Branching City / Systems

BRANCHING SYSTEMS / BRANCHING CITY Jessmine Bath . [2019/20] w1482663 . DS[10]

INTRODUCTION BRANCHING SYSTEMS

The inspiration for this body of work exists in the complex formations found in tree branching. It is fascinating to observe the geometry formed and the rationale for this. Achieving a heightened aerodynamic system, to the positioning of the branching, with optimal solar gain.

The branching can be seen as fractal, with each branch migrating into two or more as it moves through space. The thickness of the trunk, with Leonardo Da Vinci’s deduction, equalling the sum of all branches thickness at a particular distance from the initial tree trunk. These analyses have been taken forward, to create a structurally ergonomic design, forming from its environment, and taking into consideration what presently exists on-site.

BRIEF 01 Students will look at the formal arrangement and operation of plants in their ecosystems through study trips to Kew Gardens as well as natural photography and drawings. These studies will be informed by their parametric models and creatively expressed through their physical models.

Through rigorous physical and digital experiments you will explore the physical and assembly potentials of the material to find novel applications, structures and geometry and combining these experiments with the research into plants to understand the systems at place that organise and hold together plants and make them operate as living processes.

KEW GARDEN OAK Photography: Author [2019] The oak tree inspired this research project, having looked up at the branching network holding up the canopy, its patterns became fascinating, igniting a consideration towards the mathematical algorithms governing its form.

Image Sampling, photography of an oak tree at Kew Gardens, native to England. Abstracting the density in the trees branching formation, demonstrated through scaled circles based on tonal value.

STRAHLER NUMBERS ANALYSIS DIAGRAM

Strahler numbers act as a method to sort tree branching, ordering each segment of the branch through assigning a numerical value based on the adjacent branch.

The exterior most branches, unconnected to any other is the starting value, once this branch reaches a cross section at which two branches meet, a number is assigned.

If the branches are of the same value, the next branch becomes the succeeding value, but if they are different values the next branch becomes the highest value of the two previous branches.

1st order 2nd order 3rd order 4th order

Sources: Laure Daviaud, Marcin Jurdzinski, K. S. Thejaswini. The Strahler number of a parity game. Mathematics, Computer Science. <https://www. semanticscholar.org/paper/The-Strahler-number-of-a-parity-gameDaviaud-Jurdzinski/cb4a3821570c29d0314daa471c390d1b89175dd9#ci ting-papers> Rolf Borcher, and Normana Slade. Bifurcation Ratios and the Adaptive Geometry of Trees. Division of Biological Science, University of Kansas.

FRACTAL GROWTH PLAN DIAGRAM

i=3 i=2

Abstracting the complexity of branching systems, the recursive diagram follows a consistent rule.

Understanding a theoretical branching pattern, existing in a vacuum like space, with no alterer effects. Similarly to the Strahler study, the recursive growth focuses on understanding the branching system in sections defined by the singular branch they are connected to, creating a system in which the point of meeting between branches in the focus.

i=1

i=0

Dissimilarly to the Strahler number system, the recursive equation below follow a strategy beginning at the interior most branch and reaching outwards.

1st order 2nd order 3rd order 4th order

n = 2^i n = number of branches i = order x = initial radius

Sources: Abarim Publications. (2015). Kochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snowflake Or Triangle: Proof Of Infinity Around Limit. <http://www.abarim-publications.com/KochProof. html#.VOvx_i7SQ8I> Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature.

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DRAGON-BLOOD TREE Photography: Boris Khvostichenko [2008] Image Sampling photography of the Dragon-blood tree, native to the arid climate of Yemen. Abstracting the density in trees formation, demonstrated through scaled circles based on tonal value.

The Dragon-blood tree exhibits an atypical branching form when considering the systems found in the oak tree (the initial inspiration for this body of work). The upward extending arms preclude to the sky, creating a canopy of needle like leaves with wax coatings. The waxy canopy collects water droplets from the morning due, these droplets travel down the canopy falling to the ground, where the water can soak into the desert ground, quenching the thirst of the tree. The canopy shades the ground ensuring the water droplets reaching the ground do not evaporate in the humid climate.

WEIGHTED BRANCHING PLAN / ELEVATION DIAGRAMS

The fractal network is formed by iterated function systems (IFS). Inspired by Sierpinskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work, the network follows the equation a^i, with a being the number of branches precluding from the central point in plan view, and i referring to the order the branches lie in.

Progressing from the plan diagram is the elevation, following corresponding rules, the distance at which the branches meet is halved. In elevation the point at which the branches meet exists as a horizontal straight line, moving vertically, in the z-axis. In plan, existing as a perfect circle offsetting outward.

y/16 y/8 y/4

y/2 x/8 x/4

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x d = 8cm

The order begins at the central geometry, in plan, and moves outward.

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1st order 2nd order 3rd order 4th order 5th order

n = a^i

y/16 y/8

n = number of branches

y/4

d = 10cm

a = initial number of branches i = order

x/8 x/4

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x = initial radius y = initial height d = distance between lower & upper boards

Sources: Abarim Publications. (2015). Kochâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Snowflake Or Triangle: Proof Of Infinity Around Limit. <http://www.abarim-publications.com/KochProof. html#.VOvx_i7SQ8I> Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature.

Wei, D., Liu, Q., Zhang, H. et al. (2013). Box-covering algorithm for fractal dimension of weighted networks. Sci Rep 3, 3049. <https://doi. org/10.1038/srep03049>

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d = 14cm

MUSHROOM VORONOI Photography: Author [2019] Taken at Kew Gardens, this image depicts the natural geometry formed when mushroom systems meet in growth, morphing patterns based upon neighbouring heads.

TEAR-DROP RECURSION PLAN PROCESS DIAGRAMS

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Initially points are set using populate tool in grasshopper, then the points are plugged into the Voronoi tool, giving the geometry of meeting circular entities.

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From the Voronoi geometry, the curves are filleted, then offset, at an increment doubling each time.

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On the outer curve points are set equidistant apart, from these points a mid point is set along the inner curve, then creating a line to the closest point on the inner curve.

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The task of joining the points at their midpoint, along the closest point on the adjacent curve, is repeated. Finally the points all join together in the centre of the final curve.

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Once all the branches meet at the central point of the final curve the offset curves can be removed to reveal the branching geometry.

Finally, tracing over the straight branching geometry with the curve tool. Revealing petal like closed curves filling the voids between the straight branches.

5 Sources: Michael Lucy. (2017). Crown shyness: even trees need personal space.

Available at: <https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/crown-shynesseven-trees-need-personal-spaceI> Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature.

Kalantari B. (2013) The State of the Art of Voronoi Diagram Research.

In: Gavrilova M.L., Tan C.J.K., Kalantari B. (eds) Transactions on Computational Science XX. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8110. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

PHYSICAL TRANSLATION CURVED PAPER MODEL

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2.c Translating the form finding within the voids of fractal branching systems, to a physical model.

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Initially, taking the tear-drop geometry and assigning each segment with a specific code based on the overall length of the encompassing curve.

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Materiality was a key motive for the curved paper model, as the think sheets of paper are cut into strip segments, then curved, radically changing the structural integrity of the paper. Once the segments are joined together, the papers ability to hold its form under stress increases further.

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The interest from this model can be seen in the cone like formation occurring once a thread is attached at the outer edges of the segments, and held in tension. Once pressure is applied to the structure the segments are able to hold their shape without breaking, however due to the use of paper and thread as the modelling materials, the amount of pressure applied is minimal before the structure begins to falter. Therefore, to proceed this study a new material library was contemplated.

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TEAR-DROP RECURSIVE MODEL Photography: Author [2019] Tear-drop branching with curved paper and thread.

The branching cones are held in shape by tension string encompassing the outer edges of geometry.

The three individual cones are woven together, allowing the overall model to stand upon three points at the centre of each form.

PLYWOOD ITERATIONS b

PLYWOOD MODELS [0.8MM THICKNESS]

Contemplating the tear-drop geometry existing within the branching formation, this study utilises the bending qualities of plywood (at 0.8mm thickness), to produce structural models, forming varying dome like structures.

The iterative model process aims to achieve a structurally stable dome, through altering the number of initial tear drops from its central point, to the use of string in tension to hold the outer most tear-drop geometry in place.

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The two varying factors in this study can be determined as follows: n = initial number of tear-drops

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PLY BENDING PROCESS Photography: Author [2019] Process photos, depicting the natural formations of the 0.8mm plywood when bending at varying material dimensions. Complementary model making materials include wire and string, to hold the curved formations in space, and test the strength of the plywood within these geometries.

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Final tear-drop branching plywood model photos, formed from an interactive model making process to produce the most structurally stable dome like formation. Also, considering neighbouring branching systems to create a geometry which relies on the adjacent networks to hold its position in space.

The final form maintains its upright position with three reliant systems with countering forces in balance, producing an elegant abstraction of an fractal branching system as translated in physical model making through plywood.

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PLY TEAR-DROP RECURSION Photography: Author [2019]

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PLY TEAR-DROP RECURSION Photography: Author [2019] An interior view on the final model produced from the tear-drop branching study. Demonstrating the bending abilities of plywood, and overall structural differences found in the rigidity of the 0.8mm ply compared initial studies utilising paper as the model making material.

CROWN SHYNESS Source: Michael Lucy [2017] Image Sampling, taking the shading found in photography depicting crown shyness, abstracting the density in the forest canopy, demonstrated through scaled circles based on tonal value.

VORONOI FRACTALS PLAN DIAGRAMS

Inspired by crown shyness, to the right is an exploration of branching structures, computed through grasshopper scripting. The forms are governed by an initial process of populating a plane with a number of points, which then grow as perfect circles until they meet, causing the initial circularly geometry to morph into atypical shapes, when encountering neighbouring geometry. n=3

n=3

n=3

i = 50

i = 150

i = 300

n=5

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n=5

i = 50

i = 150

i = 300

Michael Lucy. (2017). Crown shyness: even trees need personal space.

Available at: <https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/crown-shynesseven-trees-need-personal-spaceI>

n = 10

n = 10

n = 10

Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature.

i = 50

i = 150

i = 300

Once the encompassing geometry is computed, to create the interior branching network the script works from the outer edges towards the central point of each system.

From the outer layer a number of branching points are set, these points then connect based on the closest neighbouring point along the curve, joining together at an offset distance, where the value is doubled working from the outer most point to the centre.

In this study there are three lines of connection, determining the number of connection points, from the exterior to interior this number is halved each time.

There are two values altering the overall systems geometry, these are: n = number of branching systems i = initial number of points at outer layer

Sources: Kalantari B. (2013) The State of the Art of Voronoi Diagram Research.

In: Gavrilova M.L., Tan C.J.K., Kalantari B. (eds) Transactions on Computational Science XX. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8110. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

Wei, D., Liu, Q., Zhang, H. et al. (2013). Box-covering algorithm for fractal dimension of weighted networks. Sci Rep 3, 3049. Available at: <https:// doi.org/10.1038/srep03049>

PYRAMID RECURSIONS AXONOMETRIC VIEWS

Utilising the Voronoi form, this study extrudes the branching systems in the z-axis to produce pyramid like geometry.

The branches are individually piped at a thickness relevant to its order.

Varying factors include the z-axis offset distance & the pipe thickness at certain cross sections, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theory of the sum of all branches at a certain height is equal as you vertically ascend the canopy.

Sources: Kalantari B. (2013) The State of the Art of Voronoi Diagram Research.

In: Gavrilova M.L., Tan C.J.K., Kalantari B. (eds) Transactions on Computational Science XX. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, vol 8110. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg Michael Lucy. (2017). Crown shyness: even trees need personal space.

Available at: <https://cosmosmagazine.com/biology/crown-shynesseven-trees-need-personal-spaceI> Mandelbrot, B. B. (1983). The fractal geometry of nature.

Wei, D., Liu, Q., Zhang, H. et al. (2013). Box-covering algorithm for fractal dimension of weighted networks. Sci Rep 3, 3049. Available at: <https:// doi.org/10.1038/srep03049>

COMPUTATIONAL TO PHYSICAL 3D PRINTED PHYSICAL MODELS

From the piped pyramid branching constructed through computational design, to be 3D printed in PLA.

1 Piped Branching

The initial test showed promise when being 3D printed, however approximately two thirds through printing the model shifted on the 3D printing plate, causing the imperfection at the top level. The failure lead to its structural integrity being compromised.

2 Piped Branching

To prevent the same failure of iteration 01 occurring, for iteration 02 the 3D printer base was set to a higher temperature & a more substantial brim was modelled. Hence, Iteration 02 was successful in producing an uncompromising piped branching pyramid.

3 Draped Branching

For iterations 03-4 the file settings were altered to ensure the 3D printer would be-able to produce the complex form. The draped geometry is printed as solid form.

4 Draped Branching

Iteration 04 produced a hollow base, meaning less material needed for the print.

5 Draped Branching

The initial draped branching test failed after printing only the base. This is due to the settings on the file being set to less detail & greater speed, therefore the print was not able to form the complexity of the models form, and began to fail.

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WEIGHTED PIPING 3D PRINTED PHYSICAL MODEL / PROCESS DIAGRAMS

To form the 3D printed models the below file was used, is it comprised of 10 pyramid like branching structures, perfectly joined. Therefore the 3D printed model to the right could form the below geometry, if all of its counterparts were also printed.

1 The Voronoi geometry is offset, with the distance

halved each iteration.

2 The outer most geometry is divided into points which meet on the offset geometry.

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The outer most geometry is divided into points which meet on the offset geometry.

4 Finally the points are all joined at a central point.

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The diagram demonstrates how the movement in the z-axis of the branching connection points alters the overall geometry of the system.

DRAPING ITERATIONS 3D PRINTED PHYSICAL MODELS / PROCESS DIAGRAMS

Proceeding from the piped branching systems, the following studies formation derives from a method of draping. The draping process is simply a computational fabric like surface, which interacts with any geometry existing in the path of drape, leading to a geometry reminiscent of a cliff face.

To physically model the draped structure 3D printing was used, with the material in use being PLA. Once modelled it was interesting to study the layers produced by the 3D printing process, as the layering again became reminiscent of a cliff face.

With the layers on PLA almost mimicking that of the naturally forming layers of the soil or sand.

Iteration 1

Iteration 1 Solid Massing, where the surface to be 3D printed exists as a solid mass.

Iteration 2 Void Formation, where the original drape surface is offset producing a void space within the structure.

Iteration 2

Draping Setting When creating the computational model using the draping tool, there was a draping factor to be determined. The draping value referring to the detail found in the surface to be draped. The larger the draping factor more dissimilar to the initial geometry the drape became.

Initial geometry

draping setting = 1

draping setting = 3

POINT-CLOUD NETWORK FORMATION ANALYSIS

To form the point-cloud branching system, first the path the branches aim to take must be formed, in the below case a cone shape was chosen to closely mimic the geometry naturally formed by the dragon-blood tree. Next a bounding box is created to inform the population of points. Once the points are established within the bounding box they can be joined to its nearest counter points, thus forming a point cloud. Through the point cloud the branching network is created, following the wanted path, but taking the route through the point-cloud network.

WEIGHTED PIPING FORMATION ANALYSIS

Travelling through the point-cloud the branching lines are formed, the initial formation is a network of straight lines based on the point-cloud network. To produce a smoother geometry, to further connect to the natural branching systems found in tree canopies, the initial branch lines are first reformed at points, then these points are connected together forming nurbs curves.

To further exemplify natural branching formations a pipe structure is applied to the branch curves, with weighted thickness moving from top to bottom, as seen in the drawing on the right.

The ability to extrude the branch lines was tested, as seen to the right. Initiating an architectural study experimenting with the spaces formed between the branching curves.

POINT-CLOUD MATRIX FORMATION ANALYSIS

The iterative process of altering to values within the script has produced the following geometry. The form study, analyses how the number of points populating the point-cloud network effects the complexity of the branching system. Also, illustrating the altering of maximum height parameters, which demonstrates the relate complexity decreasing as the same amount of points are populating a larger space, causing the density of the point-cloud network to decrease, in-turn causing the complexity of the branching geometry to lessen.

The varying factors have been categorized as follows:

p = 100

p = 100

p = 100

h=5

h = 25

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p = 250

p = 250

p = 250

h=5

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p = 500

p = 500

p = 500

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p = population of points forming the point cloud network h = maximum height of wanted branching path

POINT-CLOUD BRANCHING WITHIN VORONOI CONSTRAINTS The diagram depicts all of the computational processes utilised to produce the branching structure. Notable methodologies are as follows: the initial Voronoi geometry determining the constraints of each branching system, then attached to this a cone like formation of lines acting as the wanted path for the branching, to house the point-cloud network bounding boxes around the wanted path lines, and finally the branching moving through the point cloud is piped, with varying weighting based on Leonardo Da Vinciâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s theory.

3D PRINTS : POINT-CLOUD BRANCHING Photography: Author [2019] To the right, an exploration of the point cloud branching system, was a piped geometry hugging the path computed through the point-cloud.

The pipe maintains a constant radius as it moves through the structure, ensuring its thickness is set to a readable scale for 3D printing.

To the left, a version of the piped branching model, where the geometry has been draped, producing a structure where the branches connect to the ground at all points. With a larger footprint the model achieves greater structural stability, as a greater load can be placed upon it without detriment to the model.

ANIMATIONS POINT CLOUD BRANCHING FORMATION ANALYSIS

Within the grasshopper script acting to form these complex geometries, there are a number of varying values. The below study shows how altering these values transforms the branching structure.

1 Height Variation

The height of the central line is altered, governing the angle of decent for the wanted path of the branching system. As the value increases the branches become less linear in their direction, as the positioning of the point cloud network changes. https://vimeo.com/423153234

2 Radius Increase

The radius is increased, changing the footprint for the geometrical formation of the branching. As the radius increases the structure becomes more stable, if imaging a force to be pushed down upon it. https://vimeo.com/423153777

3 Radius Growth

Looking at the Voronoi formation of branching systems in relation to one another,. This radius increase demonstrates how the branching geometry alters when coming into contact with other systems. https://vimeo.com/423154480

4 Point Growth

Again studying the Voronoi formation of branching systems, this studies varying factor is the number of wanted paths. As the number of wanted paths increases, the complexity of the branching network is improved, leading to a more tree like branching system. https://vimeo.com/423154230 Please find attached a links to the video illustrating these animations.

POINT-CLOUD PROJECTIONS An initial view taken from computational experimentation with the branching networks.

Deducing a more architectural modelling philosophy, in which the branching systems are extruded towards the ground, forming meandering walls, and, interesting spatial qualities between these formations.

PROJECTIONS MATRIX FORMATION ANALYSIS

Working with the curved branching networks produced from the computational designing processes in grasshopper, the projection study aims to fortify the branching structure as a space defining methodology, rather than a skeleton like form being produced when piping around the branches.

The network is offset from itself then extruded to the ground. Through this process interesting spacial typologies are formed between each segment.

The study analyses how two main factors alter the quality of the spaces formed between the branches.

The first factor being the number of branching systems existing in the space, and the second is the value given to the highest point of the geometry.

c=1

c=1

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h = 10

h = 25

h = 50

c=3

c=3

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h = 10

h = 25

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c=5

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c=5

h = 10

h = 25

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The varying factors have been categorised as follows: c = number of branching systems h = highest most point

PLYWOOD PROJECTION Photography: Author [2019] A modelling study using the bending qualities of 0.8mm plywood. Inspiration for the model taken from the point cloud extruded branching networks study.

Each sheet of ply is first soaked in water to improve its bending capabilities, then placed into the 4mm plywood form-work at the base, with slots cut to the exact dimensions of the extruded segments.

Once all segments are slotted, the model is left to dry, holding the curved form, and creating a geometry reminiscent of tree roots precluding from the soil. Within the curved panels interesting spacial typologies are formed, igniting a more architectural methodology to the form finding.

BRANCHING CITY PROJECT SUMMARY

Within the anthropocentric age, human connection to nature diminishes, our relationship becomes that which perceives natural systems as a separate entity to ourselves. Seen in our regulated cities, compartmentalizing the soil and the human, with tarmac engulfing the city. The only opportunities allowing the soil to breathe are cramped / pruned gardens, found attached to individual houses, and, the grass covered parks with little opportunity for any other species to thrive.

BRANCHING CITY searches to reconnect human habitation with that of the forest. To achieve this, master-planning exercises based on the location of existing trees, allowing a densely populated forest to coexist with the city.

The positioning of programme is completely rethought, as 3m wide blocks must house a complex of varying intent. The circulation space, for example, is placed on the exterior of the modules, making a space, often hidden or regarded as mere amenity, into a celebrated architectural feature, where residents can move through the forest canopy re-establishing a connection to our natural environment. Whilst, maintaining the ethos of the project, where as little disruption to the existing forest is made. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We cannot isolate one part of life from anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Masanobu Fukuoka

The pathways meander through the forest, allowing for cycle and pedestrian routes, connecting the city.

Positioning of housing, schools, hospitals, offices, shops, are stacked upon one another, with offset stacking to provide terraces, breaking up an otherwise densely populated (30m tall maximum) structure, and ensuring sun light is able to pass through the architecture to maintain light reaching all parts of the existing forest. Additionally, the height limitation of 30m was considered to provide viewing platforms of the forest, whilst not overreaching the canopy ensuring the design is not oppressive to the forest.

Sources: Balfour, Lady Eve. (1943). The Living Soil. Soil Association Ltd, 2006.

Fukuoka, Masanobu. (1978). The One-Straw Revolution. Rodale Press.

Kumar, Satish. (2013). Soil, Soul, Society : A New Trinity for Our Time. Leaping Hare Press McDonough, William; Braungart, Michael. (2002). Cradle To Cradle: Remaking The Way We Make Things. North Point Press, New York.

More, Sir Thomas. (1516). Utopia. Penguin Books 1984, London.

ANALYSIS AREA WORLD MAP

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Mapping exercise determining the density of Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s forestru and a brief analysis of where the most damage to the forest is occuring, Additionally overlaying information about the state of forest cover with the health of soil, to see correlations between the tow. Notably illustrating that there has been a degredation in forested land, and there are many parts of the land effected by different forms of soil erosion.

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INDIA MAP

Forest & Tree Cover Total cover for India is 802,088 square km.

24.39% of the countries area.

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Wind Erosion Wind erosion removes the topsoil. Soil is more vulnerable for wind erosion in conditions such as very sparse or no vegetative cover, increasing wind speed, loose, dry, fine or large exposed areas.

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Water Erosion The loss of soil cover, due to rainfall and surface runoff water. Water erosion is observed in both hot and cold desert areas, across various land covers and with varying severity levels.

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Degraded Forest The process in which biological wealth of a forest area is permanently diminished by some factor or by a combination of factors.

Dense Human Settlements Densely populated regions, exceeding 1000 persons per km.

Auroville

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Sources: Global Forest Watch. Available at: <https://www.globalforestwatch. org/>

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Puducherry

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Space Applications Centre, India Space Research Organisation, Government of India. Desertification and Land Degradation Atlas of India (Based on IRS AWiFS data of 2011-13 and 2003-05). Available at <https://www.sac.gov.in/SACSITE/Desertification_Atlas_2016_SAC_ ISRO.pdf>

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Suvrat Kher. (Nov, 2009). Mapping India: Land Degradation and Desertification. Available at <http://suvratk.blogspot.com/2009/11/ mapping-india-land-degradation-and.html>

CONTEXT PUDUCHERRY MAP

“Puducherry” is the French interpretation of the original name “Puducheri” meaning “new settlement”. Many pilgrims have shared the town’s hospitality on their way to the temple town of Rameshwaram, thus enriching its culture.

Photography: Bourne & Shephard Studio [1890]

Photography: Karthik Easvur [2014]

Forest & Tree Cover Water Bodies Human Settlement Roads & Routes Settlement Boundaries Auroville Location

Sources: Mapping Information, OpenStreetMap. Available at: <https://www. openstreetmap.org/#map=5/54.910/-3.432> Government of Puducherry website. Available at <https://www.py.gov. in/knowpuducherry/history.html>

AUROVILLE Satelitte Imagery: Google Maps [Accessed January 2020] A look at Auroville from above, making visible the dense forest the development has conceived.

AUROVILLE REFORESTATION MAP

The vision behind Auroville’s afforestation efforts is to recreate the indigenous forest known as the ‘Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest’. A forest in which a large percentage of its species have medicinal properties documented in the local traditional health care systems.

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existing tree cover existing water bodies topography buildings roads

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AUROVILLE SITE ANALYSIS

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important forested land watershed private land

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farm land temple land existing villages

buildings roads

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existing tree cover existing water bodies topography

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FOREST DENSITY

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SITE ANALYSIS

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Mature Forest Cover

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Adolescent Evergreen

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Palm & Fruiting Trees

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POINT PLACEMENT

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BRANCHING MASTERPLAN

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200m Tree Trunk Offset offsetting around the central point of the tree, to ensure the architectural design does not collide with the exsisting forest Tree Canopy understanding the desity of the forestscape through computational analysis Points of Connection

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when populating the points, the tree canopy is considered, ensuring no points exsisting in the canopy space

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POINT-CLOUD

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BRANCHING MASTERPLAN

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200m Tree Trunk Offset offsetting around the central point of the tree, to ensure the architectural design does not collide with the exsisting forest Tree Canopy understanding the desity of the forestscape through computational analysis Points of Connection

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when populating the points, the tree canopy is considered, ensuring no points exsisting in the canopy space Point-cloud Network with considerations not only to the tree locations, but also the distance needed for architectural implementation

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WANTED PATH

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BRANCHING MASTERPLAN

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200m Tree Trunk Offset offsetting around the central point of the tree, to ensure the architectural design does not collide with the exsisting forest Tree Canopy understanding the desity of the forestscape through computational analysis Points of Connection

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when populating the points, the tree canopy is considered, ensuring no points exsisting in the canopy space Point-cloud Network with considerations not only to the tree locations, but also the distance needed for architectural implementation Wanted Path utlilsing voronoi studies, the wanted path for the branching system acts to determine the direction of the branching curves

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POTENTIAL PATHS

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BRANCHING MASTERPLAN

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BRANCH MASTERPLAN

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BRANCHING MASTERPLAN

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200m Tree Trunk Offset offsetting around the central point of the tree, to ensure the architectural design does not collide with the exsisting forest Tree Canopy understanding the desity of the forestscape through computational analysis Points of Connection

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when populating the points, the tree canopy is considered, ensuring no points exsisting in the canopy space Point-cloud Network with considerations not only to the tree locations, but also the distance needed for architectural implementation Non-intersectiong Network through the forest the path travels, finding the most direct route along the point-cloud network

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INHABITING BRANCH MASTERPLAN PLAN DIAGRAM

BRANCHING CITY searches to reconnect human habitation with that of the forest. To achieve this, master-planning exercises based on the location of existing trees, allowing a densely populated forest to coexist with the city.

The positioning of programme is completely rethought, as 3m wide blocks must house a complex of varying intent. The circulation space, for example, is placed on the exterior of the modules, making a space, often hidden or regarded as mere amenity, into a celebrated architectural feature, where residents can move through the forest canopy re-establishing a connection to our natural environment. Whilst, maintaining the ethos of the project, where as little disruption to the existing forest is made. â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We cannot isolate one part of life from anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Masanobu Fukuoka

The pathways meander through the forest, allowing for cycle and pedestrian routes, connecting the city.

Positioning of housing, schools, hospitals, offices, shops, are stacked upon one another, with offset stacking to provide terraces, breaking up an otherwise densely populated (30m tall maximum) structure, and ensuring sun light is able to pass through the architecture to maintain light reaching all parts of the existing forest. Additionally, the height limitation of 30m was considered to provide viewing platforms of the forest, whilst not overreaching the canopy ensuring the design is not oppressive to the forest.

https://vimeo.com/429508317

PEDESTRIAN ROUTES BRANCHING PROCESS

Ground Floor City Modules (3mx5mx3m) Housing, school premises, office, etc.

Existing Forest Cover

Routes For Cycling and Pedestrian Use

Point-cloud Network Analysis of void space, considering forest & dwelling modules

Wanted Route Path The designed route through the forest, allowing the script to compute the most similar path through the forest, whilst considering the placement of dwelling modules

POINT-CLOUD BRANCHING PROCESS

Human Dwelling Modules (3mx5mx3m) Housing, school premises, office, etc.

Existing Forest Cover

Routes For Cycling and Pedestrian Use

Point-cloud Network Analysis of void space within forest

https://vimeo.com/433945379

BRANCHING CITY ROOF PLAN

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Cyclists

Vertical Waster Water Treatment

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BRANCHING CITY PLAN

Housing Community Space Education Amenities Cyclists Timber Frame Bamboo Facade Hemp Insulation Bamboo Shutters Ground Floor Roof 1st Floor Plate 1st Floor Roof Vertical Waster Water Treatment

Spiral Staircase Straight Stairway

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BRANCHING CITY ELEVATION