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Architectural Discourse
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Architecture Design
stuDio
Air
ADS AIR 2012 - ARCHITECTURAL DISCOURSEPROGRESS JOURNAL
JASmINE PEH
376393
TUTOR - STANISLAv ROUDAvSkI
H E A D S P A C E P R O J E C T
CONTENTS 01 02
02 PERSONAL PROJECTheADspAce <First YeAr Design project>
03 stAte oF the Art projects<nurAgic AnD contemporArY Art museum,cAgliAri, ZAhA hADiD; guggenheim museum,BilBAo, spAin, FrAnk gehrY>
07 computAtionAl Design<perForming Arts centre, ABu DhABi,ZAhA hADiD; the FlorAl street BriDge, lonDon,Wilkinson eYre Architects>
11 scripting culture ~contemporArY scripting<scunthorpe sports AcADemY, north
lincolnshire, AnDreW Wright AssociAtes AnD
s&p Architects With Buro hAppolD>
13 nAturAl selection<mAtrix oF comBinAtions; Design process AnD
selective methoDs>
17 PERFORmANCE-DRIvEN DESIGNcAse stuDY <christiAn Dior ginZA BuilDing>
19 project conceptuAliZAtion<phYsicAl moDel explorAtions>
21 Digging Deeper<eFFects oF Air on moDel>
23 relAtionships<environmentAl chAnges;response to the BrieF>
25 evAluAtion & proposAl<eoi conclusion>
27 mApping iDentitY<site investigAtion>
28 creAting A relAtABle iDentitY<Direction oF Design proposAl>
35 WYnDhAm citY gAteWAYinstAllAtion<texts AnD imAges>
37 leArning oBjectives & outcomes<Design stuDio Air AnD WYnDhAm gAteWAY>
The technique of digital fabrication was explored in this module. Stages in this process include engender, digitize and elaborate, and fabricating. These stages frame the de-velopment of digital fabrication in SketchUp and the even-tual product of a headpiece prototype. The software in SketchUp exhibit the potential of fabrication that has been used in rapid prototyping by building specific parts which can be integrated into open sourcing. Open sourcing digi-tal fabrication allows users to have the freedom, control and independence to design and fine-tune. This process re-cycles the materials and components assisting in localised production in the case of benefiting oneself with attaining useful products while also embracing creativity.
Rapid Prototyping, a software that is related to computer-aided manufacturing, transforms a digital model into a model that can be built physically. This process involves information being translated from the digital model into a prototype. Fabrication information modelling reduces site manufacturing costs and ensures uniformity. The onset of rapid prototyping and computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication has redefined areas of physical construc-tion and manufacturing.
Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) fabrication available in SketchUp, and rapid prototyping should certainly be integrated in future designs as it is capable of promoting physical representations of digital models. Hence, these digital techniques promote the advancement of discourse as they are communi-cations that will unify and create changes in the discourse.
“... all designed artefacts if they can be attributed to a designer with a (potential) career within the design discourse, are to be theorized as communications, the key communications that variously service all the different social systems within society”
- Patrik Schumacher
The new Nuragic and Contemporary Art museum in Italy by Zaha Hadid is an organic and contemporary structure whereby its freeform surface requires a smooth union between ruled strips while negative-ly curved areas require an optimization procedure to calculate a smooth ruled strip model using the Gaussian curvature. This structure composed from developable strips is likened to a D-strip model. Such digital technology is a form of communica-tions contributing to the autopoiesis of architecture where augmentations to the discourse will result in changes of the discourse.
The inception of parametric modelling and fabrica-tion has led to achievable elegant and feasible tes-sellations for double-curved surfaces. modelling tools such as these, generates the ability to manip-ulate surface strips whilst accommodating the be-haviour of curves of the design surface. The innova-tion and experimentation with spatial concepts by Zaha Hadid creates futuristic and dynamic designs that are constructive in advancing architectural dis-course.
Adopting new systems of communications as ex-emplified by Zaha Hadid is crucial in evolving archi-tectural discourse as it highlights the importance of upgrading our skills and knowledge, and unifies dis-course through communications where the ideas driving architectural discourse are valid.
N U R A G I C A N D C O N T E m P O R A R Y A R T m U S E U m , C A G L I A R I ,Z A H A H A D I D
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The Nuragic and Contemporary Art museum is applicable to the approach I will undertake with the Wyndham Gateway project. This remarkable structure has successfully proven that it can actively integrate itself within the socio-cultural life of its city and territory.
my concept behind the Gateway for Wyndham City is to propose an iconic structure that would reflect the vitality and diversity of the town and by so attracting locals and visitors to frequent the site and entry through its Western Interchange, its status and identity is em-phasized on the map of melbourne.
The approach for an iconic installation at the Wyndham’s Western gateway will be inspired by the various digital technologies applied by the chosen precedents that serve to emulate the unique and distinctive features of the natural environment in Wyndham’s district such as the Werribee river and the k Road Cliffs by Werribee. Building an iconic sculpture that reflects the landscapes and the emergence of nature at the Western gateway to Wyndham is also a form of promoting the public art and cultural side of Wyndham city advocating to the public that art is intertwined into the everyday lives of the people.
The focus of the visually striking installation is to encourage interest towards the town with an impactful and aesthetically descriptive interpretation of what the town has to offer. Similar to the approach and ideals of the Nuragic and Contemporary Art museum, my aim to provide an aesthetically pleasing experience by proposing the historic and artistic iden-tity of Wyndham city.
“The plastic nature of the new museum of nuragic and contem-porary art in cagliari designed by zaha hadid represents a mark of regeneration of undisputable
strength and visibility”
- Stefano Boeri
“Within the landscape of the gulf of cagliari, and with the interweaving of its sinuous built elements expresses the desire to base the new museum on the interaction between the exhibits - related to Nuragic and contemporary art and the movement
of the users-visitors. It is a fertile contamination between the past and future identity of the area and the island of sardinia”
- Stefano Boeri
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The Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, Spain represents contemporary architectural art. The structure is con-structed of a steel frame wrapped by a sleek titanium alloy skin which encompasses organic contours and undulating shapes. The design approach involved comprehensive physical modelling at numerous scales. Development of the structure is aided by a re-fined 3-dimensional modelling program, Digital Proj-ect, that has been produced by Gehry Technologies, Inc which provides users to thoroughly document designs and justify construction and fabrication pro-cesses.
most significantly, Computer Aided Three Dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA), a Computer Aided In-dustrial Design (CAID) software was embraced. CATIA models with locating all points with precision so accu-rate cross-sections can be cut at any location. Dimen-sional data in electronic form can conveniently trans-fer to physical models and reduce time consumption. CATIA engages in sculptural explorations and allows complicated geometry to be modelled. Frank Gehry has reconstructed the discipline and accustomed the architectural and urban environment to the socio-economic age of post-fordism whilst advancing the union of aesthetics and programmes.
G U G G E N H E I m m U S E U m , B I L B A O ,S P A I N , F R A N k G E H R Y
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“The importation of new ideas is necessary for the vitality of any discourse. No vital autopoietic communication system can af-ford to lag behind when it comes to updating its communicative sophistication in line with advancements achieved elsewhere in
societal communication”
- Patrik Schumacher
“The plan embraces a range of measures, including modernis-ing transport links, strength-ening cultural amenities, pro-moting training initiatives and general improvements to the
urban environment”
Guggenheim museum in Bilbao has been an exemplary example of uniting the arts and cultural scene of a city in addition to improving the vibrancy of the city with this investment. The construction of the museum focused on promoting the art and cultural tourism whilst boosting the economy in order to deal with the unsatisfactory urban environment of the city.
There were many positive outcomes from this investment as it reflects the difference a rejuvenation plan can lead to the improve the lifestyle of the people, and be beneficial to the development of the status and identity of the city.
Sharing a close approach and ideals to the Guggenheim museum in Bilbao, the “Gug-genheim-Effect” is an influential model of architectural discourse as it had incorporated new and innovative technologies which have contributed to a highly positive wave of advocates in terms of city planning and representative of enhancing the standard of living in an urban environment.
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Abu Dhabi Performing Arts Centre, a sculptural form, has a design imitating a growing organism developing a network of branches. A set of typolo-gies present in organizational systems and growth in the natural world influenced the development of the design concept for the arts centre. The concept of emergence within nature initiating this marvel-ous structure, reveals the unique and innovative nature of the project and its contemporary digital design technique notably, parametricism.
The surface of the arts centre supplies data which directs parametric adaptation of the constituent by maintaining an even and homogenous pattern. The necessity of tessellation for the design pro-vides a gateway to articulation.
One of the many intents of parametricism is to re-tain the identity of the constituent in consideration of the intrinsic surface differentiation. The organi-zation of spaces within the building contributes to the decrease in energy used, underlining one of the benefits of parametricism.
P E R F O R m I N G A R T S C E N T R E , A B U D H A B I , Z A H A H A D I D
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“Parametricism is a style constitut[ing] an artistic agenda that embodies a will
to form”
- Patrik Schumacher
“architecture is recasting itself, becoming in part an experimental investigation of topological geometries, partly a computational orchestration of robotic mate-
rial production and partly a generative, kinematic sculpting of space”
- Peter Zeliner
The digital technique of parametric design is strongly recommended for the installation of an abstract, iconic and aspirational structure at the Western gateway to Wyndham city as it will convincingly feature the landscapes and typologies of the site through its architectonic design.
Incorporating the contemporary computation technique of parametricism will be wise as it is capable of producing forms that are otherwise complex, and organic which is reflective of the generative systems and emergence. The as-similation of structure and nature will be how I am employing the parametric approach to the gateway proposal at Wyndham city.
making this informed decision will position Wyndham city as a cutting edge town that will place Wyndham in the forefront of the arts and cultural sector strategically located in mel-bourne.
Functioning not purely as a footbridge connect-ing two buildings, Floral Street bridge creates a phenomenal separation of The Royal Ballet School from the landmark Royal Opera House. In this project, the identity of the bridge is retained while exploring the aesthetic function.
Parametric design needs to extend its scope towards ambient and observer parameters; not merely taking into account object parameters. Integral work of ambient and observer parame-ters promotes animation which can be achieved with regard to the expression of architectural surfaces. The play and conversions in lighting places the observer in a position that drives sensational conversions in the appearance and comprehension of surfaces or spaces. As such, functional components of parametricism are enhanced in this prominent architectural state-ment.
T H E F L O R A L S T R E E T B R I D G E , L O N D O N , W I L k I N S O N E Y R EA R C H I T E C T S
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“Part of their training involves becoming familiar with methods that have proved effective in accomplishing any or all of these actions. Learn-ing such methods helps designers direct their efforts toward successful
solutions...”
- Yehuda E. kalay
“...the designer finds an ar-rangement of forms, materi-als, views, orientations, light-ing conditions, and other elements that come together into a holistic ensemble, where the parts support one another and have an intrinsic structure
of their own”
- Yehuda E. kalay
Implementing parametric design and extending to scopes of creating animation through ambience, the optimal design for an iconic structure at the gateway to Wyndham can be achieved. Considering the effects of light determines that adjustments in the environment can contribute to the sensational experience during the drive through towards Wyndham city. The play of light casting shadows or illumination onto the structure, in addition to the movement of traffic, creates a visually outstanding installation along the Princes Freeway.
As such, ensuring that the installation will not only en-hance the physical environment of Wyndham through the proposal of a prominently attractive structure, I would like to introduce the aspects of motion and light which can work harmoniously with the concept of gen-erative systems and emergence.
“...contemporary digital architectures...seem to prefigure an en-tirely new way of architectural thinking...in favour of continuous experimentation based on digital generation and transformation of forms that respond to complex contextual or functional influ-
ences, both static and dynamic”
- kolarevic
A hybrid performative modelling approach by Buro Happold’s SmART softwares was inte-grated in the Scunthorpe Sports Academy. Parametric modelling allowed the soft param-eters of this structure to be dynamically explored and sensitively explored whilst separat-ing the ‘hard’ from ‘soft’ constraints. As multiple design requirements such as structural performance, fabrication, aesthetics had to be satisfied, this approach was beneficial as it combines constraints with requirements. The uniform accuracy of calculations in relation to the model contributes to optimal user interaction.
Scunthorpe Sports Academy is exemplary of integrated performative geometry. The undulating composition of the sports academy is constructed of interlinking geodesic timber shells optimised to adapt rational form. A gentle dome and partially vegetated shell structures reflect a transitional sequence in the use materials, starting with glass and steel at the entrance then timber, followed by sedum and membrane. Glulam timber members of different lengths are linked to galvanised steel nodes at different angles and triangulated joint lines distribute structural forces.
The design philosophy driving Scunthorpe Sports Academy is to enlighten the concept of sports or leisure buildings. Signal-ling promising manifestation of influential, well-engineered responses through harmonizing with the environment. It is successful in forming an architectural interpretation of devel-oping community connection, engagement and participation.
This hybrid performative modelling approach by Buro Hap-pold’s SmART softwares should be integrated into the expres-sion of interest proposal as it optimises user interaction and balances soft and hard constraints with design requirements. The installation at Wyndham would require such an engage-ment between the designer and the programme as it allows the designer to mould and interact with analysis geometry and design properties. As a modelling tool, it is competent in computational approaches to visualisation and manipulation of abstract properties. This relates to the gateway project by enhancing the user interface of the programme whilst reflect-ing the aspirations for the future of Wyndham city.
S C U N T H O R P E S P O R T S A C A D E m Y ,N O R T H L I N C O L N S H I R E ,A N D R E W W R I G H T A S S O C I A T E S ,S & P A R C H I T E C T S W I T HB U R O H A P P O L D Sc
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“The first is scripting for productivity, the second is experimentation by script-ing a path to ‘the answer’, and the third is
scripting for a voyage of discovery”
- Burry
“Systematic, adaptive variation, continuous differentiation..., and dynamic, parametric figuration concerns all design tasks from urbanism to the level of tectonic detail, interior furnishings and the world of products”
- Patrik Schumacher
“...this capability that computational approaches can exploit, visualising and ma-nipulating abstract properties and characteristics, processes impossible to per-form on a physical model, affording a deeper understanding of model behaviour”
- Al Fisher
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Similarly, in this matrix example of the Overlapping Patterns with attractor points and components I applied the design methods discussed in the kalay reading such as depth, breadth and best.
The concept of generative structures is present as the repetitive patterns have been instructed by a set of basic rules. Such a generative form is determined by the initial state evolving into a larger and more complex composition as illustrated by the stages of this evolution. The interac-tions amongst the inputs, associations and outputs are re-flective of the emergence in behaviour towards the design. This framework allows information exchange leading to interesting outcomes and visualizations.
A similar process of shape development which is enabled by computation is digital morphogenesis. Recent discourse on digital morphogenesis reveal the links to a number of concepts such as emergence and form-finding. Digital morphogenesis in architecture has an analogous affiliation to the evolution of nature relating largely to the progressive development.
m A T R I X O F C O m B I N A T I O N S
“This is the creative phase of the design process, where the archi-tect forms ideas and possible solutions that might address the goals, constraints, and opportunities established during the prob-
lem analysis phase of the process”
- Yehuda E. kalay
“design is a process of discovery”
- Yehuda E. kalay
This set of matrix I have manipulated is the Overlapping Patterns with a combination of an image sampler and components. During the search process for solutions, I ap-plied the concept of depth foremost by ensuring that the matrix would be definitive of succeeding and also feasible with certain types of combinations. Following that, I considered the breadth approach which was to create 30 odd matrixes by using various combinations which might lead to promising, successful solutions. Thereafter, I selected the best few which would best describe reflect the potential of achieving the individu-alised criteria with the theme of generative systems.
The design composition of this matrix reflects the concept of generative structures where the shape enlarges, giving the impression of an emerging form. The rules of the definitions and components have led to the creation of a varied form. manipulation of the number slider reveals the complexity and intricacy of the design composition. The growth and changes in the design relates to evolution and antigenic structures. As such, the matrix is likened to an initial configuration while the slider reflects observa-tions in an evolution process.
Depth & BreaDth
Depth & BreaDth
“The systematic addition of constraints and the assignment of values to initially undefined design parameters gradually
reduces the size of the solution space and guides the process toward a particular
solution”
- Yehuda E. kalay
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1. Overlapping Patterns~Image Sampler~Component
2. Overlapping Patterns~Attractor Points~Components
3. Curve Intersections~maths Function~Rotation
The above illustration demonstrates how I had picked two best examples for the theme of nature and generative systems, and rejected the third design. Employing kalay’s search process as elaborated in week four’s journal entry, I applied the breadth, depth then best techniques to come to the conclusion of the two best fits.
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The approach to the Wyndham Gateway project can involve the design process of experimenting with given scenarios and considering the scope of possibilities towards finding a solution. Innovative design solutions for the installation at the Western Wynd-ham gateway would be achieved through the process that has been engaged with the exploration process of the matrixes. This process will allow the designer to firstly ex-plore various concepts, followed by considering the development of suitable outcomes then choosing the best and most promising solution after thorough evaluation and experimentation.
By taking these steps of breadth, depth and best respectively, one will have a more con-sistent record of design discourse and it will be a valuable tool in the search process of a suitable solution.
Computational design techniques will be incorporated into the design process to engage self-organized structural systems that perform at an optimal level in terms of materiality and ingenuity, reflecting the complex network of Wyndham city as a bio-logical organism.
“Design as a process of search”
- Yehuda E. kalay
“the form of trial-and-error searches, constraint-satisfaction methods, rule-based design, and precedent-based design methods”
- Yehuda E. kalay
D E S I G N P R O C E S S &S E L E C T I v E m E T H O D S
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C H R I S T I A N D I O R G I N Z AB U I L D I N G , T O k Y O
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“Performance driven design thus aims for
optimally directed design outcomes”
The case study I have chosen to analyse is the Christian Dior Ginza building located in Tokyo. The facade designed by kumiko Inui features a double skin - an outer layer of aluminium perforated with a pattern of holes of varying size, and a printed inner layer which is fiber-optically illumi-nated at night. The design is produced by a CNC machine with a grid of horizontal and vertical lines, and a grid of diagonal lines. This complex overlaying grid system act as a centre point for a grid of circles.
The building engages visual perception through optical effects such as parallex, transparency, moire, and distorted reflections and refractions. All these effects are further em-phasized with a mobile passerby. Position, time and move-ment are all crucial to the visual experience the building embodies.
The definitions I have decided to reproduce from the matrix exercise include the overlap-ping patterns of a grid of circles and introducing an image of the dior cannage into the image sampler to replicate the geometry and effects of the Dior Ginza building as closely as possible. The unique and elegant design of the perforations have been intricately crafted and the pattern of holes of varying size reflect the complexity and organization of small components or in biological terms, microstructures.
Combining these definitions, I achieved a close replica of the facade of the Christian Dior Ginza building. The promising design is able to produce architectural effects namely tex-ture, layering, gradients, repetition, overlap, camouflage, depth, speed. The overlapping, layering and repetitive patterning of circles in the design is a surface with depth and tex-ture that reflects gradients of light when shone on it. High speed motion of the surface creates an incredible effect on the viewer and diffuses the light reflected by it.
The case study projects strongly engage with the environment and the atmosphere. They have incorporated texture, perforation, overlap and layering in their facades. Employing such material and aesthetic techniques contribute to the interactions between the build-ings and the external environment. The effects of light, wind and speed can be understood clearly through these case study examples with the diffusion of light, blocking the flow of air into the building and the reflective or non-reflective nature of the facade’s material.
Learning from the exemplary case study projects, I decided to employ techniques that will engage with the senses namely sight and textile. Purposefully determining that my design will convey the place-making evolution and vibrancy of Wyndham city, the gateway instal-lation will manipulate the effects of light, wind, motion and deterioration of material over time.
Parametric techniques together with performance-driven design approaches such as Rhino and Grass-hopper reflect the potential of producing innovative, feasible and complex designs. Incorporating these contemporary design technologies into my future work will expand on my technical skills and advance the discourse of architecture. With the application of these contemporary techniques, I will be able to achieve incredible results that are beyond the scope of other design programmes.
“Architecture needs mechanisms that allow it to become connected to culture”
- moussavi
“Organicity leads to ornament that grows from the material organization and is inseparable
from it”
- moussavi
“modernism used transparency to achieve a “direct” repre-sentation of architectural elements of space, structure
and program”
- moussavi
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E X P L O R A T I O N S
“Ornament is the figure that emerges from the material substrate, the expression of embedded forces through
processes of construction, assembly and growth”
- Jones
“Experimental building skins with dynamic, adaptive behaviour are also beginning to
materialize, challenging prevalent assump-tions about tectonics and the permanence
of material conditions in buildings”
- kolarevic
“In light of these technologically enabled changes, innovative practices with
cross-disciplinary expertise are forming to enable the design and construction
of new formal complexities and tectonic intricacies”
- kolarevic
“Interrogating materiality is funda-mental to new attitudes towards
achieving design intent...architec-ture is fundamentally a material
practice”
- kolarevic
The Dior Ginza fabrication model is formed by overlap-ping patterns of a grid of circles and used the dior can-nage image for the image sampler in the Grasshopper software, which is a generative modelling for Rhino. Exploring the model’s performance proved effective in demonstrating the effects of light, atmosphere, overlay, distortion and materiality through changes in lighting and shifting perspectives.
As illustrated by the photographs, the manipulation of light when shone at the model portrays the strength, intensity and diffusion of the play of light. Atmospheric interference is also present when the surrounding en-vironment reacts with the light being shone onto the model producing soft and subtle outcomes. Additionally, the materiality of the fabricated model contributes to the interactions between the model and the environment through the representation of the opacity and transpar-ency of light passing through the model.
The model of the Dior Ginza building has been reviewed with the kalay’s reading on the design methods. Refer-ring to the 30 odd matrixes I had produced previously, I selected a number that were likely to have a similar out-come to the facade of the Dior Ginza building. Starting off, I applied the breadth approach by producing several matrixes with reference to those selected, using a mix-ture of definitions and then picking the best that most resembled the facade of the Dior Ginza building.
This search process allows me to produce a candi-date solutions for consideration while also en-abling me to select the most promising solution further development.
The physical modelling of a replica of the Dior Ginza building has considered the complexity of the overlapping patterns of circles where they might create shadows or increase in the amount of the light passing through the perforations. Detail-ing of the model has also been considered where the perforations of the first layer are of a regular scale while the varying patterns head off in hori-zontal and diagonal directions. In the second layer, the perforations are separated by a 34cm gap and the radius of the circles have been reduced by 30%.
Parametricism, as a contemporary computational technique, will demonstrate its capability in ex-pressing its innovativeness for designing the gateway for Wyndham city. Its performance as an ornament would be an emergence and expression of the materials, organization and construction, and portraying consistency and organicity. Where-as its performanace as a pattern also produces consistency where it reflects generative processes through digital morphogenesis.
“a need for consistency and organic-ity in building expressions...this
organicity leads to ornament that grows from the material organiza-
tion and is inseparable from it”
- moussavi
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D I G G I N G D E E P E R D I G G I N G D E E P E R
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1. BenDing ~ Demonstration of joining multiple sheets of fabricated elements.
2. curling ~ Illustrates the flexibility of molding the fabricated element into the desired shape.
3. rolling ~ Reflects the plasticity and resilience towards the achieved design.
4. perForAtion ~ Representing spaces in between whilst retaining the form of the design.
“Performance driven design thus aims for optimally directed design outcomes”
- Stanislav Roudavski
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As our design studio is appropriately named ‘Air’, I wanted to discover how my model would behave under the influence of air. Hence, I had a wind source from one side of the model passing air through to the other side and the air circulation was enabled by the multiple perforations on both layers. The air that came out from the other side was a lot weaker and thinner than at the side that had the wind source. This demonstrates the quali-ties of lightness and weightlessness when the element air interacts with a material. Due to the multiple perforations of the fabricated model, it demonstrated that the circulation of air is improved and there is a transference between the two layers which could possibly lean towards thermal insulation between the layers.
Through these experimentations of a performance driven design and contemporary com-putational tool, Wyndham city is in reliable hands as throughout the investigations, the works have proven to be worthy of representation for the gateway project.
“immaterial architecture...as an idea, a formless phenomenon, a technological development towards lightness, a tabula rasa of a capitalist economy, a gradual
loss of architecture’s moral weight and certitude or a programmatic focus on actions rather than forms”
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R E L A T I O N S H I P S
my group’s design is a hexagonal patterning that is inspired by the form of a honey-comb assemblied as a mass of hexagonal cells. Formed by the definitions provided, we produced an ice-block replica to demonstrate the effects of air and time on the model. This demonstration has been undertaken to provide similar scenario at Wyndham city as it has been positioned under the influence of atmosphere along the Princes Freeway. Factors such as the strength of wind and deterioration of the model over time, can be visualized clearly in this experiment of the melting of the ice block of hexagonal cells.
Our dynamic team should be selected for the Wyndham Gateway project as the con-cept of nature promotes its rich historical beginnings, with the progression of its place-making identity as a metaphor for the emergence in biological systems. Parametricism will be an excellent form of computational technique to convey our theme of nature by mimicking the emergence of generative systems whilst enriching the identity of Wynd-ham City.
“Performance driven design thus aims for optimally directed design outcomes”
- Stanislav Roudavski
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“biological self-organization of systems proceeds from small, simple com-ponents that are assembled together to form larger structures that have
emergent properties and behaviour, which in turn, self-assemble into more complex structures”
- AD, Self-Organization and material Constructions
Devoting our focus to parametricism as a contemporary computational technique will be the best form of performance-driven design to be implemented for the gateway installa-tion at Western Wyndham municipality. I have provided adequate information and illus-trations in the previous journal entries that shows progression at several stages for under-standing why parametricism is the preferred tool. Essentially, the inception of parametric modelling enables constructive abilities in design while promoting the importance of employing and keeping up-to-date with new systems of communications. Parametri-cism presents its influence and potential of advancing the discourse of architecture by responding to complex contextual or functional influences, be it static or dynamic.
Incorporating the search process exemplified by Yehuda E. kalay, the breadth, depth and best approaches should be engaged. The breadth approach will narrow down the numer-ous candidate solutions to the most feasible and promising solution which will lead on to a successful resolution.
Holistically, parametricism will achieve incredibly remarkable results beyond the capacity of other design programmes when employed for the Wyndham City gateway.
“...this capability that computational approaches can exploit, visualising and ma-nipulating abstract properties and characteristics, processes impossible to per-form on a physical model, affording a deeper understanding of model behaviour”
- Al Fisher
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P R O P O S A L P R O P O S A L
my expression of interest proposal for the Wyndham City gateway project should be selected, as the concept of nature promotes the rich historical beginnings of Wyndham city by relating the emergence of systems in which the culture and history of the municipality have progressed over time. The progression of its place-making identity as a metaphor for the emergence in biological systems will be sustained with the engagement of parametricism. Parametric modelling is a contemporary approach which will achieve the desired envis-aged interest in structural systems of organisms by creating a prominent, aspiring, innovative design that emphasizes on emergent properties and follows the self-organizational be-haviour of a large system.
Employing parametricism with the theme of nature and the its idea of intricacy, will be enriching and empowering to the public and locals as it relates Wyndham city’s cultural and historical evolution to the emergence of biological systems in nature. Parametric design is superior in its capacity for articu-lating programmatic complexity while also implementing scripting. Parametric modelling enables complex connections between the elements and its surroundings and generates continuous differentiation relating to natural systems. By incorporating parametricism to the design of the gateway at Western Wyndham, it signifies the municipality’s global take on contemporary computation techniques. This will transform Wyndham city into a state-of-the-art icon on the map of mel-bourne, satisfying the city’s endeavour of achieving an inspir-ing and significant image.
The conducting of this course has enlightened me through the expansion of my knowledge of various contemporary design approaches that are highly capable of advancing the dis-course of architecture and producing optimally directed design outcomes. The efficiency and convenient user-interface between programme and designer has great potential as a system of communications. Gaining skills from such radical performance driven design tools has profoundly impacted my outlook on architecture and heightened my awareness towards the plug-in Grasshopper on Rhino for its fresh and unexplored status amongst other computa-tion tools. Given the privilege of undertaking this course has indefinitely made it an insightful experience.
“architecture is recasting itself, becoming in part an experimental investigation of topological geometries, partly a computational orchestration of robotic mate-
rial production and partly a generative, kinematic sculpting of space”
- Peter Zeliner
“offers the designers the opportunity to escape the strictures inherent in any software”
- Scripting Cultures, Burry
Chosen for its largest area spanning approximately 50,000m2 and excellent exposure along the Princes Freeway
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C R E A T I N G A R E L A T A B L E I D E N T I T Y
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Taking on the feedback from the mid-semester assessment, I have further un-derstood that the expression of interest proposal must fulfill the criteria of the Wyndham city gateway installation and that the design must demonstrate how the public will interact with the gateway and how the computational technologies such as Rhino and Grasshopper will discourse architecture.
I revised and applied three steps involved in the design process that include search, constrain and rule.
The first step, search had been applied using the breadth method, employed with the generation of numerous cut definitions.
Having created the wide variety of design ‘solutions’, the criteria chosen to con-strain the solutions include aesthetics, optimal, and functionally driven designs. Taking onboard the feedback during the mid-semester, I reviewed the newly constructed matrixes and selected the best design solution that is capable of relating to the identity of Wyndham municipality and performing accordingly to the system of organisms and its morphosis over time.
This establishment of the design will promote Wyndham city on the map of mel-bourne and ensure that the gateway installation will be iconic, prominent, place-making, aspiring, innovative, empowering, inspiring, enriching solution whilst collaborating with the theme of nature and the concept of generative systems.
“With a generative approach to creative production it is possible for there to be a clear distinction between what is generated and what generates,
between the code and the resultant objects”
- mark Burry
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EvOLUTION OF CORE CONSTRUCTION DESIGN
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This brick-like conglomeration reflects the clusters and systems of generative systems in nature, and is most ideal in fulfilling the ideal image for the gateway at Western Wyndham. It satisfies the criteria of functioning as an iconic, inspiring, place-making gateway while encompassing the concept of emergent systems in nature.
Before commencing on the 1:50 model and receiving further feedback and direction from the tutorials, my groupmate and I decided to produce a physical prototype that might help us analyze the structural elements of the design with the use of similar materials. We experi-mented with wood and how it would behave when joined with glue and placed them under different environmental conditions such as blowing, bending, stretching and water. Due to its hard and durable nature, wood is not flexible when forces of compression and tension are acted upon it such as bending and stretching. Exposure to wind and heat blowing has also not caused any damage to the physical prototype, and it remains steady and balanced.
Exposure to water however, results in wood becoming more prone to swelling and possible breakage when sufficient force is applied or when it is immediately exposed to intense heat which causes it to dry quickly, which in turn might lead to flaking. The environmental condi-tions of heat, rain and humidity may have a larger and more gradual impact on wood but it is not immediately noticed.
We have chosen to use wood amongst the other three main materials such as basalt rock, concrete and galvanised steel because it is a material that is stripped to reveal its bare organic nature and signifies its capability of acting as a node. Wood, as a component within plants and trees function as the supporting element and is a mediator for the transference of water and nutrients to other parts of the tree. As such, incorporating wood as a construc-tion material for the gateway installation is purposefully arranged to symbolize Wyndham as a node that endeavours to expand to other parts of melbourne.
The process of revising numerous cut definitions led to the focus of a brick-like conglom-eration being organized and assemblied into a large system composed of smaller compo-nents. Stages of the design development have been numerated consecutively to represent the elimination of less favourable design solutions which do not meet either criteria es-tablished. Reasons of elimination include not conveying the aspirations of Wyndham city through the design, or that the design might be too literal as illustrated in stage 4 of the ‘W’.
Therefore, the breadth, depth, best and search, constrain, rule approaches discussed in kalay’s reading have been employed to limit to the most suitable design solution.
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“The installation need not be literal or didactic in its references, as it may capture a more abstract, aspirational
intent and feeling”
- Wyndham Gateway Project
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EXPERImENTATION OF mATERIALS
Further material exploration was conducted on aluminium foil, clay and concrete. The effects of external environmental conditions on the performance of aluminium foil is seen very clearly with the change in colour and glossiness of the foil.
A few environmental conditions I had employed for the aluminium foil included salt water, heat blowing, stretching and bending. Salt water was to mimick rainwater in the external environment and it had caused the aluminium foil to transform from a glossy silver to a rusty, dark brown and grey. In a longer timespan, the aluminium foil would contain holes. This oxidation process spans over a period of exposure to salt water. The effect of heat blow on aluminium foil does not cause any changes, while stretching causes breakage and bending reveals the flexible nature of the foil. Galvanised steel as a construction material for the gateway installation is reflected by the use of alumini-um foil in the experimentation process. Similarities shared between the two materials are that steel is malleable into shapes which provides larger freedom to configure into the overall design structure, and the steel will take a period of time before it rusts and changes colour and texture.
Similarly, clay has been used to represent basalt rock found in the region of Wyndham city. Clay when exposed to water is slimy and easy to mould into shapes. However, exposure to heat blow will result in cracks across the models as it hardens when dried. Due to its flexible nature, it can be stretched and bent when appropriately assembled. Basalt rock which will be incorporated into the gateway installation is more durable than the clay exemplied in the experiments. As such, the durable and strong nature of basalt rock is unlikely to change substantially over time.
Using concrete as a construction material for the gateway at Western Wyndham, we obtained some concrete to reflect the true nature of its materiality. We carved it into the desired shape by using forces of pressure to break it into the desired shape. We also exposed it to various external environmental conditions such as water and heat blow which did not have an impact on the material. Concrete, having a durable and sturdy nature, might reveal its transformation over a longer period of time.
Conducting this experimentation of selected materials to represent actual materials, has led to the exploration of material behaviour under effects of natural weathering conditions and over timespan.
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Wyndham significance through material representation
Cultural - Concrete represents the modern advancements and forward looking notion of Wyndham city.
Environmental - Wood signifies Wyndham as a place-making identity expanding to other parts of melbourne while maintaining its environmental consciousness.
Historical - Basalt rock symbolizes Wyndham city’s historical roots and Wyndham’s pur-suit to preserve and promote its historical background.
Social - Galvanised steel portrays Wyndham city’s endeavour to be a top-notch, mod-ern municipality worthy of recognition in melbourne.
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DISCOURSE AND INTEREST -ICON OF THE WYNDHAm
The gateway installation is designed to be a morphing organism spread across the landscape along the Princes Highway and Freeway. The structure is purposefully built to blend into Wyndham city’s surrounding environment without diverting too much attention towards the sculpture but maintaining ongoing interest of the natural landscape that Wyndham city offers.
GROWTH -GENERATIvE SYSTEm
Wyndham city will be transformed into a place-making municipality acting as the heart of Western melbourne expanding to Greater melbourne. The extension from a central node behaves as an organism evolving into a larger, more organized system of smaller components.
DYNAmIC -DEGENERATION AND REGENERATION
The selected materials namely basalt rock, concrete, galvanised steel and wood will gradually deteriorate over time with acting factors such as natural weather-ing like rain, humidity and wind. This degeneration of the gateway installation will reveal the everchanging nature of Wyndham city, introducing fresh new looks for the municipality and revitalizing the city within a certain time frame. moreover, the degeneration of the iconic gateway is a metaphor for the ongoing diversifica-tion and development in the area of architecture. This metamorphosis together with contemporary computation technologies will discourse architecture.
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W Y N D H A m C I T Y G A T E W A YI N S T A L L A T I O N
“The installation...should aim to be accessible to a wide pub-lic and should explore place-making aspects and qualities”
- Wyndham Gateway Project
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L E A R N I N G O B J E C T I v E S &O U T C O m E S
At the start of the course, I had no understanding of the com-putational programmes Rhino and the plug-in Grasshopper. Being introduced to these new designing tools, it was rather unsettling as I was worried of being unable to grasp the understanding and operation of the programmes. However, gradual exposure to these designing tools which have a very friendly user-interface, my understanding of the programmes developed over time with practice exercises, quizzes that were conducted weekly to test our understanding of the pro-grammes, and direction by my tutors every tutorial session.
I have illustrated my gradual development of skills towards these designing tools firstly starting off building simple shapes that overlapped. I applied scaling, rendering, rotation and various functions; all of which I was foreign to before the start of this design course. Followed by comprehending pa-rameters and components, and the data tree in grasshopper and eventually producing lofts and such.
Despite the fear of having to learn these designing tools to an appropriate level within a short time of a semester, I had a lot of fun playing around with the programmes and its amaz-ing ability to create complex shapes with precision. In future project involvements, I will definitely employ Rhino and Grasshopper as they are design tools that accurately model and document designs ready for rendering, drafting, manu-facturing or construction.
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Adobe Indesign was another programme I was introduced to in this course. my experience with Photoshop had made me a little uncomfortable with using Indesign at the start as I was more familiar with Photoshop. However, like any other programmes, constant expo-sure and experimentation with the software will lead to a greater familiar and enjoyment when operating the programme. Employing Adobe Indesign will provide convenient ben-efits for future projects.
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Adobe Illustrator, a family of Adobe Indesign, is highly advantageous when the user learns the extent of capability the programme provides. Unlike Rhino, Grasshopper and Indesign, I had previous experience with Illustrator. However learning never stops, and in this design course I learnt several more functions of Illustrator and how it can purposefully create and edit graph-ics and vector drawings.
The introduction to the Adobe family of Indesign and Illustrator has widened my scope of knowledge towards graphics and designing tools. Indesign allows elegant and engaging lay-outs to be easily designed with pixel-perfect control over the design and topography. Whilst Illustrator enables quick and seamless design, high speed and stability on larger and more complex files, and precise and efficient modern user interface.
Both programmes will be considered and employed in future studio work in university, non-work related activities such as designing layouts or editing graphics for occasions, and future projects when I begin work as an architect.
“Like a dialogue between two people, each side learns from and informs the other, and the discussion weaves itself between the positions of the two
parties”
- Yehuda E. kalay
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Wyndham Gateway Design
maturation of the design process is seen with the development of cut definitions and constraining to the best design solution with Yehuda E. kalay’s approach of depth, breadth and best. Pages 13-14 demonstrate my understanding of creating matrixes using Rhino and Grasshopper and pages 15-16, 29-30 demonstrate my understanding of employing kalay’s methods to select the best design solution. Subsequently, I refined the designs to meet the requirements for fabrication and to fulfill the criteria for the Western Wyndham Gateway interchange. The eventual design solution my groupmate and I had come to is the brick conglomeration that meets the performative, material and dynamic characteristics of the gateway design for Wyndham city. This design studio has led me to develop the ability of optimising, detailing, fabricating and assembling geometries using design tools like Rhino and Grasshopper while at the same time, rationalising the geometry of the brick conglom-eration and expressing it as an innovative design for the Western Wyndham gateway.
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“The installation will enhance the physical environment through the introduction of a visual arts component. It
will have longevity in its appeal, encouraging ongoing in-terest in the Western Interchange by encouraging further
reflection about the installation beyond a first glance”
- Wyndham Gateway Project
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“Art has become woven into the fabric of everyday life and a central thread connecting people and place”
- Wyndham Gateway Project
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As Studio Air is structured around a practical project that emu-lates a real-world competition for the Wyndham City Western Gateway, I was exposed to new digital technologies which should discourse architecture through the expression of inter-est document. In my chosen design for the Western Wyndham gateway installation, my groupmate and I referred to the cut case study of the Gantenbein vineyard facade by Gramazio & kohler in Switzerland. We liked the idea of the undulating sur-face created by the brickwall and the perforations which allow for light to pass through and circulation of air to be conducted between the internal and external environments. As such, we incorporated the surface and material interactions with the ex-ternal environment to our design for the gateway at Wyndham city. Pages 19, 20, 23, 24, 32-34 demonstrate my understanding of material experimentation.
Consequently, we were to engage parametric modelling for the Western Wyndham gateway installation. This is to be promoted via the gateway at Wyndham city which will enhance the sur-rounding environment through the introduction of a visual arts component while encouraging ongoing interest through
Design studio Air has enabled me to learn how to interrogate the brief for the expression of interest for the Wyndham Western Gateway proposal. I have learnt to develop skills with generating a variety of design possibilities for Wyndham city by introducing parametric modelling with its intrinsic capacities for versioning. This course has helped me develop skills in three-dimensional media specifically in dynamic 3D modelling, digital fabrica-tion, dynamic diagramming et cetera. Also, the course has created an understanding of relationships between architecture and air through physical models and cut case studies where performative, material and dynamic characteristics have been analyzed. moreover, my foundational understanding of computational principles behind digital geometry, data structures and programming has been considerably developed.
Contemporary computational technologies I have comprehended and learnt in this course such as Rhino, Grasshopper, Adobe Indesign and Adobe Illustrator are amongst my per-sonal repertoire of computational techniques I have attained and will continue to employ in my future work or non-work related projects. I have understood their advantages, dis-advantages and areas of application. Design studio Air has fostered my understanding and competency with designing with contemporary computational programmes and has advanced my computational techniques which will prove beneficial in future.
R E F E R E N C E S
Burry, mark., Scripting Cultures (New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2011).
Castle, Helen., ‘Special Issue: material Computation: Higher Integration in morphogenetic Design’, Architectural Design, 82 (2012), 2 (p.5).
Hill, Jonathan., Immaterial Architecture (New York: Routledge, 2006).
Jones, Owen., The Grammar of Ornament (London: Bernard Quaritch 1910).
kalay, Yehuda E., Architecture’s New media: Principles, Theories, and methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge: massachusetts Institute of Technology 2004).
kolarevic, Branko., Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and manufacturing (London: Spon Press, 2003).
kolarevic, Branko., material Effects (London: Routledge, 2008).
moussavi, Farshid., and kubo, michael., The Function of Ornament (Cambridge: Harvard Graduate School of Design, 2006).
Schumacher, Patrik., The Autopoiesis of Architecture: A New Framework for Architecture (New York: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2011).
Williams, Richard., ‘Architecture and visual Culture’ in Exploring visual Culture (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005).
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