AIR
Semester 1, 2013 by
Sling Lee
David Lister & Michael Wu
CONTENTS INTRODUCTION About Me Past Experience
PART A // CASE FOR INNOVATION A.1 A.2 A.3 A.4 A.5 A.6
Architecture as a Discourse Computational Architecture Parametric Modelling Algorithmic Explorations Conclusion Learning Outcomes
PART B // DESIGN APPROACH B.1 B.2 B.3 B.4 B.5 B.6
Design Focus Case Study 1.0 Case Study 2.0 Development Prototypes Technique Proposal
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7 - 11 12 - 14 15 - 18 19 20 21
PART C // PROJECT PROPOSAL C.1 C.2 C.3 C.4 C.5
Design Concept Tectonic Elements Final Model Algorithmic Sketches Learning Objectives and Outcomes
REFERENCES IMAGES QUOTES
ABOUT
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I’m Siow Ling Lee, usually known as Sling to most, as people usually have difficulties pronouncing my name. I’m currently starting my 3rd year in the University of Melbourne, pursuing the Bachelor of Environments degree and majoring in Architecture. I was born and raised in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I first came to Melbourne about 4 years ago, where I did my foundation studies at Trinity College.
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PAST EXPERIENCE
Prior to studying at the University of Melbourne, I had no experience to using digital tools to design, or design for that matter. I was always convinced that I was gonna pursue the other more “academic� path - Commerce. My first encounter towards using a digital design tool was in my first semester of university in Virtual Environments. I had to say, it was probably the worst, yet most satisfying subject I had ever had to do. Learning to use Rhino was probably the toughest thing to do, especially in my very first semester. It was a daunting experience but the outcome of it was magical. By the end of the course I was so amazed by what I had done, from designing it through rough sketches to modelling it digitally and lastly, fabricating it. As much as I would like to think that I am done watching online tutorials, I am far from being able to use digital tools independently and am merely just a beginner.
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CASE FOR INNOVATION
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“Nearly everything that encloses space on a scale sufficient for a human being to move in is a building; the term ‘architecure’ applies only to buildings designed with a view to aesthetic appeal” Nikolaus Pevsner, 1943
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A.1 ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE WHAT IS ARCHITECTURE? In order to to fully be able to engage in architecture as a discourse, we must first understand what is architecture. It is not possible to pinpoint exactly when architecture started, as it has probably evolved alongside human beings. There has been the longest debate as to what is the exact meaning of architecture. Mies van der Rohe once declared that “Architecture starts when you put two bricks together”. I could not disagree with him more, I think architecture is more than that, as what he is defining is just a thing. Nikolaus Pevsner’s thoughts are that “nearly everything that encloses space on a scale sufficient for a human being to move in is a building; the term ‘architecture’ applies only to buildings designed with a view to aesthetic appeal”. I agree to this to a certain extend as I still believe architecture is more influential than that. This is when I think that architecture has a spiritual element to it, that it is able to alter the mood of a person once s/he steps into the building similar to Adolf Loos’ view, “architecure arouses sentiments in man. The architect’s task, therefore is to make those sentiments more precise.” Building from that, I do think that as time changes, so does architecture. Given the time and day we are at, with technology that enables us to do so much more, it is hard to come up with a single definition of the term ‘architecture’ as I believe that architecture, in some ways should be considered as a form of art that engages with one more effectively. That is, architecture should be appreciated and valued more so than art as it can also be utilised.
03 Mies van der Rohe
04 Nikolaus Pevsner
DISCOURSE With that in mind, I would like to focus on architecture that responds to aesthetics (being a piece of art), yet fully functional and is able to alter moods to suit the usage of the building thus enhances one’s experience of that building. I also believe that architecture must respond to its surrounding, that being Nature and be drawn towards sustaining Nature more so than harming it. This means sustainable technologies and construction that creates benefits that outweighs the damage caused towards the environment.
05 Adolf Loos
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8 HOUSE Bjarke Ingels Group, 2010 Copenhagen, Denmark
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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This design by BIG really appeals to me as it addresses the problems that I have spoken about before - sustainability, responsive towards the site and its aesthetically pleasing. It is composed of two hexagonal spaces, intertwining in the middle, forming a literal figure 8. Many have critized the form of this building, having said that it is too simple and seemingly without thought. However, Bjarke Ingels himself has asserted that “the Figure 8 building in Copenhagen looks like a distorted 8 because it allows the townhouses and the apartments to gravitate toward the sun and the view�. Maximising the buildings exposure to sunlight will allow it to have natural heating as well help sustain the greenery that is present throughout the building, even on the roof. This building also addresses the social problems in society, as it is a mix use building having divided horizontally with commercial trades at the bottom and capped with apartments at the top. Having the two aspects- commercial and residential - mixed, the users are encouraged to interact with others. The slopes present in this building also functions as a bike path that enables cyclists to cycle high up to the 10th floor of the building! I think this really inspires other architects (amongst others) to think a step further in achieving sustainable architecture. It may not necessarily be technological, just simple planning.
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Peter Zumthor’s Therme Vals in Switzerland is another one if my favourite architectural project. He focused on designing a space that responds to the site and also being able to alter the mood of the users to suit the function of the space (a thermal bath). This quarry like theme is suitable as it sits underneath the hilly greens of Switzerland. This inspiration behind this building can be seen so clearly through the way he has selected and honestly displayed. Nature is a big, big part of this design as it is meant for relaxation and rejuvination, the views are constantly controlled (whether it is exposed or denied) while the clever play with light and shade creates a sense of spirituality. Through the careful spatial planning of this bath house, users are given a choice to explore the building on their own. This creates a deeper and more personal connection for the users as it puts them in control, as Peter announced that he is interested in creating a piece of architecture that conveys “a conciousness of time passing and an awareness of human lives that have been acted out”. This ability to maximise material usage not only in terms of aesthetics and structure but also to enhance a feeling and having spatial planning that creates an atmosphere that seems a world apart from what we’re used to is something that we should all try to do.
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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The Therme Vals Peter Zumthor, 1996 Graubunden Canton, Switzerland
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A.2 COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
12 WHAT IS COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE? In the day and age that we live in, the common approach to designing anything almost is almost always aided with digital tools. This means, incorporating the use of any (there are numerous) computational programs into the designing phase and controlling it through these programs rather than the traditional pen and paper. HOW HAS IT HELPED IN SOCIETY? There are numerous benefits from using digital tools. For one thing, the design can be visualised and this enables the designer to have a clearer view of the product and be able to make changes from there. It also enables the designer to reproduce the same pattern with just simple commands like “copy” and “paste”. This will ensure that the outcome is filled with precision and accuracy. Through digital architecture, curved surfaces can be easily formed continuously rather than using individual curves through the use of Non Uniform Rational B-Spline geometry, which is essentially similar to a rubber sheet. The result of this is a much smoother, stream line product that is designed in lesser time while also allowing for more control and accuracy. DISADVANTAGE It is important for designers to bear in mind that computational architecture is merely a tool that is used to help designers to reach their goals at a faster time frame and have more control over the design. It is NOT a problem-solving tool as the creative human mind is still needed to do so and through the usage of these programs the solutions can be generated in perhaps more ways than one.
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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MYZEIL SHOPPING MALL Studio Fuksas, 2009 Frankfurt, Germany
MyZeil Shopping Mall by Studio Fuksas has been shaped using digital tools such as Rhino and Catia. The architects have first established the shape of the building and overlaying it with a grid via these digital tools. Having this done digitally, the architects are able to experiment with different morphologies. The ability of the triangulated panels of glass enables such rigid materials to still form that curved structure is an example of what computational architecture could do. It aids us in solving problems by dividing the panel into triangles but the architect must first have a design and understand the material performance. Having said that, this also enables engineers and architects to work together more smoothly as designers are able to think about the structural system as well as produce as aesthetic composition.
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WATERCUBE NATIONAL SWIMMING CENTRE PTW Architects, 2007 Beijing, China
The Watercube in Beijing is probably one of the most relavent building that I can relate to in terms of digital architecture. Looking at this building, I can now understand how it is created. It is similar to the Voronoi Cells in Grasshopper (look at A.4 Algorithmic Explorations). It is easier to generate these cells through digital architecture as these cells would have fitted into the cube more accurately than doing so on pen and paper. It would be possible, but it would have taken a much longer time to plan out the composition. The Watercube also addresses the sustainability issue, a steel structure that is cladded with Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) which is a type of plastic instead of traditional glass as this enables more peneration of light and heat. This then provide natural lighting and heat for the occupants and thus reduce the use of artificial energy.
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A.3 PARAMETRIC MODELLING
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WHAT IS PARAMETRIC MODELLING?
It has created some architectural discourse within the design environment in the past few decades. As the name suggests, Parametric Modelling responds to a design being created within a designated parameter. The influential Patrik Schumacher denotes that to design via Parametric Modelling or Parametricism is a style. However, I personally see Parametric Modelling as a revolutionary tool to 3D computational modelling. It is not a “style� that someone applies but rather an approach that one takes. Parametric Modelling opposes the conventional way of designing as it is often considered as the bottom-up approach as the important aspects are set to create a form(parameter) followed by fitting in the smaller details while traditionally the form is created then having the essential parameters worked into it.
ADVANTAGES
This powerful tool enables designers with great flexibility as changes can be made to the individual part without having to alter the whole system. As parametric modelling bases functions as relationships within the elements, it makes it possible to alter these connections. Given that, it is very tedious to make changes to each of this connections as there may be thousands of them. However, Parametric Modelling enables the designers with more possible solutions through generating more iterations with variations to them easily in a short period of time. This is highly benefitial to designers who are often, if not always, under stressful time constraints.
DISADVANTAGES
Given its great benefitial properties, like many other technology, Parametric Modelling too has its limitations. As the technological economy is always progressing, so will this approach. The thought process of the designer may be argued to be limited by this approach and the role of the designer may be questioned; Who is doing the designing? The computer or the man?
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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MERCEDES BENZ MUSEUM UN Studio, 2006 Stuttgart, Germany When I think of Parametric Architecture, the Mercedes Benz Museum is the first to spring to mind. It is considered to be one of the most revolutionary building. Its obvious parametric form that evolved through layering trefoil knots vertically makes it almost impossible to be described and understand through traditional 2D drawings. The use of parametric modelling here is examplary as it enables the architects to create a unique spatial experiece for the users. By applying parametric constraints to the elements of this building, it enabled them to focus on the design and found easy solutions in construction. For example, having applied a parameter on the repeated concrete formwork, the structure is formed and the architects are able to accomodate other constraints to it. The architects are also able to control the amount of light that enters into this building, diverting the focus of the users where need be. I personally do not think that parametric modelling is neccessary for this, but I think that it would have saved the designers a lot of time and enabled them to make adjustments to it much more easily. Having used this modelling tool, the architects are also able to keep the budget under control as the elements are made to fit into the structure.
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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REFUGIA HOTEL Mobil Arquitectos, 2011 Dalcahue, Chile This design may look simple and the use of parametric modelling may not seem present but there is more to it than meets the eye. This building is located in the Southern Hemisphere and the views are mostly faces southwards. This means that it is hard to capture the heat coming from the North. Here is where the design challenge comes in, to utilise passive design approach to maximise the absorption of heat through the use of materiality and the parametric modelling tool. I concluded that the use of parametric modelling is not to find the form of this building, as it is mostly geometrical. However, it is used extensively in the roof whereby the shape of each individual shingle is calculated and positioned. This amazes me as I’m really interested in sustainable designs and the fact that parametric modelling can aid in this way has opened my mind and encouraged me to use it.
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EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
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AAMI PARK Cox Architects, 2010 Melbourne, Australia
This is an example that is closer to home. The form of the roof is generated through many iterations made through parametric modelling. This is neccessary as the many iterations explored the structural efficiency of the roof. The form here is designed to maximise the structural capacity and not done the other way around where the form is created then altered to maximise its performance like the conventional way of designing works. Through designing with parametric modelling, it is clear that it is highly benefitial as it is able to come up with iterations rather quickly, generate a structure that is buildable and maximising the use of materials while keeping the budget under control.
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A.4 ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATIONS
These are some of my most interesting explorations in Grasshopper. Grasshopper has enabled me to create grid shells, such as those seen in YAS Hotel (Abu Dhabi) and Gardens by the Bay (Singapore).
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19 Gridshell
The voronoi command in Grasshopper allowed me to create a subtractive form by dividing the object into smaller fractions within a parameter then deleting it. 20 Voronoi Patterning in Grasshopper is also more efficient as it generated to fit the given parameter simultaneously rather than piecing it together individually. The shape, size and frequency of the pattern can also be controlled. 21 Patterning
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A.5 CONCLUSION
Architecture is a broad term and to define architecture, I must first define what I am interested in and what I would like to achieve as I believe these aspects will help shape my understanding of Architecture. In order to create architecture that is successful, it is necessary to design in respond to its social, political, structural and aesthetical context. Having explored the different precedents and works of different architects of different styles, I now have an idea as to where I stand:
Architecture is making a space functional, sustainable and aesthetically pleasing yet able to alter the mood of the users to suit the function of the structure.
I would like to focus especially on spatial progression as I think that is one of the direct links towards creating an atmosphere. It is essential to design this way as a piece of architecture can only be appreaciated and enjoyed if when one feels a connection towards it. Having established that connection, it will only enhance the functionality of the building on a higher and deeper level. Architecture is ever-evolving as time goes by as technology advances and more can be achieved through a simple click of a button. The roles of designers have often been questioned with the rise of technology but I personally believe that technology will aid the designers, especially by speeding up time needed to generate numerous iterations as there are so many constraints that need to be dealt with under limited time. The parametric design tools will only enhance the creativity when used correctly.
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A.6 LEARNING OUTCOMES
Having closely analyzed what is parametric modelling, understanding its limitations and advantages through various readings and having been exposed to the wonders it could create, I was curious to see what I could come up with. It is no doubt that learning to use Grasshopper is time consuming and at times, frustrating. However after spending days and hours on learning (and I am still learning) and plenty of mucking around I still believe that it is necessary as it will aid in the long run. Prior to this I have been avoiding (besides Virtual Environments, I wasn’t given a choice) using any digital modelling tool as the thought of it is extremely daunting. Now that I have started.. I am finding it so much easier to change a mistake and understand my design as it enables me to see in perspective. It gives me so much more flexibility and saves me a lot more time in realising those changes.
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REFERENCES (IMAGES) 01. my own 02. http://occas.aho.no/courses/fiction-in-architectural-production-and-discourse/ 03. http://redingote.fr/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/61926-050-F98DB706.jpg 04. http://www.spectator.co.uk/books/7174278/an-indispensable-guide/ 05. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Loos 06. http://www.archdaily.com/73947/8-house-big-win-for-big/big/ 07. http://www.archdaily.com/73947/8-house-big-win-for-big/big/ 08. http://www.archdaily.com/83307/8-house-big/8h_image-by-jens-lindhe_11-2/ 09. http://logarchitecture.tumblr.com/image/11134342157 10. http://pinterest.com/pin/414331234437924308/ 11. http://ad009cdnb.archdaily.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/801169555_outdoor-pool1.jpg 12. http://complexitys.tumblr.com/post/9582886693/biothing-alisa-andrasek-swells-2004 13. http://www.architravel.com/architravel/building/myzeil-shopping-mall 14. http://www.asia-trip.info/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/beijing-water-cube-innight-china.jpg 15. http://www.cgarchitect.com/2012/03/parametric-architecture1 16. http://www.archinoah.com/architectural_photography/exhibition_architecture_/_ museums/unstudio/stuttgart/mercedes_benz_museum-picture_details-242.html 17. http://www.archdaily.com/305732/refugia-hotel-mobil-arquitectos/50c75389b3fc4b3a510003fb_refugia-hotel-mobil-arquitectos_ref_mobil_103-jpg/ 18. http://garyannettphotography.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/AAMI_ Park_Gary_Annett-1.jpg 19. my own 20. my own 21. my own
REFERENCES (QUOTES) PAGE 6
Hal Box, Think like an architect (Texas Press). 2007, p. 30 < http://books.google.com. au/books?id=peUYhSxCv70C&pg=PA30&lpg=PA30&dq=Nearly+everything+that+encloses+space+on+a+scale&source=bl&ots=iyj0xcVaZx&sig=B51UdzezzcB8wfclvNrlukvSnCY&hl=en&sa=X&ei=aY9dUarWDtHhrAe8tYDoDg&ved=0CCwQ6AEwADgK#v=onepage&q=Nearly%20everything%20that%20encloses%20space%20on%20a%20 scale&f=false> Accessed on 22 March 2013.
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AIA California Council, PArametric Design: A brief History , 2013. < http://aiacc. org/2012/06/25/parametric-design-a-brief-history/> Accessed on 23 March 2013. Nikolaus Pevsner, Pioneers of modern design, 2005. < http://aiacc.org/2012/06/25/parametric-design-a-brief-history/> Accessed on 23 March 2013. Masachusetts Institue of Technology, Adolf Loos and theories of architecture and the practical arts in nineteenth century Austria and Germany, 1991. < http://dspace.mit. edu/handle/1721.1/13470> Accessed 23 March 2013.
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Architectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Newspaper, Q&A, Bjarke Ingels, too big to fail, 2010. < http://archpaper.
com/news/articles.asp?id=5605> Accessed 27 March 2013.
Yusof Hajar, Green spaces in urban cities, 2011. <http://urbantimes.co/2011/11/
green-spaces-in-megacities/> Accessed 27 March 2013.
PAGE 10 Arch Daily, The Therme Vals//Peter Zumthor, 2009. < http://www.archdaily. com/13358/the-therme-vals/> Accessed 27 March 2013. The Independent, Peter Zumthorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s experiments in space, 2011. < http://www. independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/architecture/peter-zumthors-experiments-in-space-2293428.html> Accessed 27 March 2013. Phaidon Club, Peter Zumthor reveals the secrets of Therme Vals, n.d. < http:// au.phaidon.com/agenda/architecture/articles/2013/february/12/peterzumthor-reveals-the-secrets-of-therme-vals/> Accessed 1 April 2013.
REFERENCES (QUOTES) PAGE 12
Greg Lynn, Blobwall, n.d. <http://qliform.com/environments/blobwall> Accessed on 1 April 2013. MOH Architects, Evolutionary computation, 2007. < http://moh-architecture.com/projects_p007.htm> Accessed 1 April 2013. Peter von Beulow, Advantages Of Evolutionary Computation Used For Exploration In The Creative Design Process, 2007. < http://www-personal.umich. edu/~pvbuelow/publication/pdf/vonBuelow07_SDPS.pdf> Accessed 1 April 2013.
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Florian Schible & Milos Dimcic, Parametric Engineering Everything is Possible, n.d < http://www.programmingarchitecture.com/publications/ScheibleDimcic_IASS_2011. pdf> Accessed 1 April 2013. Patrik Schumacher, Patrik Schumacher on parametricism - â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Let the style wars beginâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, 2010 <http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/patrik-schumacher-on-parametricism-let-the-style-wars-begin/5217211.article> Accessed 27 March 2013.