The image top left illustrates how these buildings rise up

from the ground according to the different algorithms which are dependant on the who lives there, their occupation, number of oc-cupants etc. This allows architects the freedom to focus on provid-ing an appropriate structure to all stakeholders, which is needed at Wyndham Council.

2There is potential in this design for it to become a dy-

namic design, in that the building is able to be adjusted to changes in the drivers. The building can update itself in the virtual world to changes in the drivers readily, which potentially be realsied in the real world with varying projects, like possibly at Werribee.

review

ParametricApartmentsLondon

I have chosen this project because

it builds on the princples of Lynn’s

work with the Blobwall installation

but translates them into a design

proposal for an apartment com-

plex in London.

Whilst the connection between

this and project and that of the

Blobwall is not immediately clear,

beside the obvious use of para-

metric modelling and the futuristic

shapes, they do share the same

design principles and forward

thinking.

The building form is driven by

the design influences, problems,

requirements or problems, as op-

posed to conventional procedure

or deriving a form and inside it fit-

ting the elements required by the

stakeholders.

The relationships of elements are

the drivers in the form, as can be

seen on the images to the left no

building looks alike, as no combi-

nation of tenants is alike in their

requirement and needs.

The installation in Wyndenham

needs to engage with modern and

contemporary design and digital

culture and use this to create an

installation that becomes synony-

mous with art and culture.

Advancing the Archi-tectural Discourse

This building along with Lynn’s Blobwall are mov-ing architecture into a new domain. They are redefin-ing the design process and buildings elements by pioneering a contraversial design system based in the virtual world.

They have moved away from an archaic method of architecture towards a more adaptive and collab-orative process by which the needs of all are taken into consideration. This allows for more responsive and immediate alterations to be visualised, for archi-tecture which is designed to respond to drivers, for more flexible modelling al-lowing multiple designs, for the building to evolve with the changes around it.

The movement away from paper architecture frees the architects to explore forms which cannot be achieved or realised with conven-tional methods, for more collaboration between architects, engineers, oc-cupants, as opposed to a system by which th ede-signs are passed on and redrawn as before. It turns concpetualised works into realisable projects.

The use of computational software has enabled ar-

chitects and designers worldwide to experiment and

create buildings, installations and fixtures previously

unfathomable.

The ability to transfer computer generated models

straight to a digital fabrication facility has meant that

architects and designers are not limited to ‘off-the-

shelf-components’ but instead allows for complex

forms and geometries (double curves) to be easliy

made and assembled.

Parametric architecture needs to be used for the gateway project because it is symbolic of not only a cul-

tural shift to more performance driven architecture but of a change in thinking of architects. the build-

ings, installations or sculptures are modelled around parameters. The parameters influence the design by

setting restrictions on size, shape, geometry, rotation, etc., however these restrictions on the parameters

should not be viewed as prohibitive restrictions but rather as design opportunities.

The dynamic, growing and thriving area that Wyndham is in need of an installation that will create a cultural

and visual representation of the community, which is why parametric architecture is most appropriate. The

council is provided with a unique opportunity to represent the growth of the area by utilising a design sys-

tem and methodology that is growing in popularity globally, thus positioning the area as a leader in design

and ergo positively portraying the area internationally and nationally.

1The models update almost instanta-

neously meaning they are always accurate reducing the chances of error in design or fabrication in comparison to paper arch.

2The ability to easily fabricate the models

using custom made piec-es increases the scope of design.

3Unlike paper architec-ture there is an error

checking system in place to help diagnose errors in scripting and help to resolve these issues.

4One of the key positives of 3D ar-

chitecture is the ability to constantly preview what the designed object will look like unlike paper architecture.

One of the most widely used analysis tools by para-

metric designers in Grasshopper is the Geco plugin

which connects to Autodesk Ecotect. The purpose

of this software is to visualise performance data for

easier communication, design feedback enabling de-

signers to make amendments to designs to achieve a

cooler and more energy efficeint building, which in a

world heavily influenced by .

Advantages of Com-putational Design

Parametric DesignAdvantages of Digital Modelling

The

The

Scripting allows for designs to be developed from a

bottom up approach, and to be free to derive the form

from aspects of building performance. An example of

this is the Jyväskylä Music and Arts Center in Finland

by OCEAN Design Research Association. The script

follows 3 points to derive the form 1- location, orienta-

tion and density of struts, 2- structural, acoustic per-

formance requirements and 3- design guidelines (i.e.

3 lattice systems, volume of space etc.)

Data simulation and modelling occurs in close to

real time, allowing quicker responses by designers

to problems. This can be seen in the AA Component

Membrane in London, which used software to map

the movement of the sun to guide the design of the

rooftop canopy (to provide maximum shade) whilst

also dealing with wind loads and precipitation. The

response of the canopy to the elements was what

drove the design. The upside of using computation-

al software is that the software derives the data for

manufacturing for the assembly members.

Parametric design does however come with some

downsides. Design can be restricted by the

capabilities of the computer program

and software to compute or analyse

elements. Certain aspects of the

design might be unachievable

in the digital realm because the

software does not have the nec-

essary function to achieve the

desired result, however as more

people are becoming involved in

scripting, problems are being solved

as they arise. However the biggest

hurdle for many to overcome is the initial

trepedation which comes as a result of being ex-

posed to something new, and having to learn and adapt to a

completely new way of design.

One of the biggest advantages of parametric architec-

ture and design is the ability to create complex

geometries like in the example above of ...

The software in the above example was

able to calculate the loads exerted on

each of the individualised members,

such that the structure would be

able to function properly. It allows

for repetetive tasks to be completed

with ease which is important for our

design which features a repeating

pattern over a number of panels.

new vs.old

1Parametric modelling and architecture is more flexible because it allows for the designer’s or

architect’s true intent to be brought to fruition as the designer has full control of all elements and is not reli-ant on elements which can be bought of the shelf.

2The reason that many choose to design and work with paper architecture is the fear of designing in a

new method, the fear associated with being exposed to an unknown especially one as frightening as computer programming.

ECOTECTSPORTS STADIUM DESIGNDesign Proposal

1Autodesk Ecotect Analysis is a sustainable environmental de-

sign software. It is a software that allow for stimulation of mutiple building analyses. It can calcu-late greenhouse gas emissions, energy usage, building thermal performance, water usage, solar radiation, daylight and shadows as well as many other environmental analyses.

2The advantage of using software like Ecotect are

significant. They allow for building optimisation to occur as a result of a series of data simulations of building performance. Building op-timisation is of great importance in the 21st century because of issues arising from global warming and increasing material scarcity.

3The ability to receive feedback on design performance and

subsequently making the necessary adjustments to fix points of concern or make more efficient design deci-sions based around opportunities for better design is another advan-taged offered by software like this. It allows for design to be influenced by the opportunites presented by performance to shape form.

Nem cor aligentMod quaspic tecusam et quatus eicabores

Conceptual DesignAt this stage in the design process the team to design a pattern or image which is to guide the design process, it allows the team to subsequently work on finding the conflicts be-tween the design idea and building performance.

ModellingIn this stage, the team uses modelling and parametric techniques to analyse and develop the design to respond to the stimuli anal-ysed (sun, wind etc.). These can be done by a variety of methods, either scripting (Grasshopper) or modelling (3Dstudio Max).

Analysis & TuningAt this stage the building performance is measured using software and based on the results the build-ing is adjusted to perform more efficently. It creates a circular process of design by the presence of flexible parameters.

DocumentationIn the last stage, the desings are presented in documentation drawings, the files are prepared for manufacturing, vreate physical models for the clients to visualise the final outcome.

1The biggest advantages that this type of construction provides

over the usual ‘static’ designs is that they enable the architects and clients to set crieria or parameters which al-low it to be built in response to those, especially in regards to exterior skins as in this example, it results in design without preconceptions. The build-ing is seen and performs like a living organism.

2One of the biggest concerns when designing buildings as such is that they can be designed

purely to respond to certain conditions and as such the buildings can be impractical, too complex or become an eyesore, but this building has managed to create an environmentally firendly building that not only performs well environmnetally but has a focus also has an aesthetic quality provided by the use of long flowing curves whcih are linearly stacked. The horizontality balances the use of rounded towers and curved passageways between the two towers.

4The kinetic facade was mod-elled using 3D mechanical

modelling software that allowed for the creation of multiple relationships with complex geometry. However the designers noted that programs like Inventor and Solid Works could po-tentially in the future be able to run more complex problems and identify points of stress and recommend improvements in real time.

3One of the areas most where there is room for most im-

provement with such design comes from the ability to use software to adjust buildings to certain parameters which is key in designing a suitable structure for Wyndham City Council.

This is a project which uses

modern scripting techniques in

order to create architecture which

is both representative of future

architecture as well as architec-

ture which responds better to

environmental conditions or other

facrtors specified by the clients or

architects to create fundamentally

better buildings.

This is a design by Yazdani Studio

as part of Cannon Design research

initiative into individual surface

system components which are

able to better respond to environ-

mental or other local stimuli.

They refer to these systems as

Paratronic surfaces, in reference to

a biological term used to describe

this system whithin plants.

This building is an attempt to

create a building with a outer skin

that responds in real time to solar

radiation by using a scissor mech-

anism onto which the membrane

would be placed. The membrane

would filter out direct sunlight and

minismise glare whilst also allow-

ing for natural light to enter when

opened.

What this project shows is the

capability of software to design fo-

cus driven fixtures, and the design

process in general.

CJ R&D Center-Kinetic Fa-cade

In order to gauge a better under-

standing of scriting and how it has

translated to real world finished

articles of architecture, I have

reverse engineered a finished proj-

ect in Airspace Tokyo.

The purpose of this exercise is to

understand how to translate the

architectural ideas for an installa-

tion into Grasshopper scripts. This

will help in the task of creating the

Gateway project because it will

help us with developing a suitable

script to match our design intent.

For this study I have chosen

to recreate the Airspace Tokyo

because our group is interested in

pattern movement and overlays

of layers to create a changing or

moving image.

This building utilises different

laters and pattern overlays to cre-

ate varying effects with light and

shadows within the structue.

Reverse En-gineered Case

The above exploration in Grasshopper promised to have the

most potential as it was a true representation of parametric

design and surface manipulation driven by a parameter. In this

case the surface “windows” are either populated by a box or

another quadilateral depending on the surface relationship to

the sun in radians (vector)The above exploration in

Grasshopper is of mathe-

matical equations (mul-

tiple) and using then and

RUnion to create interest-

ing growth patterns.

The above exploration in Grasshopper is of punched

out circles to a curved surface using surface nor-

mals to ensure that they are aligned with the surface.

The exploration to the

right in Grasshopper is of

to do with creating pat-

terns using RUnions and

Attractor Points.

The exploration to the left in Grasshopper is ofpattern

creation using Boolean points and Arbitrary points.

These patterns in particular are reflective of changes in

the Boolean Pattern (True and False values).

Fabriaction process and how it could apply to this

project. We envisage the fabrication process to

involve the creation of tabs, cutouts, clamps and

folds to create curved surfaces of the panels and

louvers.

The joint system could possibly take the shape of

the connections in that of the above image, which

are basically clips from one piece or strip of cutout

material with a similar cutout which is perpendicu-

lar to the other strip.

1The use of laser cutters has become almost com-mon place in both the educational and profes-

sional domain with regards to architecture and design. They provide enormous advantages over non pre fabricated models, as they provide incredible accu-racy when cutting the irregularly shaped individual complex geometries that often define parametric and computational design. The cost of machines varies significantly and the amount of programming and modes also varies, but generally speaking they are easy and intuitive to use.

2The second most common method of digital fabri-cation comes in the form of 3D printing .This meth-

od prints the models in layers comprised of fine plaster dust. The model is reproduced in high detail, however the practice in the professional world is considerably less in comparison to than that of laser cutters and in the education sector because the cost is considerably higher for professionals. The biggest concern with 3D printing is designing the scale models as opposed to the proposed installation as the models have to be thicker than necessary in full size realised projects.

Nem cor aligentMod quaspic tecusam et quatus eicabores

4We believe that the way this would be fabricated would be

through a series of flat surfaces with the perforations and then tabbed together to create the curved surface. The louvers would be attached with a locking tab sys-tem to ensure structural stability.

3The above image above is of the Gantenbein winery in

Switzerland. The brick facade was fabricated by a specialy designed robot. It individually placed all the bricks, cut them to size and applied a specially designed bonding ma-terial to the bricks to join them. The panels were transported and lifted onto the site.

As discussed previously one

of the biggest advantages to a

parametric and computer based

modelling approach is the ability

to build using digital fabrication

methods such as lasers cutters,

3D printers, and construction

facilitated by the use of robots.

The advantage of these meth-

ods to other regular construction

methods is that they provide

a more efficient and accurate

realised project whcih are often

comprised of irregularly shaped

complex geometries which have

many complex connections and

joints based around the unique

and irregualr patterns which would

be non realisable without these

technologies.

Architects tend to draw what they

can build and build what they can

draw. This stems from architects

being limited to design with ele-

ments like steel and bricks that

come in size and shapes provided

by the manufacturers but the abil-

ity to create individual non uniform

buildings elements opens up a

whole new world for designers by

releasing them from the confines

of regular forms to one where they

are free to experiment and design

and build as they envisage.

Digital Fabri-cation

The process of fabrication using a laser cutter us-

ing with Grasshopper and Rhino is a simple and

intuitive process. The Rhino model has to be flat-

tened into 2 dimensional strips (unrolled from a

3 dimensional form). These strips are labelled ac-

cording to their location within the model, i.e. strip

2, row 3, left etc. The fabrication allows for the

creation of individual pieces which join together

to create smooth and curved surfaces. The fabri-

cation process allows for the creation of complex

geometries through the assembly and cutting of

simpler geometries and shapes which when con-

nected result in the creation of complex shapes.

CONCEPTCultural Bridge

1The thinking behind our concept design was that we

wanted to create an installation that would create a cultural bridge between modern scripting and architectural techniques with the existing indigineous culture of Australia and in particular the Wer-ribee area.

2Our concept was to create a moving/morphing image

or roadside flip book that would show a transition between a series or images (possibly with cultural reference) seperated by large veri-cal louvers to create a visually stimulating design, and feature. The design would create a moving image as people would drive by.

3We hope to integrate indigine-ous Australian dot painting

techniques and colour schemes into the panels to create a cultural link to the past inhabitants of Wer-ribee region. We were inspired by the geometric shapes and colours of the Spanish pavillion of 2005 and of course dot paintings by na-tive Australian inhabitants.

2The biggest concern we have with this design concept pro-

ceeding forward is the possibilty of being racially insensitive which was brought up as a possible outcome of trying to create a monument which attempts to bridge two societies which do have animosity between them, which is we need to focus on creating a less polarizing and less socially sensitive installation.

1Digital design is superior to archaic paper architecture be-

cause it is able to produce complex geometries, is a more efficient and streamlined form of design and is something which is being increas-ingly used whcih very much makes it a style and way of thinking for future architecture, which presents Wydnham a unique opportunity to get ahead of the curve.

On reflection the development

process of design facilitated by

the use of parmetric architecture

and modelling is undeniably more

efficient and appropriate than pa-

per architecture when it comes to

design of the roadside installation

at Wydenham.

The process of design is more

streamlined, and quicker because

the manipulation of surfaces

and patterns in Grasshopper and

Rhino are almost instantaneously

reflected in the model and the

result of this is that there is more

exploration of design and the out-

comes which will result in better

architecture.

The fabrication process of laser

cutting has many superior quali-

ties to that of hand made models,

installations. The precison in

cuts is unmatched, the speed of

fabrication and cost are further

advantages, but perhaps the big-

gest advantage lies in the ability

to fabricate unique and complex

geometries which without the

use of digital fabrication methods

would be impossible.

Digital design and fabrication is

the future and Wyndham Council

needs to choose this method to

demonstrate that it is one of the

main centres of future growth,

development and modernity.

Reflection