Portfolio: computational design and innovative structure

Shaoyi Wang

College of Environmental Design University of California, Berkeley shaoyiwang @berkeley.edu Wang-Shaoyi@outlook.com

+1 510-599-7540 +86 158-5510-3052

PORTFOLIO OF SHAO-YI WANG

COMPUTAIONAL DESIGN & INNOVATIVE STRUCTURES

SELECTED WORKS, 2017-2024

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE, TINGHUA UNIVERSITY MASTER OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE STUDENT, UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

Skills: Rhino (Advanced), Grasshopper (Advanced), AutoCAD, Python, C#, Visual Studio, GitHub, Adobe Suite (PS, AI, ID, PR), github, Sketch-up, Enscape, ArcGIS, SPSS

English: TOFEL 111

DINGZHOU EXPO PARK SILK PAVILION

Internship Work at Song Und Partners Atelier

Project Location: Dingzhou, Hebei, China

Project Architect: Yehao Song, Xiaojuan Chen

Time of Participation: May-July, 2022

Contribution: I joined the project team when this project first started. I was responsible for the entire parametric design and modeling and 50% of the drawings for the Scheme Design Stage report.

This Silk Pavilion is part of the Dingzhou Expo Park project in Hebei province, China.

The client for this project requested a pavilion design that resembles "a ribbon fluttering in the breeze," and they asked for a draft within two weeks. Every staff member in the studio involved in this project designed their own proposal, and ultimately my design was selected.

I used Grasshopper to efficiently create a parametric model, which enabled us to adjust the design by a few key components. I also joined the facade construction design of this project during my internship. This pavilion is currently under construction and will be finished by August, 2024.

Grasshopper of building & facade design (Finished independently)

I used Grasshopper to model the form, façade, and essential structural components of the pavilion, allowing for quick modifications and iterations of the design by adjusting just a few key elements.

This parametric model not only enhanced the efficiency of architectural design but also facilitated the subsequent construction and structural design.

Currently: Under Construction

The drawings of this project were finished by both my colleagues and me. I worked on the plan and section, as well as part of the facade construction design. Currently, the pavilion is under construction, and the heavy construction part has finished. The photos on the right were shared by my colleagues.

CABLE NET VERTIPORT

Design Based on Form-Finding and Structural Analysis

This project is a vertiport for drones located at Pier 52 east of San Fransisco, 10 miles north of San Fransisco International Airport (SFO). We designed based on the following requirements of the vertiport: (1) the three-dimensional space needed for takeoff and landing, (2) the requirements for drones to stay and maintain, and (3) the flow of passenger movement. A steel truss combining the cable net structure was developed to fit into the site conditions.

When designing the structure, we started with generating the truss and optimized the structure based on the bending-moment diagram. Then, we generated the cable net structure by form-finding the shape in Kangaroo and analyzed the whole structural system in Karamba 3D. Finally, we used a model to test our design results.

Keywords: Cable Net Structure; Steel Truss; Structure Analysis; Vertiport

Truss Geometry

Truss Analysis

WHOLE SYSTEM DESIGN

Cable Net Geometry

Whole System Analysis

Academic Work, ARCH 252 Form and Structure Project

Instructor: Prof. Simon Schleicher

Site: San Fransisco, CA, US

Form-Finding Optimization

Group Work; Group Member: Fredric Lam, Yuan Xu, Moritz

Contribution: Structure Design (50%), Structure Analysis (100%)

Tools: Rhino, Grasshopper (Kangaroo Physics, Karamba 3D) TRUSS DESIGN

A vertiport is a designated area, typically equipped with facilities, for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, such as drones and flying taxis, to operate. This project is a vertiport for drones located at Pier 52 east of San Fransisco, 10 miles north of San Fransisco International Airport (SFO).

SITE DESIGN APPROACH

Rodes Labeling

STRUCTURE: TRUSS DESIGN

GEOMETRICAL DESIGN

The inital truss is generated from a catenary curve in grasshopper.

Vertiport

PublicSide

PrivateSide

VERTIPORT DESIGN

The architectural design adheres to the design requirements of the vertiport and utilizes the runway to distinguish between the public side serving passengers and the private side for charging. We hope that passengers can walk to the rooftop to enjoy the distant sea view, which also became the starting point for us to later optimize the truss.

KARAMBA APPROACH

The structural analysis for the truss is setup as follows in Karamba 3D:

Elements & Cross Section

Truss

Top Truss Gravity Bottom Truss

One-Side

TRUSS ANALYSIS & OPTIMIZATION

We applied two steps of optimization for the truss, aiming to enhance the capability of the structure while not increasing the total weight of material used in the truss.

1. Truss Height Optimization

The height of the truss's section is optimized according to the bending moment diagram.

Distance: Multiply the distance between the catenary curve and bending moment curve by a factor

Max

2.

Hinges are added at points where bending moment is zero, and several members are reduced to save the amount of material used in the structure.

STRUCTURE: WHOLE SYSTEM DESIGN

GEOMETRICAL DESIGN

Cable Net -- From-Finding in Kangaroo Physics

The geometry of the cable net is form-found in Kangaroo Physics based on the following conditions:

KARAMBA ANALYSIS

Displacement

KARAMBA APPROACH

Model Setup: Elements, Supports, & Hinge

All elements in the structure are setup for analysis in one model:

Load Cases

Utilization & Axial Stress

OPTIMIZATION

We optimized the bracing elements of the truss to reduce displacement and utilization. All elements are set to the same size to simplify the construction process.

Optimizing truss bracing elements

Result: Use D = 13.75 cm (thickness = 2.75

Displacement

A large-scale model (1:150) was made to show and test the characteristics of the structure design.This not only highlighted potential areas for optimization but also facilitated a deeper comprehension of the structural behavior. Through this integrated process of physical and simulated testing, the project's feasibility was proved, ensuring a robust and effective design outcome.

Weakest Point: Support

Formwork for the cables Building the cables on the formwork Building the truss on a 3D-printed mould Assembling all elements

VORONOI SELF-GLOWING LAMP

Towards Sustainable Bioluminescence: Parametric Design and 3D Printing

Using bioluminescence as an alternative lighting source has garnered considerable interest due to its sustainability and unique aesthetic appeal. In this project, a sustainable bioluminescence lamp was conceptualized and developed using 3D printing technology via the Stereolithography (SLA) method. A Voronoi shape was used, strategically shaping the lamp's structure to enable maximum contact with the environment. The lamp can be charged under sunlight during the day and glow in darkness during the night.

Due to cost issues, in actual assembly, we have replaced biomaterial with self-glowing powder.

Lienhard J, Alpermann H, Gengnagel C, Knippers J. Active Bending, a Review on Structures where Bending is Used as a Self-Formation Process. The 8th International Conference on Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites in Civil Engineering (CICE 2016), Hong Kong. Huang, W., Yan, D.,

Schleicher, S., & La Magna, R. (2016). Bending-active plates: form-finding and form-conversion. Peters, J., & Reif, U. (1997). The simplest subdivision scheme for smoothing polyhedra. ACM Transactions on Graphics (TOG), 16(4), 420-431. (Vol. 2017, No. 7, pp. 1-8). International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS). Proceedings of IASS annual symposia Huang, W., Wu, C., & Huang, J. (2017). A weaving structure for design & construction of organic geometry. In International Journal of Space Structures. 2013;28(3-4):187-196. doi:10.1260/0266-3511.28.3-4.187

Shell structures for architecture: form finding and optimization. Routledge. Adriaenssens, S., Block, P., Veenendaal, D., & Williams, C. (Eds.). (2014).

8(1), 89-95. Curved and Layered Structures, Palmieri, M., Giannetti, I., & Micheletti, A. (2021). Floating-bending tensile-integrity structures.

WEAVING OUR CITY!

Applying Bending-Active Structure on Large-Scale Architecture

Abstract

This study aims to apply weaving structure , a novel lightweight bendingactive structural system, on the architectural scale. The design was based on an integrative approach and combined two techniques within the integrative concept for the structure’s generation: form-conversion and form-finding

An entire workflow containing four main steps is proposed to combine the two techniques: 1) mesh formation, 2) mesh optimization, 3) structure conversion, and 4) rod optimization. A structural simulation was performed before and after each optimization to verify the effectiveness of this workflow. The results of the gravity simulation showed that the structure was significantly strengthened through optimization. Therefore, this study proved the effectiveness of the method combining form-conversion and form-finding in the weaving structure design.

Keywords: Weaving Structure; Integrative Approach; Form-Conversion; FormFinding; Structure Simulation; Large-Span Structure

Site: Haidian, Beijing

Group Work; Group Member: Rufeng Liu

Hu

Contribution: Design 80%, Programming & Modeling 50%

Tools: Rhino, Grasshopper (Kangaroo Physics, WSFinder)

The design aims to renovate the abandoned Wudaokou theater and the hotel to the east. To minimize the impact of reconstruction on the city, the structure of these two buildings and the function of the theater were preserved.

The weaving structure is an entire self-equilibrating bendingactive structural system proposed by Huang et al. (2016), constructed by continuous elastic rods.

Step 1: Mesh Optimization Step 2: Mid-edge Subdivision Step 3: Structural Simulation

DESIGN GOALS

FORMATION FROM UNITS

Since the original structure and function of the theater should be preserved, to minimize the impact of construction, a long-span structure is preferable for this renovation.

1)

Moment

2) Axial Forces

axial forces of the rods to be in tension rather than compreession.

We were inspired by the characteristics of the arch-supported membrane system, a structure with the potential to solve large-span structural problems. We integrated the arch-supported membrane system and weaving structure into a tensile-bending integrated unit, a saddle surface of negative gaussian curvature that is geometrically stable.

Supported Points

01 Site Status

EVALUATIONS

OPTIMIZATION & CONVERSION

Mesh

Conditions of Optimization

Structure Conversion

Steps of Conversion

Rod Optimization

Conditions of Optimization

Form Iterations Curvature Displacement of Rods (Before and After Optimization)

Here introduces the next three steps. The mesh optimization step optimized the force state of the mesh and enhanced its loading capability. The mesh was then transformed into weaving rods. The rod optimization stage found the prestress equilibrium state of the overall system based on the properties of the elastic members.

Condition 1: Edge Enhanced

Condition 2: Grounded Edge Fixed

Condition 3: Contraction Force (Tension Optimization)

Even Mesh

Condition 4: Upward Force (Bending Arch Optimization)

Step 1: Mesh Edges

Step 2: Midpoints of Edges

Step 3: Kagome Grid

Step 4: Continuous Rods

Condition 1: Grounded Points Hinged

Condition 2: Poles and Cables (Tension)

Condition 3: Reinforcing Edge Bars (d=30cm)

Condition 4: Give Resilience to Inner Bars (d=15mm)

The structure deforms significantly under the effect of gravity.

The deformation is significantly reduced, but the corners are still weak.

The entire weaving structural system is strengthened.

We found that irregular parts (e.g., boundaries, positions of shape changes) produced more displacement after optimization. Therefore, this optimization approach has a good strengthening effect on irregularly shaped weaving structures.

This structural simulation section aims to verify the effectiveness of the form-finding optimization steps. Moreover, this is also an evaluation of the structure's load capacity. The simulation results improved after each step, which verifies the effectiveness of this workflow.

Regular Parts: smaller displacement

Irregular Parts: larger displacement

Displacement/m 0 1.0

Comparing the curvature of the rods before and after the optimization process illustrates the method's effectiveness: the optimization stages reduce the curvature of the rods effectively, which will accordingly reduce their bending moments.

Curvature/m-1 0 0.4

The Initial Mesh Transformed into Weaving Structure

Curvature is not evenly distributed.

The Final Optimal Rods (Finally Adopted)

Curvature is reduced and made even.

The wind loads are simulated using the standard of a 30-year gale in Beijing (0.3kN/m2) from the two main prevailing wind directions northwest and southeast. The deformation variables of both are within the acceptable range.

Northwest Wind

MODELING

We further tested the rationality of the structure with a 1:50 model. The modeling process contains two steps: rods labeling and weaving.

Since labels can find all the nodes, the form is created without numerical control construction, which enhances the feasibility of construction under various circumstances.

Rodes Labeling

We applied an algorithm by Prof. Weixin Huang to get labels of all rods and nodes, and the two nodes with the same label were fixed together. Label

Model of 1:50 A Test for Structure Rationality

The great potential of applying the weaving structures on the architectural scale has been revealed. The design practice found that the tensile-bending integrated units, the saddle surface with negative Gaussian curvature, has high adaptability in spatial organization and structural rationality. Besides, the weaving structure can be combined with other structural components, such as poles and cables, which convert the axial forces of the weaving rods into tension rather than compression and enhance the structural strength.

However, there are also several limitations of this weaving structure study. First, this weaving structural design at the architectural scale is still a hypothesis. To apply it in a actual construction, more complicated issues such as construction joints and envelopes (e.g., membrane) require further consideration. Second, the construction process is also a complex problem for applying weaving structures in real construction; for example, prestressing the rods is challenging in the construction process. For further improvements, a more complete construction system is required.

In the architectural design, we fully considered the combination of structural weaving structure and original function, and thought about the human activities in it. We preserved the original theater and set up a more complete entrance space and activity space for it. We kept the original hotel structure and transformed it into a commercial space, and shaped this space through the curved surface of the weaving structure.

05

MARKET-TYPE BUILDING GENERATION

MALL FOR EVERY COMMUNITY FROM THE URBAN SCALE TO THE HUMAN'S BEHAVIORAL SCALE

Market-type buildings have always played an essential role in the city, where a scene from everyday life is played out. Due to the variety and scale of market buildings and the fact that different communities often have different needs, the design of market buildings gives architects challenges and opportunities.

This project created a complete workflow with five modules to address the challenges of the design process for market-type buildings, starting from the urban scale, then moving to the building scale and human behavior scale. Depending on the design requirements, the workflow applied multiple methods such as generative design, parametric design, machine learning, and single-objective optimization.

Keywords: Market-Type Building; Generative Design; Parametric Design; Machine Learning; Scale

Individual Work (Self-motivated)

Academic Work, Summer 2022

Duration: 12 Weeks

Consulted Prof. Weixin Huang for Suggestions

Tools: Rhino, Grasshopper (Octopus), Python (Matplotlib, TensorFlow), Depthmap X

References

https://neurohive.io/en/popular-networks/pix2pix-image-to-image-translation/ https://www.danieldavis.com/generative-design-doomed-to-fail/ Design Method Based on Machine Learning Approaches.” SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.4091579. Lu, Yijun, and Miaomiao Hou. 2022. “Multi-Objective Optimization of Building Environmental Performance: An Integrated Parametric Hillier, B. (1996, 2007), Space is the Machine: A Configurational Theory of Architecture. Space Syntax: London, UK. pp.268 Layout,” 14. Villaggi, Lorenzo, and Danil Nagy. n.d. “Generative Design for Architectural Space Planning: The Case of the Autodesk University 2017

BACKGROUND

METHODOLOGY

Two main threads are running through the project: how to adapt the techniques to different needs and how to apply them at different scales.

Conditions

Conditions of the design are from five aspects and are reflected in different steps.

When designing a Market-Type building

Techniques Modules

Four techniques are used for different design steps to deal with different design problems. Each technique requires different inputs, which are listed as conditions.

There are five modules in the entire process, including four design modules and one evaluation module.

All the design steps are based on the basic components of a markettype building, including the outdoor environment, the indoor space, and the transportation system.

When the design starts from the urban scale and goes down to the spatial scale of the building, the connection between the modules is an issue that must be considered. Grids are used here as the baseline for generating designs within each module. As the design progresses, the grids are continuously subdivided to accommodate the design at different scales. Grids & Scale

Four different sites in Beijing were selected to perform the entire workflow based on their needs respectively.

More stores and more places for activities! A stable place to gather.

The space with the highest degree of visual integration can be used as an art exhibition, attracting people to come and see it. The overall atmosphere is consistent with the characteristics of the art block.

The small-scale interior space and convenient corridors meet the needs of the elderly, and various shops serve the daily life of the elderly. A clear spatial composition allows the elderly to easily identify their location.

The shopping malls near the university town have high commercial value. The architectural space with rich visual effects provides young people with an ideal entertainment place and more possibilities for activities.

The street shapes the architectural space and outdoor activity space. This not only adapts to the hutong form of the block, but also allows the city to retain its original characteristics in the process of renewal.

THE LAPPING STRUCTURE

Proposing a Novel 3-Dimensional Rod-Composed Structural System

This project proposed the lapping structure , a novel three-dimensional rodcomposed structural system. We chose the lapping rods as the starting point for structure generation. After four stages, including unit, wall, pavilion, and construction, we finally formed a complete and systematic structural system.

Throughout the whole project, we had two main goals. First, we aimed to satisfy both the structural rationality and visual richness by roll-bending aluminum extrusions. The system also combined lights, highlighting the rods' characteristics in the structure. Second, unlike the previous decorative pavilions, we expected the structure to be weather-resistant, which was a big challenge when considering the construction.

Keywords: Lapping Structure; Aluminum Extrusion; Roll-Bending; WeatherResistant Building

Undergraduate Thesis (In Process), Academic Work, from 2022 Autumn

Instructor: Prof. Weixin Huang; Dr. Jingyuan Hu

Site: Haidian, Beijing

Group Work; Group Member: Zhiqian Liu

Contribution: Algorithm 100%, Concept 50%, Construction Design 50%

Tools: Rhino, Python, Grasshopper (Karamba 3D)

Many factors related to the actual construction need to be considered to ensure the feasibility and integrity of the project. This includes the basic principles of rod combination, the working principle and limitations of the roll-bending machine, the feasibility of joint construction, and the difficulty of curve processing.

1) Lapping

Rod B

Weaving Structure in the Previous Work

Lapping is the most common connection type in our structural system. Structure with Thickness

2) Bending

Side Bend

Front Bend Twist

Due to the limitations of our roll-bending machine, only side bening and front bending are allowed, and twisting should be avoided.

3) Joints

How to generate a 3-dimensional structural system with rods? 2-dimensional structural system

Similar to other 2-dimensional structures that start from units, this 3-dimensional spatial structure have chosen to start from the simplest spatial units to find ways to combine the rods.

THE WALL For Algorithm

Rod B&B

Rod A&B&C

Rod B&C

In order to keep the rods from overlapping when duplication, the position of each vertex was adjusted in the algorithm according to the dimension of the rod section. All joints use common specifications, and avoid customized parts as much as possible to save costs.

The algorithm was written in grasshopper combining python to fit all prospective shapes.

4) Fillet

R R Polylines Bending Rods

All curves are transformed from polylines through filleting the vertexes.

Because the building is weather-resistant, it can accommodate a range of different functions. Here a flower store is used as an example for the lighting and the final visual effect. This gives the pavilion a visual value and practicality, and offers the structure and construction the possibility to be widely applied.

WHITE NOISE APARTMENT

Relieve Lonliness during the COVID-19 Period

White noise refers to a noise that contains all frequencies across the spectrum of audible sound in equal measure. White noise creates a pleasant acoustic atmosphere and benefits people's mental health

With the prevalence of the epidemic, people are working and living in the same space in order to isolate themselves from the virus. Our outer connections to the external world has been limited to the Internet, while inner environments with families has become the only place people can get in touch with real people. People are facing a series of mental problems with this transition of life.

This work attempted to create several authentic white noise environments and delineate different functional spaces through the characteristics of white noise to create suitable atmospheres and enhance people's concentration. White noise creates connections between people, although they are not in the same physical space.

Keywords: White Noise, Connection, Sound Environment, Mental Health

Option Studio, Academic Work, Spring 2021

Course Name: Architectural Design (6)

Modified in Spring 2022

Duration: 8 Weeks

Instructor: Quan Jing

The Chief Architect of the Architectural Design and Research Institute of China

Site: Hefei City, Anhui Province

Individual Work

Tool: Rhino

Background: Mental Problems Caused by COVID-19

White noise describes the sound of every audible frequency playing at the same amplitude or volume. While this may seem like it would be harsh, the result is actually a calming sound, not unlike gentle static.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic recession have negatively affected many people’s mental health and created new barriers for people already suffering from mental illness and substance use disorders. Yanzihe Rd

Site Selection and Sound

The site was chosen in a place where traffic and machine sounds could be isolated, but human sounds could be heard.

People are vulnerable to mental problems during the COVID-19 Especially Young Adults Especially Families with Children

Data Sources: https://www.kff.org/coronavirus-covid-19/issue-brief/the-implications-of-covid-19-for-mental-health-and-substance-use/

Sources: https://www.soundproofcow.com/benefits-white-noise/; https://www.lasko.com/3-major-benefits-of-white-noise/

The Beginning: Family Life during the COVID-19 Period ...

Sam 28, Employee Feeling hard to concentrate when working at home

LEAVE IT AT THAT! I'M STILL THINKING OF THE UNFINISHED DRAWING! THE DEADLINE IS TOMORROW.

Jim 12, Student Easily disturbed when studying at home.

Jane 26, Designer Can't help thinking of work when resting.

Reorganize connections between people by creating a common white noise environment. Concept: Rearrange Space and Sound

HAVEN'T I TOLD YOU TO BE QUIET YET! DON'T BOTHER ME WHEN I AM BUSY!

HOOOOOORAY!!! I'M GOING OUT TO PLAY FOOTBALL WITH TIM!!! BYE MOM DAD!

Bob 42, Manager Sensitive to sounds at work, especially from his child.

BUT JIM, YOU HAVEN'T FINISHED YOUR HOMEWORK YET, YOU SHOULDN'T GO OUT! MOMMY, WANNA PLAY WITH ALICE, I WANNA GO BACK TO SCHOOL!

DARLING, IT'S DANGEROUS OUTSIDE.

HOW ABOUT DO SOME READING AT HOME?

Rachel 41, Consultant Always thinking of her child, can't get into the work state. Ama 8, Student Missing the days when learning and chatting with her friends.

IT'S AMA'S BED TIME NOW, BUT STILL HAVE AN ONLINE MEETING.

Robert 40, Programmer Often work overtime and worry that would annoy his family.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY? I MISS THE DAYS WHEN I COULD WALK AROUND WITH MY FRIENDS EVERYDAY, BUT NOW I DON'T DARE TO GO ANYWHERE!

Emily 35, Housewife Worry about the health of her family, find it difficult to sleep.

Tom 68, Retired Suffering from weak vision, and feeling anxious due to limited connection with others.

Public Space Sound Connection

Work Units Sound Connection

Sound Pipes

All work and study sound units are connected by sound pipes to form a natural white noise environment to create a sound effect similar to that in real office and study environments, enhancing human concentration and efficiency. Public pipes connect public activity spaces, allowing these spaces to produce lively sound effects even when the density of people is low, which alleviates the feeling of human isolation.

Study Units Sound Connection

White Noise | Listen

Walking through the buildings, we hear not only the sounds of people's activities, but also the sounds of nature: wind, birds, and rain. All the sounds come together to form a more complete white noise.

White Noise| Emerge

In this building, people are the main creators of sound. The sound generated by people when exercising, chatting, and playing is transmitted to all parts of the building, further stimulating the desire for human interaction.

White Noise | Interact

Being the producer as well as the acceptor of white noise, people have the opportunity to interact with others even they are not in the same space. This is an approach of interaction emerged due to COVID-19: to feel the presence of others without meeting them and any electronic devices.