AA Jordan LOGBOOK 2015

Jlogbook RDAN JULY 23 - AUGUST 2, 2015

contents about

1.0.... .... Directors Intro .... The AA .... Participants .... Agenda

travel

2.0.... .... Dead Sea .... Arab Potash Company .... Amman

EVENTS

3.0.... .... Lectures and Discussions

work

4.0.... .... Unit Outcomes

exhibit

5.0.... .... Opening Reception

prototyping

6.0.... .... Physical Models

moments

7.0.... .... Photographs

2016

7.0.... .... Upcoming Programme

thank you Our programme is made possible through the sponsorship, support and partnership of various institutions.

We are continously seeking partners and sponsors to advance our successes. For opportunties, feel free to contact the Programme Director anytime at jordan@aaschool.ac.uk We would like to extend a special Thank You to Mr. Akram Abu Hamdan for his endless and continued support to the Visiting School in Jordan and the generous hospitality he has provided us.

Our Sponsors, Supporters and Partners: Mr. Akram Abu Hamdan Bait El Balad Private Venue

directors intro

It is with great pleasure to document and share our experiences from the 2015 AA Visiting School in Jordan.

Our ambition is to continue investigating the natural extremities in Jordan, many of which unviel distinct opportunities in architecture and design. The Dead Sea has been no exception; a context we could not have investigated from the AA in Bedford Square, London - however made possible through the Visiting School.

We are excited to continue the agenda this year, with focus on the Red Sea / Aqaba and an investigation of subaquatic coral and marine formations - Hyperbolic Reefs.

The team and myself strive to provoke minds, inspire individuals, establish networks, empower skillsets, develop innovative designs, foster and stimulate a design culture.

Sincere thanks to all those who have joined us in 2015 from guests, faculty and participants coming from over 14 different countries, and look forward to many more enthusiasts joining us in 2016 and beyond.

Kais Al-Rawi

Programme Director AA Visiting School Jordan

about

the aa

Unique, Dynamic, International

Independant

and

The Architectural Association is the UK’s oldest and only private school of architecture, and has for decades been recognized as an influential world-wide leader in architectural education.

AA School graduates are the recipients of numerous prizes including Pritzker Prizes, RIBA Gold Medal & Stirling Awards, AIA and other design awards. The AA School is the world’s most international school of architecture, with full-time students joining the AA from more than fifty home countries each year.

The AA Public Programme each year organizes one of the world’s largest public programmes dedicated to contemporary architectural culture, presented at the AA and other venues and including dozens of visiting architects, artists, exhibitions, symposia and other events open to a public audience as well as 3,000 AA members world-wide.

The AA Visiting School is an extension to and embodiment of the AA School’s ‘unit system’ of teaching and learning architecture.

The hallmark of this model is the delivery of distinctive, highly focused design agendas by talented teachers who lead a small, collaborative group of students, architects and other creative people in the development of projects. The AAVS is similarly about learning, exploring, collaborating and experimenting with a diversåe group of international partners – schools, cultural institutions, local teachers and practitioners – in order to reimagine the shape, form and expectations of architectural education.

The AAVS courses aim to forward architectural knowledge and practice by direct engagement with the world’s larger, often untested realities of today.

AGENDA The Dead Sea is a hyper-saline lake which exists at 427 metres below sea level and features a one-of-akind extreme ecological condition. It is the lowest point on earth and exhibits a diverse platform for research into the Ecomorphology of crystalline formations.

In 2015, the AA in Jordan continues in its third-cycle to build up on research into naturally occurring phenomena in the region, and how these phenomena can inform design methodologies which re-think existing practices.

The programme will focus on crystalline formations and their potential development at a variety of architectural and urban scales through the use of cutting-edge computational design technology.

The programme will bring together a network of distinguished faculty and guests to offer designresearch units, specialist tooling seminars and a guest-lecture series; which are based in Amman with exclusive visits to the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea.

team

AAVSJO Faculty Clockwise from Top Left: Kais Al-Rawi Vincenzo Reale Julia Koerner Filippo Nassetti Marie Boltenstern Mohamed Makkouk Rana Zureikat

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Visiting School Director: Visiting School Coordinator: Christopher Pierce Andrea Ghaddar AA School Director: Brett Steele Programme Faculty: Crystal Radiosity Unit:

Crystalline Agency Unit:

Crystalline Shells Unit:

Vincenzo Reale Marie Boltenstern

Filippo Nassetti Rana Zureikat

Kais Al-Rawi Julia Koerner

participants

The participants, faculty and guests who have joined AA Visiting School Jordan in 2015 are coming and working from atleast 14 different countries. Participants come from diverse academic and professional backgrounds all around the world.

Our faculties expertise is not limited to architecture but extends to the disciplines of Urban Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Facade and Structural Engineering.

Their currenty and previous background in practice and academic appointments includes offices and institutions including: Zaha Hadid Architects, Ross Lovegrove Studio, Synthesis Design+Architecture, Laceco International, Foster + Partners, Bollinger+Grohmann, ARUP, Walter P Moore; in addition to the AA and UCLA. Our participants in the 2015 programme are: Hamza Tahabsam Nezar Abuhalaweh Joy Georgi Nabih Mousharbash Hidaya Budeir Wael Nasrallah Elie Boutros Batoul Alrashdan Marwan AlBalushi Joseph Cook Marah Sleman Lubna Aqel Mazen Alali Muneera AlHussainan Aseel Al Wuhaib Mousa Afifi Liudmila Pavlova Jessica Ngo Jad Ismail Georg Popp Ala’a Atih Man Ho Kwan Caterina Selva Rasha Al Shami Noor Khuder Hisham Daher Maria Marco Sally Al-Badry

Participants and Faculty stand on Salt in an Evaporation Dike at the Arab Potash Comapny

travel

amman

The AA Visiting School Jordan in 2015 was hosted by Mr. Akram Abu Hamdan (AA Dipl) at Beit El Balad, in Jabal Amman. A private heritage venue of cultural, architectural and historical significance.

The venue formely was the residence of Jordanian Prime-Minister Tawfiq Abul Huda, and is situated in one of Amman’s oldest neighbourhoods, very central to the Old Downtown.

dead sea The Visiting School included explorations along the shores of the Dead Sea on a two-day exploration trip where we navigated the length of the Dead Sea from its north-most tip, towards the south at the evaporation dikes of the Arab Potash Company.

arab potash company

The Arab Potash Company hosted a private tour for the AA Visiting School to its various facilities including the evaporation dikes, the harvesters, control center and storage / export locations. The company is located at southern-most tip of the Dead Sea which is large resource for Potash.

The evaporation dikes at the Arab Potash Company are shallow areas of the Dead Sea where Potash is harvested. Given the shallow level of water and the rapid evaporation, these areas exhibit a vast diversity of crystalline formations, which are not found anywhere else in the dead sea. The photographs on these pages illustrate the variety and beauty of such patterns which we witnessed and documented during our tour, several of which we have also 3D-scanned.

Ben Aranda | Keynote Speaker for AAVSJO 2015

events

Ben Aranda - Aranda/Lasch, New York, USA Keynote Lecture

Laura Whitehurst - Walter P Moore, San Francisco, USA Guest Lecture

Vincenzo Reale - ARUP, Antony Gormley Studio, London, UK Guest Lecture

Yassmin Khasawneh - Institute of Computational Design (ICD), Stuttgart, Germany Guest Lecture

Polymorphic Variation Project - Crystal Radiosity Unit CRYSTAL RADIOSITY JOY GEORGI, HIDAYA BUDAIR, RASHA AL-SHAMI

work

crystal radiosity unit

AA VISITING SCHOOL JORDAN 23rd July - 2nd August 2015 CRYSTALLINE FORMATIONS - 10 day workshop in Amman/Dead Sea JORDAN

“CRYSTAL RADIOSITY”

Instructors VINCENZO REALE & MARIE BOLTENSTERN The unit investigates and compares the processes of crystalline growth and generation, exploring mathematic-geometrical logics of component growth in order to generate threedimensional structrues.

The architectural space generated inherits charactaristics and qualities of the arabic bath: the Hammam. Focus of the space is the modulation of light through a domed structure, similar to what can be found in the oldest examples such as the bath in the Alhambra. The building structure and light effects are defined by the “crystallographic” geometry of the Muqarnas Domes. Shape and Porosity are generated through aggregation of a simple, cellular geometry with multiple rules of growth and layering. A number of variations in porosity will be developed in order to generate a series of different ligt effects for the space.The developed and designed space will embrace a dimension of approximately 15x15x15m. The exterior space of the dome evolves through the shape that naturally results from the defined interior structure. The interior – exterior relation will be an important parameter for setting rules for defining the shape.

By the study of crystalline patterns at the Dead Sea, participants will be researching what rules guide the generation of crystalline and natural processes and which factors influence and change appearance of the crystalline structures in various scales. After a photographic survey of the crystals, mathematical rules of their geometrical generation will be analyzed. It will be explored how we can codify and harness them in order to design buildings and define efficient solutions. A simple component will be chosen that will be radially grown, varied and deformed in simple rules to result in a porous dome. By variation of values different spatial situations will be generated. The main focus lies in the light that penetrates the dome. It will be scientiffically tested in a computational Analysis and the different shapes will be compared and optimized for the qualities a Hammam should achieve. The final outcome of the workshop will be a series of digital models of the generated structures, as well as illustrative diagrams and renderings showcasing the variations within the design process.

Muquarnas domes

Naturally grown Crystals in various scales

Sakt

Naturally grown Crystals in Radiosity Collage

AA VISITING SCHOOL JORDAN 23rd July - 2nd August 2015 CRYSTALLINE FORMATIONS - 10 day workshop in Amman/Dead Sea JORDAN

“CRYSTAL RADIOSITY”

Instructors VINCENZO REALE & MARIE BOLTENSTERN Software and Technology integrated in this unit:

Recommended Reading List:

Modeling: – Rhinoceros 3D Nurbs Modeling – Python Scripting

Papers: – Mamoun Sakkal, An introduction to muqarnas domes geometry.

– Andrew Petersen, Dictionary of Islamic Architecture.

– Dan Owen, Muqarnas Reconceived - A Brief Survey.

– Jean-Marc Castera,The Muqarnas Dome of the Hall of the Two Sisters.

Analysis: – Environmental Analysis with Diva in Rhino Presentation Techniques: – Generating 2D drawings through techniques in Rhino and Adobe Illustrator – rendering Vray in Rhino – layouting techniques with Adobe Illustrator

Naturally grown Crystals - Crystal Radiosity

Books: – Frei Otto, Occupying and Connecting.

– Steven Johnson, Emergence: The Connected Lives of Ants, Brains, Cities, and Software.

– Frei Otto, Occupying and Connecting.

– Robert Woodbury, Elements of Parametric Design – George Legendre, Mathematics of Space.

Crystal Radiosity - Alhambra Dome

POLY-MORPHIC VARIATION crystal radiosity unit projects

The focus of our research was to look into crystalline growth and apply this research into the definition of a new typology for the Hammam (Turkish bath). We have carried a photographic survey of crystalline growth and selected a specimen where we envisaged interesting spacial and volumetric qualities. Looking at the crystal aggregation selected we defined a set of building blocks with a fixed shape and different percentages of porosities.

We set a rule of aggregation, based on a spiral movement and an alteration in scale and rotation. We defined different mixes of base components to run the aggregation rule with and in turn we evaluated their performances based on the analysis of light penetration inside the result shape. We refined our mix and created several aggregations, tested them, until we reached our target value for the light penetration (set to 65%, based on a brief analysis of the existing typology)

Crystalline Interaction

During our visit to the Dead Sea we analysed different patterns created by the crystalline formations on the rock surfaces, studied the positive and negative spaces formed by the deformation of these patterns and selected a particular specimen.

In the pattern selected we identified and mapped two competing components growing and interacting; one of the two (component A - repulsor) influencing the growth of the second (component B - building block) We thus defined a base shape for our building block, a base surface onto which grow it (a domed surface), and a rule of aggregation based on the repulsion that component A-repulsor would create on our building block. The variables in this process would be the scale of the building block and the intensity of the “densification� applied after the placement. We set a target for the light penetration (based on the analysis of the typology of the Hammam) evaluated the outcomes of our aggregations and altered the variables until we reached the desired target.

Polymorphic Variation | Joy Georgi, Hidaya Budair & Rasha Al-Shami PROLI FERATI ON VARI ATI ONS

S TRATE G Y A ND P RO CE S S P HOTOGR A P H IC

BASE

VA R IA B LE :

A NA LY S IS

C OMP ONE N T

P O R O S ITY

A G G R E G ATIO N R U LE

P R O LIFE R ATIO N

LIG H T E VA LUATION

SHADOW PERCENTAGE

0% U N IT A

91.8 %

P OR OS IT Y 0 %

S HA DOW LI GHT

91. 9% 8. 2%

S HA DOW LI GHT

82. 4% 17. 6%

45%

82.4 % TOP V IE W

IS OM E T R IC

75%

36.8 %

[sin(i)*i,cos(i)*i,i*i/204]

U N IT B

90%

P OR OS IT Y 4 5 %

35.2 %

CRYSTALLINE LAYERS

From our observations of crystalline formations at the dead sea we found the layering effect of some structures particularly enthicing and decided to create a structure based on the concept of Crystalline Layers. To realize our idea we started from a 2-dimensional pattern to define our base pattern from which the layers would evolve.

TOP V IE W

IS OM E T R IC

Three regular Polygons varying in number of 11,13 and 15 sides formed the base for our star-shaped components. By arraying each base shape around a defined center point and varying the angle between the elements from 24, 18 to 14 degrees allowed for a variation of 2d patterns from which the layered 3d components were created.

We were able to create the desired effect of changing the component scale from large on the outside to small scale towards the center which emphasizes our concept of layering. We were aiming to create a relaxing atmosphere by having a moderate amount of light in our Hammam area. By running a first generation of domes we came to the conclusion that a ratio of 18% light inside the Hot Room would fit our requirements. Based on that

Crystalline Interaction | Nabih Mousharbash, Mikeal Daher & Marwan AlBalushi CATALOGUE we chose our final outcome.

ANALYSIS

SOLAR PENETRATION

U N IT C

CATA LO G UE

P OR OS IT Y 7 5 %

GEN 01

GEN 02

GEN 03

GEN 04

GEN 05

GEN 06

GEN 07

GEN 08

GEN 09

GEN 10

TOP V IE W

S HA DOW LI GHT

36. 8% 63. 2%

S HA DOW LI GHT

35. 2% 64. 8%

IS OM E T R IC

GEN1

45%

58%

65%

GEN2

49%

68%

85%

66%

74%

90%

GEN4

39%

64%

65%

GEN5

62%

45%

48%

U N IT D P OR OS IT Y 9 0 %

TOP V IE W

GEN 11

GEN 12

GEN 13

COMPONENT A - REPULSOR

GEN 14

GEN3

COMPONENT B - BUILDING BLOCK

COMPONENT B: BUILDING BLOCK Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi CIRCULAR SHAPE Unit Masters: VARIABLE: SCALE Vincenzo Reale & Marie Boltenstern

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTAL RADIOSITY

Project Authors: Joy Georgi; Hidaya Budair; Rasha Al-shami

Crystalline Layers | Marah Sleman & Batool Al Rushdan 0.5 meter

IS OME TRIC

GEN 15

1 meter

2 meters

4 meters

RULE OF AGGREGATION

8 meters

DENSIFICATION VARIABLE POROSITY

A) DISTRIBUTION

POLY-MORPHIC VARIATION

The focus of our research was to look into crystalline growth and apply this research into the definition of a new typology for the Hammam (Turkish bath). We have carried a photographic survey of crystalline growth and selected a specimen where we envisaged interesting spacial and volumetric qualities. Looking at the crystal aggregation selected we defined a set of building blocks with a fixed shape and different percentages of porosities.

We set a rule of aggregation, based on a spiral movement and an alteration in scale and rotation. We defined different mixes of base components to run the aggregation rule with and in turn we evaluated their performances based on the analysis of light penetration inside the result shape. We refined our mix and created several aggregations, tested them, until we reached our target value for the light penetration (set to 65%, based on a brief analysis of the existing typology)

S T R AT E G Y A ND P RO CE S S

PROLI FERATI ON VARI ATI ONS

PHOTO GR A P HIC

BASE

VA RIA B L E :

ANALYSIS

C OMP ONE N T

P OROS ITY

A G G R E G ATIO N R U LE

P R O LIFE R ATIO N

LIG H T E VA LU ATIO N

S H A DOW PERCENTAGE

0% U N IT A

91.8 %

P OR OS IT Y 0 %

S H A D OW L IGH T

91. 9% 8. 2%

S H A D OW L IGH T

82. 4% 17. 6%

S H A D OW L IGH T

36. 8% 63. 2%

S H A D OW L IGH T

35. 2% 64. 8%

45%

82.4 % TOP V IE W

IS OM E T R IC

75%

36.8 %

[sin(i)*i,cos(i)*i,i*i/204]

U N IT B

90%

P OR OS IT Y 4 5 %

35.2 %

TOP V IE W

IS OM E T R IC

U N IT C

C ATA L OG UE

P OR OS IT Y 7 5 %

GEN 01

GEN 02

GEN 03

GEN 04

GEN 05

GEN 06

GEN 07

GEN 08

GEN 09

GEN 10

GEN 11

GEN 12

GEN 13

GEN 14

GEN 15

TOP V IE W

IS OM E T R IC

U N IT D P OR OS IT Y 9 0 %

TOP V IE W

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Vincenzo Reale & Marie Boltenstern Project Authors: Joy Georgi; Hidaya Budair; Rasha Al-shami

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTAL RADIOSITY

IS OME TRIC

Crystalline Interaction

During our visit to the Dead Sea we analysed different patterns created by the crystalline formations on the rock surfaces, studied the positive and negative spaces formed by the deformation of these patterns and selected a particular specimen.

In the pattern selected we identified and mapped two competing components growing and interacting; one of the two (component A - repulsor) influencing the growth of the second (component B - building block) We thus defined a base shape for our building block, a base surface onto which grow it (a domed surface), and a rule of aggregation based on the repulsion that component A-repulsor would create on our building block. The variables in this process would be the scale of the building block and the intensity of the “densification” applied after the placement. We set a target for the light penetration (based on the analysis of the typology of the Hammam) evaluated the outcomes of our aggregations and altered the variables until we reached the desired target.

CATALOGUE

ANALYSIS

COMPONENT A - REPULSOR

COMPONENT B - BUILDING BLOCK

SOLAR PENETRATION

GEN1

45%

58%

65%

GEN2

49%

68%

85%

GEN3

66%

74%

90%

GEN4

39%

64%

65%

GEN5

62%

45%

48%

COMPONENT B: BUILDING BLOCK CIRCULAR SHAPE VARIABLE: SCALE

0.5 meter

1 meter

2 meters

4 meters

RULE OF AGGREGATION

8 meters

DENSIFICATION VARIABLE POROSITY

A) DISTRIBUTION

0%

30%

50%

80%

B) PROJECTION

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Vincenzo Reale & Marie Boltenstern Project Authors: Nabih Mousharbash; Mikeal Daher; Marwan AlBalushi

INSIDE VIEW

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTAL RADIOSITY

EXTERNAL VIEW

CRYSTALLINE LAYERS

From our observations of crystalline formations at the dead sea we found the layering effect of some structures particularly enthicing and decided to create a structure based on the concept of Crystalline Layers. To realize our idea we started from a 2-dimensional pattern to define our base pattern from which the layers would evolve.

Three regular Polygons varying in number of 11,13 and 15 sides formed the base for our star-shaped components. By arraying each base shape around a defined center point and varying the angle between the elements from 24, 18 to 14 degrees allowed for a variation of 2d patterns from which the layered 3d components were created.

We were able to create the desired effect of changing the component scale from large on the outside to small scale towards the center which emphasizes our concept of layering. We were aiming to create a relaxing atmosphere by having a moderate amount of light in our Hammam area. By running a first generation of domes we came to the conclusion that a ratio of 18% light inside the Hot Room would fit our requirements. Based on that we chose our final outcome.

STRATEGY

CATALOGUE

BASE POLYGON

INSCRIBED BASE COMPONENT

BASE COMPONENT BASE POLYGON 11 SIDES

BASE POLYGON 13 SIDES

BASE POLYGON 15 SIDES

ARRAY 15

ARRAY CENTER POINT

ARRAY 20

ARRAY

ARRAY 25

BASE 2D SHAPE

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Vincenzo Reale & Marie Boltenstern Project Authors: Marah Sleman; Batool Al Rushdan

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTAL RADIOSITY

crystalline agency unit

AA VISITING SCHOOL JORDAN 23rd July -2nd August 2015 CRYSTALLINE FORMATIONS - 10 day workshop in Amman/Dead Sea JORDAN

 Instructors FILIPPO NASSETTI . RANA ZUREIKAT Crystallization is the process of formation of solid crystals precipitating from a solution, or depositing from a gas. Aiming at reproducing a few qualities of crystalline morphologies in architectural design, the unit will employ environmental analyses and agent-based computational simulations to orient and control the morphogenesis of architectural formations.

The unit will study the crystalline formations of the Dead Sea, pursuing a contemporary interpretation of this space and structural model, designing additive landscape interventions that blend the shore with the Sea through floating structures, proposing a new occupational model integrated with the specific landscape, mainly aimed at sport and adventure activities.

Crystallization is modeled as a multiagent simulation informed by flocking behaviour, stigmergic behaviour and different kinds of environmental fields (gravity, water, wind, ...),aimed at processing geometries and transforming them in a crystallization-informed output.

This setup is always changing and changed by its initial geometrical condition, through surface operations and flow analyses that explore the relationship between the host and the overall formation. Handling the code of the simulation as a genotype the unit will breed populations of phenotypes to be evaluated through key architectural criteria and further environmental analyses such as flow simulations, pursuing multiperformative integration of space, circulation, ornamental qualities.

The last days of the workshop will focus on design communication and presentation. Participants will art direct the design narration and produce advanced contents such as videos and interactive applications, graphical representations and renderings aimed at explaining the design process and vision.

CRYSTALLINE AGENCY PATTERN

CRYSTALLINE AGENCY SIMULATION

AA VISITING SCHOOL JORDAN 23rd July -2nd August 2015 CRYSTALLINE FORMATIONS - 10 day workshop in Amman/Dead Sea JORDAN

 Instructors FILIPPO NASSETTI . RANA ZUREIKAT 



 -Processing scripting

 

 -Rhinoceros 3D NURBS modeling -Grasshopper parametric modeling



 -Autodesk Flow Design -flowL Grasshopper plugin  – Adobe After Effects and Adobe Premiere video editing techniques – 2D drawing and layouting techniques (Rhinoceros, Adobe Illustrator) – rendering (Autodesk Maya, ...)

CRYSTALLINE MORPHOLOGIES - Images from the web

CRYSTALLINE MORPHOLOGIES - Images from the web

     

crystalline agency unit projects

The strategy of Sea Sprawl is to translate a physical manifestation of crystallization occuring at the micro level in order to explore spatial autonomy and at Sprawl an urban scale.

Our adesign realizes the natural processes of crystallization occuring only on certain surfaces and exploits this Thedependency strategy of Sea is to translate physical manifestation phenomenon to generate different spaces. of crystallization occuringtwo at the microtypes level of in order to Clusters explore work in a systematic way, allowing their modularity to generate equally-sized spaces with similar geometries on the highest mostscale. surfaces.

Shared, open spaces exist on the lower levels and divide the natural behavior of sprawl, spatial autonomy and dependency at an urban Our design designating private and space. Bridges connect realizes thedistinctive natural processes of public crystallization occuring only these isolated clusters to each other, allowing the individual clusters to connect. on certain surfaces and exploits this phenomenon to generate two different types of spaces. Clusters work in a systematic way, allowing their modularity to generate equally-sized spaces with similar geometries on the highest most surfaces. Shared, open spaces exist on the lower levels and divide the natural behavior of sprawl, designating distinctive private and public space. Bridges connect these isolated clusters to each other, allowing the individual clusters to connect.

SEA SPRAWL

sink holes

The process of this project started with an exploration of the area of the dead sea and its natural qualities, as well as the interaction between the forces of man and nature. The intent of this landscape intervention located at the dead sea is to create a public natural theraputic and entertaining space. The dead sea is very well known for its abundance of minerals that are of a great value. From the dead sea’s theraputic mud and its healing salts and minerals, the idea of the “Sink Holes” emerged. The Sink Hole is accomodated on a man manipulated terrain, where it provides its guests with a unique experience of getting the benefit of the dead sea’s natural healing qualities in an entertaining and relaxing way.

This project was designed using computational, generating multiple generations of forms based on the topograpghy and potential forces. After every generation of phenotypes, the resulting forms were analyzed and evaluated in terms of potential function. Hence the outcome forms were ittirated.

Sea Sprawl | Elie Boutros, Jessica Ngo & Jad Ismail UNIT PROCESS: STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

TERRAIN RECONSTRUCTION

FLOWLINE MAP CREATION

CRYSTALLINE SIMULATION

DISPLACEMENT

after selecting terrain from site, recreate the topography digitally in order to understand site constraints, features, and parameters

using existing conditions as a catalyst for geometric and spatial reinterpretation, generate points of interest on the site. manipulate the values of these points to develop flow lines and contour lines that depict invisible agents acting on the terrain

allowing the agents to run through the flow and contour maps generated in the previous step, we are able to manipulate and control set perameters to introduce new spatial and circulatory conditions on the terrain

the final step takes the image processed in the previous phase and overlays it onto our selected terrain. this process from start to end allows us to generate an infinite amount of new conditions with just a few steps

SITE SELECTION + TERRAIN RECONSTRUCTION:

MACRO: INDIVIDUAL

SLOPE

FLAT

SHARED BRIDGES

faded agents

The project is aimed to create a multiple interacting spaces integrated with a specific landscape mainly to create sport and adventure activities by creating landscape interventions that blend PROGRAM the sea with the shore, pursuing a contemporary in the dead sea SLOPE ANALYSIS interpretation and different experience SHADOW STUDY area.

The Project’s inspiration is the different formation of crystalls of the dead sea. The formations inspired us to explore the different forces which contributes in forming these fastinating crystalline.

The forces which we explored is related to the location forces depending on the heights and the interaction with the dead sea water. this integration led us to creat a contemporary interpretation for a new exploration and enjoying new spatial experience in the dead sea are.

Inspiration: (Left):Layers of mud, salt, and minerals at the shore of the dead sea

(Top): Render of the mud hole, an entertaining and theraputic element.

(Bottom): Render of the sink holes, a relaxing and theraputic element.

Sink Holes | Aseel AlWuhaib, Lubna Aqel & Muneera Al-Hussainan (Right): Natural forces forcing mud from the sea into the landscape , naturally merging the sea with land

ITERATIONS:

MICRO:

Form Generating Process: INDIVIDUAL

SLOPE

FLAT

SHARED BRIDGES

FINAL FLOW MAP

Area Analysis:

FINAL SIMULATION

ITERATION EXAMPLE

FINAL TERRAIN

ITERATION EXAMPLE

PROGRAM

SLOPE ANALYSIS

Flowlines Based on Site Forces

Agents Processig Frame

SHADOW STUDY

ITERATION EXAMPLE

Small Ridges

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi

Large Ridges

visiting school jordan crystalline formations

Flat Area

Unit Masters: Filippo Nassetti & Rana Zureikat

CRYSTALLINE AGENCY

Project Authors: Elie Boutros; Jessica Ngo; Jad Ismail

Faded Agents | Noor Khuder, Liudmila Pavlova & Sally Jamal Work flow Analysis

Evaluation process

location : 3.5 km X 3.5

Displacement Terrain

Angle > 30 degree

Selected Terrain

Topographic Analysis

The strategy of Sea Sprawl is to translate a physical manifestation of crystallization occuring at the micro level in order to explore spatial autonomy and at Sprawl an urban scale.

Our adesign realizes the natural processes of crystallization occuring only on certain surfaces and exploits this Thedependency strategy of Sea is to translate physical manifestation phenomenon to generate different spaces. of crystallization occuringtwo at the microtypes level of in order to Clusters explore work in a systematic way, allowing their modularity to generate equally-sized spaces with similar geometries on the highest mostscale. surfaces.

Shared, open spaces exist on the lower levels and divide the natural behavior of sprawl, spatial autonomy and dependency at an urban Our design designating private and space. Bridges connect realizes thedistinctive natural processes of public crystallization occuring only these isolated clusters to each other, allowing the individual clusters to connect. on certain surfaces and exploits this phenomenon to generate two different types of spaces. Clusters work in a systematic way, allowing their modularity to generate equally-sized spaces with similar geometries on the highest most surfaces. Shared, open spaces exist on the lower levels and divide the natural behavior of sprawl, designating distinctive private and public space. Bridges connect these isolated clusters to each other, allowing the individual clusters to connect.

SEA SPRAWL

UNIT PROCESS: STEP 1:

STEP 2:

STEP 3:

STEP 4:

TERRAIN RECONSTRUCTION

FLOWLINE MAP CREATION

CRYSTALLINE SIMULATION

DISPLACEMENT

after selecting terrain from site, recreate the topography digitally in order to understand site constraints, features, and parameters

using existing conditions as a catalyst for geometric and spatial reinterpretation, generate points of interest on the site. manipulate the values of these points to develop flow lines and contour lines that depict invisible agents acting on the terrain

allowing the agents to run through the flow and contour maps generated in the previous step, we are able to manipulate and control set perameters to introduce new spatial and circulatory conditions on the terrain

the final step takes the image processed in the previous phase and overlays it onto our selected terrain. this process from start to end allows us to generate an infinite amount of new conditions with just a few steps

SITE SELECTION + TERRAIN RECONSTRUCTION:

MACRO: INDIVIDUAL

SLOPE

FLAT

SHARED BRIDGES

PROGRAM

ITERATIONS:

SLOPE ANALYSIS

SHADOW STUDY

MICRO: INDIVIDUAL

SLOPE

FLAT

SHARED BRIDGES

FINAL FLOW MAP

ITERATION EXAMPLE

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Filippo Nassetti & Rana Zureikat Project Authors: Elie Boutros; Jessica Ngo; Jad Ismail

FINAL SIMULATION

ITERATION EXAMPLE

FINAL TERRAIN

ITERATION EXAMPLE

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE AGENCY

PROGRAM

SLOPE ANALYSIS

SHADOW STUDY

sink holes

The process of this project started with an exploration of the area of the dead sea and its natural qualities, as well as the interaction between the forces of man and nature. The intent of this landscape intervention located at the dead sea is to create a public natural theraputic and entertaining space. The dead sea is very well known for its abundance of minerals that are of a great value. From the dead sea’s theraputic mud and its healing salts and minerals, the idea of the “Sink Holes” emerged. The Sink Hole is accomodated on a man manipulated terrain, where it provides its guests with a unique experience of getting the benefit of the dead sea’s natural healing qualities in an entertaining and relaxing way.

This project was designed using computational, generating multiple generations of forms based on the topograpghy and potential forces. After every generation of phenotypes, the resulting forms were analyzed and evaluated in terms of potential function. Hence the outcome forms were ittirated.

Inspiration: (Left):Layers of mud, salt, and minerals at the shore of the dead sea (Right): Natural forces forcing mud from the sea into the landscape , naturally merging the sea with land

(Top): Render of the mud hole, an entertaining and theraputic element.

(Bottom): Render of the sink holes, a relaxing and theraputic element.

Form Generating Process:

Area Analysis:

Small Ridges Large Ridges Flat Area

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Filippo Nassetti & Rana Zureikat Project Authors: Aseel AlWuhaib; Lubna Aqel ; Muneera AlHussainan

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE AGENCY

faded agents

Work flow Analysis

The project is aimed to create a multiple interacting spaces integrated with a specific landscape mainly to create sport and adventure activities by creating landscape interventions that blend the sea with the shore, pursuing a contemporary interpretation and different experience in the dead sea area.

The Project’s inspiration is the different formation of crystalls of the dead sea. The formations inspired us to explore the different forces which contributes in forming these fastinating crystalline.

The forces which we explored is related to the location forces depending on the heights and the interaction with the dead sea water. this integration led us to creat a contemporary interpretation for a new exploration and enjoying new spatial experience in the dead sea are.

Evaluation process

location : 3.5 km X 3.5

Flowlines Based on Site Forces

Agents Processig Frame

Displacement Terrain

Angle > 30 degree

Topographic Analysis

Selected Terrain

Selected Areas

Terrain & Topography Terrain & Shore

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Filippo Nassetti & Rana Zureikat Project Authors: Noor Khudher; Liudmila Pavlova; Sally Jamal

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE AGENCY

crystalline shells unit

AA VISITING SCHOOL JORDAN 23rd July -2nd August 2015 CRYSTALLINE FORMATIONS - 10 day workshop in Amman/Dead Sea JORDAN

“crystalline shells” Instructor JULIA KOERNER, KAIS AL-RAWI Software and Technology integrated in this unit:

Recommended Readings & References:

Modeling: -Autodesk Maya Polygon Modeling -Rhinoceros 3D Nurbs Modeling -GrassHopper Paramteric Modeling -123D Catch 3D scanning -Kangaroo Plug-in

- Frei Otto, Connecting and Occupying - Frei Otto, Finding Form - Peter Pierce, Structure in Nature is Strategy for Design

Presentation Techniques: – 2D drawing techniques in Rhino and Adobe Illustrator – rendering with Autodesk Maya and Keyshot – layouting techniques with Adobe Illustrator

- http://www.waynesthisandthat.com/crystals.htm - http://web.mit.edu/x-ray/cystallize.html

Fabrication: - Physical Salt Growth Models - 3D printing

CRYSTALLINE STONE MORPHONOLGIES - NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM VIENNA, AUSTRIA

Tokujin Yoshioka

Yin Hui Chung, Bartlett Unit 15, London, UK

Wen Ying Teh, Architectural Association London UK

AA VISITING SCHOOL JORDAN 23rd July -2nd August 2015 CRYSTALLINE FORMATIONS - 10 day workshop in Amman/Dead Sea JORDAN

“crystalline shells” Instructor JULIA KOERNER, KAIS AL-RAWI The unit ‘Crystalline Shells’ will research crystal growth patterns and morphologies, and investigate the potential of developing crystalline shell structures by means of crystal growth on an articulated networks.

Shell structures are inhabitable three-dimensional monocoque surfaces. Such structures have been of significant architectural importance throughout history; and notably an agent for innovation in the integration of architecture and engineering.

This unit will be structured in two phases, the research phase and the design phase. Throughout the research phase, participants will develop two studies in parallel. The first study will focus on crystalline morphologies found in nature, and techniques of crystal growth - and will include techniques such as 3D Scanning. The second study will investigate the development of wireframe networks with methods including form-finding.

The Design phase will operate on synthesizing findings from the Resarch phase, towards a process and design of a Crystalline Shell. This phase may include generative design methods, and physical design tests by crystal growth.

The unit outcomes will focus on temporary shell structures which can be grown in the Dead Sea and used for recreational purposes. Participants of this unit will be able to familiarize themselves with digital platforms including Rhino and Grasshopper, in addition to Maya Modelling and animations. The outcomes will include both digitally generated prototypes, and physical crystal formations, and 3D printed morphologies.

Frei Otto

Tokujin Yoshioka

Daniel Macdonald-

THE offshore PAVILION crystalline shells unit projects

THE OFFSHORE PAVILION PROJECT AIMS TO STUDY AND UNDERSTAND THE GROWTH OF CRYSTALLINE FORMATION IN ORDER TO USE THE SAME PROCESS OF THE GROWTH TO CREATE A SHELL LIKE STRUCTURE OR A PAVILION, THE OFFSHORE PAVILION PROJECT AIMS TO SIMULATE A CRYSTAL STRUCTURE BY USING THE METHOD OF PATTERN GROWTH REPEATEDLY,IT WAS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE FACTORS THE MADE THE CRYSTAL GROW IN A CRETIN PATTERN AND BY EXPERIMENTING THE GROWTH PROCESS IN LAP AND TRYING DEFERENT MATERIALS SHAPES AND PATTERNS WE CAME TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRYSTALS THE PROJECT IS MADE BY STUDYING THE CRYSTAL GROWTH DIGITALLY AND VIRTUALLY .

CRYSTAL DYNAMICS

Our two layer skin pavilion is inspired both by the way our chosen crystal formations grow on top on surfaces and their actual shape. The qualities of these crystals can be both perceived in the micro and macro scale of the pavilion. A mesh of threads serves as structure, which will then define the way crystals grow on it. The study of this mesh implies different grids and curvatures that allow to define ther desired results of the cystals growth. The different variations in crystal growth is determined by external factors as light, as well as structural factors. Bigger crystals are placed at the bottom and smaller crystals at the top achieving a stiff and resistant general structure. The final outcome in this particular case is a pavillion but the whole project looks foward a system of growth and inhabitation that can by applied in different enviroments and satisfy different needs.

SELECTED SALT PATTERN

SHELL RENDERING

The Offshore Pavilion | Ala’a Attia, Joe Cook, Mazen Al-Ali & Wael Nasrallah GLOBAL FORM

STRUCTURING

CHOOSING PATTERN

01

02

03

04

REMODELING THE PATTERN

GROWING THE PATTERN

INTERIOR

05

06

07

08

10

11

12

SIMULATING CRYSTAL GROWTH ON CRYSTAL 09 CRYSTALLINE ITERATION GROWTH

Texture morphologies 01

02

03

Observing the crystal formations of the Dead Sea we were fascinated with the pattern traced by the crystal growth on the rocks surfaces in terms of a minimal path creating lines of strength with an accumulation of crystals and thinner surfaces in between, generating a folded landscape of pikes and valleys. We proceeded with a series of physical investigations exploring the possibility to model a soft fabric starting from a geometric pattern and mimicking the natural one.

At the same time we produced a series of digital variations of parametric patterns applied on folded surfaces derived from the study of the rock surface. Crucial part of the investigation was the physical process of crystal grout with Epsom salt and sea salt. Our research aims at exploring the possibility of creating a hardGROWTH shell starting a soft fabric element modeled starting from the natural pattern and allowing for a self sustain structure.

SIMULATING CRYSTAL ONfrom CRYSTAL

Crystal Dynamics | Georg Popp, Maria Marco Balgoma, Hamza Tahabsam CrYSTAL GROWTH IN RELATION to GRID SURFACE AND geometry

CRYSTAL CONNECTIONS . PAVILION SHAPE

01

02

03

01

02

03

SIMULATING CRYSTAL GROWTH ON SHELL

01

size of crystals are related to the angle of the surface and the size of grid faces

01 STRUCTURAL GENERATIVE ITERATIONS

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Julia Koerner & Kais Al-Rawi Project Authors: Ala’a Atia , Joe Cook , Mazen Al-ali , Wael N.

02

03

02

03 CONTOUR STUDY

EXPLODED

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE SHELLS UNITS

Texture Morphologies | Caterina Selva, Mousa Afifi, Andy Kwan & Nezar Halaweh Path Finding Analysis

Digitized Smock Pattern

THE offshore PAVILION

SELECTED SALT PATTERN

THE OFFSHORE PAVILION PROJECT AIMS TO STUDY AND UNDERSTAND THE GROWTH OF CRYSTALLINE FORMATION IN ORDER TO USE THE SAME PROCESS OF THE GROWTH TO CREATE A SHELL LIKE STRUCTURE OR A PAVILION, THE OFFSHORE PAVILION PROJECT AIMS TO SIMULATE A CRYSTAL STRUCTURE BY USING THE METHOD OF PATTERN GROWTH REPEATEDLY,IT WAS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THE FACTORS THE MADE THE CRYSTAL GROW IN A CRETIN PATTERN AND BY EXPERIMENTING THE GROWTH PROCESS IN LAP AND TRYING DEFERENT MATERIALS SHAPES AND PATTERNS WE CAME TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CRYSTALS THE PROJECT IS MADE BY STUDYING THE CRYSTAL GROWTH DIGITALLY AND VIRTUALLY .

SHELL RENDERING GLOBAL FORM

STRUCTURING

CHOOSING PATTERN

01

02

03

04

REMODELING THE PATTERN

GROWING THE PATTERN

INTERIOR

05

06

07

08

10

11

12

SIMULATING CRYSTAL GROWTH ON CRYSTAL 09 CRYSTALLINE ITERATION GROWTH

01

02

03

01

02

03

01

02

03

01

02

03

01

02

03

SIMULATING CRYSTAL GROWTH ON CRYSTAL

SIMULATING CRYSTAL GROWTH ON SHELL

STRUCTURAL GENERATIVE ITERATIONS

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Julia Koerner & Kais Al-Rawi Project Authors: Ala’a Atia , Joe Cook , Mazen Al-ali , Wael N.

CONTOUR STUDY

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE SHELLS UNITS

EXPLODED

Texture morphologies

Observing the crystal formations of the Dead Sea we were fascinated with the pattern traced by the crystal growth on the rocks surfaces in terms of a minimal path creating lines of strength with an accumulation of crystals and thinner surfaces in between, generating a folded landscape of pikes and valleys. We proceeded with a series of physical investigations exploring the possibility to model a soft fabric starting from a geometric pattern and mimicking the natural one.

At the same time we produced a series of digital variations of parametric patterns applied on folded surfaces derived from the study of the rock surface. Crucial part of the investigation was the physical process of crystal grout with Epsom salt and sea salt. Our research aims at exploring the possibility of creating a hard shell starting from a soft fabric element modeled starting from the natural pattern and allowing for a self sustain structure.

Cross Pattern

Digitized Smock Pattern

Arrow pattern

Path Finding Analysis

Legend: Higher Accumulation Middle Accumulation Lower Accumulation

Surface Observation

Depth Scan

Path Tracing

Textile Experiment

Application

Gravity Simulation

3D scanning of fabric folding

Contour Analysis

Extracting

Crystallization experiment with different geometry.

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Julia Koerner & Kais Al-Rawi Project Authors: Mousa Afifi, Caterina Selva, Nezar Halaweh, Andy Kwan

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE SHELLS UNITS

Blanketing

Remodeling

Contouring

Casting

CRYSTAL DYNAMICS

CrYSTAL GROWTH IN RELATION to GRID SURFACE AND geometry

Our two layer skin pavilion is inspired both by the way our chosen crystal formations grow on top on surfaces and their actual shape. The qualities of these crystals can be both perceived in the micro and macro scale of the pavilion. A mesh of threads serves as structure, which will then define the way crystals grow on it. The study of this mesh implies different grids and curvatures that allow to define ther desired results of the cystals growth. The different variations in crystal growth is determined by external factors as light, as well as structural factors. Bigger crystals are placed at the bottom and smaller crystals at the top achieving a stiff and resistant general structure. The final outcome in this particular case is a pavillion but the whole project looks foward a system of growth and inhabitation that can by applied in different enviroments and satisfy different needs.

CRYSTAL CONNECTIONS . PAVILION SHAPE

size of crystals are related to the angle of the surface and the size of grid faces

natural paradigm

Programme Director: Kais Al-Rawi Unit Masters: Julia Koerner & Kais Al-Rawi Project Authors: Maria Marco Balgoma; Georg Popp; Hamza Ahmad Tahapsom

DIGITAL development

visiting school jordan crystalline formations CRYSTALLINE SHELLS UNITS

Exhibition Hall at Beit El Balad, Amman

exhibit

On the final day of the Visiting School, an exhibition opening reception was held to exhibit and display the series of projects and outcomes from the three units which have investigated a mulititude of methods, design software and design intervention scales. The exhibit included prints of the projects in addition to physical prototypes.

PROTOTYPING

Throughout the course of the Visiting School, a series of physical prototypes were produced in a variety of media. Some of the prototypes were Additvely manufactured with a 3D-Printer, others used digital fabrication techniques such as laser-cutting. However, some prototypes were also grown from a number of different salt compounds, on fabric or composite string. In some cases, salt was also grown on 3D-printed parts, this occurred through tests of crystallization processes. In addtion, some naturally crystallized salt formations found in the Dead Sea were exhibited among the generated works.

Participants Certification & Exhibition Opening

moments

2016

hyperbolic reefs At Jordan’s southern-most tip, the Gulf of Aqaba encapsulates a vast biodiversity of marine life including coral reefs and benthic organisms and habitats; many of which are endemic to the area.

As part of our programme agenda on ‘Natural Extremities’ we continue to build-up on design-research into unique ecological phenomena in the region. In July 2016, the focus will be on distinct marine topologies and morphologies found in the Gulf of Aqaba; and their transfiguration into outcomes within architecture and design with a particular focus on computational design methods.

The ten-day programme will bring together a network of distinguished international faculty and guests to offer design-research units, specialist software tutorials and a guest-lecture series; the programme will be primarily based in Amman, and will include an exclusive visit to Aqaba were participants will study and document various marine habitats via snorkeling, photography and 3D-scanning.

Prominent Features of the workshop/ skills developed -Professional awareness of computational design methodologies -Exclusive Visit to Aqaba / Red Sea – including snorkeling.

-International team consisting of emerging designers and educators -Lecture Series including world-renowned guests (In the past included Ross Lovegrove, Ben Aranda, Julia Koerner among others) -Specialist seminars in cutting edge technical software (Including: Rhino Python Scripting, Grasshopper, Processing, Autodesk Maya) -Access to digital fabrication facilities -Public Exhibition of Workshop Outcomes Participants will receive a certificate from the AA upon completion of the programme.

Fees AA Visiting School Jordan requires a fee of £895.

The fees include: -Access to all workshop events: Design Studio Units, Specialist Seminars, and Guest Programme Series.

-Workshop Travel: Arranged Transportation and Accommodation in Aqaba / Red Sea for two-days.

-Visiting Membership at the AA for one-year.

Accommodation Shared Hotel Accommodation will be arranged in Amman for international participants at a discounted rate. Accommodation in the Dead Sea is included in programme fees.

Fees do not include flights. Students need to bring their own laptops, digital equipment and model making tools. Please ensure this equipment is covered by your own insurance as the AA takes no responsibility for items lost or stolen at the workshop.

AA Visiting School Jordan AA Jordan | Visiting School Facebook.com/AASchoolJordan

http://jordan.aaschool.ac.uk jordan@aaschool.ac.uk