Studio AIRBy Siu Pui Wong, Vera

Year 3Tutors: Finnian Warnock,

Victor Bunster Milnes

P.2

ContentsAbout ME 3

Previous WORK 4

Part A: CONCEPTUALIZATION 5

A1. Design Futuring 6 Precedent case studies - Lloyd’s building 7 - Inside Out house 11A2. Design computation 14 Precedent case studies - Swiss Re Tower 15 - Zlote Tarasy 17A3. Composition/Generation 19A4. Conclusion 21A5. Learning Outcome 21A6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches 22

Part B: CRITERIA DESIGN 23

B1. Research Field 24B2. Case Study 1.0 25B3. Case Study 2.0 26B4. Technique: Development 27B5. Technique: Prototype 28B.6. Technique: Proposal 29B.7. Learning Objectives and Outcomes 30B.8. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches 31

P.3

I am Vera Wong from Hong Kong. This year is my final year in Bachelor of Environment, majoring in Architecture. At the same time, it is my first year studying in University of Melbourne.

Before studying in Melbourne, I studied architecture in City University of Hong Kong for two and a half years. At the start of 2014, I decided to transfer my study to the University of Melbourne and became one of the students nowhere.

Although architecture is not my first intent of further studying, it has enriched my daily life and let me experience the world a lot. Whenever I got a chance and spare time to travel around, like London, Beijing and Taiwan, I would make use of what I have learnt to understand the building styles and cultures in different cities and appreciate an architecture in a more professional sense, from the form to its design theme, function, spatial division, circulation. I can get a deeper impression in front of an architecture after I have studied in architecture.

About ME

P.4

Previous WORKUnder the study in City University of Hong Kong, the course is also in studio- based that I really enjoyed learning architectural techniques while working on a design project. In my first year, I worked on pavilion, single family house, library and hostel projects; while in the second year, I examined high- rise buildings: office and residential project. Studio- based learning allows me to learn more than what I need and think wisely in a practical situation. I really enjoy working on a project.

High- rise Office building

High- rise residential project

P.5

Part A: CONCEPTUALIZATION

To construct a convincing argument justifying the value of the parametric approach to the design challenge.

P.6

A1. Design Futuring- Focusing on evolution under a sustainable manner in architecture

A2. Design Computation - Focusing on façade and roof performance in architecture A3. Composition/Generation- Focusing on the interpretation of generative algorithms

A4. Conclusion A5. Learning outcomes

A6. Algorithmic Sketches

P.7

Design futuring means the design against defuturing and unsustainability. But how to be performed in architecture?

Not only about using new technologies, creating an extraordinary form to represent an architecture, design futuring is about making the building survive and keep on evolution over time. A building can easily get attention from a splendid design, but how to be kept using over years without losing the original purpose would not be that easy.

An architecture designed for present and future should be able to evolve continuously in a manner to achieve sustainability.

A1. Design Futuring

P.8

A1. Precedent case studiesLloyd’s building

What makes an architecture outstanding while not being replaced over years? Lloyd’s building would be a representation which is built in 1986 by Richard Rogers. Although Lloyd’s building has been already used for 30 years, it still cannot be replaced and keep on development to provide accommodations over the next 50 years or even longer.

P.9

Technology

As a usual practice, the core and building services which are the heart of building should be put inside the middle area for higher accessibility. In this case, however, the Rogers principal is inversed with normal situation, putting all service systems in six satellite towers separated from the main building. Rogers followed the American architect Louis Kahn’s concept: buildings as served and servant spaces and successfully occupied this concept into the Lloyd’s building.

“Served” spaces: offices, exhibition space, elevators, and other places where people would be are located inside the main building.“Servant” spaces: mechanical, electrical and structural system that are essential for a building to function properly are located inside the satellite towers or the exterior of the building.

This concept gives an alternative idea on building design and planning whereas an addition and alteration work or a further space planning can be easily carried out on a certain period of time without disturbing the main function area. An architecture is being modified over time has effectively shown in the Lloyd’s building.

P.10

P.11

Flexibility

Another success in Lloyd’s building is due to the high flexibility. The usable floor area is maximized by putting all services to the perimeter. The main building consists of a series of concentric galleries overlooking a central atrium whereas each gallery is in open planning for underwriting rooms or office spaces. These galleries are connected through a simple central escalator system which provides an easy access between floors. They are respond to change with high flexibility.

Evolution

Rogers has also expanded the possibility of Lloyd’s building for the future. While all building services are built separated and changed over time, the main building can get an opportunity to have further expansion, change the planning division, functional uses as well. The Lloyd’s building is not limited to what it is at the moment, it is able to be modified and revaluated into another use under certain situations. This is how the evolution can bring Lloyd’s building from the past, present to future.

P.12

A1. Precedent case studiesInside Out houseApart from using “inside-out” to describe a building designed with exterior building system, it can be used in a new expression by a Japanese architect Takeshi Hosaka illustrated in Inside Out house in Tokyo, Japan. The house is designed for a married couple with two cats. Hosaka first intended to design a house that consider both people and cats but not cats living in a house designed for human. Later on, he developed a house with a strong expression: “a house inside which you feel being outside”. The design theme in Inside Out house is different from that in the Lloyd’s building, but they both can show how architecture can evolve towards sustainability and achieve design futuring.

P.13

Space planning

The form is an irregular quadrangle simply with white concrete wall, however, when going into the building, it would be a contrast with what you experienced from outside.

Inside the exterior concrete walls, the main interior space is surrounding by a pathway with skylights that allows sunlight, wind or even rain passing through. On the ground floor, bedroom and bathroom are located while living and dining area are put on the first floor.

The decision of putting the private area on ground floor rather than on first floor is because living and dining area should be the place to stay longer than bedroom, and so as to maximize the natural resources entering into the living room which is more important than privacy. The design can allow sunlight and wind passing from the skylights and openings. While the living and dining room is located above the bedroom, a terrace is designed on the first floor area above the bathroom.

P.14

Sustainability

Hosaka has maximized the use of natural resources, like sunlight, rain and wind. First, skylights are opened where trees are planted so that they receive sunlight and rain naturally.

Second, Sliding doors are used in the living room and bedroom that can be adjusted according to the weather and privacy to create a flexible change to natural environment.

Third, there is no air- conditioning installed in the house, the host make use of natural resources and reduce energy consumption as a way of not relying much on electrical appliance.

Fourth, concrete for structure and timber for flooring are mainly found in the house that create a simple harmony with natural environment.

Architecture, nature and human

The Inside Out house is a weather- dependent architecture which means the house evolving with the change of weather over time. Similar to trees inside the house that need sunlight and water to survive and grow up, the house needs nature as a fertilizer to live over years.

Every architecture should be designed with the natural conditions but in most of the cases, natural environment are put on a minor strategies, or even excluded from the design elements. Architecture, nature and human should be considered as a whole rather than splitting them into different elements and therefore, the Inside Out house is evolving towards the future.

P.15

A2. Design computation

How technology is developed at that period can directly affect the design style of architecture. From a bulky rectangular building to a lightweight parametric form of building, the technology to architectural industry has enhanced and contributed a lot. The invention of computer and software for architecture has provided an alternative convenience to architects and engineers.

Nothing is impossible in the computer world and this definitely help building an unprecedented architecture in reality. However, the role of computer should be defined well that we should not deeply rely on computer to design everything. Computer can be used to illustrate the possibility and buildability of an architecture, the design idea in our mind should be extended but not limited to what computer can or cannot do.

Design with complicated geometry is certainly expanded the possibility by computation. Both Swiss Re Tower in London and Zlote Tarasy in Poland demonstrate how computation contribute to the design process of architecture.

P.16

A2. Precedent case studiesSwiss Re Tower

Challenges in form

The form of Swiss Re Tower is a gherkin- like shape of slim tower with a smooth curved façade. The creation of this form is to achieve sustainability, intimate with site condition and as well as stand out from the nearby hard- lined façade buildings which is the client’s aspiration. This creates a lot of challenges in design and construction. Finally, Fosters and Partners come up with a circular plan following with the form. To maximize the flexibility inside office space, it is a column-free office floor plan with central core and various spiral lightwells. Thus, structural system is expressed in exterior steel framework. Other than this, the curtain façade is built strictly to the roof to create a glazed dome roof, without any plant rooms at the top.

P.17

Parametric approach

Swiss Re Tower particularly shows the parametric approach in architecture. The building form can be varied, producing different possibilities for analysis by setting up mathematical relationships between geometric parameters and controlling factors. Computing has finally solved the problem that is difficult to achieve in reality and thus saving the time and effort while expanding the potentials of an architecture could be.

Geometry- diagrid

The façade of Swiss Re Tower is made up of a diagonal steel structure, a diagrid. Since the geometry is unusual to be used as an office building façade, computing helps architects to examine diagrid structure, how loads and forces are transferring, how many steel frames and horizontal hoops are required. Various types of 3D- model can be created and replicated to perform the structural analysis, aesthetic and functional study etc. Everything is calculated, elaborated on and then applied to the finest detail in order to achieve the final form of building.

P.18

A2. Precedent case studiesZlote Tarasy

The Zlote Tarasy, also known as Golden Terraces, is a complex development of commercial, office and entertainment located in the centre of Warsaw, Poland. The design feature is the free- form roof at the center which is made of a continuous triangulated grid of steel rectangular hollow sections and glass panels to form a unique geometry.

P.19

Atrium roof

In nowadays, a roof is not simply designed as a shelter or a shading device, but also to create an experience and make connection to the outdoor. The atrium roof in the Zlote Tarasy has fulfilled both strategies.

The innovation of free form glass roof can provide a new experience when walking inside the plaza. Natural sunlight refracting and illuminating the interior space allows the indoor atmosphere changing with time and weather, whereas retail and entertainment are combined with nature, indoor and outdoor are related with each other. In order to achieve the free- form glass roof, architects and engineers have prepared 3D models to analyse the form, curvature, load bearing, structural supports etc.

Computation and modelling

The Arup engineers applied their own software and created computer model to illustrate the complexities of the Zlote Tarasy for further studies. The free form approach is developed by the wind, snow and thermal modelling which give the detailed analyse under different environmental conditions.

By the use of computation, the Arup engineers can study the bending moments during design stage and discuss the supporting elements for further construction. The buckling analyses for the atrium roof provides alternative forms to resolve the bending moment. Finally, the roof form is developed with the tree- like supporting elements at the weakness points.

P.20

A3. Composition/Generation

Composition l Generation Top down l bottom up

The shift from composition to generation in architectural industry is probably due to computation. In my understanding, the composition in architecture is a top- down approach which breaks down elements for separate investigation. This is more likely to describe the common practices in nowadays architecture. While the generation in architecture is a bottom- down approach which combine all primary elements together and form a complex system for further exploration. The generation is a new approach being developed and attempted in the architecture by the use of computation.

From composition to generation, the practice in 2-D and 3-D computer- aided design software for drawing architectural design like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Rhinoceros 3D has now shifted into 3-D software packages based on algorithmic thinking and parametric modeling, like Grasshopper and Coffee.

The generative architecture is created automatically by inputting primary data like dimension, prototypes, aspects and site conditions while modification, transformation, repetition can be demonstrated. The output could be varied dramatically with the change of input which provides a wide range of opportunities during the design stage.

The Resolution Wall by Gramazio & Kohler is made of concrete cubes with variable sizes from 5 to 40 cm. The construction of wall is all built by a robot which acts like the generative algorithms in reality.

P.21

Greg Lynn who is one of the architects conceiving parametric architecture with the help of computers. The design of flatware presents a kind of genetic system made up of stem, leaf, flower to produce various opportunities as a flatware. This can show how generation is performed.

Both the flatware and the resolution wall show the exploration of generative algorithms. They are automaticallly worked out and formed by the raw data.

P.22

A4. Conclusion

First of all, what is the elements for design futuring is clarified. In my understanding, an architecture which is able to evolve with time under a sustainable manner, is said to be design futuring. This is also my intended design approach. Next, in design computation part, I studied the case studies with challenging forms. How computer and software can solve the difficulties and expand the opportunities in construction is discussed. This allows me to learn the design process and contribution of computation to architecture. Third, the shift from composition to generation, this is an approach in nowadays architecture world that we have to be familiar with the practice. I learnt the importance of algorithmic thinking and how this is contributing to the architectural design.

A5. Learning Outcome

Before starting the studio Air, I did not have any knowledge on parametric design, algorithmic thinking, how to use Grasshopper etc. After these four week lectures, studios and practices, I learnt the basic skills in Grasshopper, how it can be used as a design tool instead of drawing by hands. I have a new understanding on how computer can be used as a fundamental technique in architectural design.

P.23

A6. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

Lofting on curves - studying parametric form

Facade design - practising repetition and series

Shelter practice - studying intersection Series of increasing sphere - studying series and movement

P.24

Part B: CRITERIA DESIGN

To develop a particular technique or tectonic system using computational methods through case-study analysis, parametric modelling and physical prototypes.

P.25

B1. Research Field

B2. Case Study 1.0 B3. Case Study 2.0

B4. Technique: Development B5. Technique: Prototypes

B.6. Technique: Proposal

B.7. Learning Objectives and Outcomes

B.8. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

P.26

LAGI 2014 at Copenhagen

Land Art Generator Initiative, for short “LAGI” is an idea competition which invites designers from around the world to suggest their ideas on creating a site- specific public art installation for sustainable cities. This is the third time the competition being held with the site chosen in Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark.

Potential development in Copenhagen: Carbon neutral capital

The goal of Copenhagen Government is to become the first carbon neutral capital by 2025. In another word, Copenhagen’s carbon net emissions should equal zero by 2025. This can be achieved by minimizing the carbon emissions while exploring the alternative sustainable energy to generate electricity. Some initiatives like extensive retrofitting of buildings, reorganization of energy supply system and change of transportation habits are proposed to implement in the near future. At the same time, LAGI competition provides a platform for us to design an artwork installation for Copenhagen’s greener growth approach.

This project is based on the guideline of LAGI and worked in a group, the final product would be a sculpture which can generate electricity by using the natural renewable resources, as well as without producing any greenhouse gases emission.

P.27

B1. Research Field: Biomimicry

Biomimicry is the innovation inspired by nature. The idea is not simply produced by repeating the natural forms, but by understanding the principles of nature and employing it with relevance.

Considering “biomimicry” as our research field is because this is a new term which let me want to look into it, and I believe the imaginative nature can expand the possibility for our idea development. There are always unlimited resources for inspiration when linking to the nature. Also, the nature plays the key factor in the design scheme, like capturing energy from the nature, considering sustainable development, not polluting the natural environment.

From this point of view, our group decided to start at studying the nature, getting inspiration from it, thus biomimicry became our choice.

Biomimicry in practice - Interior & furniture design

Wall Sconces and shelf light

P.28

B2. Case Study 1.0

P.29

The Morning Line - Matthew Ritchie with Aranda\ Lasch and Arup AGU

This project is an anti- pavilion with open cellular structure. The patterning, orientation, combination of modules are all controlled by computation. It has no start and end at whole to represent the entire universe and structure of knowledge. The design idea is to present both ruin and monument at the same time. Another attraction of the project is using a unique interactive multi-spatial sound system to build a new form of music inside the structure. Every visitor will get difference experience when circulating around the morning line, which represents different stories we have in life.

P.30

species 1 species 2species 1 species 3 species 4 species 5 species 6

B2. Matrix of iterations

P.31

species 1 species 2species 1 species 3 species 4 species 5 species 6

P.32

species 1 species 2species 1 species 3 species 4 species 5 species 6Successful outcomes and extrapolate

Selection criteria:1. Buildability 2. Proportion3. Architectural application

1. Species 1 and 2 are increasing the number of sides from 3 up to 10. Species 1 is presented with surface while species 2 is presented in wireframe.The 8- sided pyramid is chosen. More the sides of pyramid has, it becomes more complex which at the same time, produces a more aesthetic module. Our group thought that the 8- sided pyramid is enough to show the complexity rather than the 10- sided one. Under the buildability consideration, wireframe structure is preferred to be used than the surface structure. The base of wireframe pyramid consists of 8 octagons while the top consists of one.

2. The iterations in species 3 are varied in the proportion of pyramid by changing the height and diameter of pyramid and polygons. The decision is come up with the consideration of site. Too high or too tight would not be suitable as the site is a large flat land and the surroundings almost are low rise building. The one with moderate height and size are chosen in this species.

P.33

3. Species 5 is speculating the base of pyramid. The pyramid is inverted and the base is subdivided into various sizes. Here is the same idea as the species 2, more complex the base of pyramid is, more aesthetic form is created. The surface looks like the crystal cave. Our initial idea is to create a crystal cave like roof above water. This provides a fantasy environment when people are walking under it. The inverted pyramid inspires us the potential of designing a crystal cave like roof.

4. Species 6 is examining the pyramid bounded by a cube. Although pyramid and cube are simple geometry, when they are composed of lines, they can give a new illustration. Those pipes are circulating around with a rhythm to make the cube become special. Water can be directed through the pipes to generate wave energy.

P.34

B3. Case Study 2.0

P.35

P.36

Reverse-Engineer using grasshopper

1. Using a grasshopper plugin to produce the geodesic dome.

2. Creating an outer dome divided with more surfaces

3. Evaluating curves and producing small spheres as connection nodes

4. Making the inner dome with larger radius and lower frequency while the outer dome with smaller radius and higher frequency.

5. The outer dome is made by pipes and spheres connection

P.37

P.38

Final outcome re-engineered using grasshopper: Original form of Montreal Biosphère

P.39

Final outcome re-engineered using grasshopper: Revised form of Montreal Biosphère

P.40

B4. Technique: Development

Matrix of iterations

Addition

Altering the internal structure of pentagon

P.41

Addition

Pulling skins further from each otherCreating distance between the inner and outer dome

Altering frequency and bucky of the icosahedrons

Breaking down the dome Joining the curved pentagon repeatedly

Addition

Successful outcomes and extrapolate

Selection criteria:1. Buildability 2. Proportion3. Architectural application

Moving from full sphere to shallow dome

P.42

B5. Technique: Prototype

2 models are prefabricated.The first one is a wood frame dome. It is the iteration in early development. The dome is made of hexagons with the middle one is a pentagon. The second one is the final iteration that our group decided to be as our prototype. There are reasons for choosing this model as prototype: 1. Although the pentagon is a simple geometry, it can be developed and repeated into a complex combination. It has the ability of continuous growth. 2. From the prefabrication, we found that only a part of one side is connected to each other. It gives a high flexibility to the structure. When the model is finally built on the sea, it can become movable upside down with water waves. 3. Frame structure with nodes and edges provides an easier construction.

P.43

Continuously growing

P.44

LAGI SITE

Refshaleøen, Copenhagen

Refshaleøen is the selected design site where initially was a shipyard that housed thousands of individuals until 1996. It had a rich historical context to represent the history of industry in Demark. The view across the harbor to the Langelinie and the cherished statue of the Little Mermaid provides a pleasant landscape to the site.

Opposite to the site, there is a place called Kastellet with a 5- star like landform on a plan view. It is an important place to show the history of Denmark as well. The form of our prototype is also inspired from Kastellet. Our initial idea is trying to corporate the existing geometry near the site into the site. Therefore, we transformed the sculpture into 5- star like form with 6 pentagons.

B.6. Technique: Proposal

P.45

Initial idea of sculpture form and orientation on site

P.46

Design concept: Additive x Biomimicry x Geometry

P.47

P.48

Technology development

P.49

P.50

B.7. Learning Objectives and OutcomesFrom the feedback received during the interim review, the iterations produced in Case study 1: the morning line project is more like to be further developed as the prototype than the iterations in Case study 2: Montreal Biosphère. The prototype developed from Montreal Biosphère seems to be too simple and without much parametric modelling.

Our group also found this problem and what we try to improve it is to find a way that both significant iterations are combined into the design. As we do not want to simply go back the case study 1 without using the iteration developed from case study 2, therefore, before going to the detailed design stage, our group will try to achieve a parametric prototype with both precedent case studies.

P.51

B.8. Appendix - Algorithmic Sketches

P.52

P.53

ReferencePhoto credits P.7-9 - Photo taken by myselfP.9-11 - Powell Kenneth. (1994), Lloyd’s building : Richard Rogers Partnership, London: PhaidonP.12-14 - http://www.dezeen.com/2011/03/31/inside-out-by-takeshi-hosaka-architects/P.15 - http://i.pinger.pl/pgr404/3004b15e0019f3a847fbe268/Zlote+Tarasy6.JPGP.16-17 - Photo taken by myselfP.18 - http://www.arthitectural.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/13-ZloteTarasy-interior-terraces-below-office-twr.jpgP.19 - http://www.arup.com/~/media/Images/Projects/Z/Zlote%20Tarasy%20Warsaw/Teasers/Overview1-ZloteTarasy218x145creditArupinblancopl1.ashx?bc=ffffff&as=1&mw=218&thn=0&w=218 - http://www.arthitectural.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/10-ZloteTarasy-interior-main-pedestrian-circulation-path.jpgP.20-21 - http://www.dfab.arch.ethz.ch/data/bilder/03_Thumbs/056/070814_056_GRAkermannCottierLoIacono_ML_058_TB.jpg - Form+Code in Design, Art, and Architecture, Reas, Casey McWilliams, Chandler Barendse, Jeroen, Princeton Architectural Press - http://glform.com/living/flatware/P.24-25 - http://www.canadianart.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/xtra_Fullerdome_0011.jpgP.27 - http://c1greenbuildingelementscom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2011/03/aqua1.jpg - http://c1greenbuildingelementscom.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/files/2011/03/shelf-lights.jpg - http://www.archdaily.com/330589/vertebrae-staircase-andrew-mcconnell/511672c2b3fc4b0843000010_vertebrae-staircase-andrew-mcconnell-_vertebrae-staircase-wide-view-jpg/P.28-29 - http://artpulsemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/tml_100208__3914-1.gifP.36-37 - http://www.wideanglewanderings.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/DSC_14261.jpgP.46 - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/8c/Utzon_Jeddah_stadium_model.jpg - http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2008/12/1/1228134672671/Gallery-J-rn-Utzon-1918-2-004.jpg - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/SydneyOperaHouse.jpgP.47 - http://turbulence.org/blog/images/2008/09/pavritchie_6.jpg - http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_JGmO33xaYT8/TTjiPPeMCuI/AAAAAAAAAIU/xUZxZO_-nmA/s1600/montreal_biosphere.jpg

P.48 - https://www.sciencemag.org/content/320/5878/931/F3.large.jpg

A1.- A Lloyd’s list special report (1986), Serving the world: the new Lloyd’s building, London: Lloyd’s List- Powell Kenneth. (1994), Lloyd’s building : Richard Rogers Partnership, London: Phaidonhttp://www.vatjaiswal.com/richard-rogers/http://www.unknown.nu/futurism/architecture.htmlhttp://www.richardrogers.co.uk/render.aspx?siteID=1&navIDs=1,4,23,558http://www.dezeen.com/2011/03/31/inside-out-by-takeshi-hosaka-architects/http://www.hosakatakeshi.com/english/works-projects_en/insideout_en.html

A2.http://www.arup.com/Projects/Zlote_Tarasy.aspxhttp://www.arthitectural.com/the-jerde-partnership-zlote-tarasy/http://www.oasys-software.com/casestudies/casestudy/zlote_tara

A3.Form+Code in Design, Art, and Architecture, Reas, Casey McWilliams, Chandler Barendse, Jeroen, Princeton Architectural Presshttp://www.dfab.arch.ethz.ch/web/e/lehre/131.htmlhttp://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/16/pike-loop-by-gramazio-kohler/http://metamuseum.tumblr.com/post/47780606540/greg-lynn-american-born-1964-tableware-2007http://glform.com/living/flatware/

B2.http://www.tba21.org/pavilions/103?category=pavilionshttp://blog.art21.org/2008/10/02/matthew-ritchie-architect-benjamin-aranda/#.U2XCjvmSySo