Actualised Virtuality

ACTUALISED VIRTUALITY Role of physical model within computer-aided architectural design

Research abstract

Anastasia Globa Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand Globalnaya@gmail.com

Architectural design went digital, this is a fait accompli. CAD technology has rapidly developed and was accepted as a primary design technique in all areas of art and engineering. Nowadays architecture is driven by computer-aided design technology, which develops further towards naturalistic visualisation, dynamic virtual simulations, and component complexity, generously provided by parametric and generative tools and modelling software, such as: Rhinoceros, Maya, 3DMax, Processing etc. Within software framework architects operate in a digital pseudo reality – “virtuality”, which is often opposed to physical reality and matter,” the objective reality given to man in his sensations, a reality which is copied, photographed, and reflected by our sensations”.(Ibid.) Almost a century ago this materialistic understanding of reality claimed by Lenin, was argued by Bergson, according to whom “virtual” belongs to “reality,” but a reality which is not “actualized” (Linstead).

Impossible then “actualised virtuality” is now, one hundred years later, taken for granted. Due to phenomena of digital revolution and rapid technological development in the field of numerically controlled fabrication, CAD has evolved from being a pure virtual to a more powerful tool, which controls matter and space. In this respect, transition or “actualization” of digital model, represented by a binary code of programming language, to a CNC manufactured physical model seems to be a key issue in investigating the future development of computer-aided architectural design.

Various approaches, methods and techniques co-exist within architectural design process, but they all share one common feature. Each of them is represented by a model: digital, physical, mathematical or theoretical .In CAD it usually corresponds to a 3D digital model, numerically described by computer code and visualised by a program in such a way, that people are able to perceive the information. Albert C. Smith explains in his book “Architectural Model as Machine”: “The architectural model simply refers to the physical or virtual representation of a design idea and can be basically defined as “a thinking and defining mechanism for understanding and demonstrating architectural concepts.” (Smith.) Based on the concept that architectural design is carried on through a model development, model typology derives directly from a specific stage of a design process which is being performed. There are three commonly recognised basic types of physical models in architecture, they are: conceptual model, working model and presentation model. It should be mentioned that, this typology is relevant to physical models, as they are fixed, “frozen in time” solid structures, unlike digital models, which due to their numeric nature are dynamic and are constantly modified or edited during design process.

Conceptual models are developed at early stages of designing. They are often quite simplistic and abstract; these models could be understood as intuitive spatial translation of given parameters, such as: location, function, capacity etc, which are the limits and objectives of the project task. These parameters determine and form a first conceptual model. The role of conceptual models is defined by

Tom Porter and John Neale as:”An initial working design tool used by many designers who prefer to test newly forming ideas directly in the space of the idea, the conceptual model represents an intimate and embryonic sketch in three dimensions”.(Neale) Working models are widely used as an experimental platform, a tool which is capable to inform digital model, by providing a set of unique data from other then virtual source. Feedback from physical prototype is vital, when a researcher needs to prove or disprove results obtained by digital simulation. Working model gives us an opportunity to explore material, constructional, acoustic and insulation qualities of a design solution, to analyze components performance or to test physical properties of a model, such as: stability, balance and solidity in actual reality. In reality where we percept our design not only visually, but with all the senses, we possess, being able to touch and feel its texture and curvature. Hidden in virtual reality and obtained in material world information unfolds and stimulates potential development of architectural project and opens new horizons, opportunities and alternative design directions.

Presentation physical model is a high-performance instrument for representing a final, complete and detailed project solution in architecture. Albert C. Smith states though that “presentation models are not open to interpretation in terms of design possibilities and carry the function of informing.”(Smith.) But they perform this informing function highly effective, by providing a real spatial experience to an observer. From broad presentational arsenal of an architect only animation, probably, challenges the amount and quality of information, supplied by three-dimensional actual model. It could be argued that physical model performs the function of “objective informer” more efficient, as animation consists of a predefined sequence of slides. Thus, by default, animation, being one of the advanced architectural tools, is an intentionally limited and subjective visualisation method.

Experiment objectives Following experiment attempts to elaborate and support theoretical applications of this research work. Experimental process is divided into three stages, and follows initial design logic of architectural project CAD development. A certain set of parameters triggers first spatial idea, translated into simple and to some extent abstract 3D digital model. Stage one is manufacturing of the first number of conceptual models. Stage two is a test platform, where a working model is developed and CNC manufactured. Stage three is a production of final presentational physical model, which is fully-detailed, complete and complex.

All models are fabricated at a chosen number of VUW CNC facilities, which represent basic types of computer controlled manufacturing machines: laser cutter, 3D plotter and 3D printer.

Keywords. Design process; computer-aided fabrication; architectural model.

References Ibid.102.

Linstead, S. "Organization as Reply: Henri Bergson and Causal Organization Theory.".

Neale, P. a. " Architectural Supermodels: Physical Design Simulation."

Smith., A. C. "Architectural Model as Machine.".