ALL I EVER HAD WAS AN IDEA EXHIBITION CATALOGUE ALINA CROITORU | | ONDREJ SLUNECKO
ARCHITECTS DO NOT CREATE BUILDINGS, THEY DEFINE WHAT A BUILDING SHOULD BE.
WHAT IS AN ALGORITHM? An algorithm is a set of operations to be performed in order to produce a solution to given conditions. Or to perform a specific task by defining precise set of instructions. Algorithms divide complex problems into smaller steps, that can be calculated. For an algorithm to properly operate we need to fulfil several criteria; the instructions must be unambiguous, the input and output must be clearly defined and instruction steps must be in logical sequence. Although often associated with computers, something as simple as instructions how to assemble a furniture is a basic version of an algorithm. We are given the pieces needed for assembly and led through the process step by step. Therefore if we follow each step carefully, we will end with a finished piece of furniture, exactly same as all other people who bought the same product and followed the instructions. If we talk about computers, we can define our own algorithms using a standalone editor, such as programming languages (Python, C++, Java etc.) or we can use special embedded software such as Grasshopper for Rhino or Dynamo for Revit. The advantage of the latter category is that they are easier to use and are meant to operate within realm of geometry. Their development allowed architects to experiment with generating of form as well as automating labour-intensive tasks and enabled manufacturing of complex structures.
DIAGRAM OF ALGORITHM WITH SINGLE INPUT
INPUT
Set of instructions
OUTPUT
DIAGRAM OF ALGORITHM WITH MULTIPLE INPUTS
INPUT 1 INPUT 2 INPUT 3
Partial set of instructions Partial set of instructions
OUTPUT 3 | 20
USE OF ALGORITHMS The initial impulse for this exhibition was the exploration of one of the pieces of software, Grasshopper for Rhino, which led us to seek which architects use these tools and how. We were fascinated by the complex forms. That is usually the first thing you see if you search for algorithm-aided design; complicated shapes, abstract geometry and organic structures. So we studied among others works of Patrik Schumacher and Zaha Hadid. However the deeper we went, the more we realized, that the form that emerges by using AAD is form for form’s sake. As a reaction to that realization we aimed our search in a slightly different direction. We looked for architects, who use AAD more pragmatically. Based on our second wave of research, we developed 7 examples how AAD can be used in variety of design tasks pragmatically. These examples are not meant to be definitive versions or ultimate tools. They should serve as a guidance and showcase of possibilities. Through our process we developed a procedure to follow while designing with a help of AAD tools. Our procedure can be seen on the diagram below. Simply put, it is not enough to develop an algorithm and expect it to operate perfectly and serve universally. As with traditional design, AAD should be seen as iterative process. After setting up the inputs and definition of operations, we analyse the outcome and execute changes in inputs, as well as the definition itself. And only after certain amount of iterations, are we close to what could be seen as optimal solution. DESIRED FORM OF DESIGN PROCESS Set of instructions
IDEA
INPUT
Perform as many iterations as required
Analysis
OUTPUT
FINAL VERSION
EXAMPLE OF ALGORITHM IN GRASSHOPPER
This procedure allowed us to explore different possibilities for AAD, which can be divided into several categories. Among the most obvious are analysis and designs based on the environmental conditions such as light, wind or thermal properties. The form of the building can dynamically respond to those and the outcome would be different based on the geographical location. The second category includes using AAD in relation to the structure, where load bearing parts can change and be optimized.
FORM GENERATED WITH AID OF GRASSHOPPER
The third category deals socioeconomic variables. the final category helps automation of processes manufacture.
with And with and
On the following pages, you will find explanations of the scenarios and descriptions of driving forces which led to the final form. Read carefully and think; how can we use the tools we have at our disposal to make cities better, one idea at a time? Alina Croitoru | Ondrej Slunecko 5 | 20
SCENARIO 1 TOPOSTRUCTURE One of the tasks of an architect is to remind people that gravity exist. The weight of the structure needs to be held. There are many ways to achieve that, though. For the second scenario, we started with a solid slab of material on each side of the building. That is definitely a very robust construction, on the other hand, it would be nice to have some light inside as well. Therefore we need to introduce some openings. Where to locate them? If we analyse the stresses in the material, we will discover interesting pattern, which is caused by the irregularity of the foundation placement. The pattern shows us, which segments AXONOMETRIC of material are doing most of the work and which DIAGRAM are just infill. The parts that are not used to its full potential can be removed and new analysis is performed. This is called topology optimization and its purpose is to find optimal shape in order to minimize the use of material in the structure. After several iterations, we reach a critical point, when further removal of material would destabilize the whole structure. One step before, we are shown what amount of material can be safely removed and replaced by glazing.
ITERATIONS OF STRESS ANALYSES
Examination of the resulting form shows us where the foundations are located. The structural framework of the building is located outside, forming an exoskeleton on the perimeter. The resulting shape forms a visual representation of the transfer of the forces. We can observe what is usually hidden. Construction elements are subject to many different forces acting on them, however walls, beams and columns are almost always made as solid primary shape. And as such, there are always some parts which are not used to its full potential. What could we achieve if we found an easy way to build only the parts that are crucial and make structures more efficient?
Foundation placement is inserted
Facades are formed as solid blocks of material
Loads on roof are inserted
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT
Stresses in the material are analysed
Material is taken out where the stresses are lowest Stresses are recalculated
After certain amount of iterations, we are satisfied with the resulting ratio between solid and void 7 | 20
SCENARIO 2 INSOLATION Sun is both friend and enemy. Sometimes we could use more of it, sometimes a bit less. In the case of high-rise office buildings, the cost for cooling tends to be higher than the cost for heating. Therefore, we want to minimize the exposure of the glazed surfaces on the facade. However, at the same time, we want to get as much daylight as possible. Hence, in this scenario, we aim to find the correct proportions of the high rise, in order for the sun rays not to hit the facade directly. In the first scenario, there are certain parameters that are fixed. The height of the building and floor area, because developers want to maximize the usable space for renting. However, the plot allows rotation of the floors and a certain degree of freedom in the ratio between the width and length of the building. Therefore we have two flexible parameters that needs to be tested. AXONOMETRIC DIAGRAM FIXED PARAMETERS
FLEXIBLE PARAMETERS
HEIGHT
RATIO
AREA
ROTATION
For testing we set our sun calculator to give us an assortment of values for the warmer part of the year. The surface of the tower is subdivided into segments. Each segment consist of four floors, which may rotate independently. Those segments were tested for occlusion by the surrounding buildings. Panels which are hit by the sun are counted and the numbers are added together. Evolutionary solver Galapagos tests the combinations and adjust its guessing by evaluating past iterations. There are 360 degrees the segments can be rotated by and approximately 50 different ratios we can test. Combined there are 18 000 possibilities to test. If we had to do it manually, we would spend at least few days. The script in grasshopper took about an hour to test those possibilities for every segment. We can observe that the segments of the tower rotate and change ratio in the lower part of the building which receives varying amount of shading from the buildings around. And once we reach approximately half of the height, the shading gets consistent and the tower retains the ideal ratio and rotation for the rest of its height.
Geometry is loaded to Grasshopper Site specific sun data are loaded into Grasshopper
Tower is divided into segments
Flexible parameters are introduced
Data limited to specific months and hours according to the use of building
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT
Every possible combination of parameters is tested for the value of insolation, based on the angle of sun rays hitting the facade during the business hours
The segments with optimal angle are stacked on top of each other 9 | 20
SCENARIO 3 VISTA Driving force behind the shape of the building could be the views. In the end, having a spectacular vista is what tenants are willing to pay substantial amount of money for. And in dense cities, it would be amazing to position the building so you can see mountain ranges, sea, or a local landmark from your window. Hence, in the fifth scenario, we have set up a plot, to design 4 towers onto. They are meant to have fixed size of 1000 square meters per floor and have trapezoidal shape. This was chosen so each faรงade can position itself at different angle in order to have as much direct view as possible. The buildings are supposed to have a minimum distance of 15 meters in-between and they can rotate, stretch and change its angles freely.
View rays
4x FOOTPRINTS OF 4 TOWERS
Min distance MINIMUM DISTANCE BETWEEN BUILDINGS
15
1000 m2
m
Rotate change SHAPE CAN ROTATE, STRETCH OR CHANGE ANGLES
s
In the surroundings, we imagined buildings of different sizes, to examine how the script will behave. South from the chosen site are lower, almost suburban buildings, whereas towards north, there are more high-rises which obstruct views. And finally, towards southeast there is an area with a preferred view. Scenic landscape worth taking extra time to remember. If the view rays hit this area, they will score bonus points. Upon examination of the form, we can observe how the buildings positioned themselves with most of the faรงades aimed towards southeast as expected and they also spread evenly over the plot, in order not to block view to each other. Different orientations are tested Desired shape is specified Preferred views are choosen
Optimal solution emerges Different shapes are tested
Site boundaries and maximum areas are set
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT 11 | 20
SCENARIO 4 ENERGY EDGE Plan 1:500 2nd floor
Plan 1:500 Ground floor
Plan 1:500 Ground floor
One of the important parts of indoor climate is the thermal comfort. The regulations dictate how much heat is allowed to escape through the building envelope. This pushes designers to make buildings that are energy efficient, which in turn lowers the load on the resources needed for a building to operate. On the other hand, this has also its negative side. Tight rectangular buildings are energy efficient, however they lack many social aspects.
m 1:1000
CLOSED AND EFFICIENT
Isometric diagram 1:1000
Isometric diagram 1:1000
Porosity
Porosity
OPEN AND SOCIAL
HOW MUCH HAS TO OVERLAP IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE REQUIREMENTS?
The aim of this scenario is to find a balance between energy efficiency and opening up the building. On one side, we have an introverted, closed volume. On the other side, we have completely separated units, with free space in-between, forming terraces and paths through. Aim is to find the exact point where we achieve the required thermal properties, while maintaining as much porosity as possible. In order to do that, we divide our building volumes into walls, roofs and slabs. Or as many different assemblies we might expect. And we make the software calculate only the areas which are exposed to the outside. If we start to pull the boxes apart, more and more areas will be exposed to the surrounding environment. And we want to stop at the exact point where we get as much openness as possible while stile fulfilling the requirements.
Inserting building volumes
Testing how much should the volumes overlap
Thermal properties for whole development are calculated
The solution that fullfills thermal requirements and yet is as open as possible is choosen
Inserting thermal properties of building envelope assembly
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT 13 | 20
SCENARIO 5 BOUNDARY BASH Scenario number six is all about analysis. The goal is to determine whether it will be worth the effort to develop a plot of land, based on the setbacks and calculating areas that can be rented. The setbacks we have to deal with is the distance from the boundary of the plot and shading of the street. Based on these setbacks, the maximum possible volume of the building mass emerges. In the next step, floors that are too small are eliminated. After that, preliminary plan is drafted in order to determine how much space is needed for circulation. From this set of inputs, data about floor areas are collected. We can now clearly evaluate the saleable and non-saleable areas and the ratio between them, which allows us to re-evaluate the floor plan and we can attempt to make it more efficient or decide that based on the current parameters, the development would not be profitable. BOUNDARY SETBACKS
SUNLIGHT SETBACKS
RESULTING FLOORS
The form of the sixth scenario is tightly bound to the maximum allowed volume on a given plot. The form is therefore pre-defined by the authorities who imposed the rules. Yet we see that the resulting form is quite exciting despite its origin.
Site boundaries are inserted
Maximal allowed volume emerges
Sunlight setbacks are inserted
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT
Divided into floorplates
Non developable floorplates are eliminated
Preliminary plan is drafted
Rentable areas are counted
Decision can be made whether it is profitable to develop the plot based on conditions 15 | 20
SCENARIO 6 FUTUROPOLIS How will the cities of tomorrow be designed? And can algorithmic tools help us? There are so many parameters to explore in an endeavour as complex as creating cities.
In this scenario, we first divided the area into reasonably sized units ready to be developed. These were then grouped into zones, each represented by slightly different shape of the building. The area is then connected to the existing road network, creating corridors in-between. The buildings then adjust their height according to the proximity to the main road. Finally, part of the land is reserved for a park and local landmarks are set up on edges of different zones.
In this way, the citizens can orient easily in the grid framework as well as locate their destination in relation to the landmarks. The vast park area allows the city to breathe and provides space for outside activities. The first important point to observe is the height of the buildings, which dynamically changes depending on the distance from the main road, which forms two main axes. The highest buildings are located at the junction of the roads, since they are easily accessible and the further we go from the main artery, the more suburban character the neighbourhood has.
Establishing grid of plots
Divinding into different zones
Density based on proximity to road network
Creating local centers on the edges of critical density
Connecting infrastructure
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT 17 | 20
SCENARIO 7 SOIL REDISTRIBUTION
The final scenario focuses on landscape. After soil for foundation and basement is excavated there are often many cubic meters of soil that would normally need to be stored and later used somewhere else. Now we have the opportunity to precisely count how much soil will become available and redistribute it in the vicinity of the excavation instead of transporting it far away.
WHAT TO DO WITH SOIL?
RANDOM REDISTRIBUTION
LOVELY PARK
The script starts with counting the volume of the soil which will be excavated due to the construction. As a second step, we define parameters of the desired shape and size of the landscaping elements. At the same time, we define the possible positions for these elements. The position is pseudorandom placement, based on the proximity of points. The script will then return sizes and positions based on the cubic meters of soil it has available. Analysis of the result shows scattered hills and foliage across the whole site. That creates many partially hidden spaces to explore and get lost among. Foot path connecting the surroundings slices through the site and winds around the building sitting in the upper third of the park. The beauty of this definition lies in the control of the designer. The architect is still in control, the algorithm only checks and optimizes the result based on the available material. The shape and position is for the architect to decide. It could have been spheres, hexagons, line based hills or anything else they could imagine.
Excavation geometry is counted
Maximum sizes of the hills are chosen
Locations for hills are choosen
Number of hills is tested Several possibilities are presented Sizes of hills are tested
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF SCRIPT 19 | 20
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