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10 INSITE STORY DIGITAL DESIGN IN INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE Interior Architecture of the 21st Century, together in the Indian and Global context, is witnessing a paradigm shift in design thinking, representation and fabrication augmented by a breakthrough in computation processes. These relatively new approaches, novels methodologies and evolving technologies of digital design thinking are opening a new discourse on computational design and its relevance to the practice, changing how we design and construct. The issue throws light on the influence, opportunities and challenges of the emergent field of digital design on interior architecture, theoretically and practically. Numerous imaginative creators like Antonio Gaudi, Stephen Sauvestre, Russian Constructivists, The Eameses Frank Lloyd Wright, Frei Otto, and the manufacturers of Gothic houses of God have utilised the principles that CoDe is presently investigating. Modern Science, in the last five centuries, has insightfully addressed two crucial questions of human inquiry – the origins of the universe and that of life. Scientists, in recent times, have attempted to subject cultural production and artefacts to a similar reasoning using scientific apparatus seeking to understand basic laws and processes of interaction between fundamental units that over an extended period of iterative evolution, explains or simulates the complexities of present-day cultural production and social conduct. Evolution, Innovation and Integration – Shajay Bhooshan, Zaha Hadid Architects, London Shajay Bhooshan 1. Curved crease folded sculptures 2. Foldable geometry generation 3. Curved crease folded funicular skeleton 4. Foldable geometry generation and decomposition into foldable elements 5. Completed curved crease folded shell at the 2012 Venice Biennale 6–7. Development of rationalisation methods for curved crease foldable geometry digital thinking Computer Aided Design The aim of the practice-based research is, ultimately, to build well i.e. to service the user. Endeavours in the previous decade, in fact, have concentrated on computational geometry as the interceding device between morphological, building and assembling rationales. The advent of the computer and computer controlled machines in design and its creation have both extended the pursuit of space and assisted the inquiry. Computational advances have already allowed for the assimilation of techniques and results from the natural and formal sciences such as the mathematics of geometry, building physics and material chemistry into architectural design. In other words, the flexible use of project specific INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE +DESIGN+COMPUTATION

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Interior Architecture of the 21st Century, together in the Indian and Global context, is witnessing a

paradigm shift in design thinking, representation and fabrication augmented by a breakthrough in

computation processes.

These relatively new approaches, novels methodologies and evolving technologies of digital design

thinking are opening a new discourse on computational design and its relevance to the practice,

changing how we design and construct. The issue throws light on the influence, opportunities

and challenges of the emergent field of digital design on interior architecture, theoretically and

practically.

Numerous imaginative creators like Antonio Gaudi, Stephen Sauvestre, Russian Constructivists, The Eameses Frank Lloyd Wright, Frei Otto, and the manufacturers of Gothic houses of God have utilised the principles that CoDe is presently investigating. Modern Science, in the last five centuries, has insightfully addressed two crucial questions of human inquiry – the origins of the universe and that of life. Scientists, in recent times, have attempted to subject cultural production and artefacts to a similar reasoning using scientific apparatus seeking to understand basic laws and processes of interaction between fundamental units that over an extended period of iterative evolution, explains or simulates the complexities of present-day cultural production and social conduct.

Evolution, Innovation and Integration – Shajay Bhooshan, Zaha Hadid Architects, London

Shajay Bhooshan

1. Curved crease folded sculptures

2. Foldable geometry generation

3. Curved crease folded funicular skeleton

4. Foldable geometry generation and decomposition into foldable elements

5. Completed curved crease folded shell at the 2012 Venice Biennale

6–7. Development of rationalisation methods for curved crease foldable geometry

digital thinking

Computer Aided Design

The aim of the practice-based research is, ultimately, to build well i.e. to service the user. Endeavours in the previous decade, in fact, have concentrated on computational geometry as the interceding device between morphological, building and assembling rationales. The advent of the computer and computer controlled machines in design and its creation have both extended the pursuit of space and assisted the inquiry. Computational advances have already allowed for the assimilation of techniques and results from the natural and formal sciences such as the mathematics of geometry, building physics and material chemistry into architectural design. In other words, the flexible use of project specific

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE+ DESIGN + COMPUTATION

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computational tools ranging from Autodesk Revit to gaming engines is progressing across the board. Embracing the standards of logical enquiry is parametric design; the process involves converting data into relevant buildable architectural designs that cater to the modern, intricate and quick-paced life. The idea of the built environment reflecting the natural habitat is made conceivable by parametric design thinking.

Experimentation and Collaboration

Architecture today co-exists in an ecosystem that is impacted by Robotics, 3D printing, AI, Big Data and so on, rendering design as not just a matter of instinct when resolving complex problems but using multi-disciplinary problem-solving skills as a collective. As an individual and an organisation, Zaha Hadid has been keen to bolster young creatives and novel experimentation, an unstoppable collaborative experiment. CoDe was established with an aim to incorporate our insight in programming, geometry, and science. Our systematically evolving computation and design team practices to physically realise a

considerable measure of research that has been done throughout the years. As a shared, multi-disciplinary firm working from the heart of London, and from the middle of the scholarly world and practice, we highlight here, two aspects of architectural research and practice. We trust these to be critical, amongst a few others, to an efficacious search for solutions to given architectural problems.

Conjunctive Synthesis

The nature of the relationship between

user-defined mesh bevel edges extrude faces

delete boundary faces subDivion level 1 subDivion level 2

(top) Curved crease folded sculptures (bottom left) Foldable geometry generation (bottom right) Decomposition into foldable elements

(top) Curved crease folded funicular skeleton (bottom left) Assembly of folded components (bottom right) Foldable geometry generation

user-defined mesh bevel edges extrude faces

delete boundary faces subDivion level 1 subDivion level 2

(top) Curved crease folded sculptures (bottom left) Foldable geometry generation (bottom right) Decomposition into foldable elements

(top) Curved crease folded funicular skeleton (bottom left) Assembly of folded components (bottom right) Foldable geometry generation

user-defined mesh bevel edges extrude faces

delete boundary faces subDivion level 1 subDivion level 2

(top) Curved crease folded sculptures (bottom left) Foldable geometry generation (bottom right) Decomposition into foldable elements

(top) Curved crease folded funicular skeleton (bottom left) Assembly of folded components (bottom right) Foldable geometry generation

user-defined mesh bevel edges extrude faces

delete boundary faces subDivion level 1 subDivion level 2

(top) Curved crease folded sculptures (bottom left) Foldable geometry generation (bottom right) Decomposition into foldable elements

(top) Curved crease folded funicular skeleton (bottom left) Assembly of folded components (bottom right) Foldable geometry generation

4 Fold

3 FoldInput Mesh Area: 194.826709 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 194.826826 sq.mm Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000117 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.00001 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000015 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.007286 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 236.998664 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 236.998674 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 189.671887 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 189.671902 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 161.106816 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 161.114102 sq.mm

5 Fold

Closed Polyhedra

3 FoldInput Mesh Area: 194.826709 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 194.826826 sq.mm Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000117 sq.mm

1.0

Re-Mapped Gaussian Curvature

0.20.30.40.60.70.80.9 0.5 0.1

Development of rationalization methods for curved crease foldable geometry Completed curved crease folded shell at the 2012 Venice Biennale

Iteration 1: Only Interior Gaussian Force

Iteration 2: Only Boundary Gaussian Force

Iteration 3: Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary)

Iteration 1: OOnly Interior Gaussian ForceIteration 1: OOnly Interior Gaussian Force

Iteration 3: Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary

Iteration 2: Only Boundary Gaussian ForceO l B d G i F

y)Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary

Only Boundary Gaussian Force

4 Fold

3 FoldInput Mesh Area: 194.826709 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 194.826826 sq.mm Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000117 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.00001 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000015 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.007286 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 236.998664 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 236.998674 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 189.671887 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 189.671902 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 161.106816 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 161.114102 sq.mm

5 Fold

Closed Polyhedra

3 FoldInput Mesh Area: 194.826709 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 194.826826 sq.mm Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000117 sq.mm

1.0

Re-Mapped Gaussian Curvature

0.20.30.40.60.70.80.9 0.5 0.1

Development of rationalization methods for curved crease foldable geometry Completed curved crease folded shell at the 2012 Venice Biennale

Iteration 1: Only Interior Gaussian Force

Iteration 2: Only Boundary Gaussian Force

Iteration 3: Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary)

Iteration 1: OOnly Interior Gaussian ForceIteration 1: OOnly Interior Gaussian Force

Iteration 3: Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary

Iteration 2: Only Boundary Gaussian ForceO l B d G i F

y)Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary

Only Boundary Gaussian Force

4 Fold

3 FoldInput Mesh Area: 194.826709 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 194.826826 sq.mm Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000117 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.00001 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000015 sq.mm

Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.007286 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 236.998664 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 236.998674 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 189.671887 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 189.671902 sq.mm

Input Mesh Area: 161.106816 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 161.114102 sq.mm

5 Fold

Closed Polyhedra

3 FoldInput Mesh Area: 194.826709 sq.mm Output Mesh Area: 194.826826 sq.mm Unrolled Surface Area Deviation: 0.000117 sq.mm

1.0

Re-Mapped Gaussian Curvature

0.20.30.40.60.70.80.9 0.5 0.1

Development of rationalization methods for curved crease foldable geometry Completed curved crease folded shell at the 2012 Venice Biennale

Iteration 1: Only Interior Gaussian Force

Iteration 2: Only Boundary Gaussian Force

Iteration 3: Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary)

Iteration 1: OOnly Interior Gaussian ForceIteration 1: OOnly Interior Gaussian Force

Iteration 3: Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary

Iteration 2: Only Boundary Gaussian ForceO l B d G i F

y)Combined Gaussian Force ( Interior + Boundary

Only Boundary Gaussian Force

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Shajay Bhooshan is an Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects where he heads the research activities of the Computation and Design (CoDe) group. He also works as a studio master at the AA DRL Master’s program, London and is a PhD Candidate at the Block Research Group, ETH Zurich. He completed his M.Phil from the University of Bath and M. Arch from the AA School of Architecture, London. He has taught and presented work at various professional conferences events and institutions including Tensinet ’16, AAG ‘16, simAud ’15 and ‘14 and ‘10, Yale School of Architecture and Universities of Applied Arts Vienna and experimental architecture Innsbruck, CITA Copenhagen, IAAC Barcelona, etc.

[email protected] www.zaha-hadid.com

8. Application of funicular structures research within undisclosed project

9. Structurally informed tesselation (Block Research Group ©)

10. Rationalization of shell geometry Caption (AKT II ©)

11. Completed tensile fabric structure at the Science Museum’s Winton Gallery

architects, engineers and contractor-builders has smoothly wavered between being unified to being distinct and domain specific. The expanded use of digital means in the design of the spatial and geometric aspects along with the structural and construction aspects of building presents open doors for increased coordinated effort and co-creation of design. The use of computers provides a binding platform between various disciplines, especially in the early generative phases of design.

Cumulative Lexicon

Digital environments – that empower quick investigation of space configuration are a key to both the productive pursuit of the design and the development of novel results. Further, vested design intelligence that only allows fundamentally doable and constructible geometries, help immensely in narrowing the search space of architectural forms, helping focus efforts on developing other, and arguably core aspects of spatial organisation for human navigation and occupation.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) Q0a

(e) (f)

(top) Application of funicular structures research within undisclosed project (bottom) Rationalization of shell geometry Caption (AKT II ©)

(top) Design proposal for a funicular shell structure (bottom) Structurally informed tesselation (Block Research Group ©)

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) Q0a

(e) (f)

(top) Application of funicular structures research within undisclosed project (bottom) Rationalization of shell geometry Caption (AKT II ©)

(top) Design proposal for a funicular shell structure (bottom) Structurally informed tesselation (Block Research Group ©)

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

(e) Q0a

(e) (f)

(top) Application of funicular structures research within undisclosed project (bottom) Rationalization of shell geometry Caption (AKT II ©)

(top) Design proposal for a funicular shell structure (bottom) Structurally informed tesselation (Block Research Group ©)

Completed tensile fabric structure at the Science Museum’s Winton GalleryAs such, any degrees of opportunity therefore found, will be accessible for use to address problems related to the social use of the building. We aim to rediscover and recast historic knowledge and methods into contemporary practice, particularly the role of geometry in understanding physical phenomena.

Innovation and uniqueness are the outlines of every project at Zaha Hadid Architects, albeit conspicuous as their work. Computation design and production can offer interminable choices at an indistinguishable industry cost. Continued efforts in these directions then, heighten the possibility of computational technologies to the rapidly expand, evolve the accrued cultural knowledge of design and construction and ultimately improve our abilities to solve architectural problems. •

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1–3. Busan Opera House becomes the physical manifestation of Klavierstück I, by shifting and translating its range of influence, complex evolving rhythmic patterns are turned into a floating field of sound

Architecture is both the process and the product of building physical structures. Technology gives form to architecture – in its processes, production and the product. In the 80’s, technology disrupted and changed the way architecture operates at a rate faster than ever before in the history of architecture. The introduction of CAD software changed how drawings were drawn; Plotters changed the way drawings were produced, Spreadsheets changed how project information was managed and distributed and so on. In the late 90’s, the introduction of Building Information Management systems integrated 3D modelling, material and construction systems, environmental analysis allowing the design process to become more efficient and streamlined. Since mid-2000’s, in parallel with the development of the internet, architecture seems to be undergoing another paradigm shift in its process and production. Orproject seeks to explore new potentials of technology in architectural design.

It is a research-based architectural design practice, with agendas that include biomimetics – investigating growth systems, process of cell division and venation in nature to develop complex geometries and structural

Technology and Architecture– Rajat Sodhi, Orproject, London, Beijing and New Delhi

Rajat Sodhi

systems, material research – prototyping new materials, robotic fabrication, CNC machining and developing new processes of configuring material to enhance its structural capacity. Alongside algorithmic design – researching neural network, artificial intelligence, optimising production processes and collaborating with musicians and artists to explore new formations. Our work, decoded further, explores complex geometries with an ecologic agenda and ranges from experimental small-scale installations and prototypes to large-scale buildings and urban design.

Proposal for Busan Opera House, South Korea Frozen Music

The design for the new Busan Opera House is based on a piano composition, the Klavierstück I, a simple row of the twelve tones, but by shifting and translating its range of influence, complex and continuously evolving rhythmic patterns are generated and turned into a floating field of sound. The design constituted of a strip morphology made from curved steel sections that create the façade, the positioning of the walls has been developed according to

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a custom written flow simulation. The kaleidoscopic alteration of these patterns results in the formation of complex architectural rhythms, which are used to control the light, view and shading properties of the façade, depending on the distribution of the programmatic elements on the site, which are used as the deflector set that guides the flow of the rhythm lines, which originate from the sea. The lines flow around the building elements such as the theatre and auditoriums, splitting up and being diverted by the deflectors.

Sahya, Venice Air and Light

Orproject was invited by the Global Art Affairs Foundation to showcase their work at Palazzo Mora for the 15th International Architecture Exhibition – La Biennale di Venezia. Sahya is the articulation of an organic geometrical form that mediates between the motion of air and light. The wave-like form is designed as a wall and roof system modules to respond to environmental

conditions in hot climates and the variations in the wall translucencies are used to control the views and to generate continuously evolving shadow patterns. Orproject is interested in the feasible and economical construction of complex and doubly-curved geometries. With Sahya, Orproject explored the possibilities and variations that can be achieved by utilising a single mould. An aluminium facade system, it consists of 200 double curved panels formed from the same mould, altogether forming a freestanding load-bearing structural system.

Lehar, New Delhi Colours of India

The permanent installation for the Delhi Airport Duty-Free area is designed to create multiple reflections and refractions of light into a colourful field, a decomposition of the sunlight into the colours of India. Using dichroic film, the undulating sheets form an ephemeral volume, a cloud of colour and light that floats as an attractive focal point in the retail environment. Lehar creates an

4–6. Sahya consists of layered double curved panels formed from the same mould, out of which more than 50% of the panels are identical and the remaining smaller segments are a derivative of the full panels

7–8. A focal point to attract visitors, Lehar is designed around to create reflections and refractions of light into a colourful field

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identity, which is visible from far, yet unobtrusive for the sales experience. It is a contemporary formation of colour and light, which reflects India in the 21st century.

Vana, New Delhi Light Installation

Vana is a continuous transformation the merging of nature into architecture, of columns into the roof, of solid into ephemeral. The installation is designed as a single surface in tension that hangs from the ceiling and descends into space as four columns of light, appearing to grow as tree-like branches blending into a continuous canopy that floats above the visitor. The surface is tessellated into triangular segments, which are connected by stitched joints. Backlit with LEDs, light shines through the gaps and illuminates the space below with an immersive glow.

Orproject developed a series of algorithms that digitally generate open and closed venation patterns, which can be used to simulate the growth of topiaries. The systems consist of a set of seed points that grow and branch towards target points to maximise exposure to light for each leaf. The resulting geometries fulfil these

Rajat Sodhi is a Director at Orproject, a renowned architecture and design practice set up in 2006, with offices in London, Beijing and New Delhi. Rajat received his diploma from the AA, London in 2007 and the DRL masters in 2009. He has worked with 1-to-One for Herzog & de Meuron, Foster + Partners and Morphogenesis Architecture Studio. He has lectured and given workshops at the University of Westminster, AA, London and IIT, New Delhi. His interest lies in developing computational geometry and exploring material formations.

[email protected] www.orproject.com

9–11. The flat sheet prototype for Vana has been developed as an iso-surface around an anastomotic network diagram, as the cortex around the venation system

requirements and provide a suitable structural and circulatory system for the plant. The roof has been designed to use glass in tension as a hanging structure without the support of a traditional steel frame. However, for the geometric prototype, the panels made from flat sheet material are attached adjacently.

As we enter the fourth industrial revolution - algorithms, computational design, 3D printing, robot-aided manufacturing and construction, data and information models, climate change, geopolitics and digital connectivity are opening up new frontiers. Set against a backdrop of globalisation, the question arises, what could a 21st-century architectural practice be and what would 21st-century architecture be? •

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Architectural Practice in the Indian context has become more globalised than ever, and there is a healthy exchange of knowledge and data due to the openness of the internet. Practice challenges are as much as in any country or environment, but India is slightly slow in adapting to new technologies & methods. However, the scenario has been changing in the last few years with the emergence of new digital technologies that permeate multiple disciplines in disruptive ways. Within the realm of architecture and design, Computational Design has

Changing Perspectives in Design: The Age of Digital Revolution– Sushant Verma, rat[LAB], New Delhi and London

Sushant Verma

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become largely accepted now in India due to a global exposure to emerging trends as well as the demonstration of built articulations by various imminent design studios in India, laying a critical emphasis on research embedded into the design processes.

Architectural research begins and dwells in laboratories, where that Eureka!-moments happen, consolidated by experiments that may look lacklustre on paper, but hold a strong value in the practical world. It has been a contested topic – that whether or not Architecture, primarily accepted as an ‘applied-science’ field, has a parallel ‘research-orientation’. While architecture, as a profession, enjoys being at the forefront and getting the job done, its advancement is intricately linked to the acquirement of knowledge. This harvest of knowledge doesn’t occur in confined rooms under formal white-coats. One learns from the past that the first ‘Labs’ might have been the reserved corners of Antoni Gaudi’s home, where he experimented with the Hanging Chain Model and brought forward the innovation of catenary vaults. Today, as the profession branches out

1–2. Art Installation projects by rat[LAB]& rat[LAB]INTERIORS: Amorphous Surfaces for ID2016 & Cellular Morphology Façade at Alliance de Francaise

3–4. On-going project by rat[LAB]INTERIORS that uses mathematical algorithms to derive a panelling system for walls & ceilings

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innumerable subsets of specialisations, one may need to look into the core of investigation too, which lies in some of the research laboratories that emerge in the profession as specialist entities. In order to keep ‘research’ alive and to push the rigid boundaries of profession the title of ‘Lab’ has been adopted to emphasise the experimental and research-oriented nature of some platforms of architecture with maximum freedom – of studying, knowing and also tweaking the independent and interactive ways by which architecture emerges as a physical manifest.

Our young emerging practice, rat[LAB], has embarked upon the design journey from its inception as a research group in London to a multi-disciplinary design studio in New Delhi. Rat[LAB] is synonymous for ‘Research in Architecture & Technology’ which defines the underlying principle of the practice. Today, rat[LAB] runs as a design studio providing design & technology consultancy to organisations and individuals in India and abroad, operating on a collaborative model that has global associations in USA, UK, Europe & Asia. The use and manipulation of data in design are critical to the studio to operate at multi-scalar projects ranging from a small scale of a product or furniture to a large scale of a city or building. Rat[LAB] has progressively expanded to multiple verticals to carry out specific

research & technology-driven projects for architecture, interiors, products, urban, research and education. The research division focuses on developing computational tool & methodology development with a focus on ‘robotics for architecture’ and ‘advanced digital fabrication technologies’. The urban division looks closely into developing solutions for complex urban issues through the use of computational principles and customised tools developed in-house. The involvement of studio on projects such as IIT-Gandhinagar and Infosys Bangalore proposal has aided in the development of novel methodologies for urban planning and design.

The architecture division focuses on developing building-scale systems to design performative buildings optimised

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5. Art Installation project D2F Installation at MAK Center LA

6. Parametric Façade for Molded Dimensions Factory, Gurgaon, designed in collaboration with Design Plus, New Delhi. A computational workflow is followed in design process to extract fabrication data and environmental analysis of façade parametrically

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7. Proposal for National War Memorial, New Delhi

8. Art Installation project art[X]INDIA Sensual Spike for Rod Anker

against dynamic environmental factors and façade systems with innovative structural principles. Furthermore, the interior division explores formal intersections of parametric design techniques and interior spaces with a strong intent of creating transformative spaces that can positively affect the usability by creating an exchange between the interior and exterior environment. An on-going project for interiors of a stone design company in Noida explores digital fabrication techniques such as CNC milling for a triangulated panelling system derived using mathematical algorithms. The studio is also deeply involved in art installations and exhibition displays where intricacy of form and geometric complexity are controlled through advanced computational methods that support the analogue assembly carried out in the Indian context. Moving further down the scale, the research-oriented approach using computation is applied at a product scale to develop parametric systems optimised for fabrication process and mass-design using algorithms. Rat[LAB]EDUCATION was formed by the group to permeate through the Indian design education system and to initiate the discourse of computational design within the academic framework by curating independent design modules, workshops and master classes pan India.

To sail within the profession, one

requires an in-depth knowledge of the complex process of creation, which calls for research and innovation at all scales. A dive into this vastness happens within these design laboratories set up in various parts of the world in academic as well as professional settings. It won’t be long before ‘Labs’ become an integrated part of the profession, and not just as innovation-led support systems relying on larger practices for their survival. Our pace of development will shoot up when homework through ‘research’ is taken seriously, and that will be the time when we can see more Eureka!-moments etching in the timeline of architecture.•

Sushant Verma, Founding Partner & Research Head rat[LAB] and M.Arch. Em.Tech. – AA London, B.Arch. SSAA New Delhi, MCoA India is an architect & computational designer. A former architect at Zaha Hadid Architects, London & a Sr. Editor at Arch2O, he holds teaching positions at a number of universities internationally. Recipient of MAK Schindler Award from Vienna / Los Angeles and a finalist for AIA Emerging Leaders Fellowship from Chicago, his work is widely published and exhibited in London, New York, Tokyo, San Francisco and Mumbai among other places. Besides, Sushant joined the elite list of TEDx Speakers by speaking at TEDxGurugram on ‘Smart Cities need Smarter Design Education’.

[email protected] www.rat-lab.org

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POOL COOLS AIRswimming pool is cooling the surrounding air

ELEMENT COOLINGinside thermal mass (concrete walls) improve to regulate the inside temperature

HEATINGfloor heating system in built

INSULATIONinsulation on the roof / facade helps the building to regulate the inside temperature

GRASS ROOFcools the building and lowers the energy consumption

SKYLIGHTSincrease natural lighting in the building and reduces energy consumption

DGU GLAZINGdouble glazing unit

SOLAR PANELScools the building and lowers the energy consumption

EARTH COOLINGreduces energy consumptionsummer: cools down hot air in the groundwinder: warming up outside cold air

Studio Symbiosis is an architectural & interior design studio based in Delhi, London and Stuttgart, founded by Amit Gupta and Britta Knobel Gupta in 2010 with the ethos of creating integrated design solutions imbibing amalgamated, efficient, robust and sustainable designs leading to performative architecture. The research and intent of the practice are to create performance as a design driver, to achieve Sustainable and Smart buildings. Digital tools and techniques are embedded in the design process from concept until execution. The design does not end at concept design, but rather it is the start of the process.

Recursive and iterative design during concept

Each project is unique in nature; regarding the program, site, client, topography, surrounding landscape, location and budget, project inputs that are studied and stratified in terms of relevance of the site and concept. “Aqua Villa” is located in the “humid subtropical” and “semi-arid” weather of Delhi. Looking back into the past to create the new, traditional building typologies of this region were studied, and as a result, a water body was introduced in the design interlocking with the form to create evaporative cooling. A recursive iterative model was set up to study the heat gain and shadow patterns of the building over the year, resulting in the final form and interiors of the building, whereby through design summer sun is shaded off from the living spaces and winter sun is allowed inside. The depth of the cantilever was also setup as a parametric model whereby the cantilever design creates optimum light inside the building and a semi-open space dissolving the inside and outside.

1. The swimming pool creates a soft transition zone between the proposed villa, the landscape and the existing house amalgamating into one interlocking system

Sustainability achieved through simulations

Sustainable design solutions are at the epicentre of our designs. Through painstaking sustainability studies and

Pushing boundaries of Architecture and Design– Britta Knobel Gupta, Amit Gupta – Studio

Symbiosis, Delhi, London and StuttgartAmit Gupta Britta Knobel Gupta

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solutions of the spaces, the exterior is informed and results in an amalgamated design based on performance. In “Punjab Kesari Headquarters” (Winner of A’ Design Award, International property award and World Architecture Community Award) heat gain, glare index and lux level simulations were done in real-time informing the design. The design parameters were to create an office building that utilises the abundant light available in Delhi, but also cut down the heat gain at the same time. An iterative process was setup that resulted in giving us a percentage model that would result in five hundred lux level at workstation height throughout the space, ensuring that no artificial lighting is required further reducing the carbon footprint of the building.

Design aesthetics

Architecture is termed as “Art and Science”, an amalgamation evidenced in the design of “Smart Lounger” (winner of Godrej DesignLAB). The design intent was to use wood and an age-old technique fabrication technique of Kerfing and to create a contemporary piece of furniture. This was achieved through coding and iterative loops by stress analysis and generating the kerfing pattern accordingly. There is no wastage of material in the product to create a contemporary shape, and the technique allows enough structural strength in the wood for sitting load. Since the process is driven by material intelligence, intense prototyping was done, and the results were recomputed to get the iterative patterns. This loop resulted in developing the kerfing technique beyond

MODULAR OFFICE UNITS

TERRACE MEP

SERVICE CORE

OFFICE HEADQUARTERS

PARKING

ENTRANCE LOBBY

TERRACE LANDSCAPE

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Britta Knobel Gupta and Amit Gupta, both alumni of AA, London and have worked at Zaha Hadid Architects. Furthermore, computational design overlapped with sustainable design solutions achieved with parametric feedback loops are important techniques of investigation for their design work. Both founders have given prominent talks at TEDx Germany and have been conferred with national and international awards such as the German Design Award, Golden A Design Award, International Property Awards and the Estrade International Award.

[email protected] [email protected] www.studio-symbiosis.com

just a visual craft and to an integration of the formal and structural system. It shows that if we study the essence of a material a lot can be done by using the intelligence of the materials itself.

Low tech – high tech design integration

As architects, it is our responsibility not just to stop at design, but also to have an essential focus and intent on execution. In the “Undulating Living” (finalist LEAF Award) bespoke interiors for a residential space, the budget and the workmanship was taken into account as a design parameter during concept design phase. The design proposal looks at designing two islands in the space, geometrically carved out of each other, maintaining the design coherence. Using digital tools the complex forms of the wall panelling that peeled out to create the seating, couches and other loose furniture, were optimised and rationalised, by generating ruled surfaces to meet the challenge to construct. This resulted in the design of free flowing curves being made robust and ready for execution. Using hi-tech digital tools, low-tech execution tools and at times 1:1 drawings as templates this dynamic space was executed. Complete Sustainability was achieved due to the chosen design principles of low-impact materials, energy efficiency and renewability of the materials with execution undertaken by local craftsmen.

We treat each project as a research in form, execution and sustainability. In a small living room, the technique

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of execution can be a template for execution of a pavilion or even a façade element. Designs interlink with each other, informing each other and create an ethos, thereby creating a symbiotic relationship.•

2–3. The Aqua Villa is as an outcome of overlap and interaction of the design parameters of movement patterns and solar studies

4–5. The “Jali” inspired hexagonal patterned double screen animated façade is designed as an outcome of different orientation specific opening ratios

6–7. Punjab Kesari Headquarters is designed as a sustainable “Fusion” of traditional Indian architecture and interactive contemporary office space

8–9. Smart Lounger integrated material intelligence with parametric tools and techniques along with intense iterative pattern prototyping

10–11. The bespoke white and gold dynamic Undulating Living space with integrated furniture production, using energy efficient materials and processes