STUDIO AIRONG KWEI KEE 605905 JOURNAL 2014 FINN WARNOCK

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“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” - Martin Luther King

“I’ve said goodbye to the overworked notion that architecture has to save the world.” - Peter Zumthor

“An architect’s most useful tools are an eraser at the drafting board, and a wrecking bar at the site.” - Frank Lloyd Wright

I am Kwei Kee, but most of my friends call me by my initial “KK”. I am in my third year pursuing for my bachelor at University of Melbourne, major in Architecture. Before coming over to chase my dream in Architecture. I decided to work for 2 years in the industrial to save some school fees and test out my potential in this field.

Architecture has influenced me progressively and definitely changed my perspectives on life. It made me realize the varieties, challenges and social contexts of architecture and urban planning are anything but limited. I must admit it has not been a bed of roses since the start of my architectural diploma course. However, it has always been clear to me that I want to study a course in the area of architecture or urban planning because it will allow me to put together the strongest traits of

my personality; an interest for functional art and design, particularly arrangements of light and space; enthusiasm for solving practical problems; and working with others as a team.

My knowledge in digital architecture is really limited. We are only taught to use Sketchup, Revit and 3ds max for our design. Therefore, parametric design is definitely a whole new type of challenge for me. Heard of Rhino and Grasshopper but this is the first time coming across them and they make me wants to conquer it. I have always see myself as someone who pick things up easily especially softwares, but Grasshopper is definitely one of the software I had hard time understanding it. I am looking forward to learning grasshopper and taking in as much as I could within this course time frame.

INTRODUCTION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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PART A. CONCEPTUALISATIONA.1. Design Futuring 06A.2. Design Computation 10A.3. Composition Generation 14A.4. Conclusion 20A.5. Learning Outcomes 20A.6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches 21A.7. Imaging Referencing 23

PART B. CRITERIA DESIGNB.1. Research Field 25B.2. Case Study 1.0 29B.3. Case Study 2.0 32B.4. Technique Development 36B.5. Technique Prototypes 40B.6. Technique Proposal 44B.7. Learning Objectives and Outcomes 41B.8. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches 42B.9. Imaging Referencing 47

PART C. DETAILED DESIGN C.1. Design Concept 49C.2. Tectonic Elements & Prototypes 57C.3. Final Detail Model 59C.4. Learning Objectives and Outcomes 75C.5. Imaging Referencing 75

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1Perez, Adelyn. “AD Classics: Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum / Frank Lloyd Wright” 18 May 2010. ArchDaily. Accessed 17 Aug 2014. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=60392>

It is undeniable that Frank Lloyd Wright is one of the founders of modern architecture who utilize new technology, engineering and materials in creating some of the world’s most influential and iconic building that instigated the 20th century architecture. He is definitely someone who design beyond the ‘now’ and moving toward the future, a man before his time.

Guggenheim museum (Pic 1.1) is one of the subject of a talk at that point of time. Although the spatial quality of the interior is splendid and the building itself is impressive but many find the function of the building a letdown. The curved walls of the interior were intended so that paintings had to be tilted backward, “as on the artist’s easel.” Unfortunately, because of the concavity of the walls, it is difficult to put up a display for the painting. Due to this problem, before the opening of the museum, more than 20 artists signed a letter to protest their work being

Art Guggenheim MuseumFrank Lloyd Wright,USA - New York City, 1959

Beijing National StadiumHerzog & De MeuronChina - Beijing, 2008

showed in this kind of space.1 Of course, while many argued about the usability of the art piece to be displayed on a slanted wall, some appreciates the breakthrough he has done in the architecture world. The idea of the tilted wall is to mimic some small object from the nature, a leaf or an egg. A complicated yet simple design that allow Wright to bring a small part of nature into a corner of New York City.

The cylinder look alike building, structurally support with reinforced concrete, swirling into the sky may look complete but there is another part of the building that was unrealized even till the day Wright was gone. It was only till the 1992, an addition, a 10-story limestone tower, was built after Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects analyzing Wright’s original sketches. From this, we can see how much people value this masterpiece from this architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and the impact he has left in architecture world.

DESIGNING FUTURE

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Structure is the most obvious architectural expression we can see from Beijing National Stadium. The complexity of the facade is wrapped with steel frameworks. However, this complex looking facade has a systematic way of constructing.

From the above Pic 1.2, we see how the designer uses a simple system on the complex structure. The system helps to breakdown the technical work-flows of the builder, allowing this massive building to be constructed on time and it definitely overwhelmed the mind of the people when the design was first released. In order

for the optimum design to be realised, parametric software is heavily relied on. It helps to workout the light-lines, the bowl geometry, airflow to keep the grass in good condition, seismic studies and the design of the external envelope.

Some stand in awe for it’s structure whereas many criticized for it’s bird nest look alike facade. However, we need to give credit to the designer. With the scale of this building, the designer designed it to be able to withstand earthquakes and the flexibility usage of the space after Olympic is over.

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DRL10 PavilionAlan Dempsey and Alvin Huang,UK - New York City, 2008

Robotically Fabricated PavilionResearcher of ICD & ITKE :Prof. Achim Menges & Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers Germany - Stuttgart, 2011

DESIGN COMPUTATION

What is design computation? Some guess it to be designing using some calculation formula with computer, while others may assume that computation is automation of preconceptualised design.

Since the start of modern architecture history, architects have been putting themselves into challenges of different form of architecture. One obvious architectural design challenge is definitely the complexity in the geometry design and using the least material to hold up the building/ artwork structurally. In the previous example, Beijing National Stadium, we can see the complexity in the structure of the design. They too uses computation software to aid them with the design. Computation is not detached from the design process.2

Material-based Design Computation is developed and proposed as a set of computational strategies supporting the integration of form, material and

structure by incorporating physical form-finding strategies with digital analysis and fabrication.3 DRL10 Pavilion (Pic 1.5) is a work from 2 members of the Architectural Associations Design Research Lab. The design and construction of the pavilion made radical use of digital modeling and fabrication techniques to manage over 850 uniquely shaped pieces and 3000 joints of varying angles.4 The communication and fabrication could not be convey with pen and paper if not for computation software like Grasshopper.

What computation could offer in this area is the parameter setting, complexity of the geometry and accuracy of structure strategies provision. The recalculation during the early design stage helps to achieve what only low-technology could do. Limitation of materials could also be put into the design consideration at this point of time, thus it helps in time and cost saving, as well as reducing the risk of design ‘accident’ during construction stage.

2Peter, B. ‘Computation Works: The building of Algorithmic’, Architectural Design. Vol.83 (2013), p.11 [accessed on 19 August 2014 ]3Oxman, Neri, ‘Material-based design computation’, (2010) <http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/59192> [accessed on 19 August 2014 ]4Nex-architecture, ‘[C]space DRL 10 Pavilion’, (2008) < http://www.nex-architecture.com/#/work/projects/c_space_drl10_pavilion/> [accessed on 19 August 2014 ]

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Robotically Fabricated Pavilion (Pic 1.6) is an interesting project to talk about. The structure of this project is based on the exo-skeleton of a lobster.

In collaboration with scientists at the University of Tübingen, the architectural students investigated the principles underlying the form and material make-up of this creature, then applied the information – with the aid of the Institute of Textile Technology and Process Engineering in Denkendorf – to new forms of architectural construction.5 Using the computation softwares taught by Institutional of Computation Design(ICD), students came up with diagram of the creature show in (Pic1.7) to further help them in their discovery of their design as well as the monitoring their work pace.

With machines like CNC to help with the specification and the scientist robotic

development, the pavilion is solely made up from robotically fabricated, from glass and carbon fiber composites and it investigates the eventual co-relation between bio-mimetic design strategies and new processes of robotic production.6 (Pic 1.7) demonstrates how each glass fiber is calculated and integrated, weaving through to hold up structurally at 6 main points from the floor instead of the conventional structural elements. Computational design could even go to the extend of venturing out to create new architecture construction with another course of study.

With the technology moving so fast ahead, computation design helps to further explore and achieve what the predecessor could not. Parametric design helps to set boundary for our idea and slowly, with this tool, we are able to create more intensive, more hireachy design within a shorter timeframe.

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5 ‘A Robotically Fabricated Pavilion Consisting of Glass Fibres and Carbon Fibres’, 03/2013< http://www.detail-online.com/inspiration/reports-a-robotically-fabricated-pavilion-consisting-of-glass-fibres-and-carbon-fibres-106207.html> [accessed on 19 August 2014 ]6 Marija Bojovic, ‘Researching New Tectonic Possibilities In Architecture / Robotically Fabricated Pavilion In Stuttgart’, (2013)< http://estructales.tumblr.com/post/58934218949/researching-new-tectonic-possibilities-in-architecture> [accessed on 19 August 2014 ]

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One Main StreetdECOi Architects,US - Boston, 2009

Centre PompidouShigeru Ban ArchitectsFrance - Metz, 2010

COMPOSITION/ GENERATION

One of the main idea of architectural shift from composition to generation is to help increase the productivity during design stage and reduce the rush during construction stage.

The use of composition may be a simple and straight forward approach for designers at first because it is an individual body when creating the model. But when the require design process needs to be faster, designer

will lose the time while trying to change the individual modeling. Whereas for parametric/ generation, designer only have to set the initial idea and the parameter, the designing thinking will run through the parameter and generate the design. In a long run it will help reduce in cost, energy and labor works. However, there will be a cost, the cost of company needing to upgrade their computation softwares, getting short term crash course

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for their employees to attend and the time they need to familiarize with the software.

One main street uses CNC, like the Robotically Fabricated Pavilion mentioned earlier, to assist the designer with the determined path and allow the architect to create his/her desire surface geometry. The scripted protocol (Pic 1.9) generated will analyses the surface and divide them automatically that would eventually

be directed as toolpaths for CNC milling.This unitary fabrication method offers a remarkable streamlining of the typical multi-trade assemblage techniques of extant late industrial protocols, with evident economies of labor, materials and logistics. Despite the formal complexity that such process allows, a radical economy is offered in a single fabricator with a versatile digital tool being able to execute the project in total.7

7dECOi Architects. ‘One Main Street,’ dECOi Architects < http://tomorrowawards.com/showcase/555/one-main-street-interior> [Ac-cessed on 19 August 2014]

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“ I thought to create a design concept which considered the ease of displaying and viewing art, while architecturally leaving a deep impression with visitors.”8

- Shigeru Ban Architects

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Like Guggenheim Museum with “Bilbao Effect” and create sculptural architecture but to produce an optimal space for the exhibition of works, and however neutral the architecture like the Tate Modern in London. Taking this two extreme case, Shigeru Architects started the journey into creating another new concept of “considered the ease of displaying and viewing art, while architecturally leaving a deep impression with visitors.”

The entire geometry was modeled using proprietary form-finding software and the entire beam construction of this building was CNC-machined to unique proportions. It allow the production of multi- directional curves and the perforations for the final assembly (node points, pins and braces).

With the concept of putting the old together with the new, it is definitely what it means to go from composition into generation. Compositing with the intended intention and generating the end product construction method and material selection using softwares to aid ease in the assemble during construction stage.

Similar to the Robotically Fabricated Pavillion, They uses fibreglass, however they use it to create the roof with luminous effect during the night and opaque during the day.

8”Centre Pompidou-Metz / Shigeru Ban Architects” 27 Mar 2014. ArchDaily. Accessed 17 Aug 2014. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=490141>

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CONCLUSION

LEARNING OUTCOME

The idea of designing future is important when it is related to us culturally, environmentally, socially and definitely globally especially in this society with supply and demand needs.

In our current technology driven society , there is no doubt parametric design with it’s softwares and tools has slowly invaded into the design world.

With more and more natural resources going into extinction, more people getting high level qualification, looking at higher statues and position in job, resulting in shortage of labor in building industry. Parametric design shorten the time taken for design changes, recognize and resolve errors that might occur during construction stage. Computation tools helps in accurate calculation and look into things like structure, geometry. With that, designers are able to utilities the information generated to go into details from selecting suitable materials to supporting elements. The efficiency of this digital tool leaves more time for creative thinking to comes in, allowing more material selection for designer and responds to demand from the end user.

These few weeks of learning grasshopper did drain me out quite a bit. Especially when I could not get the logic of how does the command works. However, I do gain a lot from it.

This is the first time i came across computation design, the irregularity of the form is something I have been trying to avoid because of the uncertainty and the complexity the design could lead to. But I start to see the possibility with the help of grasshopper.

Though I am still going through online tutorial to aid me with the software but it bring me breakthrough. I am starting to look into architects and designers idea of forms as well as how structurally it could turn out. Centre Pompidou Metz is one of the design structure and form I am looking into. Similar to Robotically Fabricated Pavilion, they uses fibreglass, it creates this luminous effects at night and catches the attention of the people.

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ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

Our first week design task was to make use of the plugin, Grasshopper with Rhino to help create variations of vases from the curves we created in Rhino. Though this is the my first time using rhino and grasshopper. The outcome of random made curves after being ‘loft’ and ‘move’ with the use of ‘slider’ connecting to ‘vector xyz’ seems to create a form of a rose from the bottom view shown in Figure 1.0.

Figure 1.2 shows the 4 curves drawn on Rhino ready to be use for this experimental exercise. In Figure 1.3 and 1.4, it shows the result of the 4 curves being ‘loft’ together in their top view.

Figure 1.5 is the original shape generated after the ‘loft’ command has been sent out. In this picture we can tell that is slightly curved and tilt to the right side. I went on to further explore other kind of vase these curve can create, so I pulled the curve to the left and the bottom curve a bit higher. Now we see how it turns out to be in Figure 1.6. However, it is not a satisfying piece of work, therefore i went on tweaking and rotating the vase a little bit more. Figure 1.7 is the final piece I have come out with after much fiddling with the vase. It is quite similar to the orignal module but with a more distinctive concaving at the center of vase.

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Figure 1.5

Figure 1.3

Figure 1.6

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Figure 1.7

Figure 1.0

Figure 1.1

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Pic 1.1 <http://www.boomsbeat.com/articles/2161/20140415/check-out-these-interesting-pho-tos-of-the-guggenheim-museum-in-new-york.htm>

Pic 1.2 <http://libertecture.wordpress.com/2014/01/28/>

Pic 1.3 <http://misfitsarchitecture.com/tag/beijing-national-stadium-structure/>

Pic 1.4 <http://nostalgiaforthefutures.blogspot.com.au/2014_05_01_archive.html>

Pic 1.5 <http://www.thefullwiki.org/Architectural_Association_School_of_Architecture>

Pic 1.6 <http://www.evolo.us/architecture/researching-new-tectonic-possibilities-in-architec-ture-robotically-fabricated-pavilion-in-stuttgart/>

Pic 1.7 <http://estructales.tumblr.com/post/58934218949/>

Pic 1.8 <http://www.cwkeller.com/>

Pic 1.9 < http://tomorrowawards.com/showcase/555/one-main-street-interior >

Pic 1.10 <https://www.flickr.com/photos/gaensler/5631311928/>

IMAGE REFERENCING

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RESEARCH FIELD Structure |Geometry

In this section of the design process, the main aim is to investigate the most suitable material system for the concept. Following the researchers and explorations of computational briefs in Part A of the Journal, I have decided to design a structure that encourages engagement and interaction between the user and the form.

Structure is chosen to be the main focus for this design because I am always captivated by the beauty of structure and how it always create beautiful shadows when light shines on it. Structure, however, is also the fundamental and basic to any designs and buildings.

The site is located in Copenhagen, surrounded by water, most amount of the

sunlight is coming from the south and wind is coming from the west. I went on researching on the site information with the intention of making use of the information as a potential to aid me in creating my design concept as well as fully utilized the advantages on site.

My design concept is to create an installation to mimic the flow of the wave as well as integrating passive design into my design. By creating a continuous wave-like curve as the starting point for the design. Moving on, I have selected 2 important case studies that will influence my design intent and design outcome. These case studies are selected based on how the concept is to be presented, which includes the consideration of the flexibility and use of material.

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CASE STUDY 1.0SG2012 Gridshell

Gridshell Digital TectonicsNew York, 2012

This workshop uses a gridshell arrangement to generate the structural characteristic of the design. It focus on the use of parametric tools to integrate the active-bending performance of lightweight timber in a geodesic lattice form to produce a highly efficient structure with minimal material waste.9

The experiment was conducted by integrating material and geometric parameters utilizing proficient modeling software programs such as Grasshopper. Integration of generative, parametric modeling tools to analyse physical properties of materials such as timber is important in achieving efficiency in terms of structurally sound elements as dictated by this case study.

The technique of assembling elements to form a geodesic gridshell produces a result that appears to complement the material properties of timber creating a sense of openness within the space that immediately connects with the surrounding context.

9Matsysdesign.com, ‘SG2012 Gridshell « MATSYS’, 2014 <http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [accessed 25 September 2014].

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CASE STUDY 2.0South Pond Pavilion

Studio GangUnited States - Chicago, 2010

South Pond Pavilion is constructed with bent-wood lattice structure, the installation of fibreglass shells to the top of the pavilion provides shelter for for users throughout the day and night. Studio Gang Architects also designed the boardwalk surrounding the 19th century pond, improving the water quality and habitat for the local wildlife and creating an educational nature trail.10 Inspired by the tortoise shell, its laminated structure consists of prefabricated, bent-wood members and a series of interconnected fiberglass pods that give global curvature to the surface.

Though using just one single curve form structure in this project, different user experience as well as visual impacts are achieved for its level of simplicity and material usage. It strongly highlighted a structural experience which is created through movement; the seemingly curved structure. The inviting pavilion welcome the passerby with its shell look alike curve for a walk through. This experience-through-movement has influence for the design intention on the site.

10 Dezeen, ‘Movie By Spirit Of Space: South Pond By Studio Gang - Dezeen’, 2010 <http://www.dezeen.com/2010/08/22/movie-by-spirit-of-space-south-pond-by-studio-gang/> [accessed 25 September 2014].

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2 curves are created to mimic the semi-circle opening of South Pond Pavilion. Followed by lofting them together to create a surface to help aid the next steps of this reverse engineer.

Previous attempt was to use multiplication to create multiple curves but it failed to read data. In the end, contour was chosen to help multiple the curve and it is a very effective ways of doing it. It helps to solve quite a bit of problem when it comes to connecting the command.

The first two failed attempt of creating the wavy curve has resulting in the lost of time but the gain of knowledge in grasshopper. After going through researching and online tutorial, I have found a way to create wave, which is by using sine graph. I do not have to draw out the shape of the shell in rhino like my first attempt, sine graph provide smooth and fluid curve.

Then I offset and mirrored the sine wave to create the shell profile of the pavilion. Creating depth and thickness to the structure of the pavilion. So the look of the pavilion is created. Next challenge would be to create this protruding shell as the shelter for the pavilion.

After going through lots of finding and trying, in the end, area, list item and patched is used to help in creating this protrusion effect.

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TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT

Density of structure

Flow of Wave

Depth Exploration

Height and Space Variation

Shape Manipulation

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Density of structure

Flow of Wave

Textural Effect

Depth Exploration

Shape Manipulation

Depth Exploration

Height and Space Variation

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By changing the number of the slider of contour create density to the structure.

By changing the number of the slider of divide create few of the wave.

By changing the number of the slider of extrude create depth exploration.

By changing the number of the slider of XYZ to create variation to the height and space.

By changing the curve of the shape create different form.

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TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPE 1.0

Analyzed the site context, intrigued by the idea that it is surrounded by sea, as well as the movement of the wave. Therefore in this first prototype, the shape of a wave is taken in literal to mimic the wave.

Structure has been selected as the main focus. The structure will be laid out across each other perpendicularly. It is explored in its most basic and fundamental. This model is create using interlocking method, by inserting horizontal structure members into the wave curve. The idea of having this wave curve is to make it feel like it is a continuous flow from the sea. At the same time, this installation model does not comes with any covering, it is designed so to allow shadow to penetrate through.

Solar Panel has been selected and will be placed at the south elevation to allow maximum sunlight to be collected, it will help in generating energy to provide renewable electricity to the city at a utility-scale.

Prototype 1.0 also wants to show how the shadow of the wavy structure could affect the space and experience it has on user.

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This 3D printed model in pic 2. 15 did not really justify, due to the limitation of the 3D printer. The thickness of the structure should be the size shown in pic 2.16. This limitation show me the importance of fabrication as well as the jointing system of this installation.

In pic 2.16, the weaving elements are added into this installation to show more variation/ interesting shadow to be casted on the ground. At the same time it is to mimic the shimmering effect of the water when light shines on it, solar ribbon will be the material use for this design on the weaving element. The main idea is to integrate energy saving.

Pic 2.14 is a Pavilion on a pond in Llagostera, spain, which I have found. It brings out the idea of creating water-like effect when lights shines on it. The illusion of being underwater when you are not, making use of nature elements and materials to create what is in the nature.

TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES 1.1

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Pic 2.15

Pic 2.16

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TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL

The design concept is to create an installation to mimic the flow of the wave as well as integrating passive design into my design. By creating a continuous wave-like curve as the starting point for the design. As the user approaches the installation, they can experience the wave above them at different height. In the installation, variation of height plays an important role, some spaces are designed at height as low as one meter; only children can get through, it is like a playground for them. This encourages family interaction, as well as a good place for friends to gather together and have a good picnic within the space.

In Copenhagen, it is common that people cycle around to get to their destination. This place too, is a stop for them to rest and enjoy the breeze from the sea.

Wave is an installation that wants learn from the elements of the case studies - South Pond - where people comes and do yoga, excursion, family outing, friends gathering. It aims to be an installation that connects, engage and interact people. Also, through the use of solar ribbon on the south facade, it hope to maximize the energy generated and give back to the society, at the same time lessen the burden of the planet earth.

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CONCLUSION

LEARNING OUTCOME

Through the interim review, I have also learned to take in the quality of the case study and not just its parts which is need, but the essence of the case studies. My interim question the learning point as well as the knowledge I could have gotten out of it. It is not always about what I have received or what I think I could take from it, more than that, it is about the process of getting to know and the inspiration one can get

out from it.

A lot of time, learning a software does not come in the snap of your fingers. It takes time and part b really taught me a lot about time management, given the fact that this is a rather new software to me and i am still learning to control it. I learn that design need to incorporate fabrication considerations, not just aesthetic appeal although grasshopper makes a lot of complex model looks good the whole time. Undeniably, Grasshopper is a software that requires critical thinking right from the start. It is important to learn to identify the boundary

breaking things down to forms a definition.

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Pic 2.1 <http://www.sunghyuncho.com/2012/01/parametric-structure.html?m=1>

Pic 2.2 , 2.3, 2.4, 2.5<http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/>

Pic 2.6, 2.7 <http://www.dezeen.com/2010/08/22/movie-by-spirit-of-space-south-pond-by-studio-gang/>

IMAGE REFERENCING

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DESIGN CONCEPT

introduce different atmospheres inside and outside of the space to the public. Also recognizing the cultural influence of cycling in Denmark, a cycling path is introduced through and around Wave Movement. It suggest a rest stop for the cyclists or one of the route they choose to pass by. Also, activities such as concert, campaign or any small or middle size events can be held right outside the open space of Wave Movement. The topography of the site is slightly sloped down toward the center open space to allow spectator or passersby to sit around the site to enjoy the event. Terrace seatings are designed to connect to Wave Movement facing the center open space.

Wood is the main material use in this structure. The flexibility of wood allow the exaggerated undulating roof to be built, bringing a touch of nature to the spatial experience of the public throughout the Wave Movement.

Wave MovementDenmark - Copenhagen

Wave Movement’s initial concept was to create structure that mimic the ‘look’ of wave. However, during interim crit, the feedback and suggestions from the panels are as follow:

1. It look like a sandwiched between two case studies.2. No identity.3. Look into the flexibility of wood, bring things into the foreground and exaggerate the structure.

In response to the interim feedback, Wave Movement looked into manipulating the curvature of the form which focuses on the different ergonomics of adults as well as children. By removing the sandwich effect, it gave the installation a new look and meaning. The undulating roof suggests the inconsistency of wave movement and shows a direct representation to the ergonomics idea. Wave Movement set to attract and

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The Little Mermaid

Site

Water Taxi Terminal

Prevailing Wind

South Sun

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Timber decking is designed as a resting point for the cyclists as well as a viewing deck.

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Solar panel will be placed at these facades of Wave Movement which faces the south sun to capture the maximum sunlight. The stored energy will help in generating energy to provide renewable electricity to the city at a utility-scale in the future. The center of Wave Movement is designed to be at its lowest height of 1m; it is believed that children are at their happiest when in the peak of their play.

Cycling Path is designed around Wave Movement. Cyclists have the choice of stopping before Wave Movement, park their bicycle and walk through it or cycle all the way to the top, take a rest and enjoy the breeze from the sea.

The site is designed in a directional way. It directs user into Wave Move-ment and provide a foci point.

A supposed to be spectator area when there is any concert of events. Other time, it will be use as a grass patch for gathering, picnic etc.

A designated area right outside the Wave Movement for concerts and other events.

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11 Costas Voyatzis, ‘Metropol Parasol // The World’S Largest Wooden Structure | Yatzer’, Yatzer.com, 2011 <http://www.yatzer.com/Metropol-Parasol-The-World-s-Largest-Wooden-Structure-J-MAYER-H-Architects> [accessed 31 October 2014].

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STRUCTURAL CASE STUDYMetropol Parasol

J. Mayer H ArchitectsSpain - Seville, 2011

Set in central Serville among medieval architecture, Metropol Parasol is designed to revitalize the historic site of Plaza de la Encarnacion. The redevelopment of the square aims to promote Servillies’ as ‘one of the world most fascinating cultural destination’. With this in mind, J. Mayer H. architects had designed Metropol Parasol to be an iconic urban centre where it would attract both local and tourists acting as a catalyst for cultural and economic renewal. Architectural form is hence crucial in this project, as a landmark should identify with the locals who will define the success of the project.

The architect created contrasting undulating parasol structure using one formal surface articulation in response to the site context which is similar to Wave Movement.

The vast undulating lattice consists of individual Kerto-Q laminated veneer lumber panels arranged horizontally on an orthogonal grid of 1.5 x 1.5m. These plates form the roof’s overall structural system. The connections where the timber panels meet in the lattice are key in supporting the canopy. Therefore, the connection itself had to be a low weight to ensure the structure was stable. A 660mm-long threaded steel rods (16mm in diameter) were glued into the timber beams to anchor the steel plates.

Similarly, in Wave Movement each lattice is 1m x 1m apart. Therefore similar construction method will be looked into to piece them together as well as making sure it is structurally sound.

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PROTOTYPE 2.0

As mentioned in the design concept, Wave Movement is also looking into manipulating the curvature of the form which focuses on the different ergonomics.

In Prototype 2.0, the form took a 360 degree transformation. Forsaking the literal look of “wave’, the ergonomics and the undulating design idea took over the lead to create a new form. The height was an important part to creating the undulating and the measure of the comfort of an human being.

So what helps in determined the height of the space? Activities, as well as the ergonomics of human beings. The space is group into small (1-3 pax), medium (4-10 pax) and large group (11-30 pax); after coming up with the grouping, they are randomly placed and adjusted to exaggerate an undulating smooth roofing as well as providing dynamics to the spatial experience.

Prototype 2.0 set out to show dynamics to the ever constant looking waffle grid, forsaking the old and boring look.

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WAVE MOVEMENT

Wave Movement wants to bring people together, the plan shown earlier suggest varies possibilities of activities. With the advancement of the technology such as internet and mobile phones, social interaction seems more and more unreal. The design idea behind planning the landscape and the Wave Movement in cohesion is hoping that people gather together for an outing to help build relationships with each other.

Platforms and open spaces are created for such relationship building. The spaces can be transformed easily to anything for social interaction; the grass patch shown in the centre of the plan indicate an attention seeking space for performance and the timber deckings as well as the grass patch at the lower end suggest spaces where the public or spectator could possibly be when there is an event.

Wave Movement is a movement, a building, a sculpture hoping for people to gather. At the same time, on the undulating roof, solar panel is introduce to collect and store energy. These energy stored will eventually goes to the city at a utility-scale in the future. Wave Movement is looking into contributing back to the society and nature.

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5mm thick L plate, bolted into Kerto-Q panel

60m long steel concrete composite deck

Kerto-Q panel; high bending resistance parallel to the grain, and their bonding process creates a tight seal that keeps the shape stable when exposed to moisture, making it ideal for exterior use

1. Threaded rod M14 adhesive fixed in 17mm boring in laminated timber sheeting2. 12mm steel-flat grooved connecting plate3. Clamping bolt M20/160mm4. Steel box in opening in laminate timber sheeting5. Bolted connection of steel box

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INTERIOR SHOTS

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INTERIOR SHOTS

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IMAGE REFERENCING

LEARNING OBJECTIVES & OUTCOMES

Over the whole course of parametric study, it is has bring me to a realization that parametric is slowly starting to take over the conventional way of design. Throughout these twelve weeks, from learning rhino/ grasshopper to start designing and finally finishing this whole brief, intense is the only word to describe it.

It is a good start to always have a brief which is already there, with all the information we need. The challenge would then be grasshopper, racing against time to learn and manage the design is tedious. However, the situation became an excitement when the design is a breakthrough from what I have been doing. Although there is a bit of hiccup in the midst of designing and exploration, but the end design turns out well.

After the first presentation, the feedback from the panels were generally positive and encouraging. One of the key concern about this project was the buildability. It was suggested that more thought could have gone into the construction method, the structural integrity as well as the material use. It brought me to reality check that a lot of time, we are always looking into perfecting the design and overlooked the practical thing.

As a student, who work in an architectural firm previously, the main goal I have initially was to design something I could not when I go back into the profession. However, designing in school is actually a chance for us to design something we could not when we get back in the reality yet able to make it work. This is the biggest take away for me throughout this parametric study.

Pic 3.1<http://gilad-nardi.wix.com/gilad-nardy---archi-

tect#!__works.>

Pic 3.2<http://www.yatzer.com/Metropol-Parasol-The-World-

s-Largest-Wooden-Structure-J-MAYER-H-Architects>