StudioAIRABPL 30048

Yee Lun Chan 7232562016 Semester 1Tutor: CanHui Chen

I am Tiffany Chan. I am currently in my third year of the Bachelor of Environments and majoring in Architecture. As a transfer student from business major, I am still not so familiar with digital design softwares. I have always loved drawing and designing. However, I had never planned to study architecture until recent years. My interest in the field of Architecture developed from my previous art history class which I started to learn about some Greek and Roman architectures. I found that architecture is more than art, it can relate to culture, society, technology and everything. My curiosity and appreciation towards architecture has then lead me to begin this journey. Although I am more interested in the traditional design process, I am excited to explore digital design and fabrication. I hope this studio can enrich my knowledge towards parametric design.

ABOUT ME

A1. DESIGN FUTURINGPrecedent #1

Bloom Architects: DO|SU Studio Location: Materials&Application Gallery, Los Angeles, California, United States Completion Date: November 19, 2011

Design tends to take advantage of natural resources in these days. Even though passive design is not something new in this field, an innovative weather responsive metal makes this project interesting. Bloom is formed with thermobimetal which allows air to drive out responsively with the weather [1]. In other words, the material is an interacted system that is able to perform all the role of sensing, operating and reacting [3]. The concept for this is actually simple to understand under the principle of thermal expansion. The metal panels that are facing out is designed to receive the most of sunlight with curing function while the opposite size provides shading effect [3]. Metal sheet bends to allow hot air flows out when the temperature get high and they flatten out to form an enclosed place to keep warm air stay when temperature drops [3].

In my view, instead of a real form, Bloom, should be perceive as an experimental model which explore this new technique. Exploration of material behavior helps expand future architectural possibilities. The thought of seeking responsive element to interact with climatic influences should be appreciated. I believe this project is influential, this metal can integrate with the ventilation system and provide the need for heating and cooling in an energy efficient way. I hope others can adapt this technique in their future project to achieve a sustainable design.

[1] Anderson, Lamar, “Biologist-Turned-Architect Invents “Breathing” Metal Building Skin”, Architizer, 2012 [3] Furuto, Alison, “Bloom / DO|SU Studio Architecture”, ArchDaily, 2012

A1. DESIGN FUTURINGPrecedent #2

Bio Intelligent Quotient HouseArchitects: SplitterwerkLocation: Hamburg, GermanyProject year: 2013

Resources in the world is limited thus a new way of living is urged to change our current living pattern. The façade of the BIQ project is installed with glass panels holding micro-algae farms which produce biomass which are used to turn into renewable energy [7]. Heat generated from daylight is collected and stored to supply for space and water heating [10]. Also, the algae façade provides perfect insulation for the building. The adaptive plants grow more and faster when sunshine get intense, hence allowing better shading in hot weather [10].

I believe that this material will become more common in the future. Not only in the architecture field, however, its flexibility should allow it to combine with other system or material and be useful for other projects as well. This project house is built and I believe it is revolutionary because it is the first building in the world that is powered by algae. Architectural achievements should not limit to aesthetic prospect. The theory engaged in this project rather than symbolizing todays architecture world, it managed to solve the real environmental issue should continue being appreciated.

[7] Rackard, Nicky, “World’s First Algae Bioreactor Facade Nears Completion”, ArchDaily, 2013 [10] “World’s First Algae Powered Building By Splitterwerk”, designboom | architecture & design magazine, 2013

A2. DESIGN COMPUTATIONPrecedent #1

Part to WholeArchitects: HG-A | LIVE COMPONENTS Location: National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul , South KoreaProject Year: 2014

The project takes the idea that every objects is composed with numerous units. From “part to whole” means forming the space by organizing small modules, the basic building block, to form a bigger space [6]. At first glance, I feel the structure is complex because of the curvy edges composed with a stack of wooden modules with several layers. In fact, with digital computing, the design of this structure is simpler than how it looks. The whole volume begins with a cube with circles following different curves which dig through the inner capacity to form the void areas[6].

Digital computing also contributes to the precise calculation of mass. The structure is achieved by composing 50:50 proportion of voids and solids [6]. Besides, the properties of material have taken into consideration during the design process which enhance design flexibility. The construction make use of the strength of wood to stabilize the structure; and with the variation of degrees in piling those wooden blocks create the “plaid” pattern. In this project, digital computing may have limit human creativity in a certain way but it has maximized available space within the design meanwhile minimized waste of materials as well.

[6] “Part To Whole / HG-A | LIVE COMPONENTS”, ArchDaily, 2014

A2. DESIGN COMPUTATIONPrecedent #2

Silk PavilionArchitects: MIT Media LabLocation: MIT Media LabProject Year: 2013

Perhaps the most interesting part of the Silk Pavilion project is the innovative technique being used. The pavilion is not purely computational, it combines the digital form finding method with a mix use of robotic and biological fabrication [9]. Computing has re-define the practice in design practice: They first research the habitual nature of silkworms in order to understand the thread properties produced from silkworms. And with the information, the curvature of the design is obtained based on the performance of how a single continuous thread react [2]. I would say computing has affect the design greatly in this case. Without the digital design technique, it would be hard to determine the form with only knowing the data of the quality of thread. Robot also plays an important role in the fabrication process. Robot first started a set of guide thread with pattern that is constructed over an aluminum frame as a foundation which allows silkworms to follow to create the sphere structure [2]. This project suggests the interlocking relationship of material, curvature and structure in digital computing is irreplaceable. Digital fabrication can often easily be reproduced which can be seen as an advantage, however, when everything is unify, it can lose one’s characteristic. I think what make the Silk Pavilion special is that with the integration of biological fabrication, unpredictable textures and features can make the structure unique.

[2] Flaherty, Joseph, “A Mind-Blowing Dome Made By 6,500 Computer-Guided Silkworms”, WIRED, 2013 [9] Stott, Rory, “Silk Pavilion / MIT Media Lab”, ArchDaily, 2013

A3. COMPUTATION/GENERATION Precedent #1

Vaulted WillowArchitects: MARC FORNES & THEVERYMANYLocation: Borden Park, Edmonton, Canada Year: 2014

The significance of digital computing is shown in the project of the Vaulted Willow.The Valuted Willow combines structure, skin as well as ornamentation into one system, which also means that the material properties must need to be fully taken into account during design process [8]. I believe the design idea is derived from the hanging chain model which used the concept of spring system, but digitally, to its structural form-finding process which results to this parabolic structure. It seems to me that without the aid of digital computation, this complex form would be challenging to create by using only traditional method. Yet, the computation solves the complex problems with algorithm and allows designers to understand the design more deeply and the whole process turns out to be much easier. The project in order to maintain lightweight, used thin aluminum sheets for the overall structure and overlay strips at the edge which allows better connectivity for transmission of additional load [11].Computation helps evaluate each strips for fabrication to have a better management in material and thus reduce wastage and help save material cost. Also the precise information like axis of bending, angle measurements and color data for each stripe allows an accurate and more efficient building process [11].

[8] Rosenfield, Karissa, “Marc Fornes / THEVERYMANY Constructs Self-Supported “Vaulted Willow” With Ultra-Thin Aluminum Shells”, ArchDaily, 2015 [11] “11 Edmonton”, MARC FORNES & THEVERYMANY™, 2011

A3. COMPUTATION/GENERATION Precedent #2

Subdivided Columns - A New OrderArchitects: Michael hansmeyerYear: 2010

Perhaps these beautiful columns should be perceived as revolutionary artworks, they redefine the typical way of thinking and express an innovative design thinking. Hansmeyer begins with subdividing the local parameters of the topography and topology of a doric column [5]. Through the process, each single components revealed and gives a result that is not only complex but also confusingly beautiful [4]. Although under the same of rules, each column is different to one another due to the variation in shifting of points. It is surprisingly for me to notice that such a complex in form of columns can be generated by using simple subdivision algorithmic script. However, ‘simple’ here can only applies to digital computation. This is because this process would be impossible and can take endless time for humans to calculate.The complicated form of columns is unlikely can be composite by humans simply with our aesthetic sense in the first place. In this instance, computation save times to create a great variety of design probabilities and flexibilities which is difficult for human to evaluate.

I believe Hansmeyer didn’t know how those columns would exactly look like before the result generates. The shortcoming of design generates by computation is that the outcome can be unpredictable. When numerous data is being analyzed with various factors engaged in the design process, it can be hard for humans to assume and know the result beforehand. However, I guess this is also what makes computation design interesting.

[4] Hansmeyer, Michael, “Computational Architecture: Subdivided Columns”, Michael-hansmeyer.com, 2016[5] “Michael Hansmeyer: Ornamented Columns”, designboom | architecture & design magazine, 2011

I develop a better understanding about digital design through part a. By researching those precedents, I realized the significance of curvature, material and structure under the design process in computation design. Computation has change todays design practice; it allows us to reach out the boundary that we used to unable to manage with only traditional method. Simulation of material properties is one particular feature of digital design that show us the effectiveness of computation to help human to solve complex problems. Overall, computation open up a lot of opportunities and it requires further exploration.

From the precedents, we can able to see computation helps us to step towards a more sustainable life. My intended design approach is also to focus on the topic of sustainability and protecting the animals which inhabit at the site. The design aims to raise the awareness of environmental protection and hence providing a better living for the future.

A4. Conclusion

A5. Learning outcomes

Without knowing anything about parametric design, and have zero background in “grasshopper”, I feel nervous with this studio at the beginning. The resources that were provided in the last three weeks provide me a clearer understanding about the concept of computation design. And now I believe I am able to distinguish some similar terms like computation and computerization, composition and generation etc. Through following the online videos, it allowed me to get a touch on grasshopper. I am excited to see how I can apply what I learnt in the videos in the project.

[1] Anderson, Lamar, “Biologist-Turned-Architect Invents “Breathing” Metal Building Skin”, Architizer, 2012 <http://architizer.com/blog/doris-kim-sung-thermo-bimetal/>

[2] Flaherty, Joseph, “A Mind-Blowing Dome Made By 6,500 Computer-Guided Silkworms”, WIRED, 2013 <http://www.wired.com/2013/07/your-next-3-d-printer-might-be-filled-with-worms/>

[3] Furuto, Alison, “Bloom / DO|SU Studio Architecture”, ArchDaily, 2012 <http://www.archdaily.com/215280/bloom-dosu-studio-architecture/>

[4] Hansmeyer, Michael, “Computational Architecture: Subdivided Columns”, Michael-hansmeyer.com, 2016 <http://www.michael-hansmeyer.com/projects/columns_info.html?screenSize=1&color=1#undefined>

[5] “Michael Hansmeyer: Ornamented Columns”, designboom | architecture & design magazine, 2011 <http://www.designboom.com/architecture/michael-hansmeyer-ornamented-columns/>

[6] “Part To Whole / HG-A | LIVE COMPONENTS”, ArchDaily, 2014 <http://www.archdaily.com/544023/part-to-whole-hg-a-live-components>

[7] Rackard, Nicky, “World’s First Algae Bioreactor Facade Nears Completion”, ArchDaily, 2013 <http://www.archdaily.com/339451/worlds-first-algae-bioreactor-facade-nears-completion

[8] Rosenfield, Karissa, “Marc Fornes / THEVERYMANY Constructs Self-Supported “Vaulted Willow” With Ultra-Thin Aluminum Shells”, ArchDaily, 2015 <http://www.archdaily.com/596033/marc-fornes-theverymany-constructs-self-supported-vaulted-willow-with-ultra-thin-aluminum-shells>

[9] Stott, Rory, “Silk Pavilion / MIT Media Lab”, ArchDaily, 2013 <http://www.archdaily.com/384271/silk-pavilion-mit-media-lab>

[10] “World’s First Algae Powered Building By Splitterwerk”, designboom | architecture & design magazine, 2013 <http://www.designboom.com/art/worlds-first-algae-powered-building-by-splitterwek/>

[11] “11 Edmonton”, MARC FORNES & THEVERYMANY™, 2011 <http://theverymany.com/public-art/11-edmonton/>

References

A6. Appendix-Algorithmic Sketches

A6. Appendix-Algorithmic Sketches