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Air

RONG CHEN 584445

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DESIGN STUDIO AIRRONG CHEN

2014 / SEMESTER 1

TUTOR: BRAD & PHILIP

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Contents

Introduction 6-7

A.1 Design Futuring 9 Loop 10-11 Pizoelectric Generator 12-13 A.2 Design Computation 14 Spanish Pavilion 15-17 Research Pavilion 2012 18-21

A.3 Composition/Generation 22 Shellstar Pavillion 23-25 Guangzhou Opera House 26-27

A.4 Conclusion 28 A.5 Learning Outcomes 29

A.6 Appendix 30

References 31-32

PART A

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Introduction

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My name is Rong Chen (Renee), a third-year architecture student at the University of Mel-bourne. I come from China, and have been in Australia for six years. I am interested in architec-ture as it is a course that involves comprehen-sions of various fields, such as arts and technolo-gies, enables me to develop holistic design skills.

My first experience with digital design tool was Rhino in the Virtual Environment. The lantern model is the realisation of the abstractive idea of expressing the natural process of mimosa pu-dica. From ideation to fabrication, the process was challenging for me, but it was surprized to see my concept transformed into a real product.

However, I have limited skills on CAD and Sketch Up. It was difficult for me to learn the computer software as I never ever used design software before I studied in Uni. I think the air studio provides a great oppor-tunity for learning the software and innovation de-signs, and it will be useful for my design career path.

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A.1 DESIGN FUTURING

“It is not just that many contemporary practices harm the world of our dependence but also that so few of them deliver the means to actually know the consequences of their activities beyond a ho-rizon of immediate concern”1

1. Fry, Tony, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 25

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LOOP2012 Land Art Generator Initiative EntryArtist Team: AMIR KRIPPER, MICHAEL GROGAN, CHRISTOPHER LI, KRISTEN BARROW, ALENA PARUNINA

This project proposal is designed for the Fresh-kills Park, which aims to dissolve the traditional boundaries between landscape, architecture, public art and renewable energy infrastruc-ture.

This building can be treated as a design for the future, as it generates renewable energy by mounting a system of flexible solar panels on construction. In fact, this installation can gen-erate around 1.20 MW of power which can provide electricity to more than 1,200 homes annually.2 Aesthetically and functionally de-sign a sustainable architecture where installa-tion corresponds to the unique topography of

the site, rather than a single landmark. Further-more, as every built construction has impacts on environment, Loop uniquely designed the circular planters that are able to collect the rain water which filtered and returned to the creek, significantly mitigate the effects of water runoff.

Loop is an excellent example of design which integrate sustainability, nature, and design into a whole one. Visitors not only enjoy the leisure time in the park, but also inspired af-ter discovering the installation and engag-ing with the amazing views, the journey be-comes a transformative experience for visitors.

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Moreover, this proposal established as a learn-ing facility which provides visitors great oppor-tunities to interact with state of the art technol-ogy and renewable energy while discovering a new built environment.3 They can be edu-cated about the process of clean energy, and be conscious of benefits of sustainability. Over-all, the Loop is a unique sustainable, athletic, functional and educational design, engaging the public in the reinvented FreshKills Park in an unprecedented way.

Figure 1 Loop ELevation

2.”Loop,” Land Art Generator Initiative, Last Modified 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/

3. ”Loop,” Land Art Generator Initiative, Last Modified 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/

Figure 2 Analysis of Loop

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PIEZOELECTRIC GENERATORS

“Convert mechanical strain into electrical energy. They can be inserted into shoes or in walk-way pavers to harvest the ener-gy of walking or jumping”

Piezoelectric generator is one of the kinetic energy harvesting. The mechanical strain har-vested by this technology, which comes from human motion, low-frequency seismic vibra-tions, and acoustic noise, can be converted into electric current or voltage. However, the amount of produced power is small, ideally supply for low-energy electronics, such as pe-destrian lighting, way-finding solutions and ad-vertising signage or be stored in a battery.4

Figure 3 Havested Energy

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As an emerging technology, the use of piezo-electric materials to harvest power has al-ready become popular. Piezo elements are being embedded in walkways to recover the “people energy” of footsteps, and one of the great examples is the Pavegen systems paved in a London sidewalk.5

The energy harvested by the Pavegen tile can immediately power off-grid applications, and have ability to send wireless data using the energy from footsteps and can be interred with API as a key technology for smart cities. Recyclable materials are used for majority of the flooring unit, 100% recycled rubber utilized for the top layer, and slab base is constructed from over 80% recycled materials.6 It has ability to withstand harsh outdoor locations with high footfall, and waterproof to efficiently operate in both interior and exterior.

The technology is interactive as it offers the tangible way for people to engage with re-newable energy generation and to provide live data on footfall wherever tiles are.

Even piezoelectric generator has limitations on energy production, and requires certain amount of movement, it greater benefits for the nature as environmental friendly technol-ogy, and sustainable for future generations.

4. “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, Last Modified 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/technology

5.“Pavegen system” Pavegen system, Last Modified 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/technology

6. “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, Last Modified 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/technology

Figure 4 Pavegen Tile

Figure 5 London Sidewalk

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A.2 DESIGN ComputationWith the evolution of the digital technologies in architecture, computation as a computer based design tool has changed the design methods in an efficient way, and the compu-tational design as a process supports design exploration rather than design confirmation.

In the use for the design process, computa-tional techniques help represent the design graphically and numerically, fabricate and construct the resulting, and capable to mod-el the structure of material system, provid-ing powerful paradigm for material design.7 These breakthroughs provide architects the knowledge and expertise to discover differ-entiating potential of topological and para-metric algorithmic thinking and the tectonic creativity innovation of digital materiality. Furthermore, it allowed more people to be-come involved in the design process, inte-grate process in a holistic manner to the re-alisation of the design. 8

7. Oxman, Rivka and Oxman, Robert. Theories of the Digital in Architecture, (London; New York: Routledge,2014), 5.

8. Yehuda E, Kaylay, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge,

MA: MIT Press, 2004), 17.

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Spanish Pavilion

The Spanish Pavilion was constructed in 2010 for the World Expo in Shanghai, and demol-ished after the event. The abstract idea of this pavilion is an expression of the climate of Spain on architecture. It is characterised by the highly complex curvature form, and the utilization of the wicker materials.

Digital in architecture support the emergence of certain distinctive geometric preferences and aesthetic effects.9 The unique complex geometry of the pavilion was manipulated using the Rhino software, but computational techniques not only create the desired ge-ometry surface, also help in finding solutions for design where the challenge of structure

was solved by experimentation of structures to find a metal system that meet the complex geometry. Furthermore, the ability to model the materials system provides architects op-portunities to determine various materials densities and orientations of the panel along the surface, experiencing the performance in simulations method.10

The 3D models were also used as a system of communication between the architecture, engineer and the manufactures in the work-shop. It enables the explorations of the struc-tural expression, by this process, the archi-tects and engineer simplified the structure by adapting variable curve that was produced to a limited number of different curves, which reducing the complexity of fabricating the elements. 3D model graphically presents the design idea and efficiently formulates a spe-cific solution through manipulating the pre-set parametric, allows the complex form to be achieved with readily available materials and a streamlined assembly process at mini-mal cost, instead of the traditional trail-and-error methods.11

Figure 6 Exploration of Structure and Material9. Oxman, Rivka and Oxman, Robert. Theories of the Digital in Architecture, (London; New York: Routledge,2014), 6

10. “Spanish Pavilion for Shanghai World Expo 2010,” World Buildings Directory Online Database, Last Modified 2010, http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=2681 11. Rivka and Robert, Theories of the Digital in Architecture, 6

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Figure 7 Spanish Pavilion

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Figure 8 Research Pavilion

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Research Pavilion 2012 by ICD/ITKE

The Institute for Computation Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at the University of Stuttgart have completed the pavilion that is entirely robotically fabricated from car-bon and glass fibre composites in November 2012.12

The inspiration of the project comes from the exoskeleton of the lobster, as a source been analysed in greater detail for differentiation of local materials in order to explore a new composite construction paradigm in archi-tecture by simulate method. By utilizing the computational techniques, architects are capable to transfer the biomimetic design principles to the design of a robotically fab-ricated shell structure based on a fibre com-posite system.13

12. “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, Last Modified 2012, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561

13. “Research Pavilion 2012 By ICD/ITKE,” A As Archi-tecture, Last Modified 2013, http://www.aasarchitec-ture.com/2013/05/Research-Pavilion-2012-ICD-ITKE.html

19Figure 9 Model of Researcj Pavilion in Matrix Principle

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In this way, architects are able to explore possibilities of using the shell structure as computation conceptualises how the struc-ture will work, and preciously analysis mate-rial properties through parametric values, as a way in achieving the spatial arrangement of the carbon and glass fibres, as well as as-sisting in realization and assurance structure functionality in a productive 3D simulation.

The computational design process opti-mized the material and form generation regarding to the biomimetic principle, and ensures architect’s creation met the desired

Architects directly coupling of geometry and finite element simulations into compu-tational models allowed the generation and comparative analysis of numerous varia-tions. The ability to model the structure of material system as tectonic systems in com-puting enables the determination of fibre orientation, fibre arrangement, stiffness and layer arrangement, integrating the mate-rial and structure design in the process, thus complexity of interaction of form, material, structure and fabrication could be distinc-tively communicated to the architects and engineers.

Figure 10 Fibre Orientation

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geometry through evaluating process in computations, reduces the likelihood errors. If the project communicates in traditional pen-and-paper ways, the complexity of geometry is less efficient to present, as there are concerns with time consumption, diffi-culties of obtaining accurate measurements of material hence lack of performance pre-view, which results in reducing the variability of design options. Thus the synergy of modes of computational and material design, digital simulation, and robotic fabrication provides opportunity for exploration of the completely new architectural possibilities, and lead to development of highly efficient structure with minimal use of materials.14

Computational techniques enable the creation and modulation of differentiation of the element of a design, it advanced en-vironment for interactive digital generation and performance simulation. It is beneficial for designers to acquire new knowledge of computational techniques which neces-sitates a design strategy to be developed at the initial phase of the design process. In the LAGI project, by utilizing of computation, performance of energy installation will be obtained which helps evaluating the sustain-ability of the design project.

Figure 11 Fibre Orientation

14. “Research Pavilion 2012 By ICD/ITKE,” A As Architecture, Last Modified 2013, http://www.aasarchitecture.

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A.3 Composition/GenerationComposition is defined as the rules or process of the architecture. It is the organization of the whole out of its parts, by this process, an ordered expression is created by architects. Throughout the history, the perfect composition architec-ture is characterised by the idea of “balance and contrast” with establishments of primary and secondary focal points and arrangement of climax. However, the composition only forms a traditional architecture that designed based on the order rules, without any design innova-tions in geometries, presentation, and architec-tural elements.

Parametric modelling software like Rhino and Grasshopper, develop the computational simu-lation method that generates the performance of feedback, offers architects an analysed per-formance regarding to the material, tecton-ics and parameters of production machinery in their design drawings, hence providing new design options for architectural decision during the design process. Nevertheless, the genera-tion approach has shortcomings in problem of overly complex forms, which is doubted with its practicality regarding to the limitation of cur-rent construction technology.15

The emerging computational techniques in nowadays has shifted the architecture from the composition to generation. Computation has brought along a new process to architecture, as it augments the intellect of the designer and increases capability to solve complex problems through the ‘sketching by algorithm’.16 In the generation process, the understanding results of generating codes and scripting enabling ar-chitect to write and modify of algorithms that relate to element placement and configura-tion, which generating the exploration of archi-tectural spaces and concepts.

15. Peters, Brady, Computation Works: The Building of Algo-

rithmic Though,(Architectural Design,2013), 12.

16. Brady, Computation Works, 10.

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Figure 12 Shellstar Pavillion

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Shellstar PavilionLocation: Hong Kong

Shellstar pavilion is designed as a social hub and centre for the art and design festival held by Detour in Hong Kong in December 2012. The design goal of the project is to achieve the maximized spatial performance while minimizing structure and material in a tempo-rary, inexpensive, and efficient method.17

The design process was completed in six weeks and fully working within a paramet-ric modelling environment that provides the quick development for design. Three parts of design process can be divided by advanced digital modelling techniques: form-finding, surface optimization and fabrication plan-ning.

Figure 13 Shellstar Pavillion Realisation

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Form-FindingBy utilizing parametric programs, Grasshop-per and the physics, the self-organized form is emerged based on the creation of thrust surfaces that are aligned with the structural vectors, it allow for minimal structure depths. The generation approach in this stage allows designer to quickly explore different vari-ables of structure design in a holistic com-prehensive representations, and investigate the results efficiently to single out the appli-cable scheme.

Surface optimizationThe structure is composed of 1500 individ-ual cells, in order to achieve the complex geometry, the custom Python script is used to optimize each cell as planar as possible, which greatly simplifying fabrication. Even though the generation approach limited in directly generating the buildable non-planar cells, the parametric modelling adapted as problem solving tool to deal with material property, enable the feasibility of the design before realization.

Fabrication PlanningThe orientation of shell was analysed, and then unfolded flat and prepared for fabrica-tion with labels on each individual material pieces. The generative approach enables the design outcome successfully construct-ed. 18

Figure 14 Design Process in Computation

17. “Shellstar,” MATSYS, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/

18. “Shellstar,” MATSYS, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://matsysdesign.com/2013/02/27/shellstar-pavilion/

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Guangzhou Opera House

The Opera House is located in Guangzhou, China. The design evolved from the concepts of a natural landscape and the fascinating interplay between architecture and nature, engaging with the principle of erosion, geol-ogy and topography.

The utilizing of Rhino program generates the outer crystalline, and inner complex and flu-id surfaces inside the auditorium generated in Maya. The organic forms are achieved through logarithm, splines, blobs, NURBs, and particles on organized by scripts of the dy-namic systems of parametric design, which implies that parametric tool gives the possi-bilities of curves. 19

By : Zaha HadidLocation: Guangzhou, China

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Furthermore, development in Maya as NURB surfaces of the auditorium geometry repre-sents the different mathematical species, the parametric tool allows final material be cast precisely based on its unique paramet-ric data. In this way, the parametric design makes the fabrication easier as all material prefabricated in factory and construction on site. Moreover, the generative approach leads to the formation of the continuous, seamless surfaces due to the parametrical design in early stage.20

Overall, in the generation process, param-eters are interconnected as a system. The parametric design creates systematic, adap-tive variation, continuous differentiation, and dynamic figuration from different scales that from urbanism to the furniture.

Figure 15 Guangzhou Operation House

19. “Guangzhou Opera House,” Architect Magazine, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://www.architectmagazine.com/cultural-projects/guangzhou-opera-house.aspx20.”Guangzhou Opera House,” Architect Magazine, Last Modified 28 April,2011, http://www.architectmagazine.com/cultural-projects/guangzhou-opera-house.aspx

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A.4 Conclusion

Nowadays, architecture is not only defined as a building or form, it also expresses the responses to the environment regarding to the current facing issues, and the design goal of architecture puts more emphasis on the long-term development and the sustain-able future.

With the advanced development of com-putations, architects and designers gained new design approach to find a suitable and efficient outcome, as the computer lets architects predict, model and simulate the encounter between architecture and the environment. The generative approach expands possibilities for architect to explore complex geometry in a productive way that traditional pen-and –paper method can-not apply, hence encourages innovations in architecture.

Regarding to the proposal for the LAGI (Land Art Generator Initiative) Competition, the computation is useful in determining the performance of energy generating strategy through algorithmic exploration of param-eters, as well as tests the feasibility of the fabrication. Furthermore, utilization of Rhino and Grasshopper in the design process helps in optimizing the structure and material, thus make the sustainable proposal of an land-mark for energy-saving achievable.

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Over the past few weeks, through the readings and research on precedents, it broadens my new views in architectural design. At the very beginning, my thoughts were limited by the traditional composition architecture and thought that the design of architecture only generates the interest-ing forms. By looking at the precedents that involves the computational design, I realized the architectural design is currently shifted to a high level of approach with computation, and concerning more on the sustainable solution in regards to posted environmental challenges.

Also, the weekly Grasshopper exercises al-lowed me to gain the understanding of the parametric design, it not only a geometry design tool, it also benefits the architectural industry in design performance. I expect that use of this parametric modelling program will significantly contribute to the proposal of the LAGI project.

A.5 Learning Outcomes

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A.6 Appendix

Computational design is very important for designers, it help designer to generate ideas and develop models. When I doing the ex-ercise, I realize that doing parametric design is not only a study for design but also a study for computer program. I get lots of surprise from the computer since it always provides amazing outcomes.

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References

Figure 1 AMIR KRIIPPER, Loop Elevation, 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/, (ac-cessed March 26, 2014) Figure 2 AMIR KRIIPPER, Loop Elevation, 2012, http://landartgenerator.org/LAGI-2012/LP360012/, (ac-cessed March 26, 2014)Figure 3 “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/,(accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 4 “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/,(accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 5 “Pavegen system” Pavegen system, 2014, http://www.pavegen.com/,(accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 6 “Spanish Pavilion for 2010 Expo Shanghai,” World Buildings Directory Online Database, 2009, http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=1737, (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 7 “Spanish Pavilion for 2010 Expo Shanghai,” World Buildings Directory Online Database, 2009, http://www.worldbuildingsdirectory.com/project.cfm?id=1737, (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 8 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 9 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 10 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014)

Brady, Peter, Computation Works: The Building of Algorithmic Thought, Architectural Design, 2013.Rivaka, Oxman and Oxman, Robert. Theories of the Digital in Architecture, London: New York: Routledge, 2014Kaylay, Yehuda E, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided De-sign. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004.

Image References

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Figure 11 “ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012,” Archimmenges.Net, http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5561 (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 12 Shellstar Pavillion, 2012, http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ , (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 13 Shellstar Pavillion, 2012, http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ , (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 14 Shellstar Pavillion, 2012, http://www.arch2o.com/shellstar-pavilion-matsys/ , (accessed March 26, 2014)Figure 15 “Guangzhou Opera House,” Architect Magazine, 2011, http://www.architectmagazine.com/cultural-projects/guangzhou-opera-house.aspx