studio aiR Chun Ho Hector Leung 2014 Finn Semester 2

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ConCeptuaLiSation

CRiteRia deSign

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Born and raised in a contemporary

architecture wonderland, I was inspired

to be an architect since young. Able to

come to Melbourne and study Architecture

means I’m half way to my goal. I would

describe myself as an idea-tester, I love

to test different design ideas instead of

sticking into one. The photo across is a

deign project I did in my first year and it

was my very first time dealing with digital

designing. While I prefer the old traditional

way of designing, I find digital design

interesting and would love to explore more.

Me Made in Hong Kong

intRoduCtion

2012

viRtuaL enViRonMent

intRoduCtion

a1.1StRuCtuRaLexpReSSioniSM

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Fig 1

Structure and form inherently have an unequivocal association with each other. Throughout architecture timeline, they both individually have proven their significance on reshaping the world of architecture.

Looking specifically on the development of structure might bring us back to the age of structural expressionism or as some people might refer as the “The High-Tech Architecture“. Since the modernist movement, architects under Le Corbusier’s influence have started to implement economic yet tedious approaches to building designs. During that time, structural components were designed purely for supporting reasons but not for asthetic purposes. The development of structural expressionism gives structural components such as truss and beam, a duel function. This represents a revolutionary paradigm shifting toward architectural practices, which form has no longer follows function but creates on its own. The structural development of skyscrapers has further highlighted that structure has the capabilities to function both structurally and asthetically. Using new materials such as glass and steel, a rigid and appealing structural framed system with greater efficiency developed. Take HSBC building in HK as an example. Ginormous trusses and structural steel members exposed on the facade adopts not only a technical style but also a breakthrough to skyscrapers as the core structure components are now projected and attached instead of detached away from the building facade, thus maximise the interior space. The building is covered wth glass in order to obtain more natural lights into the interior spaces. This use of glass corperating with steel has later popularised within designers as integrating structural components to the facade design has given more flexibility in architectural forms which allows irregular design to arise. This need of expressing structural system revitalizes the architecture form and exhibits a controlled robustness.

a1.2exaggeRatedModeRnaRCHiteCtuRe

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The need of deliberately expressing structural components may have shifted its focus from exposing structural systems on the building facade to exploring great exaggerated features such as long cantilevered roof, canted storefront and soaring to building form in order to show its technological advancement. Busan Cinema Center by Coop Himmelblau is well-known for its roof, which still hold the record of the longest cantilevered roof in the world.

The essence of this building is its construction method of how to sustain such long and heavy roof. The answer lies within the joint cooperation with Tekla company, who practices digital information model for solving engineering matters. With computer software, Coop Himmelblau architects are able to minimise as much errors as possible by simply running simulations to testing material performance before the offical building construction begins.

‘the most challenging part was to put an accurate camber value considered the deflection of the cantilever because of its self-load after construction.’ 3

-tekla Corporation

Fig.2

“Once we built architecure like aircraft wings

we will no longer need columns.” 4

-Coop Himmelblau

Involving computer softwares in the design process definitely enhances the efficiency of the workflows and allows more unrealitic designs become achievable and possible. Function is no longer the priorities of building design, but form, structural form to be specific, is and architects are eager to fabricate more architectures with visual impacts.

a.2.CoMputationaLaRCHiteCtuRe

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The use of BIM software allows architects to exchange information with engineers or builders and thus enhances the workflows. Architects and engineers can now share their information by uploading data to the program and each can modify his design accordingly. Architects now have a better control over building construction.

The Double Cone is a support-free space entirely covered with glazing and twisted upward supporting the floating roof.5 There are no two matching glasses which imply that such acurate measurements of dimension could impossibly be done without the help of computation. Moreover, as mentioned before in the previous chapter, computation can also be used to run simulations in order to eliminate as much erros as possible before the construction starts. This allows architects to have a better understanding to what construction methodology is best suitable for the design project. As a result, it opens up infinity potential solutions instead of having the same fixed solution to complicated and changing problems.

Integrating computational design process into concepts exploration opens up more variaties to designers. It is because digital modeling software enables a better visualization, in comparison to the conventional way- the drawings. Designing process is more efficient as designers can visualize and modify the form at the same time. This has changed architecture design from “thinking a form” to “making a form”.

Fig. 3 Fig.4

Perhaps one of the greatest advantage of involving computation into design process is the accessibility of digital manufacturing techniques. With 3D modelling programs such as rhino and grasshopper, digital fabrication is getting widely used. Prototypes could be manufactured for evaluations, allowing architects and designers to improve upon their design.

ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011 was a project targeting to extract nature’s element and modified under computer-based design paradigms. Despite the complex systems of their design, the whole pavilion was constructed in thin sheets of plywood. There are no structural components like columns, beams and trusses as if the pavilion is supported on its own, thus creating a giant interior space.6 Running through computational processess, rigid systems produced by a wide range of different geometries arise and thus allow irregular forms

such as the Research Pavilion to exist. It deviates from our perception of the disassociation between structures and skin of architecture. Using computation programs, architects are able to construct small-scale structural form architecture. Imagine this technology can be transferred to skyscrapers, we will have a combination of structural skin and within is a giant support-free interior space. As long as technologies continue to expand, architects and designers will continue to fabricate great architectural space.

Fig.5

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digitaL and RobotiC FabRiCation

Fig.6

a3.1paRaMetRiCaRCHiteCtuRe

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Fig.7

Parametric techniques have introduced a fundamental shift in architectural practices, which design parameters are connected and data can be contolled. Architects can now insert, delete and alter parameters of the design using algorithmic modelling tools. This development of mathematical-based programs has disproportionately attracted many architects and designers in to concentrating on only parametric outcomes (ie, shapes) as opposed to the function which computational design could also achieve, thus rendering many of their designs as unresponsive to elements such as site analysis, structure, function, usuage, and circulation.

Putting too much focuses on exploring the form of architecture would limit designer’s creativity and neglect other design approaches such as structural. Zaha Hadid’s masterplan for Bendy Beko Building in Belgrade like any other Zaha’s design, focuses on the bending and curves which generated through parametric modelling tools. The paradox of having parametric modelling in the design process is that there are too many variables in controlling the paramtric outcome. As mentioned before, design parameters are interrelated and could be changed part of the design in a coordinate way,architects now able to add, delete and rewrite the programs. Using the same program but applying different algorithms, architects would have designs that look similar to each others. Zaha Hadid’s designs start to look alike in either forms and structures after her over-obsession in algorithmic thinking, limiting her from creating new groundbreaking architecture.

Parametric modelling introduces architects with high efficient and flexible designing process, allowing architects to test different ideas using a set of algorithms. Nevertheless, architects should have developed his or her own thinking towards design and that parametric modelling is barely a tool for representation and form delivery. In this notion, architects would be able to continue to expand the boundary of architecture, thus creating groundbreaking design.

Fig. 8

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O-14 tower by Reiser + Umemoto demonstrates how parametric techniques influence design. The shell of the building is a exo-skeleton that combines structure and facade together. This primary structural system requires to take loads from every directions as well as creating openings on the surface. This could not have been possible without the parametric design and working along side with structural engineer to work out a set of algorithm that could sustain this multi-functional system. The dimension and lcoation of the openings has to be arranged carefully in order to effectively transfer the loads down to the foundation. The use of parametric tools demonstrates how designers could test their design’s performance throughout the design process and how it can balance architectural design and structural properties. This is essential to the development of architecture as the duel function of the structural skeleton is a breakthrough in architecture that creates core-free space within the interior space.1

All this design process are done by parametric design and this allow architects to have a better control over the assembly process and installation since the conceptual development.

The use of generative approaches in the design process changes architect’s thinking of constructing highrise building. The traditional way of skyscraper construction is based on a verticle central core, which slabs and structural components lay their supports on. Using parametric modelling, structure can now functions as both supporting element and facade representation. This duel function is critical to skyscraper’s development as central core is no longer needed and with that, architects are able to construct a more cost-effective and an asthetically-pleasing form at the same time.

Since structural expressionism, structural components have matured into a component of its own but its originl structural form such as trusses and beams is exposed. However, with parametric modelling and algorithmic tools, architects are able to construct a structural system in a form of facade surface, thus providing a more rigid system on the building’s facade and creating an innovative facade at the same time.

Fig. 9

a4.4LeaRningoutCoMeS

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The need of expressing structural elements will continue to increase but in a subtle way. As comparison to structural expressionism, where structural components such as truss and beam are boldly exposed on the facade in their natural form, the development of computation technology allows architects to generate structural surface (skin + bone) architecture such as the O-14 Tower, which its skin at the same time satisfy both structural and asethetic needs, as well as generating a column-free and lighter core structure. This technology will continue to improve and enhance through parametric modelling and algorithmic thinking.

Structural surface, as proven from the precedents I chose, holds the cabilities of spanning a column-free structure as well as providing a asthetic pleasing facade. It is significant to design architecture in this way in the future not only because of generating a huge core-free interior space, but also creates another research area onto materials. Structural elements are not necessarily mean beams and columns. Through parametric design, structural elements could be a surface of rigid system that has the abilites to support itself. The Wellington Zoo Hub & Kamalas Pavilion by Assembly Architects demonstrates the use of structural skin as roof support. This duel function of structural skin is innovative as its visual impacts on the building interior and exterior. 2

Computational design made me realize the power of parametric design in developing scientific approaches to architecture. My discourse of structure surface can also be applied to my Designing Environment and Studio Water project to maximise the inteior space and give strong visual impacts to the design.

SKin + bone= aRCHiteCtuRe

Fig. 10

a.6.aLgoRitHMiC SKetCHeS

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I mentioned “Structual Skin“ several times in my research in this section. As the structural system has projected away from the building and attached on the facade, we need to have a rigid structural system on the structual skin in order to resist lateral load and self load. Triangle, as the rigid members in the geometry family, is chosen to explore in this algorithmic sketches. I have explored in various ways to get a general idea of how a structural skin could be adopt.

ReFeRenCe LiSt.

Book:

1. Reiser J, Umemoto, N, Ocampa, J, ‘Case study:O-14 Folded Exoskeleton.’ (2010), 14-17. < http://www.ctbuh.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=QAB5K84O%2bko%3d&tabid=1818&language=en-US > [accessed 15 aug 2014]

2. Marco Rinaldi, ‘Wellington Zoo Hub by Assembly Architects Limited.’ (2013), < http://aasarchitecture.com/2013/05/wellington-zoo-hub-by-assembly-architects-limited.html > [accessed 17 aug 2014]

3. Tekla Coperation, ‘Busan Cinema Cener’, (2014,), < http://www.tekla.com/node/1679 > [accessed 9 aug 2014]

4. Coop Himmeblau, ‘BMW Welt’, (2014), < http://www.coop-himmelblau.at/architecture/projects/bmw-welt > [accessed 18 aug 2014]

5. ”BMW Welt / Coop Himmelb(l)au”, 22 Jul 2009. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=29664> [Accessed 22 Aug 2014.]

6. Universitat Stuttgart, ‘ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2011’, (2011), < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553 > [access 21 aug 2014]

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FIgURE:

1. < http://fac-ltd.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/p1020249.jpg >

2. < http://www.archello.com/sites/default/files/P0508F05DM.jpg >

3. < http://3d-car-shows.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/BMW-Welt-germany.jpg >

4. < http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BN61ateZep0/USnuOUqDc9I/AAAAAAAACIk/riMN68-NVf8/s320/BMW-WELT_06_Offset_Small.gif >

5. < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/wp-content/gallery/researchpavilion_2011_8/02_millingrange.jpg >

6. < http://www.arcspace.com/CropUp/-/media/765558/22.jpg >

7. < http://thesuperslice.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/120914_560_view_03_winter.jpg >

8. < http://likegoodarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/0-14-11.jpg >

9. < http://www.ctbuh.org/Portals/0/High-rise%20Resources/Featured%20Tall/2010/O14/O14-stress.jpg >

10. < http://assembly.co.nz/2014/05/30/kamalas-pavilion-and-zoo-hub-at-wellington-zoo/ >

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B.1Research Field

geometry will be the starting point for the development of my technique. The exploration of structural skin in Part A has shown the close linkage between structure and geometry. Emerging from mathematical research such as architectural engineering and computational mathematics, architectural geometry, a study area of combining geometry and architecture, has challenged contemporary architectural practices. Its ability of generating complex freeform surfaces has enlarged the conceptual design implication and widen the exploration of fabricational techniques.

Prada Store by Herzog & de Meuron is an excellent examples of the potential of architectural geometry. The diagrid wrapped around the entire building is a structual skin that functions both as a representational element and a structural frame. It is also a great advantages in the manufacturing process as it requires less materials and less costs, thus optimizing the design sustainability.

With architectural geometry, architects are able to generate complex and challenging forms that enlarges the research in architectural practices.Structural aspects, together with geometric research, expands the possibility of conceptual design and contains great potential in advancing the architectural practices.

iMage 1

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SpeCieS one: StRuCtuRaL poSSibiLitieS

the model demonstrates a structural possibility that deviates from the original structure. the chaotic order of curves scattered randomly yet an order could be seen may have introduced an unique structural form. Furthermore, the scattered curves have given the structure a strong geometric-looking form. Moreover, the possibility of self-erecting and interesting intersecting lines could be an idea for structural skin.

SpeCieS two: SuRFaCe paneL FoR eneRgy geneRation

this explores the possible panels for generating solar energy. Choosing the appropriate panels in optimizing the surface area is essential to collect solar energy. the model demonstrates a structural triangular panels which divided and oriented outward. Furthmore, unlike other iternations in the same series, this shows a strong geometrical ordering for possible structural skin

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SpeCieS tHRee: dynaMiC StRuCtuRe

geometric structure arises within this digital model in subtle way. the intersecting lines overlapping each other expands another potential of structure possibilities. Furthermore, the lines created irregular geometric shapes. However, the model has failed to relate the context of the Lagi brief.

SpeCieS FouR: unexpeCted StRuCtuRe

unexpected structure has produced as the project has evolved into another material system: sectioning. the intersecting and overlapping planes scattered across the surface has generated a sophisticated look. Strong geometrical ordering, yet still remain but not as strong as the other series . Likewise to speices three, the relation to the Lagi brief remains unsolved.

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with the ambition to create a “slice of prairie in the big-city”, Studio gang revitalized the polluted and abandoned pre-cementary site by erecting an interactive space that encourages educational activities. the intelligent play in materials and structure replenishes the landscape that keep attracting people to enter into the landscape.

the use of parametric tools allows such rigid form to rise with no additional supports, i.e. columns and beams, as a result, drawing people’s attention under its canopy. Furthermore, the appropriate use of materials renovates the landscape. with the entire structure constructed by prefabricated bent wood members, the structure harmonizes the surrounding texture and colors.

Studio gang revitalized the landscape by introducing a modernized pavilion that attracts attention. the appropriate use of materiality and structure is the key element for allowing such attracting educational and recreational space to erect.

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1. Create point in origin and use “Sine“ to generate points in the Y-axis. Intrapolate points to create curve.

2. Mirror Curve.

3. Create series for the first Curve.

4. Create another series for the mirrored curve.

5. Bounding curve in a box and explode the box to generate vertices. Create two arcs across..

6. Loft two arcs.

7. Project the curve onto the lofted surface.

8. Offset the lofted surface.

9. Project the curve onto the offset surface.

10. Loft two curves.

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The original “onion“ shell has turned into a new ribbon surface, which interlocks over each other, providing a more rigid system. Furthermore, unlike the other iterations in the same species, the the curves resemebles some key elements of the tortoise shell panel, yet deviates from it to a certain degree, with the addition of the diagrid in the middle section.

With further parameter changes, the patterns of diagrid and tortoise shell started to reveal. The digital model demonstrates the possibilities of generating two different patterns in using the same definition. Furthermore, the structure looks more rigid and stronger since more curves are now interlocking each other. Moreover, the solar panels can simply be installed in between the tortoise shell.

The simpliest form, i.e. tunnels, is the most beautiful among all. Its perspective is more drastic due to the undulating effect created by the curves along the surface. In between the “wavy“ curves is the space where the solar panels sit. Multiplying the tunnels helped maximizing the surface area of the solar absorption.

The up and down of the ribbon surface is exaggerated yet resulted in an unexpected clean lines. The curves are now clearly defined and formed an enlarged tortoise shell. The size of the tortoise shell diminishes as the patterns goes across the surface. This archieving the overlapping visaul effect in the interior as well exterior. The twisting angle of the ribbon surface orientates towards the sunlight which conclude this as the best suitable choice among all iterations.

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the first prototype resembles the digital model well. the horizontality effect created by the undulating curves is pleasant. the shadow effects are interesting and defined. the structure stands automatically when the two edges are fixed in place.

though the prototype is successful in achieving the desired effects, it maintained the original and ordinary form. Moreover, the prototype, as made manually and joined by stapler pins, showed disruption of the visual effects.

i started to modified the form and exploring the different possibility of materials for the next prototype.

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The second prototype, unlike the first prototype, focuses on the exploration of possible form. While the prototype successfully proved the hybrid structural skin, the materials - plywood lacked the flexbility in achieving complicated curves, which inspired in using plastic. However, plastic is too soft for sustaining the structure.

Despite the constrains of plywood, I was satisfied by the form. However, the joints between the two curves require further exploration, in which i need to hold them place by pressing against them. The prototype tested the several possible geometric forms and rymthms, and they all successful as strong material performace of plywood. The gradual reduction of the distance between two curves has also achieved my experiments of light transmition through the thin plane.

b.6. propoSAl

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With the inspiration of bird’s flight path, a form arises to not only optimizes the surface area to absorb sun-lights, but also introducing “fluidity“ within the sur-rounding landscape. The load-bearing enclosure forms a structural skin that presumes the separation between interior and exterior. The open space, with intercrossing structure attracts attention under its canopy. Moreover, The structure skin has evolved to a geometric-driven perfo-mative skin that enhance the regulation of light within the user’s space.

The structure skin intertwines and overlaps over each other controls the lights, views and shading. The draw-backs, however, are the narrow choices in absorbing solar energy. Direct placement of the solar panel in be-tween the curves may distrupt the visual experience from the exterior and interior. By twisting and bending toward the angle of sunlight could be one of the solu-tions. However, more explorations require.

Moreover, in direct regards with the scale of the struc-ture, it can be done either by cutting the entire struc-ture in small parts and laying across the site, or enlarg-ing the structure as far as possible in order to absorb solar energy.

b.7. lEArnIng oBjEcT AnD oUTcoME

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b.7. lEArnIng oBjEcT AnD oUTcoME

Here are some of the highlights of the interim review:

1. Structural joints need to be explored. 2. Form being too repetitive and messy.

Choosing the appropriate materials and joints need to be explored. Having to try plastic and plywood, two extremes materials of one being too flexible and one being too rigid, i was inspired to look back into the definition and redefined my structural design. an amagalmation of plastic and plywood, with plywood as the core structural support and plastic as the second layer, have a higher possibilities in achieving the complicated freeform surface.

at this point, the design is still incomplete and requires indepth exploration of the possible form that meets the intended effect. this could be done through perfecting algorithim and developing prototypes, which i planned to start before part C. Furthermore, before questioning myself which direction i should take to extend my design, i must first answer the question of what effect i’m trying to achieve. with the unexpected gradual light transmission from the second prototype, i was encouraged to uncover the possibilities between structural skin and lights. altering algorithmic data and parameters to achieve differential frequency and size of the curves, creating a rhythm on the curves could be an interesting approach towards structural skin. Furthremore, the linkage between the design and the requirement of the brief must be further discussed. this could be achieved by form-hunting, appropriate orientation.

at this stage, i am still curious about the ability of parametric tools in influencing design implications, especially in structural skin. the role of computation continues to expand the potential of architecture, challenging architectural practices, allow hi-tech architectual structural such as performative skins and adaptive structural skins to arise;.

b.8. AlgorIThMIc SkETchES

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ReFeRenCe LiSt.

IMAgE:

1. < http://photo.harayu.com/architecture/concave-and-convex-bubbles >

2. < http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/ >

3. < http://web-load-balancer-1116586804.us-east-1.elb.amazonaws.com/photo.php?imageId=9310748>