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Keli Murray 5179128
: contentsarchitecture as a discourse 04
computing in architecture 12
parametric modelling 19
group research + case study 00
: architecture as a discourse
: architecture as a discourse
Hi, I’m Keli, 22 years old and I’m a third year Architecture student. This is my second year at
Melboure University as I transferred from Monash. I grew up on the Mornington Peninsula but have lived
in Melbourne for the past 2 years. I’m interested in design and making jewellery, particularly
with the use of laser cutters. I have a very basic knowledge of Rhino and various CAD
programs, but my expierence with digital architecture is very limited. I do wish to learn
Rhino and Grasshopper well, though I do find it a bit daunting, particularly Grasshopper.
This is a project from one of my previous studios in which our task was explore
architectural geometry thtrough digital means. By combining archimedian solids in 3D
modelling I was able to create a seamless physical model through the use of laser
cutters, from what was a purely conceptual computational design.
EAMES HOUSEray & charles eames
I find the Eames house, built in 1945, interesting particularly because of the idea
of prefabrication. Built with the intention to create a house using prefabricated materials that would not interfere with the natural site, be easy to construct
and showcasing the modernist style. I believe this house achieves that through it’s simplicity in design. I like the idea of
designing from a ‘kit of parts‘ rather than having a design then figuring out what
materials are required to achieve that. I also think their idea of prefabrication off site was
very pioneering. Although I don’t particularly like the modern/minimalist style of the
house because it can be quite cold and unhomely, this idea of an ‘IKEA’ like house was very forward thinking of them at their time as I think architecture is headed in a
prefabricated direction.
image sources:http://www.archdaily.com/66302/ad-classics-eames-house-charles-and-ray-eames/http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Eames_House.html
NATURAL HISTORY MUESUMalfred waterhouse (london)
I find the Natural History Muesum in London, built between 1860 & 1880, particularly
inspiring because of the intricate details used throughout. Built in German Romanesque
style, the architect, Waterhouse commented on this building in particular saying, ‘to clothe over practical necessities with such beauty as they were capable of receiving.’ I think his intention
was to not just build a practical building, but to completely ‘dress‘ the building with delicate and intriacte details as to simply create a truly
beautiful building. By envoking the the German Romanesque revival style, Waterhouse achieves
this through his use of the dramatic arches, towers and heavy detailing. I like his idea of not
wanting to create a purely practical building, which was probably all that was being built in London during the time, but rather him trying
to create a really beautiful building just simply because he could.
image sources:http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Museum_of_Natural_History.htmlhttp://www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/history-architecture/
: computing in architecture
ARCHITECTURE’S NEW MEDIAbenefits of using computers in the design in the design process
Design is a process in which we engage in activities that are aimed at achieving pre-defined goals with a specific set of conditions.As architecture moved away from the traditional ‘master-
builder’ construction method towards a ‘planned’ process, new ways of communication needed to be developed for an architect to demonstrate their vision. Drawings and scale models
were used to communicate these ideas with builders and clients, but also as a means of experimentation to produce alternative design ideas. This also allowed more people to become
involved and visualise the building during the design proccess.
The use of computers in architectural design is an extension of this and has many benefits in the design process. Ultimately is allows for fast and effective communication of ideas visually
through drawings, renderings and 3D modelling. As the design process is on-going and often includes a combination of problem solving and puzzle making, and solutions are constantly
being evaluated, often specific aspects of the design or constraints need to be changed. Computers allow for changes and revisions to be made much faster. Computers also allow
for complex geometires and ideas to be explored that would not otherwise be possible due to the limitations of our imagination. This aspect alone has benefited architecture in the way we
construct and explore structure, materials not possible without the use of computers.
Projects such as the BMW Welt by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU in Munich, Germany demonstrates the benefits of computer aided design. This projects explores the complex geometry of a
changing cloud and translates that into architecture.
ARCHITECTURE’S NEW MEDIAbenefits of using computers in the design in the design process
Design is a process in which we engage in activities that are aimed at achieving pre-defined goals with a specific set of conditions.As architecture moved away from the traditional ‘master-
builder’ construction method towards a ‘planned’ process, new ways of communication needed to be developed for an architect to demonstrate their vision. Drawings and scale models
were used to communicate these ideas with builders and clients, but also as a means of experimentation to produce alternative design ideas. This also allowed more people to become
involved and visualise the building during the design proccess.
The use of computers in architectural design is an extension of this and has many benefits in the design process. Ultimately is allows for fast and effective communication of ideas visually
through drawings, renderings and 3D modelling. As the design process is on-going and often includes a combination of problem solving and puzzle making, and solutions are constantly
being evaluated, often specific aspects of the design or constraints need to be changed. Computers allow for changes and revisions to be made much faster. Computers also allow
for complex geometires and ideas to be explored that would not otherwise be possible due to the limitations of our imagination. This aspect alone has benefited architecture in the way we
construct and explore structure, materials not possible without the use of computers.
Projects such as the BMW Welt by COOP HIMMELB(L)AU in Munich, Germany demonstrates the benefits of computer aided design. This projects explores the complex geometry of a
changing cloud and translates that into architecture.
ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGEThe use of computer-aided design has opened architecture up to way of designing in a
non-conventional way. New forms and shapes can be explored in a way that was previously unimaginable, and from that the representation and construction of the design can be more
complex and direct because the information can be extracted, manipulated, exchanged and utlized much easier and quicker.
Within computational architecture a range of discourses have been developed, including ‘Performance Architecture’. Performance architecture uses building performance as a guiding
design principle and focuses on the performance of abuilding over form-making. This concept of design broadly looks at the financial, social, spacial and technical aspects when designing.
It’s as though the building is a shell for activities and experiences, and is shaped by it’s use. The building is then understood by the effect it has on those experiencing it. This concept
is enhanced through the use of digital means as the performance of the building can be analysedand altered to achieve it’s optimal performance.
The Yamaha Ginza building by Nikken Sekkei architects in Tokyo, Japan explore performance architecture as they try to express the essence of Yamaha’s brand through this building. They
wanted to design a building that ‘exudes the feel of sound and music’. They achieved this by calling upon the concept image of a woodwind instrument in a glass case, using it as a
theme for the building. The facade aims to reflect the rythmn and change in music. Internally the building is very acoustically complex as it aims to accomodate a hall, shops and music
teaching rooms.
ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGEThe use of computer-aided design has opened architecture up to way of designing in a
non-conventional way. New forms and shapes can be explored in a way that was previously unimaginable, and from that the representation and construction of the design can be more
complex and direct because the information can be extracted, manipulated, exchanged and utlized much easier and quicker.
Within computational architecture a range of discourses have been developed, including ‘Performance Architecture’. Performance architecture uses building performance as a guiding
design principle and focuses on the performance of abuilding over form-making. This concept of design broadly looks at the financial, social, spacial and technical aspects when designing.
It’s as though the building is a shell for activities and experiences, and is shaped by it’s use. The building is then understood by the effect it has on those experiencing it. This concept
is enhanced through the use of digital means as the performance of the building can be analysedand altered to achieve it’s optimal performance.
The Yamaha Ginza building by Nikken Sekkei architects in Tokyo, Japan explore performance architecture as they try to express the essence of Yamaha’s brand through this building. They
wanted to design a building that ‘exudes the feel of sound and music’. They achieved this by calling upon the concept image of a woodwind instrument in a glass case, using it as a
theme for the building. The facade aims to reflect the rythmn and change in music. Internally the building is very acoustically complex as it aims to accomodate a hall, shops and music
teaching rooms.
ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGEThe use of computer-aided design has opened architecture up to way of designing in a
non-conventional way. New forms and shapes can be explored in a way that was previously unimaginable, and from that the representation and construction of the design can be more
complex and direct because the information can be extracted, manipulated, exchanged and utlized much easier and quicker.
Within computational architecture a range of discourses have been developed, including ‘Performance Architecture’. Performance architecture uses building performance as a guiding
design principle and focuses on the performance of abuilding over form-making. This concept of design broadly looks at the financial, social, spacial and technical aspects when designing.
It’s as though the building is a shell for activities and experiences, and is shaped by it’s use. The building is then understood by the effect it has on those experiencing it. This concept
is enhanced through the use of digital means as the performance of the building can be analysedand altered to achieve it’s optimal performance.
The Yamaha Ginza building by Nikken Sekkei architects in Tokyo, Japan explore performance architecture as they try to express the essence of Yamaha’s brand through this building. They
wanted to design a building that ‘exudes the feel of sound and music’. They achieved this by calling upon the concept image of a woodwind instrument in a glass case, using it as a
theme for the building. The facade aims to reflect the rythmn and change in music. Internally the building is very acoustically complex as it aims to accomodate a hall, shops and music
teaching rooms.
ARCHITECTURE IN THE DIGITAL AGEThe use of computer-aided design has opened architecture up to way of designing in a
non-conventional way. New forms and shapes can be explored in a way that was previously unimaginable, and from that the representation and construction of the design can be more
complex and direct because the information can be extracted, manipulated, exchanged and utlized much easier and quicker.
Within computational architecture a range of discourses have been developed, including ‘Performance Architecture’. Performance architecture uses building performance as a guiding
design principle and focuses on the performance of abuilding over form-making. This concept of design broadly looks at the financial, social, spacial and technical aspects when designing.
It’s as though the building is a shell for activities and experiences, and is shaped by it’s use. The building is then understood by the effect it has on those experiencing it. This concept
is enhanced through the use of digital means as the performance of the building can be analysedand altered to achieve it’s optimal performance.
The Yamaha Ginza building by Nikken Sekkei architects in Tokyo, Japan explore performance architecture as they try to express the essence of Yamaha’s brand through this building. They
wanted to design a building that ‘exudes the feel of sound and music’. They achieved this by calling upon the concept image of a woodwind instrument in a glass case, using it as a
theme for the building. The facade aims to reflect the rythmn and change in music. Internally the building is very acoustically complex as it aims to accomodate a hall, shops and music
teaching rooms.
: parametric modelling
PARAMETRIC MODELLING Parametric architecture involves the process of designing based
on raltionships and rulesusing the computer. Through the use of parametric software objects are easily manipulated to quickly
generate multiples and form complex free form shapes. Parametric modelling works un-like conventional modelling, in which the whole
design is modelled as a whole. Parametric design works bottom-up where the relationship of the individual elements work together to
create the overall design.There are many advantages to parametric modelling, mainly that it
allows for development and change throughout the design process, making it a generative and reactive process as you are able to
change and rework designs quickly and effectively. Though working from the bottom-up approach, as you do
parametrically has it’s benefits it also has its disadvantages. Whilst working on a system rather than the whole design itself, the logic
behind the design may be lost if it is not looked at holistically.
: group research + case study
Summary of Parametric Design Journey
So far we have explored parametric design through studying projects, built and non-built, as well as beginning to understand the basics
through Rhino + Grasshopper trutorials. I have found the idea of parametric design
quite a hard concept to grasp, but after looking at more examples of other people’s
work it has expanded my understanding of it. Through the tutorials and case studies I have
begun to realise the benefits of parametric design and particularly the ease at which
you are able to make changes to the design. As we started to research our chosen area
of perception and play around with the case studies I have become more interested
in parametric design as I didn’t quite understand the potential of using this from of
design up until now.
GROUP ARGUMENT
As a group we are intested in pursuing ‘perception’ as a starting point to our expression of interest within the Wyndham Gateway Project. We think perception and illusion are relevant to the project because there will be a moving privileged point of view, making it interactive and a memorable architectural experience. Even though the structure can be static through the use of different parametric design techniques it can become visually and physically dynamic, through shadows, perception. Perception and illusion do not necessarily exclude the use of passively responsive design, which could react to stimuli from the environment or the cars themselves. Our key focus would be to create a structure that portrays a message that is reflective of the Wyndham community.
GROUP ARGUMENT
As a group we are intested in pursuing ‘perception’ as a starting point to our expression of interest within the Wyndham Gateway Project. We think perception and illusion are relevant to the project because there will be a moving privileged point of view, making it interactive and a memorable architectural experience. Even though the structure can be static through the use of different parametric design techniques it can become visually and physically dynamic, through shadows, perception. Perception and illusion do not necessarily exclude the use of passively responsive design, which could react to stimuli from the environment or the cars themselves. Our key focus would be to create a structure that portrays a message that is reflective of the Wyndham community.
RESEARCHFAULDERS STUDIO DESIGN PROPOSAL FOR MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, LUTHER BURBANK CENTER
This project was a submission for the museums new building that was adjacent to the freeway, allowing the
facade to act as a visual icon for the museum. The design plays on driver’s perspective as the text, colour and images
are made visible from certain views. The facade plays on the unique geometry of the stacked tubes as they are
sculpted ot create varying surface depths, allowing for certain images to be made visible only from certain view
points. Designed parametrically it allowed for effective placing of the tubes, and accurate testing from specific
points to see the exposed images. This project specifically relates to ours as it combines parametric design, perception and is also a freeway project. We are particularly interested
in the revealing of the images and text as you move through the project, allowing the specific messages to be displayed
as we aim to do, which reacts with the fluid movement of the cars.
image sources:http://www.faulders-studio.com/proj_moca.html#
RESEARCHFERMID BY BEHNAZ BABAZADEH
This project is a sculpture based on kinetics, which explores the relationship between between movement and space. Through
the use of technology and parametric design principles the artist was able to create a piece that mimics movement based on that of living organisms. The scuplture reacts to movement
around it making it seem like a living, breathing object. Though this project is based on kinetics rather than perception, as
a group we decided we would like to pursue the idea of ‘perception evolving from reaction’. This project inspired us to combine both perception and reactive parametric design as we would like to explore the idea of specific messages being
revealed as a result of movement from cars passing on the freeway.
The project can not be fully explained just using pictures. Here’s a link to the video!
http://vimeo.com/23731090
image sources:http://www.triangulationblog.com/2011/05/fermid-by-behnaz-babazadeh.html
CASE STUDYMcCormick Tribune Campus Center
Grasshopper Definitions
Using the grasshopper definitions as a starting point we looked at manipulating
it in a way that relates our chosen area of perception.
Firstly we changed the design by refrencing in cylinders and cubes rather than the basic
2D images used in the McCormick design.
We then changed the height of the cylinders and cubes so the would create a sort of ‘pin-
board’ when the image was overlayed.
We then referenced in basic jpeg images of trees and clouds the images were created not from shading, but rather the positioning
of cylinder or cube on the z-axis.
CASE STUDYMcCormick Tribune Campus Center
Grasshopper Definitions
Using the grasshopper definitions as a starting point we looked at manipulating
it in a way that relates our chosen area of perception.
Firstly we changed the design by refrencing in cylinders and cubes rather than the basic
2D images used in the McCormick design.
We then changed the height of the cylinders and cubes so the would create a sort of ‘pin-
board’ when the image was overlayed.
We then referenced in basic jpeg images of trees and clouds the images were created not from shading, but rather the positioning
of cylinder or cube on the z-axis.