ADS- AIR/ ABPL30048 JOURNAL WK 01-08

Timothy Lamb

Part A :Case for innovation E0I

Timothy Lamb

Contents

  WEEK 1- Architecture as Discourse

  WEEK 2- Computational architecture

  WEEK 3- Parametric modeling

  Learning Outcomes

ADS-Air Architecture As Discourse

WK 01

About Me

My Name is Timothy Lamb and I am a third year bachelor of Environments student, currently majoring in architecture. I really enjoy architecture because of the creative nature there is to designing as well as the somewhat grounded nature of a plausible building that fulfills it’s function. Starting first Year University I did the Bachelor of science and then later changed to Environments in order to pursue a career in Architecture hence my background is scientific coming into this subject. In terms of past subjects with software usage I have done studio water, and Designing Environments. I Have not had much experience with computer designing software and hope to learn it more thoroughly during this semester. Currently I have experience in sketch up and not much else, hence this Semester I would like to learn this field of architecture that being parametric design and increase my computer skills.

Architecture As Discourse

  Lecture Discussion

  Essentially it is the series of critique that surrounds a project in architecture, For example the idea of “form” in architecture has been discussed and debated in questioning whether a style of a building has to have a sort of meaning to it like a appropriateness or functionality. As well it can be anything to do with questioning the design process or the finished product. Alongside this is the thought of buildings in relation to a wider context, the possibility that rather than just the finished product fulfilling function but more of a “social and professional practice” [1] of ideas that come together to create something that is both useable and relates to the context and value. Hence therefore the case for innovation is a curious argument because of different industry and audience.

  Reading Discussion

  The readings brings these ideas discussed in the lecture together into a more refined discussion of whether computational design is better than sketch ideas. For example in the reading by Richard Williams on visual culture, he discusses how architecture contains “symbolic value and this means there is a more expanded view of architecture because of this” [2]. The ideas questions the barrier between computer design and whether this makes design devoid of creativity or symbolism and that sketching is the only real way. Therefore architecture can be created in several ways however the way that is chosen can change the outcome, and coming back to architecture as discourse this also relates because the design process can be critiqued in the use of computers or other means.

Architectural Discourse (1) - Casa De Musica (Oporto, Portugal) By Rem Koolhaas

This somewhat interesting building from the mind of Rem Koolhaas, has a great journey of exploration behind it. As of now still a concert hall, and it contains large monumental halls and the piercing natural light from skillfully placed windows it is truly a unique space. As a usual Koolhaas statement the context doesn’t matter hence, despite the building bordering between the residential district and the industrial district, being a true modern building it does not really fit into either side of the city however because of this it stands out. This is timeless piece because of the way it sticks out in it’s context. The theories used to create such buildings are intriguing because the design process may be somewhat a mystery, but it is because of this that the end product is also a mystery from the presentation of the architect. Therefore the overall perception of the building is mostly intrigue because of it’s strange shape and monumentality, the exact reason for the choices of form and experience are hard to determine. Hence It is truly a stepping stone for modernist architecture and a creation of ornamentation and intrigue.

Architectural Discourse (2) - The Bibliotheca of Alexandra (Alexandria, Egypt) By international firms

The bibliotheca in Alexandria has always been a hub of Egypt for international knowledge and affairs, ever since the ancient original Alexandria bibliotheca was in use until it’s demise by fire. It was built by a group of international architects and meant to reflect the grandeur of the original. The context of the library is on the coast of Alexandria, it is modern architecture in the heart of old Egypt, this choice of modernity was to make it suitable for international crowds and stand out. The Building is still used as a library and museum. The side of the museum has letters from all languages, to show this cultural significance and world knowledge all in one place. The design process was essentially to create something timeless for future generations to learn within. For discourse the symbolism is very prominent by markings and not so much the construction. The journey through it reveals high roofs and suspension for a suitable circulation pattern. However in it’s entirety the library is essentially a symbol of progress for Egypt and this is seen in it’s modernist style and choice of concrete materials.

References   IMAGES

  http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/the_17_sides_of_a_cultural_id.php

  http://www.e-architect.co.uk/portugal/casa_da_musica.htm

  http://www.underconsideration.com/brandnew/archives/the_17_sides_of_a_cultural_id.php

  http://www.lacona10.org/venue.htm

  TEXT

  [1]- Williams, Richard (2005), Architecture and visual culture, in Exploring Visual culture Definitions, Concepts and contexts, By Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh, Edinburgh university press) pp102-116, pg 108

  [2]- Richard Williams, 'Architecture and Visual Culture', in Exploring Visual Culture : Definitions, Concepts, Contexts, ed. by Matthew Rampley (Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2005), pp. 102 – 116

ADS- Air Computational Architecture

WK 02

Computation in Architecture

  Lecture Discussion

  The main ideas that were explored was “Computation” or the use of computers for designing. Up until now the computer software has only been seen as a refining tool, however in today age it can be considered as a form of creativity to utilize the computer to make grand design from scratch. As well as this it would seem that the use of electronics for a design is inevitable, as most designs can begin on paper but have to be constantly refined on the computer because the values are more precise and it might be easier to read. However this collects a lot of debate around whether these software's are limiting our creative ability as described by terzidis that “it is possible to claim that a designers creativity is limited by the programs that are supposed to free their imagination” [1]. However the arguments are to do with things such as the design process and space, or the analysis and evaluation of design and seeing if computers can aid or rejects these. There it is an interesting topic that is surrounded by many opinions in the design community.

  Readings Discussion

  contemporary design is mostly CAD aided according to both readings and because of this we should learn to embrace it. In contemporary design the use of computation is indeed become more common this is because of the way new shapes and forms can be created, by using the technology these forms can also be somewhat feasible. Some of the techniques that are used within design is parametric and vector design, this can be seen within the use of rhino and other designing software’s

  The readings this week included “whither the design?” and “Architecture in the digital age” the main contentions that come out of this is the distinction between the relationship with computation and human design and how some of these programs work in making design. In the first reading Woodbury describes how the software does not only create new design but it “amplifies human cognition” [2] showing that it can extend our ideas beyond or capabilities and take things further. This is an ambitious claim for CAD but some of the new great pieces of architecture has developed from this and contributes to innovation. However there are several that think the opposite but in my opinion I think as long as there is still interesting and innovative architecture being created, it is still the person that initiates the software to assist in creativity as long as there is an element of choice it is still coherent.

  From The reading “whither the design” another idea that contributes is the design space, it is the journey or process that is used to create a final outcome

Computation Design (1) - BMW Welt (Munich, Germany) By Coop Himmelb(1)au architects

The BMW Welt building is currently being used as a showroom and museum for BMW automobiles. the main design purpose was to create a large open space that could showcase these cars. As a result a large structure with various curves, a fluid shape but also geometrical qualities was created. In terms of computational design the most obvious use of this and the centre piece of the structure is this corner ramp and showroom, it is essentially a hourglass shape swirl that almost looks likes the windows are stretching and becoming twisted. The fluidity of the design could only be achieved by the use of a generated software. The supports for the structure, steel beams are bent and angled to create this fluidity along with curved and smoothed windows assist in this construction. In terms of the design process the designer may have used inspiration for this design, but to create a shape so complex the design might have started small and was only amplified by the software. The idea was refined and made plausible by software and therefore a shape like this could only be made probable by determining the calculation and methods within the software for then real time engineering and construction methods that would have taken much longer otherwise that is why computerization is quickly becoming a standard in the industry.

Computation Design (2) -ContemPLAY Pavilion (Montreal, Quebec, Canada) By McGill School of Architecture DRS

The McGill pavilion was designed by a group of architecture students as a final design project, and is used a public sitting area for university students and others. It sits in the university as a display and a statement. This steel and wood structure was designed using a DRS software created by the university, and this was a project created with that software to shows it’s power. The interesting shapes and curves were made to demonstrate again fluidity and versatility of computation. The ways in which the wood is curved and bent could be achieved through calculation, however if this model was made on the computer the values could be already determined and different ways in which it could be constructed can be determined purely from that. It both speeds up the process and refines it. The ways in which materials are used can also be maneuvered to create new form properties that can expand the use of timber for more fluid than rigid design. Therefore with the range of tools in software decision making is key and there still choice in what tools to use which in return regulates the design.

REFERENCES   IMAGES

  http://www.theluxuryspot.com/tag/modern-art/

  http://csupomona2013wkapeller.blogspot.com.au/2013/01/architect-coop-himmelblau-location.html

  http://inhabitat.com/twisted-contemplay-pavilion-is-a-complex-piece-of-street-furniture-made-with-local-materials-in-montreal/

  http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.showprojectbigimages&img=4&pro_id=20684

  TEXT

  [1]- Terzidis, Kostas (2009) Algorithms for Visual design using processing language, Pg xx

  [2]- Woodbury, Robert F. and Andrew L. Burrow (2006). 'Whither design space?', Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Design, Analysis and Manufacturing, 20 , 2, pp. 63-82

ADS- Air Parametric Design

WK 03

Parametric Design   Lecture Discussion

  Parametric design is a particular type of computational design. It is essentially a “series of equations that express quantities explicit functions called parameters” [1] this is seen in the software grasshopper an add on for rhino in which you program the changes in design, the nodes or parameters are set. Parametric design is seen as extremely fluid design, shapes that are smooth and do not necessarily conform to rigid square shapes, the surfaces are usually soft and continuous lines are evident. The debates surrounding parametric design are that because there can be several changes in design this might means there is an excessive amount of changeable steps, an eventually the computer can become cluttered. However at the same time this means the design process can be pinpointed where something went wrong for example. Parametric design on the other hand is now just performed on computers in this century, however as described by Ash and Woodbury “parametric modeling is not new, building components have always been adapted to context” [2] Therefore Parametric design is essentially a calculated and collective design process of a series of equations used to make a design.

  Readings Discussion

  Woodbury's “elements of parametric design” and Mark Burrys “Scripting Culture: Architectural design and Programming” demonstrated several interesting ideas. Essentially these two readings focus on the main discussions of the limitations and strengths of parametric design. In particular in Woodbury's paper he describes how designing can usually be an abstract process, but with parametric the data flow and thinking process can be conceived through the computer. This enhances the way that design can become both mathematical and algorithmic. For example although sketching in most cases is the first an foremost design step, drawing on paper and conceiving a design, this can be taken further. Such as if a circle is created the computer can be used to explore this form further by creating dimensions and geometry to understand the shape further than what was originally intended, the circle can be manipulated to become something more than just a circle. “The CAD model is a set of mathematical propositions” [3] which is why each new step is a choice or decision in the design process. This again contributes to decision in using a computer software and what separates parametric design from other forms

Parametric design (1) - Kunsthaus Graz (Graz, Austria) By Peter Cook and Colin Fournier

The Kunsthaus Graz was originally built as a centre of contemporary art in Graz, Austria and it still functions as this today. The interesting design was created originally and entirely by the use of parametric design, it has smooth exterior shape almost that of a blob and the interior is created and composed of geometric forms that are sharp and precise. The journey through the building is a collection of large viewing spaces and rooms contained with rounded windows in the fluid shape. This project expresses the contemporary programming that is seen in today's architecture. The form embodies what new software hopes to achieve. Most critiques of the building consist of whether it is aesthetically pleasing in it’s context and is this the future of architecture shapeless blobs that are strange and don’t fit? I defend this by saying that it perfectly embodies modern design as shapes like these originally could never be made due to limitations in designing, material use is of modern technologies such as acrylic glass for the exterior, hence the style demonstration moving forward and making progress in design not going back to traditional design. Back to discourse it effectively is a new journey through design in creating new shapes and journeys, it has an extensive use of computational design and this is seen with the use of parametric. Therefore this building is monument to what can be achieve through computerization and creates a steady tangent towards what future architecture will embody.

REFERENCES

  IMAGES

  http://www.graztourismus.at/cms/beitrag/10030636/2866010/

  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Graz_-_Kunsthaus1.jpg

  http://spluch.blogspot.com.au/2007/08/neat-architecture-kunsthaus-graz.html

  TEXT

  [1]- Weissen, Eric (2003) CRC, Concise Encyclopedia of Mathematics, second, Florida: Chapman& Hall CBC

  [2]- Ash, Robert and Woodbury, Robert (2005), Multilevel interaction in Parametric design, In smart graphics 5th international symposium,, Andreas, buzz, Brian Fisher, Antonio Kruger and Patrick Oliver, Pg 151-162

  [3]- Woodbury, Robert (2010). Elements of Parametric Design (London: Routledge) pp. 7-48

ADS- Air Algorithmic Exploration

WK 01-03

CURVING

[1]

GRIDSHELL

[2]

Algorithmic Explorations   Exploring the physical aspects of the rhino and grasshopper through the use of online

tutorials and getting to know the software better has shown me the power of the tools within the software and what sort of things they can achieve.

  The two sketches that were chosen are from week 1’s tutorial one curve tools and week 3’s on creating grid shells

  The Main reason for choosing these two is because they relate to each other in creating a total shape that can become something much like the Kunsthaus Graz

  CURVING

  This tool works in drawing random curving shapes and can be manipulated into such things as arcs that which when divided and joined to the existing shapes can create fluid surfaces. However the fluid surfaces have a sense of geometry because of guidelines that appear on the shape show the curving points. In the grasshopper interface it shows the curves being selected, divided and adjusted by a number slider, which then determines the size of the arcs and connections between them. Hence with this series of commands a shape is created, and any part of this series of connections can also be altered to again change this shape. This relates to the design process and utilizing these tools as part of the creative process rather than other means.

  GRIDSHELL

  This process is again going back to creating more curves but this time in the form of a shell or object. This relates directly back to the curving tool, except in this case the arcs created can be divided between more curves. The curves used as guides for the arcs the shape created are more shaped and comprehensive. There is still plausibility and it can be changed on the move using grasshopper programming.

  Therefore just two simple tutorials have shown me how workflow can be altered and create more versatile and interesting shapes using grasshoppers approach to programming a design. In terms of the entirety of the first three weeks this fits into being for computational design and parametric design as a way of the future.

Conclusion   Over the period of so far 3 weeks several different arguments have been explored, mainly

between the idea of computational architecture which is represented by the use of parametric design and Traditional architectural practice or creation

  However after exploring several views on the design process and space I have develop my own sense of a design approach. I still find that beginning a design with sketches is useful, but after the initial stage is explored this can be explored further with the use of a software such as rhino. It can make the ideas plausible as well as expanding on existing ideas further. Therefore As of the first few weeks I have realized the power of computerization and will be using it more in the future. However it will still be seen predominantly as a refining tool, it can still be used for creation.

  It is innovative to design in this way because it brings designing to a new age, technology has become increasingly better and therefore it should be put to good use, such as refining architectural design. It is significant to design using parametric design because even now computers are doing all the refining and calculation for design, with the use of rhino and grasshopper the design can be controlled to single command and equations. Originally when a computer programmed the user would always be able to program the computer, in later years the computer has become smarter and does all the programming and distanced the average person. Whereas now with grasshopper we can go back to programming in a step back to more directed design that is in controlled by the user and not the computer. Therefore to design this way is indeed the future

  As for the case of Innovation this debate surrounds this notion and with all computers and traditional design testing. As long as architecture is still interesting and evolving in style and substance with the use of new technology and thinkers. Then if someone uses a computer or their hand than it shouldn’t matter.

Part B: Design Approach E0II

Timothy lamb: 541195 Tutors: Adam and Daniel

Contents

  B1 Design Focus + Preformative Design

  B2 Case Study 1.0 + Reverse Engineering

  B3 Case Study 2.0 Project progress

  B5 Prototypes + project conceptualization

  B6 Techniques

  B8 Proposal and learning outcomes +interpretation

Design Focus + Preformative design   The lecture discusses the idea of performance in computational design, that being he way

that materials and construction are able to interaction with the design. The study of nature and it’s properties can assist I the development of a project and material performance in relation to fabrication method. This can be done by the use of plug ins for rhino such as kangaroo, which allows the design to be tested using basic physics. To demonstrate the extensive research into this idea, the southern cross station was an example of this reformative design. The use of steel sheeting and determine curves so that train fumes are tapped in the roof and pass out without disrupting commuters. The wave design was created with materials in mind so that the design could be emulated.

  This is tied strongly to the gateway project in the sense that even after all the grasshopper explanations and rhino test the final project will have to be a physical product and be able to sit above a freeway.

  GATEWAY PROJECT

  The first step in the project was too choose a design approach

  The approach that was decided on was SECTIONING

  Essentially Sectioning is a where a surface usually solid is divided or cut into pieces and rearranged in several ways, in some cases sequenced in other randomized, we believed that this had a lot of potential in terms of structural qualities and design attributes

  This week was about learning section

This was a sectioned designed by

Bill Harper and shows sectioned

Contoured ribs

EXPLORATIONS- precedent

  THE BANQ RESTURANT

  The restaurant demonstrates a form of contouring sectioning, in which a contour surface is cut and divided then sequenced in an order to create a fluid shape

  The restaurant shows materials and construction possibilities, with a frame holding the timber ribs up, it is both a suspended and solid structure

  Designed by Office DA the experience provoked was that of a cave and even a visual distortion.

  For the Most part it is a great starting point for learning about popular versions of sectioning

EXPLORATIONS- MATRIX

- The matrix was created to show the different formations and mutations of sectioning, looking at a contour model the sliders were adjusted so that the sectioned forms change their dimensions and hence the trajectory and shape, this was the first step in understanding how this Method worked

- These are a few of the iterations made in grasshopper with the group

SECTIONING A SURFACE

- These are some iterations of how to create sectioning using a surface loft as a starting point - This offset of the surface can then be turned into ribs - This method will be explored again later in the journal

- Some grids, including orthogonal grids are thought to be closer To the fabrication of ideas in a realistic sense

SECTIONING IS “ARCHITECTURE THROUGH IMPLICATION”

  “It is about Dissecting a form and then referencing it with less than the sum of it’s parts”

SECTIONING IS “ARCHITECTURE THROUGH IMPLICATION”

REFERENCES

-  http://materialdigital.ws/bill-harper-sectioning/

-  http://www.yatzer.com/BANQ-restaurant-by-Office-dA

B2- CASE STUDY 1.0   During this break period the main ideas that were explored was both reverse engineering a

project that used the forms we had been looking at and simply continuing our exploration with forms to create some interesting definitions. The definitions were close to some ideas that we were trying to achieve in relation to the gateway project

  Establishing techniques to be used for fabrication and indeed materials

  The main precedent we looked at for this reverse engineering was the serpentine pavilion by Alvaro Siza

  The reasons were for the way that sectioning a waffle could be used to create a singular structure that is rigid in structure but can be made more fluid by changing parameters.

SERPENTINE PAVILLION

- These are explorations done as group where we looked at waffling techniques, by extruding curves and then sectioning them into a sequence - This was most likely the method that was used to create this pavilion - The structure is repeated and intersected with the existing structure to create a complex grid system that creates supports between members and at the same time Shows a self-sufficient support system.

SERPENTINE PAVILLION

- These are a few more pictures of the particular parts of the structure in which It can be seen that the waffle system has Been fully implemented and is an evident structural composition

REFERENCES

-  http://viewoncanadianart.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/serpentine.jpg

-  http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/10/magazine/10DESIGN.html

-  http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/may/23/serpentine-pavilions-ten-years-on

B3- Case Study 2.0 + Project progress   The main ideas discussed were about public art and roadways, in relation to the gateway

project

  In particular showing some existing precedents that demonstrated several features of the different ways in which a structure or form can create a vision or values to abstract or particular ideas

  For example the Melbourne gateway, coming from the airport, a series of large monumental poles hovering above the freeway, that when driven past create a sense of movement and foreboding feeling. As the pole finish the sight of the city is revealed, hence this sort of continuity or discovery could be created in this project

- The “hotel” is freeway project for the east link And is particularly interesting because of it Precedent for the design - It is based on people vision and perception while driving From the freeway and depending on how fast one is travelling they might catch a Glimpse of the hotel but only realize later it is half the size of an actual hotel , it has been scaled Down -  Motion and visual distortion have become a theme for the project

Precedent Exploration

“Sectionimal” by Chili Gt2p

Grasshopper explorations

- Based on a table precedent by Chili gt2p - This exploration was to test how far waffle can be stretched or even pulled, but a defined shape can be made - This idea was thought of by seeing various furniture pieces using parametric design, where legs for tables were created simply by pointed waffles to the ground, with Reduced surface areas

Grasshopper Exploration- Curve Extrusion

- This form was achieved by using a point as a reference and then extruding and changing a curve - This creates a non linear projection in which the original curve slowly become smaller then larger through a point, the other end is a flipped version of the curve with a slightly skewed shape - This was just an exploration for the original idea of a sequenced section, however as we progressed Further this would become more of a test rather than towards the actual design itself

- There is a point division from the curve And a vector to point insertion and then the forms are drifted from there

Grasshopper Exploration- Offsets

- After looking at several projects featuring these rib forms, a majority were still fluid curves (mainly because of contoured form being a great aesthetic and a deviation from standard building Practice) -This test was developed to show a sharp section, in which the curve was pointy and rigid, but when Put together could create a flow. -This model was then fabricated into one of the three models

- The lofted surface had a boleen box created around it then it was divided into lines, evaluated and then shifted and lofted - This was able to created the projection of - offsets from the shape seen here

FABRICATION EXPLORATION

- This model demonstrates a potential fabrication technique for real structure -  By utilizing structural joints, common to steel beams, curves can be connected to supports to Lift up a model

THE TWISTING TOWER

- The twisting tower was more so a precedent/ a new way of looking at sectioning - Having previously seen the waffles, the tower instead was using the same repeated shape but with Each piece orientated towards a new angle it created a fluid movement of shapes - This ideas was not progressed much further due to limitations

REFERENCES

  [1]- http://www.sewweekly.com/2011/03/the-melbourne-gateway-saga-dress-veronica-darling/

  [2]- http://www.redbubble.com/people/tnewman/works/3979722-hotel-by-callum-morton

  [3]- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turning_Torso

  [4]- http://blog.naver.com/PostView.nhn?blogId=damve&logNo=140124960520

B5- Prototypes + PROJECT CONCEPTUALISATION   Ideas of ORNAMNET were discussed in the lecture this week in direct relation to the

project. Ornament was originally thought of as simply a surface decoration to make shapes look more interesting, however now it has developed into something much with a stronger sense of identity. Such as the colors or facade decoration can create as Robert Venturi said “ornament is meant to communicate a sense of community” and social interaction within a population. For example inscriptions and decorations on columns in ancient civilization demonstrate their stance son society and change. For the gateway this can be taken as a thought about composition and geometry of a structure, in the way that the forms created can create deeper meaning for a structure. As well as performance a computer generated structures placed in environmental conditions can also show distinction.

  This relates to the Gateway in determining whether our chosen technique is considered an ornament, for this case some ways in which sectioning can be articulated can involve ornament but for our project we see it more as a structural quality- As well as from looking at the from in different ways it demonstrates visual distortion and distraction as a developing theme

Several models were made to show the sort of techniques that could potentially be used To construct the gateway

MODEL 1

- This models was specially made to demonstrate the use of ribs and fabrication construction methods - The Ribs were prefabricated after the creation of the previous “sharp sectioning” idea on On grasshopper - The rhino model was a lofted shape with section located by points and then extrude outlines were created - The outlines are then able to be cut using the fab lab -  Lighting was changed to show the distortion of light through the ribs, as here it can be seen the shadows - That can made with a change

MODEL 1

- The model uses steel wires to demonstrate a method of joining the ribs together To become stable and in sequence - The wires can be twisted to create new effects and forms, or even tilted the ribs In certain ways to create waves of motions - Depending on the backdrop the overall look should be somewhat monumental but at - the same time a light and flexible structure

MODEL 2

- This model demonstrated how rigid a waffle grid system could be, the structure of the ball itself does not require adhesive of any sort to stay together - As well as this the ball can be flattened and expanded back to shape without falling apart - This is a possible method we could sue for kinetic models

MODEL 3

- The waffle models were again tests of this strong structure, however to be more inventive with this method the grids are completely orthogonal, meaning That’s the arms are twisted and the notches created are also on strange angle hence the Shapes created can be more unpredictable and not a flat definition - Bending and residual strength in the base of the model can be achieved by the twisting beams, and depending on the way that they twist can create new visual distortions and looks

MODEL 3

- From these pictures the curves are seen more prominently, and the tilt/twist of the beams

B6 techniques + IMMATERIAL ARCHITECTURE   Immaterial architecture is an interesting thought, seen in the reading by Jonathon hill

  He describes how “immaterial architecture is a formless phenomenon” , something that might focus more on “actions and not forms” unlike the usual definition of architecture which is “solid, stable and reassuring”

  This might prompt possible gateway ideas to be moving away from defined forms into something that is more of a spectacle and does not rely on formulated joints and connections but rather abstract ideas that bring out the architecture.

  This can be thought of in out project case of maybe a gateway that shows different aspects like using environment as an active partner for the gateway, or using abstract notions such as speed or physics relativity to design, rather than what has already been made

- As the critic Walter Benjamin describes, architecture is seen always in a “state of distraction” - This means that most of the time architecture is an afterthought, it blends into daily life and goes Unnoticed, the real details are never seen by the bystander -Hence the main idea is completely relevant to the GATEWAY in that drivers may pass a structure But never take in it’s full effect until it is too late

- A freeway is all about speed and getting to where one wants to go in minimal time, hence MOTION Is the theme as described before

-Freeway Arch

ARGUMENT DISCUSSION

- Some examples of the perceptions that we wanted to achieve can be contrasted with the complete Opposite -The first picture is of the ziggurat a manmade structure based purely on mass an load bearing qualities, It will not move, like a rock - When looking at it there is really only one perception and that is of monumentality -  In contrast to the contemplay pavilion in Canada that is light in construction and perception of materials

ARGUMENT DISCUSSION

- The other contrast is the “portal of awareness by rojikind architects -  made almost entirely out of coffee cups attached to a steel mesh frame, because of the material the structure is both lightweight in construction and feel - Commissioned by Nescafe the main theme to this portal is for the pedestrian whether they be walking, running or on a bicycle they should have a different experience whilst travelling through the Arch, mainly the way their vision and senses interpret the forms and distraction that the cups make with the area

POINT ATTRACTION

- The point attraction method demonstrates how when a point is almost magnetized a form can both move away (repulsion) and toward (attraction) this point - As shown here in this model the poles are shifting away from the point creating a dip in the poles - Although this is only a simple demonstration, the ideas can become more complex when applied to fabrication

- The yellow ball shows where the main points of repulsion Which shows the possibilities of this methods - When all the poles are bunched it can relate Back to visual distortion.

- These are some explorations in achieving this fluid or light shape

ATTRACTOR POINT GRID

- In a continued exploration of attractor points, the points were looked at in terms of a grid System - The grid shows the different ways in which dots, as used here change in projections (size and shape) In order to establish the extruded poles in the previous page - The several height changes in the extrusion make an interesting effect over a surface

- Although the forms are gradually changing styles this is still refined to a form of sectioning

BIT MAPPING SAMPLES

- The Bit mapping is the use of images with colored depth to show different form manipulation - Relating back to attractor points, it is essentially the same style of change but with this depth - depending on the bit images there is unparalleled change that can occur within the shape

- As seen here in the wire frame the frame reacts differently to each change, with fairly liner 50/50 Bitmaps the structure is simple, however with dotted or shaded bit maps the form is more complex

- This test also shows how the “portal of awareness” might have been made

ORTHOGONALITY

- The waffle slab is a very popular form of modeling, mainly because of self sufficient structural integrity - We tried to make it orthogonal and mostly unpredictable, seen by these waffles that have the ribs Warped in several ways to create a sort of tessellating effect on the eyes, when in full motion there is a visual distortion - This links indefinitely to our them of motion and distraction as the waffle warped it will almost give a Flutter effect when shifting

-Although this is only one it is the file based for the 3rd model and presentation - On it’s own this idea could be considered fairly bland, but if combined with other methods and possible shapes it could create new formulations

ORTHOGONAl WAFFLE CONTINUED

- The orthogonal grid was made with twisting Parameters in mind as well as individual panel properties

THE COMBINATION

  Hence all of these explorations are interesting and have several properties of sectioning, and despite all being different definitions

  The Gateway will become a possible combination of all of these, mainly bitmapping and attraction points

+

Attraction points Bit Mapping

=

REFERENCES

  http://www.epi.uci.edu/features/

  http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:RI_403_freeway.jpg

  http://www.designboom.com/architecture/rojkind-arquitectos-portal-of-

awareness/

B8 Proposal + INTERPRETAITION+ Learning Outcomes   This week was more a interpretation of the brief and the subject itself, the lecture focused

on AIR as ongoing symbol in design. Looking at such things as weather and the perception of air, several different designs can come out of this. For example weathering was discussed, which is essentially the environment sometime damaging the materials or coating the materials to create a new and interesting aesthetic. Rust coatings and patina on metals show a layer of green and sometimes multicolored exterior, this can give the finishes on a structure a desirable look or an aged look. As well as rust, the general degradation of materials, much like rotting of wood can also create new looks. Hence the main ideas for the gateway project include that of using the environment to your advantage and showing that design can run in tandem with nature. Therefore design can create unity within projects and maybe even between computerized design and real applications.

  This related strongly towards the gateway, in the relationship between material choice and aging, such as whether the material changes it looks when weathered or that is an effect that should be achieved.

  LEARNING OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES

This Week was the mid term presentation , the feedback was extremely useful

  The comments were mainly about the decision making, as we had made several models but they were all fairly different in execution, towards the end of the presentation there was no clear route to the next stage

  The argument had a strong use of precedents, but the design was not developed enough to support such an argument

  This means that are more developed model idea, with the exploration of fabrication techniques would be beneficial

  Hence the next stage would be to combine all of these explorations to create a new form that could be more useful for the gateway

FIRST GATEWAY INCEPTION

- This is cultivation of all the ideas we had explored - It is essentially a tunnel, using angled and curved ribs, the Sunlight is distorted when passing through and creates a unique experience

- This is only the first evolution of the tunnel, hopefully with further exploring We could achieve, randomized ribs projections, fluid progression, interesting use of Visual distraction and distortion with a twist of the ribs -Although still in development The “motion theme” could be taken to a new level with the structure moving and twisting by itself

CURRENT GATEWAY PROPOSAL