A
Song Pei Fen
rchitecture Portfolio
11019165
U30074 Architectural Design 3 U30092 Architectural Design 4
Oxford Brookes University May 2014
unit
C
SEMESTER 01
KINETIC GARDEN
09/13 - 12/13 Unit C kicked off the first semester with a rigorous, energetic analytic development of kinetic ways of seeing the city, to inform the making of an architecture that contains space through experience. Drawing on architectural theories of Cedric Price and Carlo Ratti on an urban city, the research program unfolds a parametric series of thinking, testing, making, coding, encoding and analysis of Composite Hydrogel as a self-healing building material. In the second half of the semester, the project develops a given site through the research and application of Composite Hydrogel. The site for the research is the courtyard space in front of the Abercrombie building of Oxford Brookes University. The proposal of 3 pavilions investigates the co-working interaction of users on the campus while relating to the dynamic relationships of materials, environment, and performance. The proposal aims to be responsive to the environment, nature of workplace and flexible programs of the day. The project was led through 4 workshops :
Dynamic Morphologies Material/Immaterial Unmaking Making
DATA
SYSTEMS A conceptual study of Carlo RattI Cedric Price
Carlo Ratti
G or d on Pa s k
Rea l T i me R o m e
Cyberne ti cs
- Wireless mobile communications devices - Connectivity within the urban population - Interconnectedness between people, places, and urban infrastructure.
- Cybernetic paradigm makes possible the design of buildings that react actively to their environment and inhabitants’ behaviour - An open system by means of communication and control can respond to ongoing processes of information
KEY CONCEPTS derived from the analysis of theories of Carlo Ratti and Cedric Price
CONNECTIVITY CYBERNETICS FLOW HUMAN - TECHNOLOGY PULSE - CONCENTRATION POINTS ICONS INTENSITY Dynamic Morphologies
CONNECTIVITY : HUMAN - TECHNOLOGY Architecture studios as urban landscape connecting human and technology
Dynamic Morphologies
INTERDEPENDANCE : TECHNOLOGY - HUMAN Flow of people in the space Concentration points of events and memories
Dynamic Morphologies
Electrical Mapping of Lost/Found Memory Objects in Gipsy Lane campus
CONNECTING MEMORIES - HISTORY - TIME Recollecting the memories of the courtyard immortalised as lost objects
Dynamic Morphologies
Ghosts of the Past, Present and Future of Oxford Brookes University Central Courtyard
CELEBRATING THE TREE OF LIFE The main Birch Tree in the Central Courtyard as the tree of life - the focal point of social gathering and interaction. The courtyard is perceived at an urban scale as a point of connection between all the university departments - a Memory Hub
Ghosts of the past, present and future
Dynamic Morphologies
MATERIAL imMATERIAL A material investigation, testing and assembly program, drawing influence from earlier explration of Memories, History & Time
Polymorphic material Shape Memory material
Group 1
Shape Memory material embodies the essence of capturing memories through sense of touch. It records, retains the imprinted memory of a person’s touch, a place, a time, and an event. It is responsive to heat, moisture and light
Memory Foam
Microcell foam sponge
Cleaning wash sponge
Foam sponge sheet
Polyurethane foam rubber
Polyurethane foam
Increasing degree of hardness from left to right
Material / Immaterial
Group 2
Composite solid sponge
Single layer of sponge sheet
Increasing degree of compressibility from left to right
Weaved sponge sheets
Composite sponge made from : Closed cell foam Foam sponge sheet Polyurethane foam
Composite sponge made from : Closed cell foam Foam sponge sheet Polyurethane foam Polystyrene sheet
Material / Immaterial
Group 3
Hybrid gel
Petroleum Jelly + Soy wax flakes
Solidified silicone sealant
Solidified tapioca pearl gel
Solidified corn starch gel
Increasing degree of britteness (ability to break) from left to right Decreasing degree of compressibility from left to right
Material / Immaterial
UNMAKING Decoding shape memory material
Group 1
Hybrid Gel
A c t io n : Push F o r c e s : Co m pression
A critical analysis of material behaviour when subjected to physical, chemical and biological forces. Decoding the material to a macro and micro scale to observe dependencies of material on its external/ internal changes
Compression
Petroleum Jelly + Soy wax flakes
Unmaking
Group 2
Mozarella Cheese
Group 2
PVA Hot Glue
A c t io n : P u ll F o r c e s : T e n s io n & Co mpr e s s io n
Analysis of Pulling Cheese & Hot Glue
The PVA hot glue is much easier to pull/stretch than molten cheese because it has lower viscosity. The hot glue has lower melting point, therefore is quicker to stretch, but it has a higher solidification point, so it solidifies quicker than the cheese and has better retention of its pulled shape. The tension forces act along the direction of pulling and the compression forces cause the thinning of the material in the middle as the material is pulled further away from its centre
Unmaking
A c t io n : I n t e r lo c k
Group 3
Mozarella Cheese + Cotton Mesh
Group 3
Silicone Sealant + Plastic Mesh
Group 3
Silicone Sealant + Metal Mesh
T h e f lu id g e l wit h n o o r ig in a l s h a pe t a ke s t h e f o r m o f t h e me s h wh e n t h e y bo n d t o g e t h e r . T h e f le x ible me s h is s t r e n g t h e n e d by t h e h ig h b o n din g pr o pe r t y o f t h e g e l
Unmaking
Lighting Quality of Mesh Interlocked with Gel Group 4
Silicone Sealant + Plastic Mesh Aesthetics and Functional Quality of Shadows Cast by Gel Silicone sealant forming opaque and translucent fillers in the voids of the mesh, depending on the thickness of its coating. Light penetrating through the silicone sealant casts shadow, light is free to penetrate through the voids in the mesh to create a bright region beneath the mesh. This quality of gel-interlocked mesh could be an aesthetic and environmental strategy in a building to be partly shaded from direct sunlight and to create interesting shadows in a space.
Unmaking
Mesh Interlocked with Gel as a Robotic Membrane Parametric Relation between shape of mesh and changing nodes As a node on the mesh is pulled in a direction, the shape of the mesh changes according to the magnitude and direction of the pull. The parameters could be digitally controlled by robotics and this could orchestrate a kinetic surface cladding that is responsive to the external environmental parameters such as heat, light and moisture.
The physical model is controlled by hand through wires attached at several nodes on the mesh. The red Grasshopper model is controlled by parametric curves, that when the curve changes position, the size of creases on the mesh changes.
Unmaking
Group 5
Hydrogel
Grasshopper simulation of the expansion and amalgamation of hydrogel
Model showing the increase in size of each hydrogel bead and the collective boundary
The expansion of primary, secondary and tertiary grid that bounds the hydrogel
Behaviour of Hydrogel
Intermolecular forces that aid the outward expansion of hydrogel
A hydrogel is a cross linked polymer suspended in water. It is a smart material which can change its structure in response to salt concentration, pH and temperature. The ability to expand when in a liquid is the main feature of the hydrogel. A hydrogel can absorb over five hundred times its own weight of pure water. The factors affecting the expansion of hydrogel are the temperature, viscosity, salinity and acidity of the liquid. When salt is added to the hydrogel, the chains start to change their shape and water is lost from the gel.
Unmaking
Bio-Chemical Experiments Investigating the Factors of Rate of Expansion of Hydrogel
Parameter : SALT AND SUGAR CONCENTRATION OF SOLVENT
0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0
10
20
30
40
50
Temperature of solvent (°C)
19°C (After)
23°C (After)
49°C (After)
60
Parameter : ACIDITY AND ALKALINITY OF SOLVENT
1
Rate of expansion of hydrogels (g/min)
1 Rate of expansion of hydrogels (g/min)
Rate of expansion of hydrogels (g/min)
Parameter : TEMPERATURE OF SOLVENT
0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 6.4
6.6
6.8
7
7.2
7.4
1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0
Neutral (After)
Sugar (After)
4
6
8
10
12
pH of solvent
pH of solvent corresponding to concentration of salt and sugar in solvent
Salt (After)
2
Acid (After)
Neutral After)
Alkali After)
Analysis of the results The rate of expansion of hydrogel is maximum at room temperature, 23°C. A higher or lower temperature will impede the expansion of hydrogel. The rate of expansion of hydrogel is maximum at pH7 (neutral). The pH of the solvent is affected by the acidity/salinity and sugar/salt content. A higher or lower pH solvent will denature the hydrogel and halt the expansion of the hydrogel.
Unmaking
1.2
1.2 1 0.8 0.6 0.4
0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2
0.2 0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0
1400
0
200
400
Weight of load (g)
1000
1200
1.4
1.2
1.2
1
1
0.8 0.6 0.4
600
800
1.2 1 0.8 0.6
1000
Weight of load (g)
CLAY HYDROGEL
1200
1400
0.6 0.4
600
800
0.6 0.2
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0
1400
1000
Weight of load (g)
AGAROSE HYDROGEL
1200
1400
1 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
0
1400
ALGINATE HYDROGEL
1.4
1.8
1.2
1.2
1
1
1.4 1.2 1 0.8 0.6
0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0
200
400
600
800
400
1000
Weight of load (g)
SILICONE HYDROGEL
1200
1400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
1200
1400
LATEX HYDROGEL
1.4
0
200
Weight of load (g)
2
0
0
Weight of load (g)
0.2 400
0.8
0.2
0.4
200
1
0.4
1.6
0
1.2
0.4
0
1.2
PVA HYDROGEL
0.8
0 400
1.4
1.4
Weight of load (g)
0.2
0.2 200
1.4
0
1400
Thickness (cm)
1.4
0
1.6
PLASTER HYDROGEL
Thickness (cm)
Thickness (cm)
800
1.8
1.6
Weight of load (g)
PURE HYDROGEL
0
600
1.8
Thickness (cm)
0
1
Thickness (cm)
1.4
Thickness (cm)
Thickness (cm)
1.6
2
Thickness (cm)
1.8
2
Thickness (cm)
1.4
Thickness (cm)
2
0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2
0
200
400
600
800
1000
Weight of load (g)
COLLAGEN HYDROGEL
1200
1400
0
0
200
400
600
800
1000
Weight of load (g)
CEMENT HYDROGEL
Analysis of the results In these experiments, steel plates of various weights are placed on top of each material and the distance it sinks when subjected to the load is tabulated against the time of sinking. Compression Test on Pure Hydrogel (from left to right) After every weight is loaded onto the hydrogel, the distance it sank and the time of sinking is tabulated to obtain the rate of sinking.
Slicone hydrogel has the highest compressive capacity and therefore can absorb and adapt to the external forces the best
Unmaking
MAKING An investigation of the built form through a design strategy based on the material research. Development of a system of making using Rhino/Grasshoppper parametric methodologies. Application of the system of making to the site and pavilion design brief.
Proposed Plan of Pavilions
Key Concept of Pavilion Environmentally-induced expansion contraction of hybrid hydrogel material responsive to human touch and experience
Applying material strategy of hybrid hydrogel as an environmentally-responsive material to form the basis of mechanism of the pavilions The three pavilions translate the major attribute of the hydrogel that is its environmentally-influenced expansion and contraction
Making
Sunpath Diagram & Analysis
January [Winter] 0600 hours
1200 hours
0000 - 2400 hours
April [Spring] 1800 hours
0600 hours
1200 hours
0000 - 2400 hours
July [Summer] 1800 hours
0600 hours
1200 hours
October [Autumn] 1800 hours
0600 hours
0000 - 2400 hours
1200 hours
1800 hours
0000 - 2400 hours
Analysis The central courtyard is shaded by the tall new John Henry Brookes building. The birch trees in the site also provide shading. In general, the central courtyard has average daylight input and could be useful for the hydrogel pavilions to be responsive
Making
Date : 1st Dec- 28th Feb [Winter] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st June - 31st August [Summer] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st Jan - 31st Dec Time : 0000-2400
Average Prevailing Winds Analysis In general, the central courtyard is affected by the highest amount of winds coming from the southwest. If the pavilions are build in the courtyard, it needs shielding from the most frequent southwest winds.
Date : 1st March - 31st May [Spring] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st Sept - 30th Nov [Autumn] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st Dec- 28th Feb [Winter] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st June - 31st August [Summer] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st Jan - 31st Dec Time : 0000-2400
Average Relative Humidity Analysis The general relative humidity is above average in the central courtyard. This environmental factor is a positive influence to the pavilions to employ the material strategy of humidity-responsive composite hydrogel. The overall above average humidity will be sufficient for the pravilions to be responsive and reactive
Date : 1st March - 31st May [Spring] Time : 0000-2400
Date : 1st Sept - 30th Nov [Autumn] Time : 0000-2400
Making
Dynamic Mapping of Human Flow and Intersection Points
To observe how human flow and intensity inform the positioning and program of the pavilions
Magnetic field of human flow and circulation across the central courtyard
Magnetic field of location and intensity of human concentration points
Shortest walk between openings of buildings
Shortest walk between openings of buildings and concentration points
Program of Pavilions Voronoi Mapping of Human Density to inform the spatial program of pavilions
Zone 1 Zone 2 Major human Secondary human concentration points concentration areas Major human flow
Zone 3 Less common route
Zone 4 Minimal human traffic Lowest noise level
Scenic Pavilion Social Pavilion
An airy kinetic seating designed to engage the public with social interaction and performance
A roof top pavilion that overlooks the Oxford city centre. A tranquil place for self-reflection and peace
Dream Pavilion
A place to escape from work and stress, a place to take short naps and rest.
Development of Social Pavilion
Idea A pavilion inspired by biomimetics, the ability to feed itself, breathe, grow, self repair and respond dynamically to the site and its context Hydrogel tubular feeders that channel external moisture and heat directly into a hydrogel -packed skin. Upon being stimulated by the environmental parameters, the gel-packed skin transforms by expanding or shrinking in a controlled manner
Environmental parameters heat/light from Sun and water from rain stimulates the hydrogelation of hydrogel packed pavilion skin, making the pavilion swell and expands. Heat from human under the pavilion also cause the hydrogel to expand and respond to the density of people using it.
Miscellation/Shrinking
Hydrogelation/Expansion
Precedents Yorkshire Diamond Pavilion Natural Networks and Strength in Loops
Plan of Social Pavilion Located centrally on the grass lawn of the central courtyard, this pavilion will be the centre of social gathering and a meeting point for students from every department Unblocked by the buildings, the pavilion will receive abundant rainfall and sunlight stimuli that will trigger frequent responses to the environment. When fully expanded, the pavilion is a shelter from rain and Sun. When underused, the pavilion shrinks back to its original state and remains dormnant until a stimulus trigger its mechanism
Development of Scenic Pavilion
Idea A pavilion that expands when in contact with human touch and heat, a seating that expands and rises when triggered by human body heat
Pavilion used as a shelter and walking deck Viewing deck of scenery
Before (Dormant state) The flexible cmoposite hydrogel tubular framework is in relax mode Pavilion used as a flexible seating
After (Expanded state) The composite hydrogel framework is triggered by the body heat of people sitting on it and it expands
Precedents Paramtetric timber chair Breathing chair made of foam
Plan of Scenic Pavilion Located on top of the remote roof of Abercrombie building, the scenic pavilion offers amazing views of the Oxford skyline and is a place for people to relax and unwind from work. People access the pavilion through the staircase of the Abercrombie building. The kinetic seating responses to the body heat of the people using it. When someone seats on the pavilion, the hydrogel tubular framework supported by a primary flexible timber frame, expands and raises the user to a better viewpoint
Development of Dream Pavilion
Idea Supported by flexible steel framework, the hydrogel-filled pavilion blanket skin is responsive to the person using it
Before (Dormant state) The hydrogel skin and frame are in relaxed mode and light.
Pavilion used as a sleeping pod The sleeping pod is submerged in the ground and located in a place in the central courtyard with minimal human traffic
After (Used State) The hydrogel skin and frame are triggered by the heat of the person using it, the hydrogel skin expands and becomes heavier, closing down
Precedents Google sleeping pods that allow workers to take a nap during break
Plan of Dream Pavilion Located in the area of the central courtyard with minimal human traffic, the dream pavilions are submerged pods designed for workers and students to relax and take a nap during break Inspired by the Google sleeping pods, this pavilion would benefit people by providing a sleeping bed that is responsive to the body heat and moisture emitted by the person sleeping in it.
Section of Dream Pavilion The submerged sleeping pod responses to environmental stimuli - rain and body heat from the person using it. A person’s body heat and moisture stimulates the composite hydrogel skin of the blanket to expand and become heavier. The skin then descends in a controlled manner, supported by a flexible steel frame When a person wants to leave the sleeping pod, a mechanically controlled pump supplies saltwater to the skin and the it shrinks and rises
Semester 02
01/14 - 05/14
APPROPRIATING PLUG-in GRAFFITI Overview Plug-in Graffiti is a rejuvenating supplement to the creative energy of Hackney Wick and Fish Island. Following the 2012 London Olympics,these two districts struggles to reinstate their cultural identities and sense of belonging for the artistic, industrial and domestic communities. As one of the most prominent artistic districts in London where art dwells within decay and mechanization, I propose an architectural graffiti derived from the rich layers of the street art heritage on site. Plug-in Graffiti visually and physically establish stronger connections between the creative districts of Hackney Wick and Fish Island. It is a bold statement that marks Hackney Wick as an uprising bizarrre world for creativity and innovation
PROJECT MANIFESTO Towards an appropriated / plug-in architecture in the industrial fabric of Hackney Wick Drawing on the parasitic graffiti art on the brick walls of Hackney Wick, this project strives on the concept of emerging appropriated architectural graffiti in an existing urban fabric