Boundary of Transition (Extract - Part II)

Boundary of Transition, the evolving urban transformation programme

Topological (eqv.) Methodology for Architectural Boundary Making : Civic Boundary as Liberating Garrison

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in 2D

Following with pilot tests on experimenting topology as an alternative methodology for making architecture, topological diagrams were transformed into contrary architectural circulation and programme-layout design respectively. Concentrating on the two dimensional plan, a new living pattern and transiting experience were provoked with the topological partition modules and transformed layout prototype. In addition, graphical representation was explored to further elaborate the idea of transition and transformation of topological boundary with time. As the summery of mid-term research, two drawings were made to show the continuity, openness and adaptability of topological space generated from its cross-dimensional quality.

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in 2D - TIME CELL & THE EDGE

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

Test on Circulation by Knots Theory

Ordinary Boundary Making in Euclidean Dimension

Topological Boundary Making Method by Knots Theory

Application on Circulation

Ordinary Euclidean Dimension

Topological Dimension

Result seen on Precedent Residential Design

Test on Alternative Ground Fabric

Harmony1

H-Block

Route Map

Circulation (Nolli) Map

Circulation (Nolli) Map

Private Tenement

Topological Fabric

Centralized Planning

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

Test on Alternative Circulation Prototype

Sub-divided Prototype & Modulation

4 x 2 Types Module Divsion

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

Extension and Linking of Private and Communal Space

Transitional Semi-Public-Private Buffer Space

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

Transformable Interface in Section

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

TIME CELL - with expanded programmes

TIME CELL - connecting space

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

TIME CELL - active zone of 24 hours in matrix

TIME CELL - active zone of 24 hours overlaid

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test I : Circulation by Knots Theory

Cross-dimensional

Structure of TIME CELL - Hypercube

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in 2D - TIME CELL

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test II : Programme by Boy's Surface

Test on Programme by Boy's Surface

Ordinary Design Methods in Euclidean Dimension

Topological Making Method by Mobius Strip

Application on Programme

Programmes’ Relationship

Diagram

Ordinary Central Core

Plan Transformation

Boundary Control on Movement - Space syntax Programme’s Relationship in Volume

Ordinary Shared Core

Detached Servant Core

Comparison with Precedent Tower Design

Service Core Hong Kong Public Housing Centre Service Core Seagram Tower Side Cores Commerzbank Tower

Side (Attaching) Cores Lloyds Building

Cores of Test II from Topological Method

Cores for Test I Prototype from Topological Method

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test II : Programme by Boy's Surface

Testing Prototype of High Openness Programme Layout - Office

Testing Prototype of Mid-high Openness Programme Layout - Living (with test 1 prototype)

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test II : Programme by Boy's Surface

Testing Prototype of Mid-low Openness Programme Layout - Apartment

Testing Prototype of Lowest Openness Programme Layout - Prison . Storage

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test II : Programme by Boy's Surface

Transitional Openness of Centroid Space

Shared Common Area for meeting, storage, network servers

Shared Control Point as single security check-point

Transforming Floor-plates with Ascending Levels

Linked-up Floor Space for Higher Levels and Security Control

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test II : Programme by Boy's Surface

Interfaces between Servant and Served Programmes

Outer View

Inner View

Transforming Openness in Circulation

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Test II : Programme by Boy's Surface

Transform Edge

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in 2D - THE EDGE

Study I : Function

On top of the tests on two-dimensional boundary, multiple dimensions were included for the continuation of thesis study. In order to translate the abstract qualities from Topology to the architectural design languages, the making of topological boundary in habitable dimension is the key step. Five major architectural methodologies were studied from topological elements and they were cross-referenced to produce a living prototype.

The first parameter selected was Function. Based on the previous test on programme, a 2-way tower in topological form with transiting functional layout was generated. With reference to the quality of Boy’s Surface, the distinctive programmes in the prototype tower experienced from inter-crossing separation to union simultaneously. Resulting the co-existence of connecting space and private space to be happened in the same tower under continuous transformation of floor plates in levels.

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in Human Scale / 3D

Study 1 - Methods on Function

Methods on Function Design

Ordinary Design Methods in Euclidean Dimension

Topological Making Method by Mobius Strip

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Study I : Function

Study 1 - Exploration on Function

Functional Layout Diagram

Exploration on Functional Layout

Plan Transformation

Boundary Control on Movement - Space syntax

Functional Layout in Volume

Ordinary Central Core

Ordinary Shared Core

Detached Servant Core

Comparison with Precedent Tower Design

Study 1 - Application on Function

Application on Tower Design with 2 Programme Types

Adaptation to Design Project

of Topological Methodologies in Human Scale / 3D

Study II : Fabric

The second parameter selected was Fabric. Leading to material and structural system design in Architecture, the exploration on fabric began with the mapping of existing building systems. Categorized from unity to modulation and rigidity to flexibility, the potential quality of suitable system for topological design was revealed. The elastic, transformable modular frame system would be the topical study for the final part of thesis investigation.

The fabric of Catenoid surface and its transforming ability became the signature of topological system design. Further to the first study on Function, the fabric of topology was suggested for the design system of the 2-way tower. Beyond the application on structure, the fabric design reflects on the facade which demonstrated the heterogeneous outcome from series of homogeneous variations.

Mapping

Study 2 - Methods on Fabric

Methods on Fabric Design

Topological

Spatial Transformation by Folding

TOPOLOGICAL

Study II : Fabric

METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Study 2 - Exploration on Fabric

Exploration on Available Fabric Possibilities

Unity Modulation

Rigidity

Catenoid Surface - Reinforced Concrete

Taichung Metropolitan Opera House Toyo Ito

Tensity

Tensile & Hexagonal Modules MeshFiberglass covered in Teflon & Laminated Timber

Centre Pompidou-Metz

Shigeru Ban

Flexability

Braid & Loop - Hollow Steel Tube

Slavin House Greg Lynn

Nurbia unit

Urbantoys Grey Lynn & Marcelyn Gow

Tessellation Folding - Deformation

Tomohiro Tachi - Ron Resch

Dome Truss - Trianglar Steel Members

Buckminster Fuller

Knots Puzzle / Bracket System - Wood

Altekruse - Chinese Dougong

AI Facade - MetShutter

Arab World Institute

Jean Nouvel

- to be discover -

Elastic Module

Application on Structural . Elevation Design

Transformable Configurations by Modulation

4-Floor Module Configuration

Tower Module for Working and Living

Connecting Routes

Study 2 - Application on Fabric

Study III : Circulation

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in Human Scale / 3D

Study III : Circulation

The third parameter selected was Circulation. Summarizing the previous test with Knots theory, a floor plan interlocking unit modules and circulation space were produced. Following the principle of continuing boundary in crossing dimensions, 4x2 types of modular unit were deducted for the varying composition of floor plans under the designated layout.

Transition of living space is allowed with the openness of boundary. There is no definite edge cutting off the private area from common area by a tangible wall. Thus space is continuous while privacy could still be kept under the topological circulation.

Study 3 - Methods on Circulation

Methods on Circulation Design

Ordinary Boundary Making in Euclidean Dimension

Topological Boundary Making Method by Knots Theory

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Study III : Circulation

Study 3 - Exploration on Circulation

Exploration on Circulation System

Ordinary Euclidean Dimension

Topological Dimension

Result seen on Precedent Residential Design

Test on Alternative Ground Fabric

Study 3 - Application on Circulation

Application

. Unit Expansions

Study IV : Mechanism

Study IV : Mechanism

The forth parameter selected was Mechanism. With the using of mechanical joints, the configuration of boundary could be expanded into multiple sets for different levels of control. The transition of the mechanical boundary bridges incompatible forms of space as well as circulation. During the process of transition, the transformation of overall boundary and space could be captured.

In the exploration part, different numbers of joint member were illustrated for design reference use. In the application of mechanical system on above studies, the mechanical device was attached to the floor unit with multiple roles. From fully enclosed wall to flipped corridor, balcony desk to sun shading device, the form of the system changes according to each specific users and demands of every single unit. Thus the transiting of mechanical units realized the transformation of architecture with time and use.

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in Human Scale / 3D

Study 4 - Methods on Mechanism

Methods on Mechanism Design

From Enclose to Open Boundary

Interior and Exterior Controls

Condition 1

Mechanics of Merging Two Conditions in Euclidean System

Combined Conditions by Adding

Mechanics of Merging Two Conditions by Mechanical Locks

TOPOLOGICAL METHODOLOGIES - Research Process and Findings

Study IV : Mechanism

Study 4 - Exploration on Mechanism

Single Lock System

Dual Lock System

Triple Lock System

Application on Mechanical System Design Rotation I Hinge Rotation II

Potential Joint Types

Quad Lock System

Mapping of Topological Methodologies in Human Scale / 3D

Study V : View

The fifth parameter selected was View. From the abstract concept diagram, it represents the continuation of views from inside to outside and vice versa. There are no longer distinguishable inside and outside view within a topological boundary. For further exploration, topological view could also be enriched by folding the layers of space and boundary, in a consistence way. The outcome of view design application would be shown in more analytical way instead of strategic methods, as the proof for the successful use of topological methods during design process in a project.

The porosity and connectivity of view within boundary and space would be two of the judging qualities as the outcome of this study.

Study 5 - Methods on View

Methods on View Design

Ordinary Viewing with Euclidean Boundary

Continuous Viewing with Topological Boundary

By

Exploration on View Design

Realization of Porous Visual Accessibility

Transiting IN - OUT Relationships

Enclosed Open-Plan

Porosity from Modular Composition

Semi-permeable Cover

Study 5 - Application on View

Tommy , Chong -Yan L i