Studio Air2015,SEMESTER 2, Brad

Chun Yan_634071

3 ABOUT ME

4 A.1.1Design Futuring -Precedents 1

6 A.1.2 Design Futuring -Precedents 2

6 A.2 Design Computation

8 A.2.1 Design Computation-Precedent 1

9 A.2.2 Design Computation-Precedent 2

10 A.3 Composition/Generation

12 A.3.1 Composition/Generation-Precedent 1

13 A.3.2 Composition/Generation-Precedent 2

14 A.4 Conclusion

16 A.5 Learning Outcome

18 A.6.1 Appendix-Algorithmic Skeches

20 A.6.2 Appendix-Reference List

Table Of Content

Hi everyone. My name is Chun Yan. I came to Australia

from China two years ago to further my study in University of

Melbourne. I started to learn Chinese traditional painting when

I was 5 years old. At the beginning, I just drew what the teacher

asked me to draw. Tracing and copying can improve my painting

techniques and form basic ideas in my mind. In development,

the teacher pushed me to do some creation after my drawing

skills reach a mature level.

Similarly, my process of architecture study follows this approach

as well. Although I loved drawing since I was a little child, it was

really accidental that I chose architecture as my major. Before

entering the university, I used to consider design is a simple

process. It is mostly just drawing and imagination. However,

during 2 years’ study, I perceive that architecture is much more

than just drawing and imagination. Rationality, sustainability,

history and connections in both conceptual aspects and physical

aspects are all essential. That’s what an architect should consider

during the creation.

Before attending ADS: air, I have done several studios such as

Designing environments and water studio. The projects I did

in the past two years played a lot with geometry. With the help

from my tutors, I tried various different forms and ideas on my

projects. However, I focused too much on the appearance of the

building, and ignored the design brief, practicability and even

sustainability. What I missed is precisely architecture’s essence.

My favorite design is Al Bahar Towers located in Abu Dhabi. The

facade system as shown in figure 1 defies the typical typology

of skyscrapers in the area, suggesting a more agile and dynamic

solutions to the climate. Towers Al Bahar seek to provide

a contextual and culturally sensitive design while utilizing

modern technology to meet the highest standards of efficiency.

Powered by computational design team, the work of architects

and engineers was to find a parametric description for the

geometry of the movable panels on the facade and simulate

its operation in response to sun exposure and the consequent

change of incidence angles during different days of the year.

Overall, I really expect the dramatic creation from the

modelling program that I can learn in ADS: Air. In addition,

parametric modeling is an absolutely new field for me. I hope I

can have a good application in the future.

Introduction

Figure 1. The façade system of Al Bahar Towers.

The design outcome of Beijing national stadium

requires that it should be sustainable. The stadium

adopted advanced and feasible environmental

protection technique and building materials

to make maximum use of natural ventilation

and natural light. In addition, the rainwater

collected system, the use of renewable geothermal

energy and the application of solar photovoltaic

technology greatly save energy. The idea of its

structure came from bird’s nest. Distinctively, it is

a bird’s nest which is not completely sealed. This

ingenious design was not only made to get a unique

appearance, but also built to give the users a fluent

air circulation and light.

Humanistic Design

The seating in the Beijing National Stadium were

designed as a bowl shape. The layout of the seating

is well-arranged to guarantee that each audience

will have a distance of 140metres from their seat

to the center of field. Furthermore, there are

approximately 200 wheelchair seating for disabled

people. Someone may propose it is very general in

A.1.1Design Futuring -Precedents 1

many public places. Distinctively, these seating has

a higher view than other normal seating. This small

but effective design ensure that disabled people

can have the equal version to normal audience.

Overall, many architectural experts believe that

‘bird’s nest’ will not only establish a distinct

and historical remarkable building for 2008

Beijing Olympic games, but also has an initiating

significance in the world’s architectural history.

The Beijing National Stadium will provide

historical testimony for the development of both

Chinese and world architecture.

Figure 2. Beijing National Stadium

Figure 3. Beijing National Stadium in Grasshopper

Beijing National Stadium

Beijing, China

Architect: Pierrede Mueron

Xinggang Li

Herzog Company

Geometry

The Lotus temple is famous for its architectural splendor. It is a

continuation of this rich tradition. As the architect, Mr. Fariborz

Sahba had travelled in India extensively to study the architecture

of this land before undertaking the design of the temple. He was

impressed by the design of the fantastic temples, as well as by the

art and religious symbols wherein the lotus invariably played an

important role. He was influenced by this experience, and in an

attempt to bring out the concept of purity, simplicity and fresh-

ness of the Bahai Faith. Mr. Fariborz Sahba conceived the Temple

in the form of a lotus. The temple gives the impression of a half-

open lotus flower, afloat, surrounded by its leaves. Each compo-

nent of the temple is repeated nine times.

A.1.2 Design Futuring -Precedents 2

The beautiful concept of the lotus, as conceived by the

architect, had to be converted into definable geometrical

shapes such as spheres, cylinders, toroid and cones. These

shapes were translated into equations, which were then

used as a basis for structural analysis and engineering

drawings. The resultant geometry was so complex that it

took the designers over two and a half years to complete

the detailed drawings of the temple. An attempt is made

below to describe this complex geometry in simple terms.

The idea of bionical and geometrical architecture did

inspired the architectural industry not only in India but

many other countries.

Figure 4. The Lotus Temple

Figure 5. The Lotus Temple plan

Figure 6. The Lotus Temple Elevation

Lotus temple

Delhi, India

Architect: Fariborz Sahba

A.2 Design Computation

Throughout the development of the human history and industry,

people keep developing machineries. Machineries reduce the consumption

of human resource and bring us convenience. The invention of the

computer has absolutely changed the way we work in different industry.

In the following paragraphs, the tremendous possibility, unlimited

potential and the profound impact that computational design brings will

be discussed respectively.

The digital design does brought architectural industry great changes. It

is significant to distinguish computation and computerization. Peter has

described ‘computation’ as the way that ‘allows designers to extend their

abilities to deal with highly complex situations.’1 In addition, computation

has produced much more essential possibilities and opportunities for the

architectural industry. In the development of architecture history, there is

always a kind of unique and particular building form that can represent

the characteristics and trend of architecture in that period. For example,

pyramid represents ancient Egypt while steel-and-glass skyscrapers

obviously represent modern architecture. In 21st century, computation

design is exactly a breakthrough in architecture development nowadays.

To put it simply, computation is a new approach to design for the

architects. The most important difference between computing and

traditional architectural design method is that the project can be modified

anytime and anywhere in a computational approach, while the traditional

way is a bit inflexible and hard to make some changes. The modification

is definitely an important step. For architects, a lot of elements need to

be considered. Computation design provide more possibilities, potentials

and options for architects because of its flexibility and modifiability.

Furthermore, computing ‘defines a digital continuum from design to

production, from form generation to fabrication design.’2 Computational

design brings new solutions for a project from its original design to the

completion. In addition, computation requires computer techniques

as architects use computation software to design. Therefore, the new

approach has arisen a group of specialized consultancy and promoted the

1.BRADY PETERS, ‘COMPUTATION WORKS: THE BUILDING OF ALGORITHMIC THOUGHT’, ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, 83.2, (2013), 08-15.2.RIVKA OXMAN, ROBERT OXMAN, THEORIES OF THE DIGITAL IN ARCHITECTURE, 1 EDN (LONDON: ROUTLEDGE, 2014), P. 1-10.

development and cooperation between each industry.

Along with the development of computing technologies, more and more buildings are designed in

geometrical and curvy shapes, and this phenomenon has become an architecture trend. Furthermore,

accurate algorithms can be achieved throughout computation so that repetitive patterns elements

have been more and more universal in architecture. Computation design can create complex pattern

by adjusting algorithms. The layout of geometrical elements looks random but well-organized in

reality. This is what the traditional design approach hard to reach.

What’s more, the architects and builders can preview what the project would be like when it has

Figure 7. Computation Design

development and cooperation between each industry.

Along with the development of computing technologies, more and more buildings are designed in

geometrical and curvy shapes, and this phenomenon has become an architecture trend. Furthermore,

accurate algorithms can be achieved throughout computation so that repetitive patterns elements

have been more and more universal in architecture. Computation design can create complex pattern

by adjusting algorithms. The layout of geometrical elements looks random but well-organized in

reality. This is what the traditional design approach hard to reach.

What’s more, the architects and builders can preview what the project would be like when it has

been done follow the existing design plan throughout the computation architectural approach. It

helps them to create ‘responsive designs, allowing architects to explore new design options, allowing

architects to explore new design options and to analyze architectural decisions during the design

process.’

Overall, computation design is a trend indeed as it has many advantages that manual work can't

achieve. In the future, a well combine of traditional architectural approach and computation design

is the new goal.

Figure 7. Computation Design

A.2.1 Design Computation -Precedent 1ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILIONStuttgart, GermanyArchitect:ICD-ITKE University of Stuttgart

The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) of the University of Stuttgart have constructed the research pavilion in a another bionic form. The project is part of a successful series of research pavilions which showcase the potential of novel design, simulation and fabrication processes in architecture. The project was planned and constructed within one and a half years by students and researchers within a multi-disciplinary team of biologists, paleontologists, architects and engineers.The focus of the project is a parallel bottom-up design strategy for the biomimetic investigation of natural fiber composite shells and the development of novel robotic fabrication methods for fiber reinforced polymer structures. The aim was the development of a winding technique for modular, double layered fiber composite

structures, which reduces the required formwork to a minimum while maintaining a large degree of geometric freedom.Computational tools are used widely among this project, the group used these tools simulated the project before it came to the fabrication stage. Therefore, ‘both the robotic fabrication characteristics and the abstracted biomimetic principles could be simultaneously integrated into the design process.’ 1The fabrication is all done by the collaborating-axis industrial robots.Overall, the project highly relied on the computation technologies, multidisciplinary collaboration and industrial robots. With all this characteristics, this project made a perfect precedent for this studio.

1.JUSTIN MCGAR , COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN: BUILDINGS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY ROBOTS (2014) <HTTP://SOURCEABLE.NET/> [ACCESSED 19 MARCH 2015].

Figure 8. ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION

Figure 9. ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION Structural in Grasshopper

A.2.2 Design Computation -Precedent 2LA VOÛTE DE LEFEVRE INSTALLATION

In this project, the rapid, efficient and surface-oriented digital fabrication is used as a modern equivalent of ancient stone carving, marrying the two major architectural parameters – surface and volume. Designed by the New York based Matter Design, the project was preceded by an extensive research dealing with the eco nom i cally friendly sheet mate r ial, while main tain ing a com mon thread of a ded i-ca tion to volume.

The idea of the design of this project has a strong connection with ancient architecture.The design was done by computational tools and the digital fabrication is used as ‘a modern equivalent of ancient stone carving’. This amazing combination ‘marrying the two major architectural parameters – surface and volume’. 1The whole design is so dynamic from top to bottom. The geometry used in this project is irregular but regular. The different hexagons support the whole. Also the form of the project is against most of the buildings in the world - the volume of the superstructure is larger than the foundation. Therefore, with the help of digital computation (and the support ahead), the idea becomes true.

1LIDIJA GROZDANIC, LA VOUTE DE LEFEVRE INSTALLATION INVESTIGATES STEREOTOMIC DESIGN THROUGHDIGITAL FABRICATION (2012) <HTTP://WWW.EVOLO.US/> [ACCESSED 19 MARCH 2015].

Figure 10. LA VOÛTE DE LEFEVRE INSTALLATION

Figure 11. LA VOÛTE DE LEFEVRE INSTALLATION

A.3 Composition/Generation

Figure 13. Generation Design

The shift from composition to generation started as the

popularization of digital computation technologies. In this part,

computation technologies are normally operated throughout

software such as grasshopper but not CAD. As I mentioned in the

previous section, computation is different from computerization.

AutoCAD is a typical software for computerization. It

doesn’t generate any new idea based on the existing design.

Computerization only makes existing plan but not develops them.

Differently, software such as Grasshopper would get an item such

as a point, a surface, a solid figure and sort of things as a result

after setting the algorithm.

Architects generate ideas by using these parametric design tools.

And as the developing and maturing of the technology, real-time

rendering enable the architects make new changes to their designs

at any time. So, the design process is becoming totally different

than ever before.

Nonetheless, parametric modelling can’t absolutely replace the

traditional architectural design approach. The models generated

by computer are precise and regular. Inevitably, they are always

monotonous and similar to each other. Possibly, this is the

characteristic of parametric design. Nevertheless, sometimes this

characteristic makes the parametric model can’t fit the context

very well. Many of these designs could be placed into a complete

different context and still ‘looks nice’ itself, but not actually interact

with the environment. Thus, one possible solution is designing

through a more active collaborative work between architect and

parametric modelling specialist. Normally, the architect designs

the project according to the context. If the architect cooperates

with the specialist, they can generate models based on both of the

context and design brief.

To sum up, tParametric design is significant to the architecture

industry as it has redefined the traditional process of create a

building and reformed the structure of the industry.

Computation design is a trend indeed as it has many advantages

that manual work can achieve. In the future, a well combine of

traditional architectural approach and computation design is the

new goal.

The shift from composition to generation has a great influence

on the architectural industry in both positive way and negative

Figure 12. Composition Design

A.3.1 Composition/Generation -Precedent 1LOOM HYPERBOLIC INSTALLATION

“Loom-Hyperbolic” is a site-specific architectural installation that was designed by foreign architects but inspired by local craftsmanship. Created using algorithm-based software programs like Grasshopper and Rhino, the geometric installation is made from structural frames that form 2 dimensional surfaces into 3 dimensional volumes. The frames are made from locally sourced hand-peeled pine poles. Cotton yarn is stretched over these structures to create a gigantic loom composed of thousands of lines.

The aim of this project is to ‘attempting to assume fresh approach to digital fabrication’. This is also a project incorporate modern technologies with traditional techniques which is called ‘Moroccan weaving techniques’ to create the wavy form. The design team used Rhino and Grasshopper to generate this wavy shape on computer. The main structure of this installation is its irregular cellular grid which is inserted into the platform. The parameters of each element of this project is strictly controlled, indeed it seems abnormally but the actually construction ‘translated this irregularity from precise digital design into reality1

1.LIDIJA GROZDANIC, LOOM HYPERBOLIC INSTALLATION / BARKOW LEIBINGER ARCHITECTS (2012) <HTTP://WWW.EVOLO.US/> [ACCESSED 19 MARCH 2015].

Figure 14. LOOM HYPERBOLIC INSTALLATION

Figure 15. Loom HYPERBOLIC installation sketch

A.3.2 Composition/Generation -Precedent 2New Czech National Library

The Flux Installation explores the possibilities of parametric modeling and digital fabrication at California College of the Arts (CCA). Produced using CCA’s CNC router and advanced parametric modeling techniques, the structure undulates in plan and section producing a sense of expansion and contraction in the long nave space at CCA’s San Francisco campus. Through the use of parametric modeling and a series of custom designed scripts, the installation design can be quickly updated to address new design criteria. From the thickness of the ribs to the overall twisting form and perforated skins, the geometry is controlled through a complex set of relationships between its formal, performative, and fabrication constraints. Each component of the final design was rebuilt in grasshopper as a parametric model. This method allowed us to make real time adjustments to the form that would be automatically updated and ready for fabrication.

This design is a reflection to the high-tech parametric design. This exploration design was trying to being representative to the emerging technologies and how they have ‘transformed the ways in which we both conceive and configure space and material.1 This is one of the key point of parametric design and this project was trying to discover this. The team has explored the form, the function, the context of this project and the possibilities through parametric design. Therefore, this is one of the projects that worth study.

1MATSYS DESIGN, FLUX: ARCHITECTURE IN A PARAMETRIC LANDSCAPE (2009) <HTTP://MATSYSDESIGN.COM/> [ACCESSED 19 MARCH 2015].

Figure 16. New Czech National Library inside.

Figure 17. New Czech National Library outside.

Figure 18. New Czech National Library in grasshopper

A.4 Conclusion

Parametric design is significant to the architecture industry as it has redefined the traditional process of create a building and reformed the structure of the in-dustry.

Computation design is a trend indeed as it has many advantages that manual work can't achieve. In the future, a well combine of traditional architectural approach and computation design is the new goal.

The shift from composition to generation has a great influence on the architectural industry in both positive way and negative way. The models can be generated by the specialists and the computers, however, the architects are

A.5 Learning Outcome

Figure 19. Parametric Design

In the past 2 years, I never used computational modelling software such as Grasshopper to design a project. I always made plan, section and models throughout Rhino, Sketch up, 3DS or computerization software such as AutoCAD. To put it simply, I used to design in traditional architectural approaches. Air studio introduces computation design and parametric design to me. I am really looking forward to making some design throughout grasshopper in Part B and Part C. I enjoy designing. For me, designing in traditional approaches and in computational approach are definitely two different experience. I admire those geometric architecture which was designed throughout parametric approach such as Metropol Parasol. They have strong visual impact and can bring new ideas to me.

I have done Virtual Environment when I was in Year 1. We made an umbrella frame throughout Rhino at that time. I might create more triangle supports into the original frame to improve my old design.

Figure 19. Parametric Design

A.6.1 Appendix-Algorithmic Skeches

Geometry. I try trying to make a form similar to water cube in Beijing.

Lofe and Curve.

A.6.2 Appendix-Reference List

Brady Peters, ‘Computation Works: The Building of AlgorithmicThought’, Architectural Design, 83.2, (2013), 08-15.

Justin McGar , Computational Design: Buildings Designed and Built By Robots(2014) <http://sourceable.net/> [accessed 19 March 2015].

LIDIJA GROZDANIC, La Voute de LeFevre Installation Investigates Stereotomic Designthrough Digital Fabrication (2012) <http://www.evolo.us/> [accessed 19 March 2015].

LIDIJA GROZDANIC, Loom Hyperbolic Installation / Barkow Leibinger Architects(2012) <http://www.evolo.us/> [accessed 19 March 2015].

MATSYS DESIGN, FLUX: ARCHITECTURE IN A PARAMETRIC LANDSCAPE(2009) <http://matsysdesign.com/> [accessed 19 March 2015].

Rivka Oxman, Robert Oxman, Theories of the Digital in Architecture,1 edn (London: Routledge, 2014), p. 1-10.

Figure 1. The façade system of Al Bahar Towers, Aedas Architectshttps://www.google.com.au/search?tbm=isch&q=Al+Bahr+Towers+grasshopper&imgrc=Yb3rKdV-pkv4oM%3A&cad=h#imgrc=GT8FMMnai8lfHM%3A

Figure 2. Beijing National Stadium, Pierrede Mueronhttps://www.google.com.au/search?tbm=isch&q=beijing+national+stadium+&imgrc=8ecLuXFoYG7qWM%3A&cad=h

Figure 3. Beijing National Stadium in Grasshopper, Pierrede Mueronhttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=LOOM+HYPERBOLIC+INSTALLATION&biw=1920&bih=911&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBwQsARqFQoTCPGZ09Wcp8cCFaYZpgodsaICTQ#imgrc=aUvcsKyWGgcCaM%3A

Figure 4. The Lotus Temple, Fariborz Sahbahttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=Al+Bahr+Towers&biw=655&bih=551&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBwQsARqFQoTCJ7NzqnDpccCFQbHpgodf4sNbg&dpr=1#tbm=isch&q=lotus+temple+geometry&imgrc=BHJByiZ6CNFqEM%3A

Figure 5. The Lotus Temple plan, Fariborz Sahbahttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=Al+Bahr+Towers&biw=655&bih=551&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBwQsARqFQoTCJ7NzqnDpccCFQbHpgodf4sNbg&dpr=1#tbm=isch&q=lotus+temple+plan&imgrc=rBCa6xPwtXCReM%3A

Figure 6. The Lotus Temple Elevation, Fariborz Sahbahttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=Al+Bahr+Towers&biw=655&bih=551&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBwQsARqFQoTCJ7NzqnDpccCFQbHpgodf4sNbg&dpr=1#tbm=isch&q=lotus+temple+drawing&imgrc=YeRsLNAJO-3nLM%3A

Figure 7. Computation Designhttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=design+computation&tbs=isz:lt,islt:4mp&tbm=isch&imgrc=YTocLE-uuYaKPM%3A&cad=h

Figure 8. ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILIONhttps://www.google.com.au/search?tbm=isch&q=ICD%2FITKE+RESEARCH+PAVILION&imgrc=_WHWWR2z7lfZ3M%3A&cad=h

Figure 9. ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION Structural in Grasshopperhttps://www.google.com.au/search?tbm=isch&q=ICD%2FITKE+RESEARCH+PAVILION&imgrc=sWsyzL57MC0M8M%3A&cad=h

Figure 10. LA VOÛTE DE LEFEVRE INSTALLATION, Matter Designhttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=LA+VO%C3%9BTE+DE+LEFEVRE+INSTALLATION&biw=1920&bih=911&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CCgQsARqFQoTCK2mw6yWp8cCFSbYpgoduyUJUQ#imgrc=UPkBGn1YV_d6TM%3A

Figure 11. LA VOÛTE DE LEFEVRE INSTALLATION, Matter Designhttp://www.evolo.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/La-Vo%C3%BBte-de-LeFevre-Installation-6.jpg

Figure 12. Composition Designhttps://www.google.com.au/search?biw=1920&bih=955&tbs=isz%3Al&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=algorithmic+design&oq=algorithmic+design&gs_l=img.3...36241.40132.0.40541.19.13.0.0.0.1.853.1619.6-2.2.0....0...1c.1j4.64.img..18.1.765.MIvgwb18y1U#imgrc=fAmPrg88l_dqbM%3A

Figure 13. Generation Designhttps://www.google.com.au/search?biw=1920&bih=955&tbs=isz%3Al&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=algorithmic+design&oq=algorithmic+design&gs_l=img.3...36241.40132.0.40541.19.13.0.0.0.1.853.1619.6-2.2.0....0...1c.1j4.64.img..18.1.765.MIvgwb18y1U#imgrc=j3Cm6YCYyXhheM%3A

Figure 14. LOOM HYPERBOLIC INSTALLATION, Barkow Leibingerhttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=LOOM+HYPERBOLIC+INSTALLATION&biw=1920&bih=911&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBwQsARqFQoTCPGZ09Wcp8cCFaYZpgodsaICTQ#imgrc=oBQ1iLX3afNImM%3A

Figure 15. LOOM HYPERBOLIC INSTALLATION Sketchhttps://www.google.com.au/search?q=LOOM+HYPERBOLIC+INSTALLATION&biw=1920&bih=911&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBwQsARqFQoTCPGZ09Wcp8cCFaYZpgodsaICTQ#imgrc=aUvcsKyWGgcCaM%3A

Figure 16. New Czech National Library inside, New Czech National Library

Figure 17. New Czech National Library outside, New Czech National Libraryhttp://www.otaplus.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Flux_14.jpg

Figure 18. New Czech National Library in grasshopper