A I R Journal 2015, SEMESTER 1, TUTOR: CHEN (GROUP 7)KE XIN ANG 636730

CONCEPTUALISATION 3

CONTENT

4-5 A.1 DESIGN FUTURING

6-7 A.2 DESIGN COMPUTATION

8-9 A.3 COMPOSITION/ GENERATION

10 CONCLUSION

10 LEARNING OUTCOME

11 APPENDIX : ALGORITHM SKETCHBOOK

12 BIBLIOGRAPHY/ IMAGE REFERENCES

A.1 CHURCH OF LIGHT

4 CONCEPTUALISATION

Tadao Ando’s timeless Church of light flawlessly blends nature with architecture. In this project, his all in one fundamental concepts of architecture is demonstrated: “balance, simplicity and duality” as the church contrasts between solid and void; light and dark 2. Excess ornamentation such as traditional Christianity motifs are removed but light is introduced as a powerful tool to raise spiritual awareness1. He successfully proves that “Less is more” in an abstract way.

The site of the church is located at the outskirt of Osaka and is a place of retreat for Christians2. In this sacred space, the outside world is temporarily forgotten and the connection with nature is emphasized2.

Light is playfully integrated to illuminate the concrete shell structure into a surreal ‘light box’1. This immediately transformed the dark space into a humble, meditative religious space1. Furthermore, the intersection between light and solid raises occupants’ spiritual and self-awareness2. As the openings inside are kept to a minimum, the crucified cross void from east facing façade invites maximum light penetration2. It is also the only prominent religious symbol in the church2.

Last but not least, architecture purity in conveyed by not using high technology, instead by Japanese craftsmen, which they precisely joins concrete into smooth surface2. This careful attention to the absolute detail maintains Japanese identity 2.

FOOTNOTE:

1. Andrew Kroll, ‘AD Classics: Church Of The Light / Tadao Ando’,

ArchDaily, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/101260/ad-classics-church-of-the-

light-tadao-ando/> [accessed 13 March 2015].

2. Www-bcf.usc.edu, ‘USC Student Precedent Studies’, 2015 <http://

www-bcf.usc.edu/~kcoleman/precedents.htm> [accessed 19 March 201

FIG.3 ENCLOSED VS OPEN SPACE

FIG.1 LIGHT AND SHADOW INTERPLAY

FIG.2 VOID CHRISTIANITY SYMBOL

A.1 FALLING WATER

CONCEPTUALISATION 5

Undoubtedly, Falling Water is one of the greatest masterpiece of Frank Lloyd Wright. In the case of Falling Water, Wright’s ‘organic’ architectural interpretation is represented as he blends the buildings in its natural setting harmonically by designing a house on top of the waterfall3.

In reference to Japanese architecture, Wright strongly elaborates the concept of simplicity in his design by rejecting the use of excess ornamentation in his design3. This made Wright the most successful modern architecture influencer, as opposed to merely abiding to traditional architecture conventions4.

Falling Water was built using stone walls and long cantilevered reinforced concrete terrace, which extends horizontally to outer nature. The colour tones and textures of the house also

blend in seamlessly with its unique environment 4. As an extra bonus, the soothing sound of the waterfall adds dynamic effect to the occupants4.

At the interior of the house, as Wright’s trademark design, the fireplace was situated at the centre of house as a central gathering space which inhibits social connection3. Falling Water overall has low ceilings as Wright emphasises eye level picturesque view to its beautiful outdoors3. Dark, narrow passageways were intended as major contrast between the expansions to outdoor so that occupants have a greater appreciation to nature, just like Wright3.

FOOTNOTE:

3. Adelyn Perez, ‘AD Classics: Fallingwater House / Frank Lloyd Wright’, ArchDaily,

2010 <http://www.archdaily.com/60022/ad-classics-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-

wright/> [accessed 15 March 2015].

4. Wright-house.com, ‘Fallingwater - House Over Waterfall, Frank Lloyd Wright’,

2015 <http://www.wright-house.com/frank-lloyd-wright/fallingwater.html>

[accessed 16 March 2015].

FIG.4 NESTLED IN BEAUTIFUL NATURE

FIG.5 HORIZONTAL TERRACE EXTENDING TO NATURE

FIG.6 MATERIALS DERIVED FROM NATURE

A.2 LAN XI CURTILAGE

6 CONCEPTUALISATION

Chengdu Lanxi Curtilage is designed by Feng Yuan from Archi Union. It is the perfect interpretation of old meets new in terms of technology and exterior look5. The concept of traditional Chinese architecture such as the sloping roof using ancient blue bricks is exemplified through modern digital fabrication5.

One of its main features is the ripple wall. This actulizes he digital interpretation of water through bonded bricks patterns6. With logical set of algorithmic data, 9 different brick types were stacked together to accentuate the fluidity characteristics of water6. Additionally, this gives its aesthetic a disctinctive ‘second nature’ look.

Readily abundant and inexpensive cement blocks were assembled by local mason due to financial constraints. According to a set of brick configuration template, which are later configured using laser-cut steel plates, the construction are able to carry on rapidly in and efficient manner5.

Special hollow joint techniques are used in construction to create visual dynamic ‘wave’ effect and gives impression of lightweight as if the facade was floating6. See through walls facilitate the interplay between light and shadow thus making the wall alive.

FOOTNOTE:

5. ArchDaily, ‘The Lanxi Curtilage / Archi Union Architects’, 2012 <http://www.

archdaily.com/299269/the-lanxi-curtilage-archi-union-architects/> [accessed 16

March 2015].

6. Amy Frearson, ‘The Lan Xi Curtilage By Archi-Union’, Dezeen, 2012 <http://

www.dezeen.com/2012/12/04/the-lan-xi-curtilage-by-archi-union/> [accessed

15 March 2015].

FIG.7 REFERENCE TO TRADITIONAL CHINESE ARCHITECTURE

FIG.8 RIPPLE WALL

FIG.9 DYNAMIC RIPPLE WALL EFFECT

A.2 SILK WALL

CONCEPTUALISATION 7

The silk wall façade by Archi Union is an interesting feature as it depicts the history of a 1960 warehouse which was previously located at the site7. The architect respects the history hence preserves the artefact by recreating it7.

To start off the design concept, parametric process is used as a tool to create a set of simple stacking logic7. This allows hollow cement blocks to stack at varying degree7. Angle of rotation were calculated according to the differing contours of silk texture on fabric7. These varying angles results in fun, interesting shades as light penetrates through7.

Moreover, it is also a performance oriented ecological design in response to environmental conditions, as it controls wind penetration8.

Overall, meaningful tectonic expression can be achieved through the use of 3D computation modelling and programming, instead of using merely fake decorations7.

FOOTNOTE:

7. ArchDaily, ‘AU Office And Exhibition Space / Archi Union Architects

Inc’, 2010 <http://www.archdaily.com/82251/au-office-and-exhibition-

space-archi-union-architects-inc/> [accessed 19 March 2015].

8. ‘ARCHI UNION STUDIO BY J-STUDIO’, FRAME, 2011, 1-3 <http://dx.doi.

org/00081>.

FIG.11 DESIGNING WITH PARAMETRIC TOOL

FIG.12 SILK TEXTURE ON WALL

FIG.10 VARIOUS ANGLE ROTATION OF SILK WALL

A.3 SERPENTINE PAVILLION

8 CONCEPTUALISATION

Designed by award winning Japanese Architect, Sou Fujimoto, the Serpentine Pavilion demonstrates the success of computational modelling. The cubic white steel frames seems light, semi-transparent and floats in the sky like ‘clouds’ at the same time, blurring the boundary between inside and outside9. It flawlessly blends in with the natural setting of Kensington Garden9.

The serpentine pavilion is user-friendly and multi-functional as it allows people to explore the site in diverse ways while encouraging social connectivity, where users become a part of the beautiful landscape9.

Through advanced computational programs, amount of materials for construction can be calculated precisely which results in less wastage10. Fujimoto also discovered better solutions in regards of appropriate size of the grids to enable the construction to be carried out rapidly in the allocated period10. The steel grids were prefabricated and assembled on site easily as they were marked beforehand10.

Fujimoto didn’t try to design the structure initially but at the end, managed to come up with the structure through computational design, which made all the complexity of structure grids possible10.

It is obvious that design computational tools speeds up the construction process as through 3D programs, Fujimoto and other design team members are able to visualize, re-iterate and re-evaluate the design prior to its final outcome in an efficient manner9.

FOOTNOTE:

9. Daniel Portilla, ‘Serpentine Pavilion / Sou Fujimoto’, ArchDaily, 2013 <http://

www.archdaily.com/384289/serpentine-pavilion-sou-fujimoto/> [accessed 15

March 2015].

10. ‘Winner Special Prize for Fabrication and Execution’, Nemeschek

Strucutral User Contest 2013, 2015 <http://notesweb.scia-online.

c o m / W W W/ C o n t e s t 2 013 . n s f / b a e 411d a 4 5 2 e 5 6 8 f c12 5 7 3 9 c 0 0 4 f 8 f 2 3 /

b3308d4284ffbcd0c1257bb90051a3e0/$FILE/Aecom-Serpentine.pdf> [accessed

19 March 2015].

FIG.15 TOYO ITO AND HIS BRILLIANT CREATION

FIG.13 STEEL GRID FRAME BLENDS IN WITH GARDEN

FIG.14 MULTI FUNCTIONAL

A.3 BEIJING OLYMPIC STADIUM

CONCEPTUALISATION 9

Herzog and de Meuron successfully developed Beijing Olympics Stadium, “The nest” as a spectacular, world class multi-functional urban site that attracts general public and tourists.

The complex “nest-like” geometry of the stadium is generated through complex calculations of different fitting of twisted and bended steel sections11. It mimicks an artificial forest standing in urban Beijing city12.

Its distribution is not pure randomness but follows through a set of data which was input via computational software through careful consideration11. For example, it is able to withstand earthquakes without harmful damages11.

Computational fluid dynamics simulation was used to calculate the temperature and airflow speed at each angle of the structure hence location of ventilation openings at the façade could be determined11. This passive design integration makes the stadium sustainable11.

One of the design considerations was to bring everyone close together in such a big scale building and to cater different users’ needs at varying times; such as the sight line must be centred during football matches and the finishing line of an athletic game must be visible at all angles11. Hence, its design flexibility also open up possibilities for future uses12.

FOOTNOTE:

11. Designbuild-network.com, ‘Beijing National Stadium, ‘The Bird’s Nest’ - Design

Build Network’, 2015 <http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/national_

stadium/> [accessed 18 March 2015].

12. Herzogdemeuron.com, ‘HERZOG & DE MEURON’, 2015 <http://www.

herzogdemeuron.com/index/projects/complete-works/226-250/226-national-

stadium.html> [accessed 19 March 2015].

FIG.16 THE NEST

FIG.17 ARTIFICIAL FOREST IN URBAN CITY

FIG.18 COMPLEXITY OF STEEL INTERTWINING

CONCLUSION

LEARNING OUTCOME

10 CONCEPTUALISATION

i’m interested in the dynamic, fluid organic outcome of some of my experimentation in Grasshopper. Nature is always inspiring and fascinating to me as I think that the interconection between human and nature is essential to create a balance and harmonious world. I plan to create sometihng simple that mimicks nature and a design that is green and sustainable, though user and purpose is still unknown yet at this stage. I will continue to work towards this design concept, especially looking at patterns and textures of plants, or the self-protection of animals which provide shelter for themselves and hopefully come up with something fun.

After three weeks of intense work compiling, I have gained a better insight into the 3d computational world. Through Rhino and Grasshopper plug-in, I had some hands on, brief experimentation as to how entering right data in a logical sequence can create interesting and expected outcomes. The best thing is we can think outside the box, let our imaginations run wild and create unlimited possibilities.

APPENDIX: ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

CONCEPTUALISATION 11

MESH SURFACES- ‘BIRD LIKE’ WITH ‘SPIKY WINGS’

CONTOUR LINES WITH DIFFERENT LINE WEIGHTS- MIMICKING LEAF TEXTURE

SPIRAL- SHELL LIKE OBJECT WHICH PROVIDES SHELTER OR GATHERING SPACE

SIMPLE LOFTING BETWEEN CURVES- DYNAMIC WAVEY LIKE PAVILLION

BIBLIOGRAPHY

12 CONCEPTUALISATION

ArchDaily, ‘AU Office And Exhibition Space / Archi Union Architects Inc’, 2010 <http://www.archdaily.com/82251/au-office-and-exhibition-space-archi-union-architects-inc/> [accessed 19 March 2015]

ArchDaily, ‘The Lanxi Curtilage / Archi Union Architects’, 2012 <http://www.archdaily.com/299269/the-lanxi-curtilage-archi-union-architects/> [accessed 16 March 2015]

‘ARCHI UNION STUDIO BY J-STUDIO’, FRAME, 2011, 1-3 <http://dx.doi.org/00081>

Designbuild-network.com, ‘Beijing National Stadium, ‘The Bird’s Nest’ - Design Build Network’, 2015 <http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/national_stadium/> [accessed 18 March 2015]

Frearson, Amy, ‘The Lan Xi Curtilage By Archi-Union’, Dezeen, 2012 <http://www.dezeen.com/2012/12/04/the-lan-xi-curtilage-by-archi-union/> [accessed 15 March 2015]

Herzogdemeuron.com, ‘HERZOG & DE MEURON’, 2015 <http://www.herzogdemeuron.com/index/projects/complete-works/226-250/226-national-stadium.html> [accessed 19 March 2015]

Kroll, Andrew, ‘AD Classics: Church Of The Light / Tadao Ando’, ArchDaily, 2011 <http://www.archdaily.com/101260/ad-classics-church-of-the-light-tadao-ando/> [accessed 13 March 2015]

Perez, Adelyn, ‘AD Classics: Fallingwater House / Frank Lloyd Wright’, ArchDaily, 2010 <http://www.archdaily.com/60022/ad-classics-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright/> [accessed 15 March 2015]

Portilla, Daniel, ‘Serpentine Pavilion / Sou Fujimoto’, ArchDaily, 2013 <http://www.archdaily.com/384289/serpentine-pavilion-sou-fujimoto/> [accessed 15 March 2015]

‘Winner Special Prize For Fabrication And Execution’, Nemeschek Strucutral User Contest 2013, 2015 <http://notesweb.scia-online.com/WWW/Contest2013.nsf/bae411da452e568fc125739c004f8f23/b3308d4284ffbcd0c1257bb90051a3e0/$FILE/Aecom-Serpentine.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015]

Wright-house.com, ‘Fallingwater - House Over Waterfall, Frank Lloyd Wright’, 2015 <http://www.wright-house.com/frank-lloyd-wright/fallingwater.html> [accessed 16 March 2015]

Www-bcf.usc.edu, ‘USC Student Precedent Studies’, 2015 <http://www-bcf.usc.edu/~kcoleman/precedents.htm> [accessed 19 March 2015]

IMAGE REFERENCES

CONCEPTUALISATION 13

FIG.1 http://www.detail-online.com/inspiration/sites/inspiration_detail_de/uploads/imagesResized/projects/780_2013082005123349fb0871801ebd3f234ab651a80b55c96cfa50d4.jpg

FIG.2 https://tokyowing2.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/dsc_8696.jpg

FIG.3 http://www.cgarchitect.com/content/portfolioitems/2012/08/57541/church_final_2_ps_copy_large.jpg

FIG.4 http://www.wright-house.com/frank-lloyd-wright/fallingwater-pictures/large-fallingwater-photos/high-resolution/25SW-falling-water-path2-L.jpg

FIG.5 http://letow.com/Wright/Falling-Water-3.jpg

FIG.6 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/e1/af/e2/e1afe2d635c189395dbf94b5fcc8777c.jpg

FIG.7 http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/50b67ef5b3fc4b536400009d_the-lanxi-curtilage-archi-union-architects_img_1457_2.png

FIG.8 http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/50b67e55b3fc4b5364000098_the-lanxi-curtilage-archi-union-architects_wall_unit.png

FIG.9 http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/50b67dd1b3fc4b5364000093_the-lanxi-curtilage-archi-union-architects_lanxiting_5.jpg

FIG.10 https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/27/5b/e1/275be12aa974f156b566bbb7dc5cbaae.jpg

FIG.11 http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/1287176139-wall-construction-2.jpg

FIG.12 http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/1287176144-wall-construction.jpg

FIG.13 http://now-here-this.timeout.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Serpentine-SFA-3023-Press-page.jpg

FIG.14 http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a8/Serpentine_Gallery_Pavilion_2013.jpg

FIG.15 http://darkroom.baltimoresun.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/AFPGetty-520286238.jpg

FIG.16 https://beijingbirdsnest.files.wordpress.com/2010/10/librarybeijing_national_stadium.jpg

FIG.17 http://www.bookmarc.com.au/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/penetron.jpg

FIG.18 http://www.wildchina.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/lubetkin_hdm_beijing_stadium_03x.jpeg