air design report 542396 ishani gunasekara

Architecture Design Studio2013, Sem 2

Ishani Gunasekara542396

ABPL30048

AIRDesign Journal

Expression of Interest IA: Introduction

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Wyndham Gateway Project

Tutors:Chris Gilbert and Rosie Gunzburg

Partner:Sheng Ying Ang


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Contents

Part A: Expression of Interest IA.1. Architecture As a DiscourseA.2. Computational ArchitectureA.3. Parametric ModellingA.4. Algorithmic ChallengeA.5. Conclusion

Part B: Expression of Interest IIB.1. Design FocusB.2. Case Study 1.0B.3. Case Study 2.0B.4. Technique DevelopmentB.5. Technique PrototypesB.6. Technique ProposalB.7. Algorithmic SketchesB.8. Learning Outsomes and Objectives

Part C: Project ProposalC.1. Design Concept Site Analysis TessellationSystem

GrasshopperDefinitionDiagram

FormFindingMatrix

ProposalC.2. Technical Elements CoreConstructionElements

ConstructionDetails

PrototypeFabricationProcess

Aluminium Can Prototype ProposedFabricationProcess

Aluminium PrototypeC.3. Final Model SiteModel

DetailedModel

CriticalAnalysis

Further DevelopmentC.4. Learning Outcomes and Objectives

8-1112-1516-19

2021

26-2728-2930-3132-3536-3940-4344-4546-47

52-5556-5758-5960-6364-69

70-7172-7374-7576-7778-7980-81

82-8788-8990-9192-9596-97


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ExpressionofInterest I:

Part A


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CaseforInnovationArchitecture, when created with purpose and awareness has much to offer, and is an ever-changing concept which explores new possibilities of experience, tectonics and the possibilities for the future. In order to advance with the 21st century computers have been rapidly integrated into the design and production processes of architecture and allows us to envision an innovative future for the built world. Just in the relatively new field of parametric modelling, our concepts of structure and the spaces we inhabit have great potential to evolve.


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Ishani Gunasekara

CurrentlycompletingmythirdyearinaBachelorofEnvironmentsandmajoringinarchitecture,Iamlookingforwardtoengageinthenewideasanddesignpotentialstudioairwillpresent.ApartfromthearchitecturalsubjectsattheUniversityofMelbourne,Iamalsoundertakingsubjectsinlandscapedesignand philosophy, as I have always been fascinatedinthewayhumanityperceives,interprets and shapes the world around us.Iminterestedinarchitecturethattapsintothesub-conscienceofpastandpresentusersbyseamlesslyadaptingtoitssurroundingcontextfulfillingpurpose,whilebeingmemorablespacesthatarerememberedthroughtheexperienceswithinthespaces.Throughbotharchitectureandlandscapearchitecturedesignstudios,Ihave

triedseveraldifferentcomputerdesignprogrammestoassistmewiththedesignprocess.IhaveabriefknowledgeofGoogleSketchUp,AutoCadandAutoCadArchitectureaswellasbeingintroducedtoRhinointhefirstyearsubject;VirtualEnvironments.ProgrammessuchasInDesign,Illustratorandalittleexposureto Photoshop have helped me to enhance mypresentationskillsandcommunicationofdesign.WhileIhaventattemptedtheGrasshopperpluginbefore,Imexcitedtoexperiencethepotentialfordesigntheprogramseemstopromiseandexperimentwithformandnewdesignideas.


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Fromitsancientorigins,architecturehasalwaysbeenaformofcommunicationandexpression.FromtheestablishmentofcanonicalrulesintheClassicalOrder,totheexpressionistsandmodernistsofrecentdecades,architecturehasrepresentedideas,beliefsandsocialandpoliticalvaluesandcontinuestocommunicate with people millennia aftertheirconstruction.Thislanguageofcommunicationisnotoneofwords,butameta-languageofproportion,material,lightandotherformalqualitiesinconnectiontovarioussources.Theconceptofarchitecturehasbeendescribedasanautopoieticsystem,asrecently considerd by architect Patrick Schumarker1,engenderedbyitsownmeansandfuelledbycommunicationwithinthestudyofarchitecture.However,manywouldagreethatitextendsfarbeyondtheboundariesoftheoryandthedesignprocess.ArchitectureisafarmoreambiguousideaasdescribedinJonathanHillsDrawingFrothImmaterialArchitecture2 and in many cases achieves successthroughthissenseofambiguity,assomethingwhichmayonlybepartiallyrecognisedandunderstood3.Perhapsthisisthereasonforitsseemingimmortality;itslackoflucidityallowsarchitecturetobeperceivedandinterpreteddifferently

by those that encounter it and the observer becomes more and more the userwhogivesmeaningtotheobject4 Beingformedonthebasisofshelter,abasic human need, architecture naturally extendsitselftoallpeople.AsJonothanHilldescribesThearchitect,user,siteandweathermayeachbetheagentofanobjectsambiguity,buttheuserisitsauthor.5Theusersandoccupiersofarchitecturalspacesareultimatelywhatinteractwiththearchitecture,givinggreatimportancetotheexperienceofitsspaces.AsarchitectThomasMaynesuggests,therelationshipanddynamicsbetween the systems is what has thepowertotransformandproducearchitecture that is more than mere structure6.Thewayhumansinteractandfunctioninspacesisakeyelementthatneedstobefocussedoninthediscourseofarchitecture.Significantarchitecturemay not always be bold and built at a largescalehoweveritwillalwaysimpactthosethatencounterit.Apositiveexperienceofarchitecturemakesusersawareofthemselvesandthespacetheyinhabitandoftensubliminallyorliterallyinfluencethewayspacesareusedandremembered.TheWyndhamCityGatewayProjectseeksaninstallation

A.1. Architecture as a Discourse

JewishMuseum,BerlinSource:http://mafana.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/guggenheim-bilbao-catia.jpg

Right:Natinoal Stadium, BerlinSource: http://www.dezeen.com/tag/beijing-olympics/


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whichwillhavelongevityinitsappeal,encouragingongoinginterestandfurtherreflectionabouttheinstallationbeyondafirstglance;qualitieswhichyearntobeexpressedinallarchitecture.Toachievethis,theencounterofthedesignmustbememorableandintriguingaswellasalluringinitsambiguity.Althoughtheprimaryaudiencewillbetravellingathighspeeds,beingaffordedonlyabriefglanceatthesite,theformalqualitiesbehindthephilosophyofarchitecturaldesignhasthepotentialtoleavealastingandsignificantimpact.TheworkofarchitectDanielLibeskind,stronglyassociatedwiththeDeconstructivistmovementstrivestoachievethisthroughthenotionofvisceralarchitecture7,evoking

anemotiveresponseratherthananinformedinteresttowardsthestructure.AsexpressedinArchitectureandVisualCulture,architectureisoftendescribedthroughabackgroundofthehistoryofdesign,andadidacticoutlookaboutthedesignersintentionshowever,asa societal construct, it should be held opentointerpretation,notonlybythosewithaprofessionalinterest,butbyanyone.(RolandBarthes,(1915-80)8.Thisegalitarianapproachtowardsarchitectureensures that it is accessible to the braider public and can be a valuable and successfulculturalicon.

Asanexpressionoftheworldaroundit, architecture has always been contextuallydrivenbyfactorsofitssite,

thesocio-politicalenvironmentandthetechnologicaladvancementofitstime.Withcomputertechnologybeingthedriverformuchadvancementinthemodernage,architectureembracesthepossibilitiesofthedigitalworldinordertocontinueasasymbolofthetwenty-firstcentury.Already,renownedarchitecturalfirmshaveadoptedcomputationintotheirpracticesandhaveproducedformsradicallydifferenttoanyarchitectureofthepast.Asdriversofthefuture,architecture must constantly dare to materialiseconceptsofthepossibilitiesofthefuture.Aphenomenonthatexpressesanenthusiasmforthefuturewithacelebrationofmoderntechnology,wouldserveasaninspirationalinstallationfortheWyndhamCityGatewayProject.


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Daniel LibeskindJewish Museum, BerlinYear: 2001

Architect Daniel Libeskind is a master ofcreatingdistinctiveandprovocativespaces,disconnectedfromreality,evokinganewatmospheres.TheJewishmuseumin Berlin is a culturally and architecturally renownedbuildingforitsboldrepresentationoftheHolocaustinBerlinandtherestofGermanythroughoutandaftertheadversityofWWII.Libeskindsfocusoncreatingasenseofwonderthrougharchitecturegiveshisbuildingsanambiguousandinexplicablecharacter,contrastedwithastrongdefinitionofspaces.Hefocusesonthevisceralimpactofspaces,givinggreatimportancetotheusersexperienceofthebuilding,fromtheapproachtothestructure,tothelastingeffectsofmemorablespaceswithintithebuilding9.TheJewishMuseumhostsaseriesofsombre,unadornedspace,withsharp,controlledbladesoflightguidingvisitorsthroughthebuilding.Acutelyangledwallsanddark,overpoweringspaceshaveadauntingeffectonthevisitors,strengtheningthepoignancyandchaosbehindtheexhibitedartefacts.ForLibeskind,architectureisanexpressivefield.Itbringsabout a vitality to the city and spaces withinit,communicatingtheessenceofcultureindifferentplacesandtimes.However,whatitexpressesmaynotbenew,infact,liketheJewishMuseum,itmaydisturbus,theidea

andthememorabilityoftheexperienceofarchitectureiswhatcompletesit10.While the items on display are a key elementinthebuildingsdesign,thelackorvoidofcertainartefactswasalsoanimportantfactorintheconceptfortheJewishMuseum.Highceilinged,dimlylitspaceliketheHolocaustvoidrepresentsthislackofphysicalmemoryandtheinvisibilityoftheJewishcultureandthevoidingoftheJewishpeoplefromaplacethatwasoncetheirhomes.TheJewishMuseumisunexpectedinformandrawinitsexpressionofmeaning,possessingacomplexityofthoughtandlayersofmeaning.Thehistoricalandpoliticalcontextofthesiteisanintegralpartofthebuilding,givingitaculturalsignificanceandensuringitssignificanceinthefuture.WiththerealisationthatmanywhovisittheJewishMuseumwillnothaveafirst-handexperienceofwartime,stirringapersonalreactionwasimportantforLibeskind,toprovokeandindividualresponse, and to perhaps leave the visitor withalastingimpressionofthechaosandadversityfacedbytheindividualswhosuffered11.Whilethemuseumitselfisaplaceforlamentation,Libeskindsoutlookonarchitectureisthatitisafieldforoptimism,andthatarchitecturemustbelieveinthefuture,ifitistothrive12.Itasksquestionsinsteadofjustgivinganswers.Inordertodoso,designersmustembracenewtechnologiesandnewwaysofdesigningtoensurelongevityofthestructureandtheideasitexpresses.

TopLeft:JewishMuseum,BerlinSource:http://www.flickriver.com/groups/contemporaryjewishmuseum/pool/interesting/

BottomLeft:JewishMuseum,BerlinSource:http://archikey.com/building/read/2680/Jewish-Museum/201/


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Herzog De Meuron Beijing National Stadium, Beijing

Year: 2008

FortheOlympicsheldinBeijing,in2008,theChinesegovernmentsoughtto commission a new stadium, which wouldserveasaniconicrepresentationofBeijingatthetimeandbearadicallynewandfuturisticarchitecturalform.ThedesignproposedbyHerzogandDeMeurongainedfavouramongstthepeopleevenbeforeitwasbuilt,beingdubbedthebirdsnestforitovalformandwindingstructuralskin13.ThestructurewasintendedforusebeyondtheOlympicGamesperiod,and was to be a cultural icon to draw peopleintoitsurbanprecinct,creatingspacefordiverseactivitiesandlinkingtheoutsidewiththeinnerspacesofthebuilding.Theywasrenownedforitsinnovativeapproachtothebuildingsperformance,withtheskinactingnotonlyasanvisuallyappealingbeacon,butalsoutilizingmoderntechnologyandmaterials,bringingBeijingarchitectureintothefuture.Thegrid-likestructureisamultifunctional,self-supportingsystem,actingasthefaced,androofandconsistingofstairsandwallsinanintegratedsystem14.Thebuildingitselfincorporatessustainableinnovation,withrainwatercollectionsystemsandatranslucentroofwhichprovidessunlight,whiletheexteriorstructureallowsforpassiveventilation15.Inflatablecushion-structuresontherooftops,alsoaddinsulationtoandregulateswindandharsh

sunlight.Likemanyoftheirbuildings,HerzogandDeMeuronarchitectsadoptandintegratedapproachoftraditionaltechniquesofdesignwithadvanceddigitalarchitecture.Thearchitectsdesignthroughtheuseofsketchesandhand-mademodels,andrefinetheirideason3Dmodellingsoftware,incollaborationwithacomputationteam16.Thefirmbelieves that computers should not and cannot take over architecture, as the inputofhumancreativityandproblemsolvingmusthaveastrongpresenceinthedesignprocess17.Therefore,computers are used primarily as a means forfeasibilityofthebuiltstructureandto produce 3D models with accuracy and ease.Drawinginvisitorswasakeygoalforthebuilding,asaccordingtoHerzogandDeMeuron,thehumancrowdformsthearchitecture.18Theinnovativestadiumstructureisaprominentexampleofexperientialarchitecture,drawingusersinfromafar,providingamesmerisingspaceinside,withsustainablesolutionsachievedthroughmoderntechnologyandmaterials.

Top:NationalStadium,BerlinSource:http://mafana.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/guggenheim-bilbao-catia.jpg

Bottom:NationalStadium,BerlinSource:http://mafana.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/guggenheim-bilbao-catia.jpg


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Theuseofcomputersinmostcasescanbeappliedthroughoutthedesignprocess.Theintertwinedphasesofdesign,asoutlinedinPrinciples,TheoriesandMethodsofCAD19canallbenefitandbedevelopedwiththeaidofcomputers.Fromtheprocessofgatheringinformation,tothefinalmeansofcommunicationandpresentationofideas,theuseofcomputershasbeenintegraltomoderndesign.

Computerdesignprogrammeswereinitiallyusedastoolsforcomputerisation,wheredesignersuseamoreanalogueapproachtodesignthemodelanddigitizetheirdesigninordertoutilisetheefficiencyandaccuracypossiblethroughcomputers20.Asadigitalreplacementforarchitecturaldraftingandtechnicaldrawing21,thecomputeratfirstservedasacomputerisationtoolofpreconceivedideasandwasgenerallyusedforacommunicationoftheidea.Frank Gehry used a similar approach withhisdesignprocessfortheGuggenheimMuseum,todeterminetheeventualstructureandfeasibilityoftheelaborateform.However,inmorerecentyears,computerprogrammeshavebeenmoredeeplyintegratedwiththedesignprocessitself.Inorder

tosolvetheconflictspresentbetweendesignersandspecialisedcomputerprogrammers,22designprogramssuchasRhinobecamemoreaccommodatingandusablefordesigners.Theresultistheprocessofdesigncomputation,wherecomputersareutilisedthroughoutthedesignprocess,includingthecreationofarchitecturalform.ItisdescribeinComputationWorksthatcomputationallowsthedesignertoextendtheirabilitytodealwithhighlycomplexsituations,23 andallowsagreaterexplorationofformandspace,beyondthecapabilitiesofmodelmakingandmanualconstruction.Theuseofcomputermodellingprogramsisfastbecominganessentialtoolforthemoderndesigner,allowingenhanceddesignandproductionpossibilitiesaswellaseffectivelyminimisingtime-consumingtasks.Thepotentialtocreateanalgorithmicoutputofsituation,basedonphysicalparameterssetbythedesignerisinparticularcreatingnewpossibilitiesforarchitecturalform.Theintegrationofthedesignprocessandcomputershasbroughtforthachanneltoexploreandsharedesignideasandconceptiononamassdigitalscale.Thishasengenderedabuildingofalgorithmicthoughtinwhichmanydesignersarebeginningtoplayanactiverole.24

A.2. Computational Architecture

GuggenheimMuseum,Bilboa-CATIAdigitalmodelSource:http://mafana.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/guggenheim-bilbao-catia.jpg


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Computationinthedesignprocesshasallowedforabridgingbetweentheconceptualmodelandconstructionofitsphysicalformthroughtheabilitytocreatethreedimensionalformsinaveryprecisemanner.Acoordinationofaestheticand physical aspects has become more readily achievable, with an awareness ofconstructionandfeasibilityinveryearlystagesofdesign.Aswellashavinggreaterfreedomforaestheticfor-finding,computermodellingprogramsallowatestingandexperimentationofpossiblestructure and the material behaviour undercertainconditions,inadigitalformat,allowingfortheincorporationofformalcompositionandconstructabilityofdesign.25Algorithmicprogramming,tovirtually test the structural and material capabilitiesofelementshasallowedforagreaterutilisationofengineeringandbuildingtechnologies,andmadewayformoreeconomicalandinnovativestructuralapproaches.

Computationhasallowedarchitectstoeasilybranchoffintonon-Euclidiangeometriesallowedforamorefree-formapproachliketheblobconceptdescribebyGreggLynn26.Visualisationsanddigitalfabricationofdesignintentionsallowsdesignerstovirtuallyinteractandexperimentwith3Dmodelsanddetermine a-material concepts such as spatialexperienceandcreateintricateinteriorspaces.Whiletheprocessofdesignandarchitecturaldevelopmentisoftensegregatedandfeedsthetechnologicalaspectoftheproject,asisthecasewiththearchtiectsandtheDigitalTechnologyGroupassociatedwithHerzog&deMeuronArchitects.27 The useof3DmodellingprogrammessuchasRhinoanditsplugins,arebecomingincreasinglyintertwinedwiththeactoffindingdesignsolutionsandcertainlyintheevaluationandsynthesisofpossibledesignoutcomes.Therecentintroductionof3Dprintinghasalsocreatednewdepthforthemodel-makingprocessprovidinganabilitytestnewmaterialsandquicklycreatemodelswithprecisionevenofcomplexforms.

Thematerialandstructuralperformanceisanecessityforthesuccessofanyarchitecturalstructure.Withtheuseofcertaincomputationalprograms,thethereisagreateropportunitytoconsiderthesefactorsinthedesignofthebuilding.Theabilitytocreatephysicalevaluationsbasedonmaterialandstructuralpropertiesengineersandarchitects can more accurately determine thebehaviourofbuiltstructuresofeventhemostcomplexdesignsandcreatesolutionsthataremorefunctionalandenvironmentally sustainable28.Thereisnolongeranecessityforalinearapproachtodesign;structurescanevenbeapproachedfromdetailingconceptsandcanbealteredwithgreatereaseafterthedesignhassignificantlyprogressed.Suchperformance-orienteddesigncanbeconstantlytestedforitsfunctioningqualitiesanditsbehaviourcanbeevaluatedunderdifferentstressesandconditions.Computationcanalsoenhanceevidence-baseddesigns,whichfocusontheusersandtheencounterofthearchitectural spaces29.3Dmodellingallows architects to more lucidly visualise thequalitativeexperiencesofaspace,which can be determined by many factorfromthescalarproportionofthestructure,toconnectingdetails.Theeaseofmodelmakingallowsforamorethoroughexplorationofspacesandcanaccommodateagreaterrangeofspatialelementssuchaslighting,thereadabilityofspacesandthevisceralexperience.Theevidence-baseddesignmethodallowsthearchitecttoanalyseandmodifyapreconceivedideatoachieveastrongerimpact on those that encounter their designs.Theabilitytocreate3Dmodelsofdesignsolutionsfromveryearlystagesindesignhasdramaticallychangedtheconceptofarchitecturalpracticeandhastransformeditfromaprocessofformfindingandexternalappealtoadiscourseofgreaterabstractionanddependenceontheincentivesofthedesigner.Itallowsforgreaterexperimentationofformandfunctionintheprocessof

designandmakeitamoreintegratedprocess between concept and physical construction.Bytakingovermundaneandrepetitivetasks,computerscanreducethemarginforhumanerrorandallowdesignerstofocusmorestronglyonotheraspectsofthearchitecture,fromtheprevalenceoftheinitialarchitecturalidea,toworkingoutdetailsofconstructionandmaterialfunctionality.Inordertocreateastructurethattrulyutilisesthetechnologyandopportunitiesofthe21stcentury,arelianceoncomputersandcomputationalmediaisnecessary.Computationhastransformedthearchitecturalprocessandwillcontinuetoplayabigroleinitsevolution.


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FrankOGheryArchitectsarepioneersinintegratingcomputationwiththearchitecture.InthedesignoftheGuggenheiminBilbao,Spain,computerswereusedbeyondtheconventionalmethodsfordraftingandplanning.Gheryshand-builtmodelswerecomputerizedinordertocreateafeasibledesignforconstruction30.ThisdeconstructivistarchitecturalworkbroughttotheurbanenvironmentauniqueandunpredictabledesignmadepossibleonthroughtheutilisationofComputerAidedDesign(CAD).Thebuildingassertsitspositionasaprominentartmuseumthroughitsdynamicformandeccentrictitaniumplatedstructure.Computer Aided Three Dimensional InteractiveApplication(CATIA)andvisualizationswereusedheavilyinthestructuresdesign.Thecomplexsurfacesand structures would have been near impossiblewithouttheuseofaCATIA,whichalloweddesignersandengineerstodefinethecomplexcurvedtitaniumsurfacesintoequations31.Woodandplasticformscreatedbythearchitectswere scanned three dimensionally into a virtual coordinate system and completed andrefinedusingCATIA.32Theprogramwasabletodigitizethesculpturalformand dimensions with speed and accuracy

withthecladdingmaterialbeingpre-cuttoprecision,allowingtheconstructionprocess to be economical and on schedule.CADwasalsousedtoensurethateachpiecewouldfitintoposition,givingengineersmoretimetofocustheireffortsontheprocessofmanualconstructiontoensurelastingintegrityofthebuilding33.Theelusivebuildingestablishedalastingsenseofafuturisticaestheticandformandremainsasanavant-gardeanddynamiccontinuouslymovingforwardintimewiththemodernistartitrepresents.Thecontrastoffluidtitaniumcladsteelinfrastructure,with solid limestone masses, strewn with expansesofglazedsurfacesreinforcesasenseofpermanencewhilemovingforwardtothepossibilitiesofthefuture.

Frank OGheryGuggenheim Museum, BilbaoYear:Guggenheim Museum, BilbaoYear: 1997

GuggenheimMusuem,BilbaoSource:http://openbuildings.com/buildings/guggenheim-museum-bilbao-profile-1314


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TheinnovativeresearchandprototypesbyNeriOxmanrelyontheeaseofcomputationalpoweranddigitalmodellingavailabletoday.Hertheoriesonmaterialcomputationarederivedfromnaturallyoccurringstructuralsystemsthatcanbealgorithmicallyappliedtoartificialhumanconstruction34.UnlikeGhery,Oxmanstrivestogenerateorganicforms,drivenbythefunctionofmaterials.Withtheabilitytocreatediverseformsusingdigitalmodelling,Oxmanarguesthatmanydesignerscangetlostintheseeminglyfree-formworldofmoderndesignandoverlookthematerialpropertiesandbehaviourconstraintsandafabricationprocessthat is inert to them35.Withtheabilitytoexpressaplethoraofgeometries,shedescribesthattheworldofarchitectureisbecomingsaturatedwithformalexpression,andthatarchitecturalfirmscontinuetodesigninatop-down method36,withaestheticformdominatingtheoutcome,althoughtheincorporationsofcomputershascreatedaplatformforachangeofthisparadigm.Oxamansresearchstrivesforafutureinarchitecturewheretheincorporationofmaterialperformanceisdirectlyandexplicitlyunitedwiththegeometricrepresentationofform37.Withtheutility

ofcomputers,thedesignerperhapshasagreaterresponsibilitytoactivelysynthesiseandmodifysolutionsandbecreativeintheirapproachtodesignissuesandbriefs.Whilecomputerscanofferarangeofpossibledesignoutputsandpossibilities,itisimportantforthedesignertounderstandreal-worldissuesandapplytheirknowledgetodecipherthebestsolutionandstronglyconsiderthefutureperformanceoftheirdesigns.AsarchitectHerzogclaims,technologyisveryimportantasatool,buttechnologyinitselfdoesntdoanything,doesntcreateanything.Computerscannotdoanythingwithouttheassistanceofthehumanbrain.38Oxmansexhibition,ImaginaryBeings,MythologiesoftheNotYet,showcasedpossibilitiesthroughthe structural research conducted about thestructuralformationsinnatureaswellasthecapabilitiesofdigitalprinting,withdifferentmaterials,tocreateversatileandhighlyeffectivedesigns.

Neri OxmanImaginary Beings: Mythologies of the Not Yet

Year: 2012

PrototypeforaChaiseLounge2008-2010Beast is a 3D printed prototypeforaloungechair, created with an aggregateofbothtensileand compressive material, which morphs to suit the user.Source:http://web.media.mit.edu/~neri/site/projects/beast/beast.html


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Inthefewdecadesthatcomputationhasbeeninvolvedinthearchitecturaldesignprocess,thewaycomputermodellinghasbeenappliedtothedesignprocesshascausedanoticeableshiftofourconceptionofarchitecture.Whiletheprocessofparametricmodellinghasbeenappliedtoarchitecturebeforetheintroductionofdigitaldesign,withindifferentindustries,thetermparametrichasbeengivenvariousdefinitions.Mostinferthatentailsoffamiliesofcomponentsandrequisitecontrolofdata39.Bycurtailingaspectsofamodelbasedongivendata,theconstraintsthemselveshelptoconstructtheformandspacetheobjectinhabits.Thealgorithmicparametersalsocreateasetofrelationshipsbetweentheelementsofthedesignandallowthefinalproducttochangeinresponsetothecontrolchoices.

AnalogueParametricModellingWhilethenotionofparametricmodellingisoftenassociatedwithcomputers,itisnotexclusivetoadigitalprocess.DesignerssuchasAntonioGaudiandFreiOttospeculatedaboutformasaresultofalgorithmicchanges,experimentingwithunconventionaltypologiesguidedbysimpleandcomplexpatternsfromnaturalprecedentssuchastheformof

soap bubbles40.Creatingpredominantlytensilestructures,someofhisphysicalmodelssearchedforaneconomicalwaytocreateforms,byimitatingthewaysthatnaturenaturallyholdsstructure.Inasimilarway,thehangingchainmodelsofGaudi,explorestheeffectsoftensileforceandmotioninspiredbytheGothicrepresentationofloadtransferthrougharchesanddefinedbuttresses41.Thesignificanceoftherelativityoftheholisticform,toallitselementsisanimportantnotionconsideredinparametricmodellingtoday.Parametriccomputationallowsdesignerstoaltersmallparametersoftheirdesignthatcaneventuateasdriversoftheoverallform.

A.3. Parametric Architecture


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Whendiscussingparametricdesign,theworkofZahaHadidArchitectscannotgounmentioned.Havingadoptedthetechniqueearlyintheirpractice,thefirmhasbeenapioneerinusingscriptingmethodstodesigntheiruniquearchitectureaswellasdelvingintoresearchbasedontheapplicabilityofparametricismtomanydesignstrategiesincludingdesigningtheurbanlandscape.Theyhavecreatedbuildingsthathaveonlybeforebeenconceivedinwhimsicalsketchesandavant-gardenotionsofthefuture.Theymayhavebeenconsideredinconceivablewhencomputerswerefirstintroduced to architecture, however the inimitablearchitecturalformsproducedbyZahaHadidspeakofaspectacularandperhapsuncertainfuture.

MostofthemoderndesignsbyZahaHadidarchitectureutiliseparametricalgorithmstoconceptualiseformandstructure.TheGuangzhouOperaHouseisanintriguingbuiltproductofthisdigitizedarchitectural process and outwardly showssignsofparametricmodellinginallofitsaspects,fromsurfacedetails,tothebuildingsvisiblestructuralsystem.Whilethemainformisinspiredwater-wordbouldersontheriversedge,thearchitecturaldesignofthestructureis

auniqueandambiguousform,withacontouredprofile,contrastedwithangularelements42.ZahaHadidusedmultiple3Dmodellingsoftware,includingRhinofortheexteriortriangulatedgridstructure,tocreatethecrystallineformandMayaforthesinuouscurvesoftheauditoriumsinterior43.Thegeometrieswereachievedusingalgorithmsderivedthroughsplines,blobs,NURBSandparticlesorganisedbyscriptingprogrammesandtechniques44.Designedasavolumewithinavolume,thebuildingislayeredwithuniqueconstructiontechniquesandstructuralsystemsenabledbycomputationandparametricmodellingprograms45.Theexteriortriangulatedsteelshellcratesaself-supportinglatticewhileframedglasstoallownaturallightintotheinterior.IntricatelybutgranitetilinghasbefitinatessellatedpatternthatwasachievedthroughRhino.Theinternalgeometryoftheauditoriumiscontrastinglyfluid,developedinMayathroughdoublycurvedNURBSsurfacesandmouldedoutofdigitalfiles46.Theuseofdigitalmodellingallowedthebuildingtobeconceived on a 3D scale, rather than in a planarenvironment,creatingintriguinganduniqueapproachedfromdifferentsidesofthebuilding47.Theabilitytocontrolsurfacesandinstantlycreate

outputs based on certain parameters allowedthebuildingtobetterreflectthearchitecturalideaandtheundulationsofthesurroundingenvironment.

Zaha Hadid ArchitectsThe Guangzhou Opera House, Guangzhou

2003 - 2010

TopLeft:FreiOtto,Apparatusforcomputingminimalpathsystems,InstituteforLightweightStructures(ILEK),Stuttgart,1988Source:http://www.patrikschumacher.com/Texts/Parametricism%20-%20A%20New%20Global%20Style%20for%20Architecture%20and%20Urban%20Design.html

Top:GuangzhouOperaHosuehttp://www.zaha-hadid.com/architecture/guangzhou-opera-house/

BottomLeft:InsideGaudshangingmodelfortheColnia GellSource:http://www.danieldavis.com/a-history-of-parametric/


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MATSYSShellstar PavilionYear: 2012


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Experimentationwithformsintensionand compression in order to discern interestingandfunctionalformsisstillbeingconducted,basedontheclassictechniquesdevelopedbyGaudiandOtto.ProgramssuchasRhinoprovidescriptingtoolsthatallowstestingtobedonedigitally,withprecision,beforebuildingmodels.DesignerssuchasMATSYShavecreatedmultipleexperimentalformsusingRhinoplug-inssuchasGrasshopper,Kangaroo,Lunchbox,PythonandRhinoscript.TheShellstarPavilionisalightweighttemporarystructuredesignedusingRhinoandassociatedprogramstocreatealightweightstructure,whichmaximisesspatialperformance,whileminimisingstructureandmaterial.Itisbasedontheideaofapurelycompressivestructure,consideredbyGaudiandOtto48.Theuseofparametricmodelling,madethedesignandconstructionprocessaspeedyone,takingonly6weekstofinalisethedesign,fabricatetheelementsofthestructureand assemble the pavilion on site49.TheoverallformwasdesignedusingtheKangaroophysicsengineonRhino,andwascratedthroughtheuseofthrustsurfaces,alignedwithstructuralvectors,creatingadigitalparametricenvironmentandallowingtheformtocreateitself,

basedontheforcesaddedtoit.50 Nearly 1500 cells were used to create the physicalmodelandweremodifiedandjustifiedusingthePythonplug-in,inordertoensurethateachcellcouldfunctionasanindividualcomponentinthebuiltformandcoheretotheholisticstructure51.The connected peaks act as arches, transferringloadthroughathinmetalframe,whichsupportsthestructure.UsingthephysicspropertiesavailableinKangaroo,thedesignerswereabletocreateastructuralstableform,coveringalargesurfacearea,needingveryminimalstructuralsupportandmaterial.

Top:Shellstar PavilionSource:http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/

Bottom:Shellstar PavilionSource:http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/


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WiththeGrasshoppertechniquesIhavelearntinthelastfewweeks,Iwasabletocreatesomesinuousforms,similartopartsofthemodelIconstructedintheVirtualEnvironmentsstudio,inafractionofthetime.

Afterextrudingthecurvealongawavypath,Iwasablecontourthesurfaceandcreateoffsetsofthosecontourstoformagrid.Bythenextrudingthegrid,Iwasable to create a simple, but more intricate digitalmodelthantheclosedcurvedvolumesIcreatedinmyfirstyear.

Withmorepractice,thereisalargearrayofpotentiallyinterestingformsthatcouldbetakenoutofthesimplelinesIinitiallyproduced.

A.4. Algorithmic Challenge


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ThetechniquesandunderstandingIhavethroughthisbriefstudyofparametricmodellinganduseofcomputersinarchitecturehavecertainlychangemyideaoftheroleofcomputersincurrentandfuturearchitecturalpractice.WhileI was aware that computers could ease theprocessofdesignandenhancecommunicationofdesign,therealpotentialforcomputationinarchitecturegoesfarbeyonddigitizationofpreconceivedideas.Whilelessattentionneedstobegiventocalculationsandrepetitivetasks,designersarestilllearningtoachievecoherencebetweendesigningfunctionalandvaluablestructures,asopposedtomerelycreatingformsthatareaestheticallyappealingandcaptivating.Withtheapplicationofnewcomputationalresearchmethodsand

programssuchasNeriOxmansnaturalcomputationandtheKangaroo,perhapsthetimesavedthroughcomputationalefficiencyneedstobeappliedintoensuringthatarchitecturedevelopsasasustainableandeffectivesolutiontofutureurbandemands.

A.5. Conclusion


22

References1.PatrikSchumacher,'Introduction:ArchitectureasAutopoieticSystem',inTheAutopoiesisofArchitecture(Chichester:J.Wiley,2011),pp.1-282.Hill,Jonathan(2006).'DrawingForthImmaterialArchitecture',ArchitecturalResearch Quarterly, 10, 1, p533.Hill,Jonathan(2006).'DrawingForthImmaterialArchitecture',ArchitecturalResearch Quarterly, 10, 1, p524.Hill,Jonathan(2006).'DrawingForthImmaterialArchitecture',ArchitecturalResearch Quarterly, 10, 1, p535.Hill,Jonathan(2006).'DrawingForthImmaterialArchitecture',ArchitecturalResearch Quarterly, 10, 1, p546.TedConferencesThomMayne:Howarchitecturecanconnectus(2005)7.CarlFredrikandValdemarHellbergCaseStudy:JewishMuseum,Berlin(2012)

8.RichardWilliams,'ArchitectureandVisualCulture',inExploringVisualCulture:Definitions,Concepts,Contexts,ed.byMatthewRampley(Edinburgh:EdinburghUniversityPress,2005),p1099.TedConferences,DanielLibeskind:17wordsofarchitecturalinspiration(2009)

10.TedConferences,DanielLibeskind:17wordsofarchitecturalinspiration(2009)11.Libeskind,Daniel.TheSpaceofEncounter.NewYork:UniversePublishing,2000.12.TedConferences,DanielLibeskind:17wordsofarchitecturalinspiration(2009)13.Herzog&deMeuronTheNationalStadium,anewkindofpublicspaceforBeijing(2007)14.EmilyPillotonBeijingOlympicStadiumbyHerzog&DeMeuron(2007)15.EmilyPillotonBeijingOlympicStadiumbyHerzog&DeMeuron(2007)16.Brady,Peter(2013)ComputationWorks:Thebuildingofalgorithmicthought.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,pp.81517.Brady,Peter(2013)RealisingtheArchitecturalIntent:ComputationatHerzog&DeMeuron.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,pp.566118.Herzog&deMeuronTheNationalStadium,anewkindofpublicspaceforBeijing(2007)19.YehudaE.Kalay,Architecture'sNewMedia:Principles,Theories,andMethodsofComputer-AidedDesign(Cambridge,Mass.:MITPress,2004),pp.5-2520.Brady,Peter(2013)ComputationWorks:Thebuildingofalgorithmicthought.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,pp.81521.Oxman,Neri(2004)Material-basedDesignComputation.P9922.Brady,Peter(2013)ComputationWorks:Thebuildingofalgorithmicthought.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,pp.81523.24.Brady,Peter(2013)ComputationWorks:Thebuildingofalgorithmicthought.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,pp1125.Oxman,Neri(2004)Material-basedDesignComputation.P13326.Lynn,Greg(1998)"WhyTectonicsisSquareandTopologyisGroovy",inFold,


23

BodiesandBlobs:CollectedEssaysed.byGregLynn(Bruxelles:LaLettrevole),pp.169-18227.Brady,Peter(2013)RealisingtheArchitecturalIntent:ComputationatHerzog&DeMeuron.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,p5928.DigitalCraftingSeanAhlquist:ComputationandSimulation(2010)29.GeorgiaTechSchoolofArchitecurePHDEvidenceBasedDesign(date:unknown)30.KatieCacace,MaritaNikakiandAnnaStefanidouGuggenheimMuseumBilbao(1999)http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic502069.files/guggenheim31.Gehry'sGuggenheiminBilbaoAuthor(s):MartinPopsSource:Salmagundi,No.124/125(FALL1999-WINTER2000),pp.17-4932.KatieCacace,MaritaNikakiandAnnaStefanidouGuggenheimMuseumBilbao(1999)http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic502069.files/guggenheim33.KatieCacace,MaritaNikakiandAnnaStefanidouGuggenheimMuseumBilbao(1999)http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic502069.files/guggenheim34.Oxman,Neri(2004)Material-basedDesignComputation.P10335.Oxman,Neri(2004)Material-basedDesignComputation.P9936.Oxman,Neri(2004)Material-basedDesignComputation.P10337.Oxman,Neri(2006)GetReal:TowardsPerformance-DrivenComputationalGeometry38.MattTyrnauer(2010)ArchitectureintheAgeofGehry39.Brady,Peter(2013)ComputationWorks:Thebuildingofalgorithmicthought.ArchitecturalDesign,83,2,pp1240.PatrikSchumacher(2008)Parametricism-ANewGlobalStyleforArchitectureandUrbanDesign41.DanielDavis(2013)AHistoryofParametric42.ZahaHadidArchitectGuangzhouOperaHouse43.ArchitectMagazineGuangzhouOperaHouse(2011)44.ArchitectMagazineGuangzhouOperaHouse(2011)45.ArchitectMagazineGuangzhouOperaHouse(2011)46.ArchitectMagazineGuangzhouOperaHouse(2011)47.ChinaUrbanDevelopmentBlogTheGuangzhouOperaHouse:AnArchitecturalReview(2011)48.MATSYSShellstarPavillion(2012)49.MATSYSShellstarPavillion(2012)

Expression of Interest IIB: Design Approach

24

ExpressionofInterest II:

Part B


25

DesignApproachThe design process for theWyndham City Gateway proposal is one which should associate closely with the sites context as well ascreating an intriguing form whichgenerates a lasting impressionthroughanovelspatialexperience.

The implementation of a tensileformasabasicstructuralprinciplewill help to develop an expansiveform,achievingasignificantimpactoncommuters.Thecollaborationofa tensile structure with a minimal and relaxed surface as a designbasis will lend itself to an openform finding process, driven byparametrically designed digitalmodels. Using Rhino 3D as thebasic modelling program, thedesign will be developed throughthe algorithmic modelling plug-in, Grasshopper and incorporate the physics simulation componentKangaroo to derive form, while

the Weaverbird plug-in is used toenhancetessellationtechniques.AsaviableprojectforWyndhamCityCouncil to pursue, the installationis projected to be commissioned bytheCaltexpetrolstationonthesite,andwillbedesignasasubtleform of advertisement, while alsoexpressing broader social andculturaleventsfacedbythegrowingmunicipality.

Through the integration ofdigital modelling and fabricationtechniques and experimentationin material prototypes, we hope to create an elusive form, whichgeneratesinterestandconversationbeyond the physical experience ofthe design and contribute to thebroader architectural discourse by utilising modern form-findingtechniquesanddevelopingauniquestructuralsystem.


26

Inanattempttocontinuetheform-findinggoalssetfromtheonsetofparametricdesign,incitedbythepreviouslymentioneddesignexperimentsbyGaudiandOtto,weseektoincorporateasurfacesystemwithrelaxedandminimalproperties,whichwillbeguidedbyextrinsicforcessuchastensilepropertiesandchosencontrolpoints[1].Usingdigitallyinduceddynamicrelaxationofformandparametricallydefinedgeometries,thedesignprocessisinspiredbythedesireforalightweightstructureandbyform-findingtensile

Inembracingaparametricmodellingenvironment to enable more variable form-findingprocesswehaveadaptedatensilemoduleasabasisofdesign.Itfollowsanincreasinglypopulartendencyofarchitecturedesignwithagreaterawarenessofthecontextandproducesolutionswhichrespondtotheneedofthesite.Theapplicationofa tensile structural system is possible throughvariousmaterials,rangingfrommembranestometalscreatingmorepossibilitiesforaestheticandconstructionsolutionsandopportunitytotestvariousmaterialpropertiestodeterminesuitabilityforarchitecturalapplication.Asculpturalapproachtofreeformgeometryisfacilitatedthroughtheplasticityoftensileform[*geometryworkingbeyondeffectcover]which

MINIMALANDRELAXEDSURFACES

TENSILESTRUCTURES

providesadevelopablesurfacewhichhasanimmensecapabilityforform-generation,especiallyin3Ddigitalenvironment.

experimentationdevelopedbyOttosInstituteofLightweightStructureinStuttgart[2].

TheMinimalSurfacesdesigndevelopsbyVladTenuportraysalightweight,delicatestructure,withanambiguoussenseofstructure.Itgivestheillusionofanobjectthatisfloatingandinastateofflux,achievedthroughthelightweightstructuralskin.Theundulatingformintriguesthroughitsminimaluseofstructural support, which has been realisedthroughadigitallydevelopedtessellationpattern.

VLADTENUMINIMALSURFACES[3]

B.1.DesignFocus


27

Therearemanybenefitsassociatedtoadesignthatincorporatestessellation,especiallyregardingthefabricationprocess.Tessellationisapplicabletoalmostanysurfaceandwiththeuseofdigitalprinting,canmakethephysicalconstructionofcomplexcurvesandgeometrymorefeasible.Byintegratingtessellationintothedesign,wearesimultaneouslyconsideringtheeventualconstructionoftheproject.Smallerelementswhichconnectinaspecificwaytocreatethebroaderdesign,allowsforminorerrorsinfabricationofthepiecesandoftenrelievestheneedtoperfecttheprocessofcuttingoutmaterial.While a tessellated structure may requiremoreefforttoconstruct,moderncomputerisationenablesustofortemplatesofdigitalmodelstobedigitallyfabricatedwithrelativeease.

Tessellationcanalsoaddlayersofaestheticinterest,suggestingtextureandmaterial,whilealsobeingabletoprovideanexteriorstructuralpurpose.BuckministerFullersgeodesicdomedesignfortheU.S.Pavilionisaprojectderivedfromhisexperimentationwithadoptingavarietyoftessellatedpatterns

TESSELLATION

tosphericalforms.Itincorporatesarigid,triangulatedtessellationstructure,appliedtoacurvedbasesurfacetoproduceastructuralskin[5].Whilemakingthestructurelightweight,italsocreatesavisualeffectofaweightlessanddelicatestructure.

Theinclusionoftessellationcanalsoaddculturalandcontextualvalues,andcould be considered to communicate asenseofcommunityassuggestedbypost-modernarchitectRobertVenturi[6].Theuseofmaterialityandformcanhelptoconstructadeepermeaningandstorybehindthestructure,andexpressthelabouroftheconstructionprocesswhichisnotalwaysevidentinsinglesurfacesforms.

BUCKMINISTERFULLERU.S..PAVILION[4]


28

B.2.CaseStudy1.0-

Spec

ies 1

Spec

ies 3

Spec

ies 2

Spec

ies 4

Analy

sis

LAVAGREENVOID,2008,SYDNEY

UsingtheGrasshopperdigitalparametricmodellingtool,theseeminglyelusiveGreenVoidinstallationbyLAVAcan constructed on Rhino in a 3D modellingenvironment.Throughthephysicssimulationplugin,Kangaroo,thegeometrycanbeevaluatedunderdifferentphysicalpropertiesandmorphedbysimulatingarelaxationofitssurfaceandsettingcontrolpointstomouldtheform.Theiterationmatrixhas been created by various methods, toproducethedesiredgeometry,whichcanbefurthermodifiedbasedonrestrictionsonthebaseformandphysicalsimulations.

ThebasegeometryofSpecies1and2havebeencreatedbylinkingaseriesofcurvesintoGrasshopper,andproducingloftedsurfacethroughthesecurveswhileSpecies3and4havebecreatedthroughtaconnectionofcurvescreatingaskeletalbasfrotheform,whiletheExoskeletoncomponentcreatesaskinaroundit.Then,usingtheKangarooPhysicssimulation,thesurfaceshavebeenputthroughadynamicrelaxationprocess,whichproducesthetensilegeometry.

Ihavereferencedadifferentcurvetotheoriginaldesign.Theiterationscreatedareoutcomesofalteringthebasecurves,bytranslatingtheirpositioninspaceandmodulatingtheirscale.Thefinaloutputsarefairlysimilartotheoriginal,howevertherearedifferencesinthefluidaestheticofthestructure,itnowlooksmorestructural

Theseiterationshavemostlybeenchangesbyincreasinganddecreasingthethicknessofthelongerpartofthemesh at the centre, which connects thebranches.Byreferencingeachcurve onto Grasshopper individually, I wasabletohavegreatercontrolovertheform,byscalingandmovingtheinternalcurves.

BymanipulatingthecontrolsoftheExoskeletoncomponent,Iwasabletoslightchangetheoveralllookoftheform.Alteringthenumberofsides,thickness,nodevalue,spacingbetween mesh lines and the knuckle widthoftheexoskeleton,multiplevariationsoftheoriginalgeometrywascreated.

Thistime,Imanipulatedtheoriginalcurvesaroundwhichtheexoskeletonwasformed.ByactivatingcontrolpointofRhino,Iwasabletoshortenandlengthenthebasecurvesaswellasaddinginnewcurvetochangethebasegeometry.

IwasabletoderiveparticularlyinterestingformsfromthebasegeometrybymakingminorandmajorchangesthroughGrasshopperandRhino

Bytranslatingthebasecurvesin a 3D environment, I was abletoextendthesurfaceoftheformandallowittolargerareas.Becausetheformfollowsthecurves,creatingalmostanyshapewithloftedcurvesispossible.


29

Bytranslatingthebasecurvesin a 3D environment, I was abletoextendthesurfaceoftheformandallowittolargerareas.Becausetheformfollowsthecurves,creatingalmostanyshapewithloftedcurvesispossible.

Increasingthesizeoftheknucklesallowstheformtovaryconsiderably compared tot he originalgeometry.Theformalsoseemsmorestructurallyself-supportivehere.

Addinganextranodeexpandsthedimensionstothegeometryandcreatesamorecomplexrelationoftherelaxedsurfaces.

Changingthecentralcurves,asopposedtotheexteriorcurvesdeformedthebaseformmoreandseemstogivethegeometryadifferentstructuralbasis.


30

B.3.CaseStudy2.0

[email protected],2013

TheArticulatedTensionsprototypedeveloped by SDA students was processed undertheInformedFormresearchinitiative[6].Thisprogramstrivestodevelopstructure,basedonform(geometry),force(performance),matter(organization),andcraft(fabrication)[7].Weusedasimilarapproachinevaluatingareverseengineeredalgorithmtotryandemulatefeaturesofthisdesign.TheunderlyinggeometryisbasedonaKleinsurface,whichmanipulatesasingle,continuoussurfacewhichisinvertedtocreateasortofsurfaceloop,allowingtheexteriorandinteriorsurfacestobeone.ThissurfacecouldhavethenbeenadaptedtoadigitalphysicalsimulationprogramsuchasKangaroo,wherecontrolpointsanddynamicmeshrelaxationgeneratedaparametricform.Thesurface

would then have been divided into a tessellationpattern,whichwasdetailedenoughtocreatetheoverallundulatingform,whileaddingaleveloftextureandsurfacemanipulation.Thetessellationwouldalsomaketheconstructionprocessmorefeasible,byhavingsmaller,connectable components, which would leaveroomforfabricationerrors.


31

ThebasegeometryoftheshapeisderivedfromaKleinsurface,andthiscanbecreated on Grasshopper by reversingelementofasurfaceandconnectingittotheoriginal.WewereabletofindanalgorithmforabasicKleinsurfaceandmanipulateditbyincreasingitthicknessandaddingmorecontrolpoints.

Inadoptingadynamicsurfacerelaxationtotheform,themodel needed to be converted into a mesh in order to input itssurfacesandcontrolpoints(throughtheformofNakedVertices)intotheKangaroocomponent.

BymakingeachmeshfaceintoapolylinethroughWeaverbird,wewereabletoextractcertainpointsformeachfaceandincorporateatessellationdesignwhichwascreatedusingpointparameters.Thedesignwas then applied to the whole mesh.

Afterfurtherreflection,werealised the the tessellaiton patternwedevelopedwasntothesameasinArticulatedTensions,anditdidnthavecurvesedgeswhichenablesthepeicestobeconnected.Byusingaframeworkwithmore control points, it is possible to recreate a similar geometry.Thedrawingontheoppositepageshowshowthetessellationpieceswouldstillbeconnectedbyaddinganotherconenctiontothedeisgn.

Startingoffwithabasicsquaregrid,wewereabletousetheWeaverbirdInnerPolygonsSubdivision component, transferthesquaremesh,intoone which was complied with diamondwithineachsquare.

Then,usingtheWeaverbirdPictureframeapplication,wereable to create holes within themeshfaces,toproduceasimilardesignthetotheprecedent.

Byextractingpointfromeachmeshface,amoreinterestingtessellation,usingnurbscurvesto create arc between the points.

Then,finidingthecentreofeachpolygon,wewereableto create circles in the centre, with a radius dependant on thedimaondslegnth.Thebyloftingthisescurvestogether,wecreatedsurfaces.


32

B.4.TechniqueDevelopment

FurtherIterations

Spec

ies 4

- Shr

inkwr

apSp

ecies5

-Shrinkw

rapan

dKang

aroo

Species2

-3Dtessellati

onSp

ecies1

-Sq

uare-based

tessellati

onSp

ecies

3 - W

eave

rbird

Stell

ate


33

Startingwithasimilargeometrytothetessellationinarticulatedtensions,wetried produce various iterationsofthesquare-based shape, and appliedittogrid-basedsurfaces.

Toaddtotheeffectofthetessellation,wetransformedthebasictessellationintoatrianugaltedpyramid, conencted to a triangulatedmesh.Then,byusingcontrolpointsandattratorpoints,developedintersetingsurfaces.

UsingtheWeaverbirdStellate component, we were able to easily controlthehightofthe3dtessellation,howeverfounfthatthecreatingourownalgorithmsforthetessellationgaveusmore control over the effects.

UsingotherapplicationsinKangaroo,weusedtheShrinkwrap component tocreateunusulaformsbased around simple geometry.This could then be controledbychangingtheaccuracyoftheshrinkwrapandsizeofmeshfaces.

Bychangingtheshrinkwrapped meshes intheKangarooSpringsformLinescomponent,we were able to createinterestingandunexpectedgeometricalforms.


34

B.4.TechniqueDevelopment

Adynamicandtexturalformcanbecreatedbyincorporatingtessellationintolarge,expansivesurfaces.Itwouldbeinterestingtogenerateself-supportingtessellatedstructureasabasisforthedesign,asitprovideslayersofconsidereddesigndecisions.First,itallowsaplayinformandexperimentationinheformfindingprocess.Second,thedesigningthetesselationitselfaddstotheaestheticandstructuralsuccessofthedesign.Finally, the way the we connect the tessellationelementscouldhaveinterestingdesignoutcomes.Such an approach provides many opportunitiestoapplyalgorithmicmodelling.

The3Dtessellationiterationswereparticularlyintersting,astheycanaddagreaterdepththeform-findintprocessandmeybestrucutralentitiesinthemself.Thetriangulatedstrucutresmaymakethelargerprojectmoreself-supportive.

Alarge,undulatingsurfacehaspotentialtocreateapointofinterestatanysiteandwouldbeaninterestingapplicationtothefreewaysiteasitprovidsabreatfromthestraighroadsandrelativelyflatlandscape.Therippleeffectcretedhereisfurtheraccentuatedbychangesinthesizeandshapeofthetessellationpieces.


35

Ashrinkwrappingapproachtotthedesigncouldallowtheinstallationtobemoreresponsivetotheexsitingsiteanditsstrucutre.Whilethisiterationmaybedifficulttocombinewithtesselllation,incorporatingalargernumberofmeshesandamoreaccurate shrinkwrap produces more intersitingforms.

Dynamicrelaxationisausefultooltohelpdesciernthepossibleformsorudesignmaytakethroughwithconstruction(dependingonmateriality).Thegenerationofundulatingcurvesandseeminglyfree-formedgeometrycreatesasenseofambiguityandinterstintehform.Throughtheiterastion,wediscoveredthatthemoregapsinthemesh,themorecontrollabletheformwillbe,asholesinthemeshprovidecontrolepoints.


36

B.5. Technique PrototypesFabricatiedPrototypes

This model has been produced by laser-cuttingPerspexpieces,basedonthedigitalmodel.Thetessellationpiecesareconnected by circular connectors and bothhavenotchesallowingeachpiecetoslotintotheother.Thecurvaturehasbeenmaintainedbyevaluatingadigitalmodel,andcreatingnotchesatspecific

Anoverallcurveforhasbeendevelopedoutofthethinplastictessellationpiecesbyfixingeachpieceinslighttensionandcertainpoints.Theresultisafairlymalleable structure, which can be deformedandthenbouncesbacktoitsoriginalshape.ItbearsresemblancetothecorallikeformationsoftheVladTenudesign,andisaformthatcanbecontinuallybuiltup.

Theconnectionsherehavebeenmadebycreatingloopsofwire,whichallowthejointstobeflexibletoadegreeandmalleable.Theplasticityofthematerialallowstheoverallformtocurveconsiderably,whichcancreatethenotionoffluidityandmovement.Thevortexformenhancedbytheprotrudingedgesaddstothissenseofmovement.

ThetessellationcreatedhereismorecloselyconnectedtothatderivedfromtheArticulatedTensionsproject.Theroundendsoverlapeachothercreatingthejoints.Theconnectionpicturedhere however, where the elements are overlappedalongtheedges,createsamoresolidsurface,andamorerigidstructure,whichdoesntbendaseasilyastherest.

points on the circles, which control the connectionofthetessellationpieces.Thiscontrolledplacementofnotchesallowstheoverallformtocurvewiththeplacementofnotches.


37

Thisisoneofthemoresuccessfulprototypes,madeoutofthethinplastic.Ratherthanutilisingitstensileproperties,themodelismoreself-supporting,requiringnootherfixturesthantheconnectionofitsedgesthroughnotches.TheformwasdevelopedinGrasshopperandunrolledbeforebeingdigitally

Continuingwiththispyramidalsurfacestructure, we used other materials to recreatedifferentconceptsofthesameform.Wewereinterestedintheideaofinflationandtheperformanceofmaterialsintension.Usingchip-bagsasaprototypingmaterialwasunconventional,butresultedinaninterestingsurface,onethatlookedmetallic,butwasinfactextremelylightanddelicate.theedges

printed.Whileitholdsitsgeneralshape,thesurfacecouldnotbeeasilydevelopedbecausethestiffnessoftheplasticmadecreatingfoldsdifficult.However,thetriangulatedtessellationisfairlyrigidandself-supporting,whilelendingitselftovariousforms.theformisalsoaestheticwhenback-lit,diffusingandreflectinglightwithitsmanysurfaces.

weresealedtocreatetheinflatedpyramidforms,however,thiswasnotoverlysuccessfulbecausethesealededgeswereimperfectandleftsmallholes.However,the prototypes were able to stand and gavetheimpressionofbloatedmetallictessellation.Thereflectionoflight,offthecrinkledsurfacescreatedinterestingpatternsunlikethesmoothsurfaceoftheotherplastics.


38

Developingfurtherfromthechipbagmodels, theses prototypes have been constructedusingtheprintedtemplatesofunrolledplasticmodelpieces.Itagainexploresthepossibilitiesofunconventionalmaterialityandismadeoutofaluminiumdrinkcans.Ourattempttosoldertheedgesoftheformwasunsuccessfulbecauseofthenatureofaluminium,andwouldrequirealuminiumsoldering,ratherthantheconventionaltin-leadsolder.Howeverthesemodelshave been connected with duct tape tocreateafairlystructuralsurface.Theflexibilityoftheducttapeactuallyallows the structure to take various self-supportingforms,makingitanidealprototypeforform-finding.

Thereasonsforusingmaterialssuchaschipbagsandaluminiumarebothstructurallyandcontextuallyderived.Structurally,thesematerialsarefairlymalleableandallowforawiderangeofformexplorationsandstructuralexperimentation.Wearealsointerestedincreatingandunconventionaldesign,perhapsbygivingillusionsofmateriality, which can only be revealed oncloserinspectionandamoretangibleexperience.Thealuminiumcansseemtosuccessfullycreatethisillusionofbeinga

metalstructure,whiletheprintedsurfaceisstillevidentunderthestructure.

The materiality is also responsive to the societalandenvironmentalpositionsofWyndham.Theuseofcans,whichwewouldgenerallyconsiderasrubbishoramaterialthatisnolongerusefulinitscurrentformissuggestiveoftheconsumeristculturewhichgenerallyfollowsurbanexpansionandtheindustrialgrowth.However,inreshapingthiswastematerialintoanarchitecturalsurface,simplybyplayingwithformandstructure,theprototyperevealstheneedtoexplorebeyondconventionaldevelopmentandadopt more sustainable measures to meet theneedsofthecity.

Theabundanceofaluminiumcansinourdailylivesandourconstantinteractionwithit,makethismaterialveryfamiliartotouch and is relatable to everyone in this aspect.Thefeelofthecoolmetalortheactcrushingandcreatingcreasesinthecansisafamiliarconcepttoeveryoneandthus will enable users to have a sensory connectiontothestructure,beforephysicallyexperiencingthespace.

Althoughtheconnectionsoftheseelementsneedtobefurtherconsidered,

aluminiumisgenerallynotpronetocorrosionandisthereforelong-lasting.Unliketheplasticandchipbags,aluminium holds its shape well and adherestofoldsandcreases,whichmakesthefabricationprocesseasier.Thisalsoallowstheformtobemoreself-supportiveandadheretothedigitallydesignedmodelinamoreaccurateway.

Italsohasaninterestingrelationshipwithlight.Themetallicsurfaceallowsgoodreflectivity,whileitsunevennessandthevaryinganglesoftheformallowsforaninterplayofreflecitons.

Materiality

B.5. Technique Prototypes


39


40

Therearemanyexamplesofsuccessfulcollaborationsofcommercialadvertisingandpublicart.TheadaptationofthefreewayprojectasasubtleadvertisementfortheCaltexpetrolstationaswellasauniquearchitecturalpavilionwillgenerateacertainhypethatoftenfollowssuchunconventionalinstallations.Whilethedesignitselfisanintriguinganduniquedisplay,theglobalisedpopularityoftheCaltexbrandwillbeabletofurtherpushsuchaninstallationintothepubliceye,transformingitintoanotableplace-marker.Theapplicationofdesigninterventionsasmarketingstrategiesisnot a new idea, and has already been realisedthroughtheGSCaltexPavilionforthe2012KoreaExpoinYeosu,SouthKorea.Thisinstallation,designaround a star-shaped base relates toitssurroundingenvironment,inrepresentinglargericefields[10].Withinteractivefeaturesandresponsivenesstothesurroundingwind,thisinstallationhasastrongpresenceanddrawsthepublicintothesite.

GSCALTEXPAVILIONFORTHE2012KOREAEXPOINYEOSU,SOUTHKOREA.[9]

Thisstrikingpavilionstructuregainedpraiseforitsinnovativeappealtopublicinteractionandacollaborationofarchitectureandtechnology.ThelitEFTEpanels creates a dynamic structure which drawspeopleintoexperiencethedesignmore closely, however, it is the individual contactfacilitatedbythetouch-sensitivepanelsthatmakesthisinstallationunique.Thewholestructureisdesignedtoproducemusicalbeatswhenactivatedbysensors,thuscreatingabeatboxrhythm based the way people touch the panels.Thispersonalaffiliationallowspeopletocontributetothefinaldesign,andgeneratesasenseofcommunityandcertainlyanovelexperienceofarchitecture[12]. The commercial aspect ofthispieceiscertainlysubtle,butdrivesitspopularitythroughtheCoca-Colanameandgeneratesauniqueandpositivestatementaboutthebrand.

B.6.TechniqueProposal


41

WYNDHAMCITY

COCA-COLABEATBOX,2012,APAVILIONINLONDON,OLYMPICPARK[11]

Theinstallationwouldbeacommerciallyviableproject,attractingpotentialusersintothepetrolstationandsubtlyadvertisingtheCaltexbrandthroughatessellationdesignwhichhasbeenabstractedfromtheCaltexlogo.Additionally,thedesignwouldbeanaestheticallyintriguingstructureandprovide a new outlook on how typically mundane structures such as the petrol stationcouldbeenhancedandendorsesanartisticapplicationtheeverydayworld.

Theuseofaluminiumcansasanunconventionalmaterialwillcreateapointofdiscussiondisplayingaprovocativeresponsetotheissueofconsumerismandwasteofteninstigatedbyurbanexpansion.Whileproposedmaterialneedcarefulconsiderationinconstruction,itwouldhelptoengenderasunderstandingaboutanew,sustainablediscourseofWyndhamCity.

Initsassociationthroughtheglobalisedbrand,theprojectwillgainpublicattentionandaaresultbecomeanotable landmark in the Wyndham district.Theprojectcouldbedevelopedoutofcanscollectedwithinthecommunitythemateriallendsitselftofairlyeasyfabricationwillstimulateavisceralexperience,whichwillbemorememorableandrealinteraction,asanarchitecturalspacetodiscover.


42

ThenewinstallationonthePrincesFreewaywillbeanintriguingprojecttocommuterstravellingtoandfromtheWyndhamCityDistrict.Asthecouncilhas proposed, it is important that the installationcreateasignificantimpacton the viewer in order to establish a memorableandidentifiablelandmark.InarapidlydevelopingcitysuchasWyndham,itsconnectiontotheCBDandcommercialMelbourneisanintegralsourceofrevenueforthedevelopmentalneedsofthearea.TheWyndhamCityCouncilhasproposedgreaterdevelopmentofinfrastructure,investingover$40mtoupgradeinterchangesandgetpeopleontothefreewaytoincreaseaccesstoencouragecommercialactivitytoaccommodatethechangingneedsofthisgrowingurbanprecinct.Ourproposaltries to capture the rapid development andgrowthoftheWyndhamdistrict,

througharchitecturalapplicationofformandmateriality.As the city develops, it is important to establishasenseofcommunityandcivicprideandownership.Thegatewayproposalisanexcellentopportunitytoestablishanidentifiablevisualbeacon,whichcapturesthecommunalspiritofthedistrict.TheinstallationofanewWyndhamCityGatewayisachallengethatshouldadoptthecurrentprofileofWyndhamaswellasembracingthefuturedevelopmentofthecity.The structure would be a statement ofcommercialarchitecture,andisdirectedtowardsadvertisingandbeingcommissionedbytheCaltexPetrolStationattheGateway.Thepetrolstation,alongwiththeLoungeandStarmartaresetinakeyposition,nestledbetweenthetwomaincommuterroutes.Weaimtomakeuseofitsstrategicpositionfora

TheproposedsiteholdakeypositionintheGatewaysite.Anewinstallationwilltransformthisspacefromamundanefeaturewithonlyafunctionalpurpose,toalandmarklocation.

projectincommercialarchitecture.Theproposeddesigngoesbeyondbeingaconventionalroadsideinstallationandseekstoactivelyengageusersthroughaspatialexperience.

B.6.TechniqueProposal


43

Theformwillbeparametricallydesignedinadigitalenvironment,usingmoderncomputationaldesignprogramssuchRhinoandadditionalplug-insandfabricatedusingdigitaloutputs.Thisdesignprocessisashiftintheconventionmethodsofarchitecturaldesignandwillimpacttheoutcomeoftheinstallation.Digitalmodellingwillbeusedasaform-finingtootocomputeandgenerategeometrybasedoncertaincontrols.Itprovidestheadvantageofhavinggreatercontroloverthegeometryandofeverystageofdesignandallowsasimultaneousconsiderationoftheformandfinalconstructionprocesses.TheuseofphysicsdigitalphysicssimulationprogramssuchasKangaroocaninformamorecomplexdesign,andproducemultipleiterationsofformsaswellasanunderstandingofpossiblechangesofthestructureovertime.

Usingdigitalparametrictools,wehavebeenabletoabstracttheCaltexlogostartomakethedesignmoreviableasa commercial project, and to iterate asubtleformofadvertisement.Theformsofthesestructuresaredependentontheunderlyinggeometrywhichhasbeengeneratedbywrappingtheexistingpetrolstationwithasurfaceinadigitalenvironment.Thishasallowedforacloserassociationtothesiteanditscontext.Thisformhasthenbeenrelaxedusingdigitalmodellingprogramstogenerateanundulatingandinterestingsurface.

Inembracingparametricdesignasadesignbasis,aproductthatismoreattunedtotheintentionsofthedesignerandoriginalconceptmaybedeveloped.TheshowcasingofsuchdesignstrategieswillestablishWyndhamCityasaplatform

fromwhichfurtherarchitecturalandstructuralinnovationsmaybelaunched.

CALTEXLOGO[13]


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B.7.AlgorithmicSketches

Thebasegeometryisderivedfromtehexsitingstructureoftehpetrolstatinoandeatinglongeinthesite.

Tomakethoformalittlemorecomplex,furtheriterationsoftheabstrasctiedcaltexttessellationwerecombinedwiththeoriginalgeometrytocreateabreparoundwhichthedesignwillbegenrated.

ShrinkewrappingthebasegeometrythroughKangaroocreatedacontinoussurfacefromwhichtoworkwith.

Tomaketheformsmoreintersting,thebasegeometryweremovedaroundandscaledandwellasincreasinganddecireasingtheaccuracyleveloftheshrinwrapform.

ThesurfacewasthenadoptedintoKangarooSpringtooltocreatearealxedfrom,andamoreinterestinggeometry,basedontheideaofatensileandstrucute.Bycreatingmoreopeningsinthemesh(deletingmeshfaces)wereareabletocontroltherelaxedgeometrtoagreaterextent.

Thetriangulatedtessellationwastehnaddedtothesurface.


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B.8. Learning Objectives and OutcomesFurther DevelopmentByadoptingparametricform-findingtechnique,wehavebeenabletodesigna project that is both responsive to the siteandproposesideasforthediscourseofasustainablethefutureforWyndhamCityandthegrowingurbanenvironment.Theuseofdigitalalgorithmicmodellingcreatedaplatformforform-findingandformmakingbasedontheexistingconstructiononthesiteandanabstractedcommercialprojectionthroughtessellation.Thereverseengineeringproject,developedfromArticulatedTensions strived to remake preconceived notionsofformandstructure,whilederivationsfromoriginalgeometriessuchasGreenVoid,enabledamorphingprocessofform-finding.ThroughtheKangaroophysicssimulationcomponentsandWeaverbirdmeshplug-in,wewereabletoproducemultipleiterationofdesignbyalteringdesignparametersandreplicatingphysicalparametersinadigitalenvironment.Usingmoderndesignprecedentsasabasegeometry,varioustechniquesforcollaboratingformandsurfaceasacohesivestructureweredeveloped.Exploringdifferentpossibilities

withintheplug-inssuchastheShrinkwrapcomponentreconfiguredmyideasofthepossibilitiesofdigitaldesignanduncoversitasatooltostrengthen,notweakentheconnectionofdesignoutcomestotheexistingsiteandcontext.TheuseofdigitalmodellingtoolsthroughthecollaborationbetweenthealgorithmicspaceofGrasshopperand3DmodellingspaceinRhinofacilitatedanexpansiveworkingenvironment,whilestillprovidingparametricallydrivendirectionandcohesiontothedesign.Thewiderangeofdesignopportunitiesenabledustoprovideamultipledesignpossibilities,takingdifferentapproachestothebrief.AfterreconsideringthebriefanddesignatingtheCaltexpetrolstationasuccessfulsiteforthedesign,wewereabletoprioritiseourdesignintensionto create a more personal architectural experience,whichallowscommuterstobetterinteractwiththeinstallationandspacesitprovides.Throughtheefficiencyofdigitalmodelling,wewerealsoabletofocusourattentiononmaterialityandthefinalfabricationofthedesign.

Fabricatingprototypemodelswasintegraltotheform-findingprocessasphysicalproperties;especiallymaterialityconsiderablyaffectedtherestrictionsandpossibilitiesofdesignoutcomes.Usingdigitalfabricationprocesses,wewereable to print templates and reconstruct portionsofthedigitalmodelusingvariousmaterials.Theeffectsoflightaswellasstructuralpropertiesoftheprototypemodelsinfluencedthepotentialfeasibilityofourdesign,producingchallengesinconnectivityofthepartsaswellasthepossibilitiesforscaleofthemodelonsite.However,thephysicalmodels(especiallythealuminiumcanprototype)portrayedanunexpectedaestheticappealandastructuralintegritywiththeabilitytoholdacertainform.Whiledesignandconstructabilityofthefinaldesignproposalhasyettobedetermined,wethatthecomplexityoftheformandtessellationironicallycombinedwiththeuseofanunexpectedlysimplisticmaterial will spark discussion and intrigue,contributingtothephilosophyofsustainablearchitecrue.


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1.Michael,Hensel(2008)MembraneSpaces.ArchitecturalDesign,78,2,pp.75

2.Michael,Hensel(2008)MembraneSpaces.ArchitecturalDesign,78,2,pp.75

3.http://www.vladtenu.com/2011/minimal-complexity-london/

4.http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/US_Pavilion_at_Expo_67.html

5.Iwamoto,Lisa(2009)DigitalFabrications:ArchitecturalandMaterialTechniques(ArchitectureBriefs).PrincetonArchitecturalPress,NewYork.Availableat

6.RobertVenturi

7.SDA(2013),ArticulatedTensionsatUniv.ofCalgary.Availableat

8.http://synthesis-dna.com/articulated-tensions-univ-of-calgary/

9.http://www.atelier-brueckner.com/en/projects/architectures/gs-caltex-pavilion.html

10.GROZDANIC,LIDIJA(2012)GSCaltexPavilionforthe2012KoreaExpo/AtelierBrckner.eVoloMagazine.Availableat

11.http://www.dezeen.com/2012/07/20/coca-cola-beatbox-by-pernilla-asif-2/

12.DezeenMagazine(2012)Coca-ColaBeatboxbyAsifKhanandPernillaOhrstedtAvailableat

REFERENCES


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Project ProposalC: Gateway Proejct

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Project ProposalPart C


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Wyndham GatewayWith more direct relationship to the existing structure of the petrol station canopy on the proposed site, the design can be developed further to become a more feasible structure and appropriate installation to the site context.Further development of the design using digital modelling tools provides the opportunity to enhance the geometry of the design as well as tactically simplifying the design to make construction more feasible and practical. By splitting the basic components of the design into specific constructible

components, we are able to foresee requirements and difficulties in the construction process and alter the proposal at an early stage to avoid too many complications.The Wyndham Gateway proposal explores an unconventional approach to materiality and provides a memorable architectural experience, while adopting a simple tectonic system, derived from the performance of the aluminium material and functional needs of the petrol station.

The new installation will work as a commercial project, drawing in

users to the site and create a point of intrigue within the area with its metallic allure and iconic geom-etry. Being based on the existing structure of the petrol station however, will give the proposal a sense of belonging to the site and ensure that its stark and mechani-cal aesthetic doesnt clash with the relatively natural backdrop of the Gateway area. This unusual project is sure to become transform the identity of this otherwise arbitrary location and affirm the significance of the Wyndham City Gateway.


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C.1.DesignConcept

Wyndham City Gateway Site

Whilethedesignthusfarhasafluidsenseofformsurface,thegeometryneedstobedesignedtobefurtherdevelopedtoproduceamoredefinedstructure.Amajorrequirementforthedevelopeddesignisagreaterapplicationoftheproposaltothesite.ItmustbeensuredthattheCaltexServiceStation,asanideallocationfortheproposal,must also be able to accommodate all its functionswhileexhibitingthislarge-scaleproject.

Amidsttherelativelyflatandnaturalsettingofthefreeway,theCaltexservicestationclearlyhasapresenceasabuiltanduseablestructurealongthefreeway.

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C.1.DesignConcept

CaltexServiceStation

Access and Prominence in Freeway Area:Withaccessibilityformbothmajorfree-wayroutesthroughtheserviceroads,thestationalreadyactsasapointwhichinvites users to stop and observe their surroundings,althoughatthemoment,thereislittleatthesitethatdiffersfromtherestofthecommutersdriveonthefreeway.

Site Analysis: Theoverallconcrete-pavedsiteisfairlylarge,accommodatingnotonlytwopetrolsheds(oneforsmallerandoneforlargervehicles,butalsoforservicessuchastheStarmartandEatingLounge,aswellasspacefordeliveryvehiclesandparking.Itisessentialthatthestationretainsitscurrent,smoothflowoftrafficaswellastheamplespaceprovidedforparkingandaccess.

Petrol Station Canopy

(Larger Vehicles)

Petrol Station

Canopy(Regualr

Vehicles)

Subway Eating

Lounge

Starmart

Main Access

Undercoverarea

Carpark


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Petrol Station Canopy

(Larger Vehicles)

Petrol Station

Canopy(Regualr

Vehicles)

Subway Eating

Lounge

Starmart

Main Access

Undercoverarea

Carpark


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C.1.DesignConcept

TessellationSystem

Inordertobeappliedtothechangingsurfaceoftheoverallform,thetessellationpatterderivedfromtheCaltexlogowasfurtherabstracted,tocreateamorevariablegeometricpattern.


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C.1.DesignConcept

GrasshopperDefinitionDiagram

InattemptingtoproduceadesignmorecloselylinkedwiththeoriginalframeworkoftheCaltexstructure,wentbacktothestartofthegrasshopperalgorithmtofurtherrefinethebasegeometryoftheform.Duringthisstage,weadoptedamoreintegratedprocessofworkingwith the model in Grasshopper to create theoverallgeometryandaidintheform-findingprocesswhileusingRhinowithamoremanualapproachtorefinethemodelandtrytovisualisefuturefabrication.


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C.1.DesignConcept

Form-findigMatrix

Byeliminatingallexcessarbitrarygeometryandsimplyusingthebasicformofthecombinedpetrolstationcanopies,we were able to create a base that was directlyrelevanttotheexistingsite.

Whileourpreviousattemptatusingthemeshrelaxationtoolinvolvedslackeningthemeshsoitrelaxedinwards,thisattemptinvolveddoingtheopposite.

Certain areas were held down by control pointsthatwerecreatedbymakingopeningsinthemesh.

Theremainingmeshwastheninflatedtoproduceaninterestingderivationoftheoriginalpetrolstationform.Thisprocess allows the space under the canopytoremainrelativelyunimpededbytheform,whileallowingtheupperlayertodevelopintodramaticandunusualshapes.

Severaliterationsoftheinflatedmeshwere trialled

Moreopeningsinthebasemeshcreatedmorepointsofcontrolintheinflatedmesh,howeverlargegapsinthemeshallowedonlysmallchangesintheform.


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C.1.DesignConcept

Form-findigMatrix

BybakingtheformbackintotheRhinoworkspace,wewereabletoextracttheupperandlowerlayersoftheformtocreatethetwosidesofthepetrolstationcanopy

UsingtheWeaverbirdplug-in,wewereabletoextractfromandaddtothebasicgeometry.The WB Frame component was used to deriveaskeletonoftheinnerfacestocreateabaseforthelargertessellatedforms.

In order to create a more prominent form,eachfaceofthebasicgeometrywasreplacedbyatriangle-basedpyramid,ratherthanremainingasaflatsurfacewithtessellation.

However,becausethesurfacesarenton the same plane, the pyramids in the digitalmodeltendedtointersect.

Whilethegeneratedgeometrywascertainlyinteresting,itwouldraiseissueinthefabricationprocess,assomeofthesurfacesintersectwitheachotherandcreatesacomplicatedintertwiningofthemeshfaces.

Byaddingparametriccontrolpointsintothealgorithm,wewereabletocontroltheheightofthetrianglesbasedintheproximityofeachfaceformthepoint.Thisallowsforfurtherplaywiththeformandtoaddfocussedheighttotheedgesoftheform,whichwouldbemostvisiblefromthefreeway.


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The Proposal

C.1.DesignConcept

Eachofthefacesthatmakeupthepyramidswerethentessellatedbybeingturned into smaller pyramid-studded surfaces.

Thesametessellationpatternwasappliedtotheundersideofthecanopy,allowingthestuddedsurfaacetobeexperiencedfromwithinthepetrolstation.

UsingtheKangarooExoskeletontool,theexistingpetrolstationcolumnswereturnedintobranchingpillars,whichprovideabetterstructuretoholdupthecanopyform.Thebranchesconnecttocertainpointsinthecanopyframe,transferringloadfromcertainpointsinthestructure.


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The Proposal

C.1.DesignConcept

Thesekeyareas(theendsoftheinstallationandthecentral point that connects thepetrolstationcanopiestogether)willspecificallyattractattention,astheyaremostvisiblefromthefreewayandactastransitionsintothespace.

Certainareasofthecanopyalso have an underside, showingthestuddedsurfaceofthesilver-sideofthecans.Thegivestheoverallformasenseofstructure,createstheimpressionofadynamicfrom,wrappingitselfaroundthecanopy.


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Vehicleswillmovethroughand under the structure, allowingthemtoexperiencethe interior space and seetheundersideofthedrinkcanstructure.Thisiscrucialtoestablishingtheinstallationasanexperienceandensuringthedesignwillbememorable.

Theendpointofthecanopyreachdowntotheground.Thisgivesthestructureaddedstability,byallowingweighttobetransferredtroughtheedgesaswellasallowingusersanopportunityto more closely interact with theinstallation.


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Thedesignwillseeminglywraparoundthepetrolstationcanopyandreachdowntothegroundatthecanpyends.Thiswouldbeanintriguingattractionalongthefreewayandprovideauniquespatialexperienceinanunlikelyspace.


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CoreConstructionElelments

C.2.TechtonicElements

Toachievestructuralrigiditywhilemaintainingtheelaborateform,weproposethatthedesignbesplitintothreemaintectoniccomponents.

3D TESSELLATED ROOF

METAL STRUCTURAL FRAME

EXOSKELETON SUPPORT BRANCHES


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3D TESSELLATED ROOF

METAL STRUCTURAL FRAME

EXOSKELETON SUPPORT BRANCHES


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ConstructionDetails


The aluminium can material will be used toproducetheoutertessellatedsurfaces.Becauseoftherelativerigidityofthecansandtheirabilitytoeffectivelyholdfoldedseams,thelargerpyramidformscanworkasself-supportingelements,madeupoffoldedaluminiumcantemplates.ThetessellatedsurfacereflectstheabstractedCaltexlogo.


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In order to maintain the desired geometry,aswellasprovideastructuralframeworkfortheinstallation,analuminiumframe,madeofconstruction-gradematerialwillserveastheunderlyingskeletonoftheform.Theframeswouldbeweldedinplace,providingtherightangleforeachpyramidtositon.Weldedintoplace,themetalframeworkprovidestherequiredangleandoverallgeometryofthestructure.

Analternativepillarsystemmayalsoberequired,totaketheloadoftheundulatingform.Wehaveproposedatree-likesystemmadeofweldedmetal,tomoreevenlytransfertheloadofthecanopystructuretotheground.UsingtheExoskeletoncomponentontheGrasshopperplugin,thetree-likecolumnshavebeenproducedusingtheoriginalcolumnsofthepetrolstationasabaseandconnectingthepillarstodifferentpointsinthestructuralframe.

Baseframeworkontowhichtriangularpyramidformswillbefixed

Angleofseamdeterminesoverallgeometry

Weldedconnectionofaluminiumframework


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PrototypeFabricationProcess


Asproposed,thedesignisintendedtobebuiltusingdrinkcans.Tomakeprototypesofasmallsectionofthedesign,weunrolledandcutoutdrinkcans.

ThetemplateswerederivedfromunrolleddigitalmodelsinRhinoandtheirsizeswerebasedaroundthesizeofaflatteneddrinkcan.

1 COLLECT ALUMINIUM CANS 2 DISMANTLE TOP AND BOTTOM 3 CUT OUT INTO SHEET

4 FLATTEN SHEET5 OUTLINE DESIGN TEMPLATE6 CUT OUT TEMPLATE

7 FOLD TEMPLATE 8 ATTACH TABS TO FORM PYRAMID 9 REPEAT TO CONNECT PYRAMIDS


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1 COLLECT ALUMINIUM CANS 2 DISMANTLE TOP AND BOTTOM 3 CUT OUT INTO SHEET

4 FLATTEN SHEET5 OUTLINE DESIGN TEMPLATE6 CUT OUT TEMPLATE

7 FOLD TEMPLATE 8 ATTACH TABS TO FORM PYRAMID 9 REPEAT TO CONNECT PYRAMIDS


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Aluminium Can Prototype


Severalmethodsofconnectionwereexplored.

Astrialledinthelastprototypingstage,solderingthecanswasunsuccessfulduetotheattributesofthematerial.Ducttapewasusedtoholdtheformtogethersuccessfully,howeverthemodellookedunrefinedandtheducttapecov-eredupmuchofthecolourfulundersideofthemodel,whichwasrequiredtorevealthematerial.

Aftercreatingholesonthetabs,rivetsweretrialledasamethodoffasteningthetabstothetessellationsurfaces.The

rivetsgavethesurfacesanadditionalpointofinterestandseemedtoholdthesurfacestogether.Howeveritrivetingcornersofthemodelproveddifficultandresultedinopenseams.Thefairlysoftmaterialalsooftentore,orwasnotstrongenoughtoholdtherivets.

Finally,constructiongradealuminiumglueworkedwelltoholdthetabsinplaceandprovideneaterseams,whileallowingtheundersidetobeseenclearly.


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ProposedFabricationProcess


Inordertomaketheconstructionprocessmorefeasible,weproposeafactory-productionprocesstocreatelargersheetsoutofthealuminiumcans,whichcanthenbecutoutintolargertemplates,unrestrictedbythesizeoftheindividualcans.ThiswillalsoallowtheuseofaCNCrouter,andconnecttheconstructionprocessmorecloselytothedigitalnetwork,withtemplatesbeingeasilycutoutbasedondigitaltemplates.

1 DISJOIN PARTS 2 CUT OUT INTO SHEET 3 FLATTEN SHEET

4 WELD SHEETS INTO LARGER PIECE5 OUTLINE DESIGN TEMPLATE6 CUT OUT TEMPLATE

7 FOLD TEMPLATE 8 FORM PYRAMIDS 9 REPEAT TO CONNECT PYRAMIDS

TO BE RECYCLED

TOOL: CNC ROUTER TOOL: SHEET METAL FLATTENER

TOOL: CNC ROUTER

TOOL: ROBOTIC MACHINE TOOL: ADHESIVE BONDING

TOOL: TIG WELDER


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1 DISJOIN PARTS 2 CUT OUT INTO SHEET 3 FLATTEN SHEET

4 WELD SHEETS INTO LARGER PIECE5 OUTLINE DESIGN TEMPLATE6 CUT OUT TEMPLATE

7 FOLD TEMPLATE 8 FORM PYRAMIDS 9 REPEAT TO CONNECT PYRAMIDS

TO BE RECYCLED

TOOL: CNC ROUTER TOOL: SHEET METAL FLATTENER

TOOL: CNC ROUTER

TOOL: ROBOTIC MACHINE TOOL: ADHESIVE BONDING

TOOL: TIG WELDER TOOL:CNC,WELDER


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Aluminium Prototype


Byusingaluminiumsheetsataminimalthickness, we were able to use the CNC routertoproducelargertemplatesforthemodel.However,thephysicalconnectionofthealuminiumwaschallenging,astherigidaluminiumtabsoftentoreatthefoldweredifficulttofoldatcornersandproducecleanedges.Constructiongradedouble-sidedtapewasusedtoholdtabstogether;however,thisleftlargegapsduetothethicknessofthetape.Tosealthesegaps,analuminiumadhesive sealant was used, which was successfulinsealingsmallergaps,but

proveddifficultwhenattemptingtoseallargersaps.Althoughthesealantcouldbecleanedoffafterthesealantdried,howeverthemodelwasfairlymessyanddidnotsufficientlyshowthedesiredstructure.Althoughthealuminiumsheetprototypewasunsuccessful,the0.5mmthicksheetwasmuchstifferandlessmalleablethan the aluminium cans, and was perhaps unsuitable to show the desired constructionsystem.


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FabricatingSiteModel

C.3.FinalModel

The site model was constructed at a 1:150scale,andthereforeportraysjusttheoverallgeometry(withouttheaddedtessellationonthesurface).

Constructedoutofmultipletemplates,theformderivesitsgeometryfromthefoldsandenglesofconnectionofeachpieceithanother.

TheBranchedpillars(showbelow)weremadeoutofmouldedwire,andwrappedwithclaytogivethemanaddedthickness.


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SiteModel,SEElevation1:150


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Thisimageprotraystheudersideofthecanopy,lookingoutintothecarpark.thecolourfulundersideofthecansrevealthetruematerialityofthestrucutre,allowinguserstointeractwiththesidesoftheformthatreachtheground.


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DetailedModel

C.3.FinalModel

Thedetialedmodelwasconstructedusingthesametemplateasthealuminium sheet rototype and shows the close-upeffectofthestuddedsurfacesata1:5scale.

Themetallicrefletivesurfacecreatesplayfulreflectionsoflightanddrawsattentiontothemodel.

Asshowninthetoprightimage,theweldedaluminiumframewoulddeterminetheplaneofeachstuddedpyramid,controllingtheoverallformofthestructure.


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CriticalAnaysis

C.4LearningOutcomes

Afurthercriticalanalysisoftheproposalrevealedthatthedesignedstillhasinconsistenciesinfabricationandstructuralperformanceasafullscaleproject.Althoughthealuminiumcanmaterialisunusualandinterestingenoughinitselftosparkinterest,itsrelativefragilityrendersthematerialunsuitableforsuchalargescaleproject.Withthetessellatedaluminiumsurfacebeingusedeffectivelyasasemi-structural skin, the project would rely heavilyonthestructuralstabilityofthealuminiumcans,whichisinsufficient.Whilethetessellationaddstotherigidityofthestructure,thedesignwouldneed

tohavemorethanasinglelayerofthealuminiumsheettoprovideadequatestructuralsupport.Strongwinds,notuncommontotheWyndham area could also undermine the canopy structure, with the hollow pyramidshapesbeingidealtocaptureupsurgesofwind.Thematerialisalsoextremelynoisyandnoiselevelscreatedbysuchalargestructure,withaccompanyingwindscouldbepotentiallydisruptive.


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Further Development

C.4LearningOutcomes

Apotentialsolutionistheincorporationofacompositesandwichpanelsystem.ProductssuchasAlucobondareex-amplesoftheseAluminiumCompositePanel systems, with two thin outer layers ofaluminiumsheetingandcorelayerofpolyethylenesheeting.Thisinnernon-aluminiumlayer(usuallyplasticorfoambased)addsstructuralintegritytothematerialandallowsforfoldingoflargesheetswithCNCscoring.

ThesculpturalpieceSwarmiscon-structedoutofAlucobond,andalthoughisntaslargeastheproposeddesign,stillmaintainsadynamicformachievedwith

smallfoldedelements.

TheSpaceshipEarth,inDisneyworld,Florida,utilisesasimilarmethodoffold-inglargerAlucobondsheetsandfixingthem as smaller components to make a continuoussurface.Theearlierproposedsheetsofflattenedand welded aluminium cans could be usedastheouteraluminiumlayersofthecompositepanelsystem,allowingthematerial to be more structurally sound andgreatlyreducetheimpactofnoise,comparedtotheoriginalsinglealuminiumsheets.

Left:Swarm,AlucobondMOdelSource:http://www.alucobond.com/typo3temp/pics/f0b85dc947.jpg

TopRight:SpaceshipEarthAlucobonPanelsSource:http://forums.wdwmagic.com/threads/spaceship-earth-construction-photo.836135/

BottomLeft:RouterScoringtofoldAlucobondpanlsSource:http://foldingfacade.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/alucobond_4.png


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Further Development

C.4LearningOutcomes

While the Aluminium Composite Panel systemmayserveasaviablesolution,theprocesswouldunfortunatelyincreasethecostofproductionandmayin-factsubtractfromthebazarnatureoftheproject.Theunconventionalapplicationofaluminiumcansasaconstructionmaterialwouldbereassignedtoservemoreasacladding,subtractingfromtheintentionalideaofusingthematerialasalight-weight,self-supportingtessellationelement.Howeverthiscompromisewouldaddtheneededstructuralintegrityandhelpthesound-factorduetowind.

The drink can material is certainly unconventionaltoarchitecturalapplication,however, it is this very eccentricity that is suretodrawinpublicattentionandattractintrigueandinterestwithinandbeyondtheWyndhamcommunity.Asdiscussedduringthematerialexploration,thematerialwillhelpcapturetheneedforanddesireformoreinnovativeapplicationstoconstructionandarchitectureinlightoftherapidurbanexpansioninWyndham.Theclearevidenceofrecycling,willalsocommerciallypromotetheCaltexbrand,whichinturndrivesawarenessofthedesignthroughitsglobalisedbrandname.

BottomRight:SpaceshipEarthSurfaceSource:http://architecture.about.com/od/geodesicdomes/a/spaceship.htm


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The Wyndham Gateway site, once an undistinguishedlocationalongtheexpansivePrincessFreewayhaspotentialtobetransformedintoanarchitecturalprecedent,beyondmerelyaregionalscale.Theapplicationofaparametricdesignapproach,aidedbymoderndigitalmodelingtechnologyhaveenableustogenerateanunconventionaldesign,anchoredtotheexistingsite,yettransformingtheconventionalspaceofapetrolstation,tosomethinguniqueandrare.Theerraticformofthedesign,couplewiththeambiguousandunusualuseofmaterialityworktogethertocreateasignificantimpactonpeopleusingthepetrolstationandspacearoundit,tothecommuterspassingbyalongthefreeway.

Theundulatinggeometry,accentuatedwiththepointedtessellationandstuddedsurfacesprovidesinterestingfeaturesonmultiplescales.Fromadistanceandapproachingthestation,theinflatedstructureofthecanopyalongwiththetallertessellationandvisualfocalpointsattractsattentionandcuriositywhileatacloserlevel,thecontrastinganglesandvariationinthetessellationrevealsfurtherintricacyinthedesign.Finallythe materiality is revealed when users experiencetheundersideofthecanopyandarefreetointeractwithcertainpointsofthedesign.

Thisambiguityofform,itsdominantpresenceinthesiteandopennessforuserinteractionallowsthedesigntocreateanarchitecturalexperiencetoberememberedandtointrigue.

LearningObjectives

C.4LearningOutcomes


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References

Part C

AlucobondSwarm:http://www.alucobond.com/372.html?&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=397&tx_ttnews[backPid]=969&cHash=5d54be20040cb368f34db241f79056c4

AlucobondFold:http://dfabnus.wordpress.com/author/lianeee333/

AlucobondFoldedFacades:http://foldingfacade.wordpress.com/

AlucobondPrintable,foldablesheet:http://www.julesparmentier.com/32570/1333667/work/alucobond-coffee-table


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air design report 542396 ishani gunasekara

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