Digital Design M1: Libeskind Serpentine Pavilion 2001

Libeskind Serpentine Pavilion 2001

Digital Design - Module 01 Semester 1, 2019 Joseph Lau

(959154) Micheal Mack + Studio 2

Week One

Reading: Zeara Polo, A. 2010. Between Ideas and Matters.

According to Zeara-Polo, the diagram does not play a representational role in the design process but provides an organisational and can have a performative quality depending on how it is deployed. Explain how Diagram is different from Signs and Symbols? (100 words Maximum)

A diagram is a tool which allows us to produce organisations with multiple readings to help us imagine and conceptualise an idea better. A symbol is a sign which refers to its dynamic object through formal representation. A sign represents its content using arbituary and immaterial forms. Diagrams is the opposite of symbol and sign, it does not play a representational role for their dynamic object, and mediate between physical constructs and concepts or percepts on an organisational level.

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Week One

Precedent Analysis

Top left: Physical model.

Top right: Rhino model using the unfolded template.

Bottom left: 3D model with added wall thickness.

A physical model is first used to understand the folds of the the pavilion from the picture. The model is then translated into rhino and the picture serves as a guideline to keep the angle of the form accurate. More detsils were added to the model to give more depth and realistic to the miodel. The picture lets us understand the steel structures of the inner wall of the pavilion.

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Week Two

Reading: Hertzberger H. 2005. The in-between and The Habitable Space Between Things, from Lessons for Students in Architecture.

Herzberger discusses how design should not be extreme in its functionality. Use your precedent study to explain how the pavilion allows for an appropriation of use. (100 words Maximum)

The Libeskind Serpentine 2001 does not set clear boundaries in its form. Being produced from a number of folds, all the folds are in different angles which creates different sets of planes. Some of the planes are in a wide angle so therefore the plane can function as the wall or the ground, while the planes with acute angles can function as a tighter space or a private area. The different heights of the planes also give rise to a number of funtions to the pavilion such as seatings or hand rest and contribute different levels of privacy between the other side of the wall. Gradually inclined plane can shift its funtion accordingly to the height. There are no specifically definied infrastructures in the pavilion so the uses is up to the imagination of the clients.

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Isometric Isometric view of Libeskind Serpentine Pavilion This is an isometric view of the Libeskind Serpentine Pavilion from East direction.

The modelling process starts with a physical model. Only when the physical model is clear enough then the model is translated into Rhino with the most accurate dimensions. The model is then given more details by adding interior steel structures and wall thickness. The model is then exported into Illustrator and coloured.

The details of wall thickness, steel structures, ground plane materials and the shadow on the plane is highlighted. Lightimg and angle can influences one’s experience in the pavilion which in turn affects the circulation.

The circulation of the pavilion is strongly directional and it is a straight line connecting the road to the Serpentine gallery.

The concept of this precedent study is how the different height and angle planes can influence space and circulation.

The angle planes also introduces a sense of direction to the precedent.

The threshold is mainly bounded by the walls and different sizes of oppenings can manipulate the threshold between the ground plane and the outer area. The circulation informs me that the primary function of the pavilion is too lead people from the the main road into the Serpentine Gallery.

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Week Two Diagrams

Circulation Diagram

Threshold Diagram

The first image shows the openings of the pavilion, the second image is a density diagram which shows the area in which most people would tend to stand or stay, Third image is the possible circulation paths and the thickness of the lines represent the frequency of people passes by.The last image shows how the road affects the circulation.

The first image shows the structures of the pavilion which covers the ground. the second image shows the treshold bounded by the structures. The third structure introduces the ground plane and the last image shows the sun path for the pavilion durring summer afternoon.

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Serpentine Gallery

Road

This diagram shows the direction induced by the form and position of the pavilion. The triangular motif suggest a direction for the visitors to come in from the road and come out to the Serpentine Gallery.

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Appendix

Process

Unfolded model.

Physical model as a sketch.

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Folding the model using plan as a guideline.

Appendix Process

Model using two elevations as a guideline for the height and inclination of the planes.

Structures of the the pavilion outlined.

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Appendix Scanned with CamScanner

Notes on solving diagramming issues.

Thewith aim is to Scanned CamScanner show as much relevant information as possible while keeping the clarity of the diagram.

Sketch of the road map of the Serpentine Pavilion.

Looking from the big picture helps understand the circulation better.

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Process

Appendix Process

Exported linework from Rhino into Illustrator

Coloured and highlighted to emphazise key point.

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Exploded structure to give a clearer picture.