Student Journal

Daniel Polbrat 636094Design Studio AirTutors - Has & Brad2014

‘I don’t know why people hire architects and then tell them what to do.’

-Frank Gehry

About ME

My name is Daniel and I am currently in my third year studying a major in Architecture. In my first year I attended Deakin University where I also studied one year of architecture. I decided to make the move because I’ve always wanted to attend and graduate from Melbourne University. I guess I chose to study architecture because what better way to leave your mark on the world with a 65-storey structure in the heart Dubai.

Architecture aside, I’m actually a pretty active person although I do enjoy those moments of solitude for “me” time. I can seem quiet at first, but once I get comfortable I’m far from quiet. I love interacting with people, learning new things and being pushed to my limits, it’s the only way to get better.

In terms for this subject, I’m really excited to learn and develop skills that look at the technological side of design. The fact that we are encouraged to be conceptual and open makes this subject that much more exciting in the way that we are allowing our imagination to guide our design intentions.

CONTENT

Part A. Conceptualisation3 A.1. Design Futuring5 - Energy Technology Research7 A.2. Design Computation11 A.3. Composition & Generation15 A.4. Conclusion A.5. Learning Outcome

PART A.CONCEPTUALISATION

A.PRECEDENT STUDY

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Left.99 Red Balloons

Top.MARY-GO-ROUND IN 2.0

MARY-GO-ROUND IN 2.0Artist Team: Quentin Duvillier, Adrien PiebourgArtist Location: Paris, France

This particular entry is very interesting at the first glance, although after analyzing the concept I find it really hard to understand what the architects are trying to promote and achieve. Something that really stood out to me in this design was the use of a carousel of three rings, supposed to be powered by wings of wind energy at a high altitude. I think it was a really interesting way of using wind energy to create the effect that the rings are moving above the structure.

However, unlike the other entrants this design produced little evidence of how the system is supposed to work. This was definitely one of the weaker responses although it had potential to be a really creative proposition to the competition but the lack of explanation failed to engage me any further. On the other hand, the entry inspires and encourages me to push the limitations of wind energy generation, wind exists everywhere and is a free source.

A1. Design Futuring.LAGI Competition Review.

99 Red BalloonsArtist Team: Scott Rosin, Meaghan Hunter, Danielle Loeb, Emeka Nnadi, Kara McDowell, Jocelyn Chorney, Indrajit Mitra, Narges Ayat, Denis FleuryArtist Location: Winnipeg, Canada

For my design something I’d really like to focus on is interaction and I think this entry is a good example of evoking interaction and gaining attention. This particular entry encourages exploration and engagement within a landscape that was previously detrimental landfill. The use of the balloons as a source of renewable energy is remarkable, taking the concept of photovoltaic solar generators and combining it with balloons 100 feet in the air to fully engage with sunrays is an innovative way of producing energy.

I also enjoy the fact that this entry is people-friendly and leaves an experience of innovation in the most childish way, in terms of the use of balloons. In conclusion, this entry has inspired me to think beyond just simple energy generators but to expand to less generic models. Personally I feel this entry should have won, as the design acts as beacon of new and innovative design of the future.

LAGI, “Mary-Go-Round, 2012

LAGI, “99 Red Balloons”, 2012

DumpscapeArtist Team: Yehre Suh, Yeung ShinArtist Location: New York City, USA

What I found interesting about the Dumpscape entry was how the architects reimagined a topographic infrastructure by utilizing erosion control retaining berms of recycled materials to create a landscape. The various topographic conditions produced from the berms provides the opportunity for these surfaces to act as solar energy collectors, which I think is a very interesting feature of the entry. The Dumpscape system also enhances environmental conditions through the use of the topographical berm, creating windbreaks forming specific microclimates for vegetation and wildlife. Overall, what captured me about this entry, was how they used a space which was practically filled with rubbish, a landfill and morphed it into a landscape that is reusable, produces renewable energy and can be used by the public.

LAGI, “Dumpscape”, 2012

LAGI, “Dumpscape”, 2012

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A1. -Energy Technology Research.

Piezoelectricity

There are a number of ways of generating kinetic energy, it can either be man-made or naturally harvested and then converted to electrical energy. Piezoelectricity is a form of harvesting kinetic energy, by converting mechanical strain into electrical energy1. The most recent examples of piezoelectric generators are shown through the insertion into shoes or walkways to harvest the energy from walking and jumping. This particular type of energy generation would be a great way to help the interaction and experience of the site. Depending on how the site is developed, piezoelectric generators give the opportunity for the community to be involved in production of electrical energy by simply walking around the site and experiencing it first hand. Piezoelectricity can be generated in a number of ways though pushing, twisting or distortion which widens the scope of how energy can be produced in a communal manner that has a positive effect environmentally

Photovoltaic (Organic Photovoltaic Cell)

OPVC utilizes solar energy to collect and conduct energy. OPVC is also organic therefore it appeals to the environment and its plastic nature allows it to be fabricated into flexible shapes adding to its ability to be used in design. It is also a translucent generator of energy meaning it has the ability to be applied to surfaces such as windows enhancing its adaptability2. Another positive for this source of energy generation is that it is proven to work and is a sustainable efficient way of solar energy production. The cost of production is low and still works well without direct sunlight. OPVC is great initiative towards renewable energy and also provides a number of possible design innovations in terms of the site. However, it lacks the effort of communal activities as it potentially produces energy without human intervention. In addition, this particular energy source is generic and doesn’t push the boundaries.

Thermoelectric Power

Thermoelectric power is an interesting concept in terms of energy production. This particular type of energy production method utilizes heat and cold known as the Seebeck Effect3. The Seebeck effect is produced by temperature differential across the module from heating one side and then cooling the other side by transferring the heat away as fasts as moves through the module. However with this source of energy, the temperature of the hot side of the generator is the most critical component therefore retaining that heat may consume more power than it actually produces initially4. The concept of thermoelectric power is quite interesting and its process reminds me of putting a hot pan under running cold water and the steam effect that it produces. This could be considered an interesting attraction if this was implemented on site as it can produce steam waves as it continuously produces power, which can cause more public interaction.

1 Robert Ferry & Elizabeth Monoian, “A field guide to renewable energy technologies”, 2012 p602 Robert Ferry & Elizabeth Monoian, “A field guide to renewable energy technologies”, 2012, p143 TEC, “How thermoelectric power generation works”, 2010

Fig. 1. Photovoltaic Cell

A1. - SelectedEnergy Technology

Piezoelectricity

The technology that I am interested in applying towards this design project is Piezoelectricity. My aim for this design project is to utilize the sites space and openness. The site is full of potential and I feel as though I can accomplish its full potential through the use of this technology. The greatest feature of this technology is the possibility of human interaction. With the possibility of humans being able to interact with the site whilst producing renewable energy enhances the experience but it also creates something that people could enjoy without fully understanding that their movement is actually producing energy that can be stored and used.

Possible Deisgn Solutions:

Some of the initial ideas that come to mind with this piece of technology may be to produce a site that encourages physical activity. In saying that the site may not be necessarily flat and the topography can change throughout the length of the site, encouraging moments of walking, running and so forth.

The center of the site could be the storage facility that intertwines with topography of the site and its interior could be a multi purpose structure that stores and uses the produced Piezoelectricity to run itself or even transfers to the main city power grid.

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A2. Design ComputationPrecedent - Design.

Museo SoumayaFernando Romero and Armando Ramos of Fernando Romero EnterprisE

The basic principles of the form were originated through curves5 but through computational design, are 3D form was produced. The shape is distinctively free-form, although it is interesting to look at especially with the hexagonal façade. In terms of LAGI brief, an option could be that the hexagonal faces of the façade could act energy produces collecting sunlight and storing it within the building.

Another potential idea is that LAGI site could adapt the hexagonal faces on to the ground to be walked and each time its stepped upon it collects the mechanical energy generated from the pushing force from the step which could then light a up potential hexagonal face that is linked too. This sort of design introduces an interactive system that could attract potential on lookers.

Due to the complex form of the building it would have been impossible for the architects to produce 2D drawings and would produce confusion. Computation allowed for this design to take life, it was through computational design that the architects were able to create algorithmic methods and produce meshes that brought the form to life.

Furthermore, computation allows design to push the boundaries of where to stop, it allows us to understand how things may work when it comes to the construction phase but it also changes our design thinking. For example in relation to the Museo Soumaya, the architect was able to follow a generic design for a museum but through computational design, they created something of free form that could only be understood through technology.

5 Fernando Romero and Armando Ramos, ”Bridging a Culture: The Design of Museo Soumaya”, 2013

Computational design methods create opportunity for data to take form through algorithmic and geometrical methods. Simple data sets that reflect design intent such as climate, can be illustrated into 3D forms through computational design. Technology enhances future designs by making the design process a more powerful process as it allows more people to interact with models almost instantly therefore increasing the speed of feedback.

”Bridging a Culture: The Design of Museo Soumaya”, 2013

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A2. Design ComputationPrecedent - Design.

” A basic form, pattern, or object is automatically modified by an algorithm. The result: infinite random

modifications of the starting solution.” - Frank Piller (Generativedesign, 2011)

Kuwait National BankFoster + Partners

This particular design is interesting in the way that it was developed. Overall the tower geometry was influenced by solar, wind and planarity analysis6. The design of the tower is a response to the local climate, thus vertical structural shading fans protect the eastern and western facades, whilst the north face is introduced to natural light and views.

This concept can be applied to my design in the sense, that if my design were to use solar panels, it would be a clear advantage to place these panels on a face that is open to light. Another positive of the design is the sleek “shark-fin” profile, as it is far from generic it pushes the boundaries of design but is built as a reflection of the climate. I find this an interesting way of approaching a design, generating a structure purely off climate. However this approach acts an inspiration in terms of parametric modeling, the tower is far from generic but is designed with intent for sustainability.

In terms of the design of the National Bank of Kuwait, computational design allowed the architects to generate a parametric model that would integrate performance parameters and allowed them to explore complex geometrical solutions for the building. The parametric model was used early in the design stages to quickly produce various models that could be further developed. Parametric modeling provides the link between geometric relationships and its elements. The fins that make up the buildings façade were produced through curvature techniques in link with other computational methods that made it possible to extract information to further develop the use of space.

6 Dusanka Popovska, ”Integrated Computational Design: National Bank of Kuwait Headquarters.”

chrisglew.com, 2014

chrisglew.com, 2014

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A3. Compostion & Generation- Precedent Study.

“Generative design is not about designing the building – Its’ about designing the system that

builds a building.” - Lars Hesellgren (Generativedesign, 2011)

The TED Talk by Michael Hansmayer also clearly identified the idea that generative design is the notion of developing a process which can be continuly implied and changed by the user to produce the final outcome7. Hansmayer used the example of the process of folding paper, this could be seen as one of the most basic algorithmic process, although re-using this algorithm produced a final form. From what I gathered from the video and readings is that we can generate design solutions on the spot however with technology we also have the opportunity to generate systems or process that can be altered and applied to produce an outcome that is far from generic.

Technology has now become an integral tool in the digital design process because it enables unique processes for innovation.

Scripting and parametric modeling enable architects and designers to customize design processes in their modes of working8. One of the most important types of generative design is parametric modeling. Defining parametric modeling is still open to question because it encompasses a number factors including, design change, parametric algorithm and mathematics.

As previously mentioned, parametric modeling enables the process of innovation whilst also provides the opportunity to develop a number of schemes in no time, to compare design solutions with the architect’s own predictions.

I agree with the quote mentioned above as I think it outlines the essence of Generative design practice .

The whole process is about finding forms not producing forms. Generative methods can be simply algortihmic, nature-coded, agent based and many other possibilities to generate endlessvariations. Understanding generative design as a system that builds a building uncovers how an expression can produce endless amounts of modifications of the starting solution from a basic shape, pattern or form.

7 ,8 Michael Hansmeyer ”Building unimaginable shapes”,TEDGlobal, 2012,

Beton Hala Waterfront Center Sou Fujimoto Architects

Thus this process of generative design provides efficiency, therefore making the design process much more productive with fewer setbacks.

My interpretation of this design is that I think the architect started with a single geometric square which is the center of the structure. From there he may have manipulated a circle through a number of inputs like offsetting and generated a particular pattern or algorithm which transformed the circle into a 3D form.

This particular piece of work even though it is not built is prime example of conceptualization in conjunction with parametric modeling. This design is anything but rigid and the use of codes and algorithms increases the chance to generate these abstract ideas such as the Water front center also known as the “Floating Cloud”. As the name suggests this is a very complex design visually although it is also pleasant to the eye.

Without technology I don’t think this design would seize to exist or even be developed without the use of system that could modify certain parameters without having to start from scratch every time a change is made.

ArchDaily, “Guangzhou Opera House/ Zaha Hadid Architects”, 2011,

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Design Boom, “Sou Fujimoto: Beton hala waterfront centre”, 2012,

Guangzhou Opera House Zaha Hadid Architects

This opera house design incorporates features of generative design as it works to imitate nature. The design evolved from concepts of the natural landscape, engaging with principles of erosion, geology and topography9. In a design such as this, parametric modeling allowed the architects to have direct control of how a generated expression in conjunction with the surroundings and conditions of the site would facilitate the shape and form of the building.

For this design, I feel the architect may have started out with curve that shaped the site and from there they exploded the curve with different inputs and parameters until they produced a form that defined harmony between site and structure. . However if this design was to be shared for reference with other architects, parametric modeling is inconvenient in the way that other architects will not be able to modify the design as they don’t have any reference to how the design was originally created and it may be hard to backtrack certain inputs and parameters.

10 Design Boom, “Sou Fujimoto: Beton hala waterfront centre”, 2012

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A4. & A5. Conclusion

Just like people, Architecture had evolved over time. The Design approach has developed with the introduction of technology with new and innovative ways to produce final design solutions. With new approaches such as Parametric modeling, architects are able to push the boundaries of design and are able to generate and modify an endless amount of variations through complex algorithms.

For this project, I plan on utilizing concepts of computational design in conjunction with generative approaches. To be successful for this brief, it is important to use tools that stray away from generic design therefore using a parametric modeling approach you are ensured to produce something that is far from generic but rather unique in the applied variations produced during the design process and also in its final form.

When looking back at previous design projects, now that I have this knowledge on different design approaches and thinking I feel as though my past projects reflect a basic understanding of design and were sort of limited. Utilizing this new idea of thinking and designing with the use of technology enables to branch out further and ultimately enables me to produce a system or a process, rather than just building a structure.

PART A. Notes

ArchDaily, “Guangzhou Opera House/ Zaha Hadid Architects”, 2011, <http://www.archdaily.com/?p=115949>, accessed 24 March, 2014

Design Boom, “Sou Fujimoto: Beton hala waterfront centre”, 2012, <http://www.designboom.com/architecture/sou-fujimoto-beton-hala-waterfront-centre/>, accessed March 24, 2014.

Dusanka Popovska, ”Integrated Computational Design: National Bank of Kuwait Headquarters.” Archit Design, 83, (2013),<http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/store/10.1002/ad.1550/asset/1550_ftp.pdf?v=1&t=htare3fj&s=3a66dd9e61251be15dde86251a0e4a76d14011b4> accessed March 14, 2014 p. 34-35

Fernando Romero and Armando Ramos, ”Bridging a Culture: The Design of Museo Soumaya”, Special Issue: Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought, 83, (2), (2013),<http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com.ezp.lib.unimelb.edu.au/store/10.1002/ad.1556/asset/1556_ftp.pdf?v=1&t=htarcrvk&s=290eb42fad2d27d4a370ae95173ed0864eabc15a> accessed March 14, 2014 p. 66-69

Michael Hansmeyer ”Building unimaginable shapes”,TEDGlobal, 2012,< http://www.ted.com/talks/michael_hansmeyer_building_unimaginable_shapes>, accessed March 23, 2014

LAGI, “Dumpscape”, 2012<http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/ABRAXUSS/>, accessed 10 March, 2014.

LAGI, “Mary-Go-Round 2.0”, 2012,<http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/DP848612/>, accessed 10 March, 2014.

LAGI, “99 Red Balloons”, 2012<http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/99009900/>, accessed 10 March, 2014.

Robert Ferry & Elizabeth Monoian, “A field guide to renewable energy technologies”, 2012,<https://app.lms.unimelb.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-4269798-dt-content-rid-13528020_2/courses/ABPL30048_2014_SM1/LAGI-FieldGuideRenewableEnergy-ed1.pdf> , , accessed 10 March 2014, p14, 21, 60

TEC, “How thermoelectric power generation works”, 2010,<http://espressomilkcooler.com/how-thermoelectric-power-generation-works/> ,accessed March10, 2014.

All Quotes were taken from;<http://generativedesign.wordpress.com/2011/01/29/what-is-generative-desing/>accessed, March 24, 2014

B1. Research Field- Material Performance

In Computational Design, Material Performance can be seen as an alternative approach to computation generation. In terms of material performance, the computational form is driven directly driven by the physical behaviour and materials characteristics (REF). Therefore material performance can be used as another design approach for the LAGI brief, generating something that is based directly on the physical properties of a particular material means structural integrity and production of a form that supports itself.

Different materials have different properties and act in different ways in relation to their physical characteristics and material performance is about experimenting with these possibilities to produce a structure that can inevitably hold its own.

The ICD/ITKE Research Pavillion 2010, utilizes this concept of material performance through the use of plywood strips and its elasticity to bend. In conjuction with parametric modeling, the materials properties were combined with parametric principles, the arrangement produced lightweight system through a combination of both the stored energy resulting form the elastic bending during the construction process and through the morphological differentiation of the joint locations enables a very lightweight system (REF).

Material performance can also produce structures that are visually a delight to the eye. The Voussoir Cloud is made of thin, lightweight wood laminate construed into vaults and three-dimensional petal clusters which form the body of the structure.

This design is innovative in the way that it uses the density of the material to create columns for the structure, by ganging together of more smaller connective modules that inevitably hold up it up, while the upper vault shells loosens which be comes a visual display.

In terms of the LAGI brief, material performance would be an excellent way to showcase a materials properties. However it’s choosing the material or the combination of materials that it is the hard part. After conduction the precedent research a material often used is wood in bending, folding and stripping, all characteristics of it elasticity. I also think concrete could be a good material to use, as different forms can be generated through the use of formwork.

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Left.ICD/ITKE Research

Pavillion, 2010

Top.Voussoir Cloud