After the mid semester presentations it is clear that my group needs to develop our ideas a lot
further in order to be prepared for the final presentations. At the moment we have a concept but it does not really hone any particular technique and is yet to be considered architecture. I think that we need to go back to the basics over the non-instruction week and develop our Rhino and Grasshopper skills further so that we can start to explore what these programs can really do for us. I also think it would be wise to consider using a grid or framework in which to create the structure. For example, focus on what we can be produced through use of the waffle grid. I feel that our concept and technique has come as far as it can to a certain extent and to push it further we must do more explorations. In the design that we had for the Expression of Interest there are still many factors to consider. The fact that we had relied on the use of patterns and shadows created in natural light for our argument is going to be an issue due to weather. I think that we must explore the use of artificial light or perhaps steer our project in a different direction so that shadows do not play such a large role in the ideals. I also think that we should start to consider materials. Over the break I want to research design to fabrication. It is important to begin to understand what is going to bend and curve in the way we want it to. Along with materials we must look at joints because aforementioned our design unless 3D printed would not actually be able to be constructed. This means that it is more just a beautiful pattern than actual architecture. I think that the ideas are there and we could produce an interesting project but structure needs to be explored further and we must hone in on some techniques within the structural parametric field. After looking at the site photographs and plans I think it has given me a better understanding what can and cannot be done in regards to our design. When considering that we have been working with curved structures, I think that it would be interesting to explore the idea of having the structure span across one or both roads. It could even curve its way from cite C to B to A. This would mean that the tunnel like structure could focus more on the patterns internally and externally as opposed to shadows and light. This is important for my group to really think about, as the weather is a major factor in natural light. Being that it will not generally be the residents of Wyndham City that see the gateway and more drivers coming back and forth along the freeway, I think that it is important to enthrall people. If the gateway commands enough attention it will begin discussions on the area and become a landmark. This would all be great for the City of Wyndham. For these reasons I think we could develop our technique and ideas into something that people drive through or past for a longer distance of time. Often when speeding along the freeway people do not take their eyes off the road. I want to develop our project further so that the drives cannot miss it. I have found my experiences with creating a parametric technique extremely difficult. It has been daunting and frustrating. I am not sure weather it is because I am not good with computers or because I am a slow learner but I am not picking up the skills within Grasshopper very easily. After doing the online tutorials each week, I feel that I’ve learnt something and progressed but then we it comes to actually trying these ideas on my own its impossible again. I have not really been surprised over the semester, as I knew before I took this subject that it was going to be a difficult experience. Having said this, I have found the research component interesting and all the amazing projects created through parametric design. These projects make me want to continue learning computation and parametric design so that one day I can design projects like that as well.