Design Studio

Tianze Dong 352405

AIRStudent Journal2012 Semester 2

Section 1 Case for innovation

Section 1 Case for innovation

Hi, everyone, my name is Tianze Dong and I’m a third year architecture student. This is my second design studio.

One the left is my previous work from Virtual Environments. It is a headpiece made of paper. It was costumize to fit to the shape of my head. Overall it was an experience of translating physical model into a digital model, then alter and refine the digital model, and at the end flatten the SU model and make a new physical model with paper. I can use AutoCAD very well and am planning to learn Revit after this semester.

Hi! I’mTianze Dong

Week 1

Architecture as aDiscourse

Edithvale Seaford Wetland Discovery CentreMinifie Van Schaik2012 Victoria

This wetland discovery center is a place for people to observe the surrounding marshes, wild life and learn about the wetlands.

The main highlight is the water pattern on the building envolope. The riddles and waves draws connections between the wetland and the discovery centre. The key design idea here is te idea of ‘Skin’. The building is envoloped by a water pattern skin. Thisidea can be trace back to Jon Ruskin’s idea on the Beauty of Architecture, which is defined as skin and ornamentation.In this project, the building envolope is ornamental, and the water ripple is extractedfrom natural elements.

http://architectureau.com/articles/with-all-the-views/

Hill House

Andrew Maynard Architects2012 Victoria

Architecture has been seperating our living space from the land for so long, now is time for a change.

The Hill House is a hill shape extension to an existed house. Traditionally extensions are made when the existed house no longer provide enough space or when the owner decide to add more function to the house. In brief, they are annexes to the dominant existed structure.

However, in this case, the extension changes how the house functions, and the site dramatically and became a new center of the house.

Instead of working merely as extra rooms, it also works as an extra landscape feature. The hill house can be seen as a house on top of a hill, accessed from a cave open towards the old house.

This design encourges outdoor entertainment on its site. The occupants can now climb up the hill, or come out of the window and land on the hill, or simply inclined on the hill to have a rest. Compare to the conventional landscape features, it does not require a big pile of soil, and it is a simple, cost effective design solution.

Link to the photos: http://enpundit.com/unique-hill-house-design-in-melbourne-australia/

Architecture as landscape.

The architecture discourse here is architecture as landscape. For a long time we ‘ve been trying to improve our buildings to sheild us from the envrionment so hard that we have forgotten the comfort and the beauty fo the nature. We paint our house and we pay for fancy decoratons. In Andrew’s design, there is nearly no ornaments, everything is simple and rectalinear. He focus more on function than a complex look. The interior space is livable, and in the exterior space, there is no differenciation between the wall and the ground. And this emergence gives access to the hill (slop and the top) and provides an lanspace element with its architectural form.

Week 2. Computing in architecture

In the old days, the architects’ image was people sitting by a tilted drafting table, under a desk lamp, with a pencil in one hand, and a ruler in the other. And at the bottom of the table lies set squares, scale rulers, various pens and eraser crumbs. However, nowadays, the image has changed to people who work in front of computers, surrounded by models, photos, and doodles. So, at the end of the day, what are the changes that computer has brought to architecture, and architecture design?

Week 2. Computing in architecture

The strength of computer technology brought this change to the modern office. There are certainly many benefits of using computers in the architectural design process.

The most obvious advantage of computer is high efficiency.

They are less subject to feelings compare to human workers. They do not get tired, or bored, or distracted by personal affairs. And they are comparatively low cost and takes up less office space. They can store a vast amount of information and can draw connections between them, or perform search in mere seconds. Moreover, computers communicates in a very human-friendly manner. It presents data in graphic, audio, diagram, or text forms. Therefore it is a great media for designers to express their thoughts. 3D modelling, in particular, makes communication more efficient and allows various structures to be built.

Efficiency:

The application of computer dramatically improves design efficiency. Apart from the above arguments, it improves efficiency through many other ways.

According to Kalay Y.E, during the Renaissance era, architects were trained in painting, drafting and crafting in order to produce scaled drawing and scaled models. Drawings of different elevations were required to visualize the overall design. In contrast, when designing in CAD system, drawing and modelling can be synchornised. The model is design in a 3-dimensional way, and elevations can be simply taken from the model. A considerable amount of time is saved.

It also increases the efficiency of bringing out new design solutions. Parametric design , in particular, improves this efficiency. By simply adjust the parameters, thousands of different forms can be made.

Suprisingly, with the advance of technology, computer not only speeds up the design process, but also accelerates construction. For instance, in Hunan, China, a 30 story building were built in 15 days. This prefabricated building had its building parts manufactured in factures. And it had been ‘assembled’ on site. In this case, computer changed the way a building is constructed, and it changed the way people think of architecture. A hotel is analysed into something similar to a Lego model and is built in a similar manner.

LGS, light gauge steel, a computer technology that falls into the same category, can analysis building building structure as a steel skeleton and makes construction process a quick process of cutting and connecting beams.

Benefits

Upper:http://bolidtbooster.com/uploads/30-story-1_grayscale.jpgLower:http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-04-12/how-to-build-a-30-story-hotel-in-15-days-juliet-jiang

Better Communication

Communication is another important benefit of Computer. It helps people to convey their ideas to a different person, and it helps designers to understand their own designs. Computer aided modelling allows complex forms to be rationalized and therefore allows them to be built.

Take the Klein boutle for example. In a contemporary point of view it is just an interesting bottle. However, without the help of a computer, how can we build something in this topology to a human size? In the age of the Classical, the Renaissance, and even the Baroque, which was known for its fluidity, the fundamental architectural geometries were square, rectangles, circles and ovals. Not just for aesthetics needs, but also for construction purposes. These fundamental shapes are far easier to define compare to curves and irregular shapes.

The Klein Bottle

Computer also brings new forms of architecture presentation. For example, 4-dimensional presentation, or animation, allows architects to simulate building tours and communicate to other people through videos. Compare to conventional plans and elevations in ink and papper, isn’t this a more entertaining, and a clearer way to show a building?

In terms of digital drafting and modeling, certain level of ambiguity can be reduced. Models and sketches can be done to a 1:1 scale in computers. Compare to hand drawings and models, which needs to be scale down to fit to a base, computer communicates in a more accurate way.

Apart from efficiency improvement and communication advancement, computer is also changing the way how people, builders,architectects and other designers think of architecture. In the last 50 years, as inspired by logics behind computer programs, the diversity of architecture style was growing dramatically. Typical examples are

Topological Architecture focus on the connection between interior and exterior space. Architectures that belong to this category usually do not have distinctive boundary between what is inside and what is outside.

Topological Architecture

The picture above shows the first topological architecture in America, the Liberty Center. It was built by Pratt students in Parksville, 1976. However, it was never completed and end up being demolished.

This wire-framed structure has a continuous surface with several openings. It can be categorised into the same topology as the mobius strip. As can be seen in the center of te image, the out side surface cruves in to the inside of the building.

This piece can be seen as an interesting experiment of combining topology and architecture. And it expresses the idea of architecture as a transformation from a single surface.

Another example, which is an Australian one, is the 2008 Klein Bottle House (by MCBRIDE CHARLES RYAN Architecture + Interior Design). This project is inspired by the Klein Bottle. The main distinctionbetween the Mobius Strip and the Klein Bottle is that the later one does not have a boundary.

Photo from: http://archpaper.com/news/articles.asp?id=4350

Up: The Klein Bottle Househttp://www.ignant.e/2011/12/16/klein-bottle-House/

Success and Shortcomings

The main success here is how they develope architecture from topologies. The lower left hand side image shows the metamorphosis process in designing this house. The complex skin of the two building give strong visual impacts. And they raised new architectural interests.

However, they are both literal interpretations. The form does not contribute to the overal function of the architecture. They merely take what is interesting of the topology (e.g. In the Klein Bottle House, is the Circulation) but did not develop them far enough.

Down: Transformation in the design processhttp://www.mcbridecharlesr yan.com.au/#/projects/klein-bottle-house/

http://alexandersmaga.blogspot.com.au/

http://ww

w.scoop.it/t/perform

ance-based-design/p/824923718/safavid-surfaces-and-parametricism

-features-archinect

Parametric Modeling

Paramatric modeling is now being widely used in today’s architecture. Start as an efficient way of digital modeling, it has changed the way many architects think and design new architectures.

Pros

The main strengths, such as efficient and generative are already known to many people. Here I will be discussing the benefits of parametric modeling in terms of style.

The attractiveness of parametric modeling has gone beyond its origional scope. A giant step forward, it is now more of a style than a designing tool. And as softwares are used globally, the style is destinated to a universal style. Over the years, parametric architectures were built all over the world. From Ghery to Zaha, there is no doube that this style had been widely accepted and appriciated.

In 2010, students from Tokyo University and Columbia University explored this concept through building parametric tea houses. As can be seen from photos on the right, and in the following page, the results are totally different from the traditional Japanese tea house. Parametric designs do not obey the traditional paradigms, it is radical and it is completely new.

This sepration between building design and social-cultural conventions, precisely, is what gives parametric design the power to be an universal style. It is hard for students from Columbia University to understand the culture, symbology behind the traditional tea houses, but they can speak the language of parametri-

A Traditional Japanese tea house

Tea house 13000825201v0 exterior and interior http://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/8/view/ 13531/digital-teahouse-workshop.html

cism.

Parametric modeling, as a pop-culture in the achitecture, although it is skin-deep, makes a style easy to understand. And this shallowness of the style, as a benefit of the style, gives it great vitality and potential,

ConsThe focus on building skin hs the main disadvantage of parametric designs. Take this design of a Mumbi school building as an example. When form follow function, it could detriment comfort.

It can be imagined how the irregular openings in the building skin can difuse natural light in the building. For a school building, it is distractive. This means more artificial lighting is required for this building to function properly. This skin design also blocks the city view around it. The small openigns also comprimise natural ventilation in the building as it covers the windows behind it. Also, as covered by such dense skin, there is no reference how many floors are there from the outside.

http://www.evolo.us/architecture/parametric-designed-transformative-facade-for-mumbai-school-sanjay-puri/

Section 2 Cut case study

Section 2 Cut case study

After researches done on topics relate to computer aided design and parametric design in the last 3 weeks, arametric design now looks different to me. My previous experience with digital tools are mainly possitive as they are very efficient.

When it comes to parametric modelling, what I enjoy is the way of thinking. In this way of design, drawing is like developint a set of equations with the computer’s logic, and change the inputs and outputs to test different outcomes.

Week 4

Cut Case Study

1.0

http://www.interiordesign.net/article/545648-The_Shape_of_Things_to_Come.php

Case Study 1. FRAC Centre

Marc Fornes, 2011

The FRAC centre is an aluminium parvalion developed from minimal surface and coral. In this design, light passes through small openings on the surafce. This structure is self-supportive and it has the ability to grow 3 dimensionally and expand into a larger structure.

http://designplaygrounds.com/deviants/san-gennaro-north-gate-by-softlab/v

This project incooperates handcrafting in architectural fabrication. Compare to the traditional public gates ( e.g the Triumph Arch, or the Chinese Paifang), which can be seen as independent sturctures, the San Gennaro North Gate is more like an ornament. And this ornamental trait comes from the way it fits to the site. It is strecthed by the surrounding buildings and is defined by the stretching points. And by stretching the architects create a mimal surface geometry.

Case Study 2. San Gennaro North Gate

SOFTlab, 2011

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Case Study 1.0

Mc Carmick Tribune Campus CenterGrasshopper Adaption

In this section, I studied and did experiments on a grasshopper definition from Mc Carmick Tribune Campus Center project.

1-2 Change density of u and v Coordinates3-4 Change image sample5 Change image sample and line weight5. Change image sample and change the 3 icons to lines.

In this case study, the same GS definition is used to produce several different outcomes. In the experimentation, sometimes the outcome is predictable, sometimes iwt is not.

My previous design workflow is linear. I can move forward or backward, but in most of the cases I cannot go back a few steps without undoing them. In contrast, in this parametric workflow, nearly all the histories are preserved in the Grasshopper documents. Changes can be made in any point of the definition and all the following results will change correspondantly.

In brief, as Grasshopper is based on algoerithms, the same equation can be manipulate by changing the inputs

The Corner Study &Minimal Surface

This week, in groups, we studied Minifie Van Schaik’s Corner Study Project. This structure can be categorised as a minimal surface.

Minimal surface, according to Clay, it is a surface with 0 mean curvature at each point.

Similar to the Klein Bottle, this topography does not have clear boundaries of inside and out side face. However, it has its own uniqueness. Most minimal surfaces can be extended infinitely by repeting themselves ( will be discussed in step 5).

http://www.mvsarchitects.com.au/doku.php?id=home:projects:archilab:cont

Week 5And this ability to grow and transform makes it appealing. This week, our group is going to reengineer Minifie Van Schaik’s Corner Study in Grasshopper and investigate how it is made parametrically.

Step 1. The Enneper’s surface

As minimal surfaces are mathmatically defined, I started from inputing the equation of a simple minimal surface into Grasshopper:

x=uy=vz=log (cos (u)/cos(v))-pi/2 < u,v <pi/2

However, the Enneper’s surface, in our experiments, cannot be transformed into the surface in the Corner Study.

Step 2

In our second experiment, we started from generating a piece of minimal surface (defined by arcs) inside a cube. The concept is evaluating different lines in a cube, and using these evaluation points to create arcs. And then uses these arcs to edge a module surface.

Step 3 Using the result from the second experientment, we generated this ‘minimal surface ball.’ It doesn’t quiet look like the case study, but it is showing us how minimal surface can be jointed together, and that this kind of surface group has the ability to extend infinitely.

Re-engineering Case Study Model

Step 4

We still believed that a model similar to the case study can be generated by mirroring the ‘module’ (1.); we’ve made. By testing different mirror axis, we achieved this ‘minimal surface box’. It was a frastrated process as we don’t know what plane to use during the mirroring process as this structure is very complicated. The final outcome (4.) were produced by manually testing different mirror planes.

1, 2 3, 4.

The result in 4 made us feel that we are getting closer and closer to geometry in the case study. And it can act like blocks and form a continuous structure that can span both horizontally and vertically.

Step 5

In this step, we panalised the result from last step in a grid to prepare a wall like structure for the next step. This process freezes my couputer it is so complicated. Each of the boxes contains 984 control points. It shows how minimal surfaces can be panaled and extend infinitely

Step 6

Finally, we trim the wall like structure with a cylinder. This model is closer to the origional is generated by deforming the wall in Rhino.

1, 2 3, 4.Comparison

The reengineered model is quiet close to the original one as we get the geometry (gyroid) right. It is different to the case study in 3 major ways.

1. the shape of the ‘windows’. In the origional it is closer to a rectangle, while in our model it is more like circles.

Solution: change the height without change other dimension s of the geometry in Rhino.

2. Render. The reengineered model it is not rendered to look like a real building but it is a better representation of the geometry.

Solution: apply render to the model, add lighting effect, scale persons, and background.

3. MVS’ model is similar to ‘bent’ surface (from step 5), and our model is trimmed from Step 5.

Grasshopper Definition

Section 3. Expression of Interest

Section 3. Expression of Interest

We made two matrixes for this excercise, one being the digital one, and one being physical.

The Digital models we made at this section can be categorised as minimal surface modules and paneling surfaces. M A T R I X

Minimal Surface Modules Paneling Surface

At this stage, we started to think of the fabrication of our model. Most material (e.g. plywood, perspex, cardboard) from the FabLab are solid, rigid materials that can not be bent or stretched.

In this stage, our studio tutor, Paul, adviced us to use stockings as a fabrication materials. Based on the interest of exploring this material before we finalise our digital model, we developed a physical matrix to record the techniques and forms we discovered.

This is a matrix about fabrication technique and structural possibilities. The stockings are stretched in a foam box with pins and strings. And this stretch, similar to the Sawn Genaro North Gate, creates minimal surface.

Pinned tempoerary joints

Strings joints, to create a floating effect.

The Parabox

Inspired by the foam board fram model, we invented the PARABOX. Made of Perspex, it is a self parametric cube with matrixses of holes on it. This model allows us to do various experiments in it. In fact, many models in the matrix is produced by it.

With the Parabox, we can place a fabric in the center of the cube and pull it from the different wholes in the Parabox. So in this parametric physical model, the parameters are the points and strength of stretching, the algorithm is the surface tension, and the output is various of minimal surface modules that can be used for our panelisation.

Aims, Decisions, and Justifications

The technique we developed from the matrix can be sumed as stretching fabric that has a certain level of transperancy to create a minimal surface with shading effect.

This fabrication technique is quick and effective (in terms of material and construction difficulty), but it needs external support to keep it in place. If panalised in a continuous frame, and this structure can span over a tunnal structure. And in this tunnal structure, we can work on the two face of the structure to create different visual effects.

On the Right is the model we made that represents our design objectives. However, the frame is dominating the view. In the following weeks, we will be working on how to hide the fram from the interior of the tunnel to make the two faces look different.

As our model is a combination of digital and physical work, I mix week 6 and week 7’s content together to make this journal progress in a more logical way. And actually some ideas for week 6 did came out in week 7.

Model Making Process

1, Perspex sheet from fablab

2. Builing one modular frame

3. Putting the frames together

4. Stick the Fabric to the frame as a prototype.

5. A finished module.

6, When all the individual modules are finished, fix them all togetehr, and voila!

Reflections

After the presentation, we have receieved a number of feedbacks on our project. There are two major concerns raised from the crit.

1. How to relate this project to the project.

Our presentation was lack of reference to the site and we did not have a strong idea to back up the design. Here are some recent thoughts. Minimal Surface had been widely used in recreational spaces and exhibitions, for example, the Munique Olympic Center. When use it in a free way project, it can bring the feelings of entering a city with cheerful sport events and technologies to Wyndam Freeway.

Besides, we can takes the forms of the surrunding landscape (e.g. the Yoo Yangs) into the tunnel design. I could be an up side done yoo yang mountain, or a inside out one.

2. How to hide the frames.

This is part that we are still working on. Having a look at the Munich Olympic stadium as suggested by the crit. This structure is supported by large poles and pulled by cables fixed to the top of the poles. It also has rigid steel skeleton that runs underneath it to keep it in shape. The poles are invisible from inside as they are placed outside of the membranes. For our design, we can develop a similar structure and hide the Supporting elements out side of the tunenrl (possibly in the landscape).

In terms of parametric design, I am now feeling different to how I was at the begining of the semester. It makes it easy to learn from other people’s project (e.g. OMA) and I am now considering using it in my futural projects.

Section 4. The Gateway Project

Section 4. The Gateway Project

Flash back

At the end of last section, our group were working on two things: figure out a way to assemble the building that makes the frame less predominant, and think of how the technique can integrate with the site. The first issue is solved by placing the frames outside of the minimal surface under the frame so people driving pass the tunnel would see the frame, and people driving in the tunnel would only experience the smooth interior.

To relate the structure to the site we decided to incooperate a local cultural icon with the gate way design. The You Yangs, situated between Geelong and Werribee, 20 Km from the Site drew our attention. This iconic landscape had been portraied by various artists. It is famous for its open terrian and scattered vegetation. We decided to find a way to link the project

'You Yangs Landscape'/ Fred Williams 1966'

projcet to the You Yangs and use the You Yangs to change the way people think of Wyndham.

The image above is our site plan. The site has a small hill ( 6 meters height) in in the middle but overall it is dominated by flat open grassland. An artificial landscape feature may add some character to the site’s landscape.

The circulations on the roads are indicated by orange arrows. The direction of traffic gives a hierarchy to the site. The area highlighted in yellow is the most important section as it is the way to Wyndham and Melbourne. We chose a section of the road that has clear view from the way t0 Geelong and decided to place our tunnel there.

Overall the site is dominated by flat open grassland

The SITE

Red: GeelongGreen: The You YangsGrey: Melbourne

Grasshopper Adaptation

To created an artificial landscape using the landscape feature of the You Yangs, we decided to use the skyline of the You Yangs to transform the overall shape of our tunnel. The bulky steel frame exterior contrasts with the smooth interior. The tension between exterior perception (steel frames) and reality (Dark, smooth underworld) creates a memorable spacial experience. And as a tunnel, it forces people to experience it.

Prototypes

We made a prototype arch to test how the system works. Similar to our EOI model the frame is made of modular boxes.

Afther the arch is made we found the exterior of the model is lack of aethestic attraction.

We tried to glue them together but as the boxes twist a bit it didin’t work. We tried to bolt them together to allow more movement in the structure.

Afther the arch is made we found the exterior of the model is lack of aethestic attraction.

As our model is based on minimal surface, and it is more efficient to experiment with physical models than with Grasshopper, we started to make prototypes to test the structure.

Some panels are fully covered and some has hole on it. The holes are used to stretch the fabric outwards to form openings. These openings minics natural glory holes.

The prototypes raised issue about the look of the model from the outside. As our design is an artificial mountain, cover the frame up with vegetations becomes an option. We designed a syatem that allows vegetations to grow on the panels. It has 4 layers. On the top is an organic layer, it is 500 mm layer of soil that allows flora growth. The second layer is a drainage layer made of woven mash with gravels. The next layer is a rust proff tray to collect water and drain it away. The bottom part is a

After the first arch prototype, we decided to start making a technical model and the actual model. Unfortunately they both failed. The technical model, as shown on the left, it is made of plywood. As the digital box twist a bit and and the material for the actual model is too rigid, most of the boxes could not be buiilt.

Failed Prototypes

The presentaton model, made of perspex also failed. It is a waffle structure aimed at showcasing the interior minimal surface. However, the tabs were made too thin and it snaps at the joints. In our final model, we will use thicker tabs and think of reinforcements at the joints.

Vegetation

We made two vegetation maps from the plan and elevation of the model. The panels are colored according to the color of the vegetation to be planted in them. The balck ones are where the minimal surfaces are.

To create a vibrant landscape, we chosed 3 vegetations that are local to Wyndham. They are all drought proof and do not need much attention. The maps only show the initial setup. Over the years other native plants will start to inhabitate on the panels and the structure will gradually blend into the site’s landscape. As the steel framesare quiet high they can still be seen after years. It creates a contrast of industrial world and nature.

As Wyndham and Geelong has a strong industrial background, it is possible to manufacture the frames locally. Seeds and plants can be puchased in the local useries.

Orange Themeda triandra (Kangaroo Grass)1.5 m tall, 0.5 m across

Light green Calocephalus citreus (Lemon Beauty head)20-50 cm high by 30-60 cm wideFlower: late spring to sum-mer

Dark green Prickly Spear-grass. Up to 50cm in height.Flower: Sep to Jan

Construction

This plan shows the preparation and storage area for construction. The construction starts from the bottom of the tunnels. The arch trays are supported on concrete strips. After the strips are poured, steel pins are installed onto the footings.

The entire tunnels can be break down into smaller sections (4-8 sections) according to the crane’s capacity. THe sections may be assembled at the preparation areas and the interior membrane, which is made of steel ables and nylon webs and alwo break into smaller sections, can be fixed to the frame

sections. After a section is completed, it is craned to the concrete footings and will be fixed to the pins. Then the next section is to be constructed and connected to the previous section. Temporary lighting is required for construction and road safty purpose.

Preperation area and storage

Crane

This construction is very similar to the construction of the Southern Cross Station, where the constructions starts from constructing structural members and building materials are craned to the site to reduce interference to local traffic. As shown in the photo , the train service is still running during part of the construction period.

Final Presentation2 Nov 2012

At the begining of this Semester, our group chosed minimal surface as our area of interest. After several grasshopper experientment and making several physical models, we developed an interest in create various forms by stretching fabric. In the final presentation, the argument evolved to using minimal surface to create constrast interior and experior spatial quality, and adapt local Wyndham elements (You Yangs , industry and local vegetation) into the design to accentuate the culture and social presence of Wyndham, and therefore change the way people see Wyndham.

Design Direction

In terms of Grasshopper, our main interest is using the plugin as a tool to divide a surface and generate smaller modules. It is valid as it helps analysising forms and rationalizing construction. As our mid-semester focus were on using module to control minimal surface, this interest helps with applying this technique to different surfaces.

When you think of Wyndham, nothing prominant comes to mind...

But yet, Wyndham has been consistently in the top 5 fastest growing municipalities in Australia, how can one of the most prominant growth corridors be largely devoid of cultural identity?

OUR PROPOSAL WILL SEEK TO CHANGE THIS AND GIVE THE WILD WEST A LONG OVERDUE ICONIC IDENTITY!

Precedents

The first prdcedent is the Munich Olympic Stadium. Here, a continuous surface is created by using light weight and efficient materials. While it covers a large amount of area, it allows light to permiate the structure.The construction is relatively quick and the structure is durable.

Here , the minimal surface is used to minic Swiss Alps.

Munich Olympic Stadium, F. Otto, G. Behnisch, H. Peltz, C. Weber

In this Melbourne example, the architect designed a continuous cover for a transport route. Similar to our design, this building has two faces. The interior face reveals the structure and the exterior is smooth and deceiving. As previously discussed, the construction of this structure, compare to conventional rail way stations (e.g. Flinders St Station), has less interference to the local traffic. As it is supported on piers and the roof structure is craned up which means the trains can still run during most construction period.

Southern Cross Station, Daryl Jackson

http://designplaygrounds.com/deviants/san-gennaro-north-gate-by-softlab/v

This polychrome structure is more of a sculpture than an architecture. It is suspended by the surrounding buildings. It is not a conventional North Gate but a expermental minimal surface ornament.

San Gennaro North Gate, Softlab

In the 3 case studies, computation techniques are used to analysis structure and surface.They are sucessful as they either create an efficient structure that can easily impress people, or create a large structure using less construction time. The projects shows great precision in its design, especially in the case of the Munich Olympic Stadium. Dispite the Southern Cross Station, the other two cases mainly use members in tension to form minimal surfaces. According to Kroll, ‘The high precision allowed for a simple assembly to one of the world’s most innovative and complex structural systems that have worked solely on the premise of tension. Even after almost 40 years after its completion, the tensile tent-like structure appears just as it did during the 1972 Olympics, the lines, form, structure, and the architectural awe still remain.’

They all demostrate construction innovation. The north gate and Southern Cross Station are built on busy train station or road, but as most ot the members are assembled or casted offsite, it didn’t cause much traffic problem.

The structural and construction merits can be applied to the gateway project.

Final Design

As previously discussed, the structure is placed on the way into Wyndham and Melbourne. The image on the right hand side shows the plan, section, and elevation of the model.

In our final design, we takethe skyline of the Yoo yangs and adapt it into the overall form of the final model. The form make reference to the local landscape and provide a base for stretching the fabric. (many things had been discussed in the previous sections so I just make it short in this section)

This is our technical model. It is spray painted and shows the structure elements of the tunnel.

Basically , it is formed by steel modules that are bolted together. exteriorly, it expose the steel frame and holes soil and vegetation. Inside, it stretches the minimal surface.

Technical Model

Aview under the structure, it shows how the fabric is stretched under the frame. The ‘glory holes’ can be seen at the middle ground.

A module in detail. showing how it is bolted and connected to the other modules. It also shows the plantation base.

Drawing of technical details.

Fabric before installation.

Presentation model

Perspex waffle before the fabric is attached. First half of the presentation model.

First half of the presentation model.

Night view of the tunnel.

Interior of the tunnel.

As can be seen in the 3 renders, the constrast between exterior space and interior space is obvious and the spacial experience is strong. The exterior looks artificial but apart from the holes it looks ordinary.But the interior space is sublim and bizzare. The contrast betwen the bulky and smooth, between ordinary and bizzare suprise passengers as they enter the tunnel.

It draws attentions to the area and to the community that lives here. The steel frams recalls people of the industrial history of the area, and the landscape form and local vegetations shows the suatainable and natural side of Wyndham. It is a vibrant landmark that may change the way how people see wyndham: from a place that most people barely know to a cultural, attractive funcky town.

Reflection

Reflection

The crit pointed out

1. The necessacity of using a exterior frame and planting vegetations on the panels.

In our design we started from minimal surface within modular frames and then change to minimal surface stretched under the frames. yes the frames may be replaced by pole and cable combination, or may be replaced by making a self supportive minimal surface made of metal. However, we are interested in incooperating a local landscape feature into the design and put most of the focus on how to build the model. The translation is literal, if more time were given, we may work out a better way of interpretating the form and features of the Youyangs. In the Munich Olympic Stadium, the architects adapt the RYTHM of the Swiss alps into their design insidead a literal form. This way of thinking can bring our design further.

2. Are the vegetation arranged in a specific way or they are placed randomly.

They are placed randomly. It is possible to use grasshopper to arrange the vegetations in a pattern of in a particular form. However, nature is hard to control and eventually other native species will blend into the designed pattern. Moreover the pattern is hard to be seen on a high speed. If we use artificial plants, which we thought about earlier in the semester, it is possible to create various patterns on the outside and it is also possible to use lighting to create a distinctive night effect.

3. Wether the structural system would work.

Personally I am not sure about it. We’ve been searching for project similar to this but we could not find a structural system similar to ours. Maybe the steel frame is not very efficient when it is broken into smaller boxes nad is more efficient when it is continuous (may be in a form of a truss). So the answer to this question is ‘ sorry, but there is only one way to find out’.

About Parametric Modelling and Digital tools.

This is our first time using parametric tool and digital tools like Indesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator. I like how easy it is to change the overall design in parametric modelling. It is like a process to develop a system and then you can achieve various outcomes with one definition.

It is becoming more interesting for me. Although being pressurize to learn how to render, photoshop and do parametric design in a short period of time is sometimes frastrating. Overall I’ve learnt a lot from this subject and the techniques and concepts taught in this subject will have profound benefits in my futural study.

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