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STUDIO AIR JOURNAL 2015 SEM 1 SIJING LIU 395923

Tutor: Alessandro Liuti

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INTRODUCTION

I am a 3rd year Environment student majoring in Architecture. I hope to pursue my career in the industry and eventually become a registered archi-tect. I have used Rhino in Virtual Environment and Design Studio Water and found out that it was an useful tool not only in stimulating ideas but also in fabrication. The example I have shown on the right was the final project model in Studio Water, made by laser cutter.

Besides designing, I also like music. Listening to music always inspire me to generate new ideas and help me relax in my stressful university life. I am also into programming stuff but not very good at it. I was self taught with some basic Ar-duino programming and found out that even the most complex codes are based on simple logics! Computers are not so smart and they can only communicate with people by YES or NO. I hope by understanding that, I could deal with grasshopper more easily!

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Design Studio Water: “The Boathouse” , made by boxboard and MDF

Virtual Environment : “Enclosure”, made by white Perspex

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Part A: Conceptualization

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A.0 Design FuturingA.1 Design ComputationA.2 Composition/GenerationA.3 ConclusionA.4 Learning OutcomesA.5 Algorithmic SketchesA.6 Reference

B.1 Research FieldB.2 Case Study 1.0B.3 Case Study 2.0B.4 Technique: DevelopmentB.5 Technique: PrototypesB.6 Technique: ProposalB.7 Learning Objectives and OutcomesB.8 Algorithmic SketchesB.9 Reference

C.1 Design ConceptC.2 Tectonic Elements & PrototypesC3 Final Detailed Model

Part C: Detailed Design

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Part B: Criteria Design

323644465260687072

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PART A

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PART A

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DESIGN FUTURING

Tony Fry has redefined the role of design and discussed the importance of it in changing the world. What will happen in the future is unpredict-able, but that does not mean that we should not plan and prepare for the solutions to the emerg-ing problems. [1] The traditional architecture focuses only on the act of designing while ignor-ing the possible consequences in a long term. However, not acting could have the same moral significance as acting.

“Design has to be in the front-line of trans-formative action”By Tony Fry

Fig 1. Etienne-Louis Boullee, Visionary Architecture Cenotaph for Sir Isaac Newton

Therefore, today’s designers have a greater re-sponsibility, and thinking for the future became extremely crucial.

It is easier than ever before to design. The cheap and simple design software gives everyone free-dom to design. Digital design is also more efficient and energy saving than traditional methods. It will certainly contribute significantly to sustainable development. [2]

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Fig 2. Antonio Sant’Elia, Futurist Manifesto of Architecture

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TRIFOLIUM

The Trifolium pavilion is an experimental project that was built completely by pre-fabrication. The overall form was inspired by the clove, as suggest-ed by its name. It focuses on creating a playful and interactive space by its material texture and visual effect.[3] This is seldom the case in traditional architecture where sensation was often ignored.

As suggested by Dr Sherman, the founder of SCAF the pavilion could be a meeting place for the staff in SCAF. It implies that working place does not need to be formal and tedious, but can be full of fun. [4] Each panel on the exterior or the interior differs from each other as if they were shaped by nature. The dark cladding on the interior reflects images not only from the participants but the sur-rounding environment.

The reflection from the gravel on the ground gives

the ceiling a different texture and creates a visual illusion to the participants.

Surprisingly, the interior was designed first and the form of the exterior has changed over design stage. [5]This was imaginable in the past where design process was a linear line. It was built in one week. The team would not achieve such efficiency without digital design and pre-fabrication. AR-MA even designed the joints such that the panels can fit perfectly together. Digital design allows only 1 mm tolerance and ensures the stabilization of the structure by strength monitoring. [6]

The project has successfully proven that digital design is a efficient, accurate way to build and provide a platform for bold ideas.

Trifolium

Commissioned by Sherman Contemporary ArtArchitect: AR-MAStatus: builtLocation: Paddington, AU

Fig 3 Interior of Trifolium

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Fig 4 Exterior of Trifolium

Fig 5 Construction of Trifolium

Fig 6 LED lights

Fig 7 Light projection on the ceiling

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GOOGLE HEADQUATERS

Google Headquarters

Architect: Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) & HeatherwickStudioStatus: Under PlanningLocation: Mount View, California, US

The New Google Headquarters in the beauti-ful site Mound View consist of 4 huge canopies that create separated enclosed environment. It has river, trees, park , working environment that become a small ecosystem itself with the glass fiber membrane canopy skin that allows rains and sunlight. [7]

The spokeperson at Google pointed out that the future working space will be flexible. Therefore the idea of the project is that buildings are made with movable blocks that provide a flexible working environment such that employees do not need to travel, [8]this will reduce the carbon emission brought by vehicles and saving time from travel-ing.

Google as the innovating engine in modern tech-nology, wants to show its connection to nature

from its architecture and prove that technology and nature do not always go against each other.

Ingels argues that our world is overly planned, a freeform and flexible environment could be more stimulating factor in our urban life. [9] From the rendering images released by Google, the head-quater aims to create an environment, not the building itself. Instead, buildings are made with light color that almost blend into the green space that surrounds it.

The project shows the strong concept of how the architects think about the future: architecture should no longer override nature and make itself distinct and isolated. It should contribute to the environment as a whole. In return, nature will grant us a more comfortable and stimulating envi-ronment both for working and leisure.

Fig 8 Rendering view of one of the blocks

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13Fig 10 Mound View site

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DESIGN COMPUTATION

Computers can provide rational ability while human can provide cre-ativity. by Yehuda Kalay

Fig 11 Panoramic alpine urbanism

The design process has changed throughout history. In the past, designers set one goal in the project and propose solutions to the goal, nei-ther the goal nor the solutions are analyzed. The design process has turned from linear to a com-plicated pattern. It involves analysis, synthesis and communication through digital models. The design stages can be repeated if needed. [10]

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Computation provide a platform for a more ef-ficient problem solving process, it generates problems during the process and create stimula-tion to architects’ imagination. The development in digital technology allows architecture to take more audacious forms by pre fabrication and by use of new materials. [11]

Most visionary architecture in history can now be realized through computation which was largely restricted in the past due to technology deficien-cy. There is never an obvious relationship between function and form, but there is a relationship be-tween performance and form, computation allows this to happen in a most efficient way.

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NACNational Aquatics Center (Water Cube)

Architect: PTW (Australia) Engineer: Ove Arup in partnership with China State Construction Engineering Corporation(CSCEC) Status: BuiltLocation: Beijing, China

The water cube idea of the building was devel-oped from the “Weaire-Phelan structure” where using recurring patterns of polygons found in natural atoms to create a 3 dimensional space of minimized deficiency. [12] It was also influenced by Frei Otto’s study in soap bubble structure as the exterior material of the building, tetrafluoro-ethylene (ETFE) was used to mimic the inflatable surface of bubbles. [13]

The ETFE was produced by the German company Vector-Foiltec and the Chinese company Yu-anda Group of Shenyang. [14] As the design and construction of the building are carried by both Australian team and the local team, multinational collaboration and multicultural communication became crucial in this project.

The arrangement of the polygons are absolutely

organic and random, it takes thousands times ofadjustments to achieve the final results. It is neverpossible without computational design. The variations of the pattern can be easily achieved and digitally modelled with parametric design software such as grasshopper. By changing the parameters, the lighting effect, thermal control , humidity control and views can be optimized to maximise the material’s ability. Computational design almost allows maximum control over the design process.

The organic load bearing system also allows 30% less steel to be used than the ordinary column and beam structure. [15]The strength and loading bearing ability can be monitored by computing in the most efficient way. Arup claimed that it saved $10 million dollar compared to the traditional design method. [16]

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Fig 12 Structural Composition of the Watercube

Fig 13 The Watercube

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SAHMRISouth Australian Health And Medical Research Institute

Architect: Woods BagotStatus: completedLocation: Adelaide, AU

As it is a medical research institute, the labs need to provide a higher standard in its thermal control, hygiene level for its research and experi-ment environment. Therefore, the architect had worked closely with lab design specialist and engineers to optimize the building’s performance through digital monitoring and analysis. [17]

The building was designed through parametric software grasshopper. The main feature of the building is its sunshade system with a gradual and complex variation that could never be achieved without computational technology. The building is an excellent example of “ form follows per-formance”,[18] a new understanding of modern architecture that has shifted from Louis Sullivan ‘s “form follows function” where the modern archi-tects has already excelled in practise. Each angle of the sunshade “blade” was measured to allow maximum thermal comfort in the interior as a result of digital modelling.[19]

Fig 15Fig 14

Fig 16

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Fig 17

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COMPOSITION/GENERATION

Architecture has shift from composition to generation today. Traditional architecture used to be based on certain grammars and laws, without considering it as a problem solving process. It is a different time that our technology is so advanced we are no longer considering architecture as an individual object. Despite the problems solving process, human wants to know more about what is beyond control. We use computational design to control the situation but there is still issues that we can never predict.

20 Fig 19 The algorithmically-generated 3D constructs

COMPOSITION/GENERATION

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Cayan Tower/Infinity Tower

Architect: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Chi-cagoStatus: completedLocation: Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The building consists of 73 storeys with each floor rotate approximately 1.2 degree from the floor below and achieved a 90 degree rotation on its top floor by the central axis. All the service pipes, electric, gas, water are located in the central core such that facilities can be distributed evenly. [20]

Most skyscrapers have the problems of resisting wind force. The building was made in a twisted form to reduce such effect. [21] In the picture, it shows how the building respond to wind deflec-tion and wind torque force. The whole design process was monitored and the prediction of potential future hazards.

The Infinity Tower was developed by Finite Ele-ment Analysis (FEA). It is a useful tool in solving problems by algorithm. By giving the boundary and material of a solid, FEA analyze and calculate the resulting stress and strains at a certain point by applying a force to that point. [22] FEA also gives feedback on the right equation and func-tions to use in solving problems.[23] This technol-ogy allows architects and engineers to achieve the best result of the building with almost total control in analyzing.

CAYAN TOWER

Fig 20 The Cayan Tower

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Fig 21 Facade of the Cayan Tower

Fig 22 Wind deflection analysis Fig 23 Structure distribution

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ELEPHANT HOUSE

The Elephant House, Copenhagen ZooArchitect: Foster and PartnersStatus: completedLocation: Copenhagen, Denmark

The project involves a collaboration between different disciplines. The architects, the Special Modeling Group (SMG) as consultant, the envi-ronmental specialists work together for the archi-tects’ first zoological project. [24]

The team first built the physical model to explore the desired geometries (Fig 25). With the help of SMG, the team then developed the geometry in digital software and keep changing the strategies along the design process to achieve the best out-come of structure and the glazing system. [25]

The team then invited the environmental special-ists who know better about elephant behaviors and the ecosystem than the architects as consul-tant.

The team developed the shading system from the idea of nature, the pattern in the glazing that imitates tree leaves was also programmed by the SMG for better performance. [26]

The project is a successful one as creating a com-fortable environment for the elephants by work-ing intensely with other disciplines.

Fig 24 Tree leaves pattern

Fig 25 Physical model

Fig 26 Torus Geometry

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Fig 27 Construction process

Fig 28 Glazing Fig 29 Interior

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Part A research has given me a in sight into digital design, fabrication and today’s challenge towards sustainability. Computation enlarges the human’s horizon in design, and therefore, greater responsi-bility designers have to their environment. My in-tended design approach will focus on the ecosys-tem of Merri Creek and at the same time provide joy to participants. My main inspirations will be nature, therefore, my project will consider nature to a large extent. The animals, plants, human in the area will be considered as well.

I have always thought that computation simply improve architects design efficiency before. After learning from Part A, I get to understand that architectural computing not only improving ef-ficiency of design, it improves the communication within different disciplines, it saves materials and can predict future problems.

CONCLUSION

LEARNING OUTCOMES

ALGORITHMIC SKETCHBOOK

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ALGORITHMIC SKETCHBOOK

The first algorithmic practise was inspired by the Infinity Tower in Dubai, it explores the gradual rotation of each layer calculated accurately by computational method. More flexible forms of ar-chitecture could be developed with the accuracy of algorithm.

The second practise, explores a gradual change in pattern and height within a boundary. It could be applied to the surface of the building interior where sound absorption is needed. The pattern can be easily achieved by computer for specific requirements.

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REFERENCE1. Tony Fry, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 1-16.2. Tony Fry, Design Futuring: Sustainability, Ethics and New Practice (Oxford: Berg, 2008), p. 1-16.3. SCAF, Project 20 AR-MA Trifolium (2015) <http://sherman-scaf.org.au/exhibition/ar-ma-2014/> [accessed 11 March 2015].4. SCAF, Project 20 AR-MA Trifolium (2015) <http://sherman-scaf.org.au/exhibition/ar-ma-2014/> [accessed 11 March 2015].5. Nicky Lobo, Trifolium by AR-MA (2014) <http://www.indesignlive.com/articles/in-review/trifolium-by-ar-ma#axzz3U8tNUwBg> [ac-cessed 12 March 2015].6. Nicky Lobo, Trifolium by AR-MA (2014) <http://www.indesignlive.com/articles/in-review/trifolium-by-ar-ma#axzz3U8tNUwBg> [ac-cessed 12 March 2015].7. A/N Blog, Google’s New Headquarters (2015) <http://blog.archpaper.com/2015/02/breaking-big-heatherwicks-google-plans-un-veiled/> [accessed 12 March 2015].8. Google Official Blog, Rethinking office space (2015) <http://googleblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/rethinking-office-space.html> [ac-cessed 15 March 2015].9. Google Official Blog, Rethinking office space (2015) <http://googleblog.blogspot.com.au/2015/02/rethinking-office-space.html> [ac-cessed 15 March 2015].10. Yehuda E Kalay, Architecture’s New Media: Principles, Theories, and Methods of Computer-Aided Design (Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2004), p. 5-25.11. Rivka Oxman and Robert Oxman, Theories of the Digital in Architecture (London; New York: Routledge, 2014), p. 1-10.12. Rita Bila, Water Cube, Chinese symbolism, the Kelvin problem, Weaire-Phelan and ETFE Technology (2015) <http://www.dhub.org/water-cube-finds-common-elements-with-chinese-symbolism-the-kelvin-problem-weaire-phelan-structure-and-etfe-technology/> [ac-cessed 17 March 2015].13. Rita Bila, Water Cube, Chinese symbolism, the Kelvin problem, Weaire-Phelan and ETFE Technology (2015) <http://www.dhub.org/water-cube-finds-common-elements-with-chinese-symbolism-the-kelvin-problem-weaire-phelan-structure-and-etfe-technology/> [ac-cessed 17 March 2015].14. ARUP, National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (2015) <http://www.arup.com/Projects/Chinese_National_Aquatics_Center.aspx> [ac-cessed 17 March 2015].15. ARUP, National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (2015) <http://www.arup.com/Projects/Chinese_National_Aquatics_Center.aspx> [ac-cessed 17 March 2015].16. ARUP, National Aquatics Center (Water Cube) (2015) <http://www.arup.com/Projects/Chinese_National_Aquatics_Center.aspx> [ac-cessed 17 March 2015].17. Joseph Luc Nveaux, ‘South Australian Health And Medical Research Institute’, Architectural Review Asia Pacific, 135, (2014), 60-67. 18. Joseph Luc Nveaux, ‘South Australian Health And Medical Research Institute’, Architectural Review Asia Pacific, 135, (2014), 60-67. 19. Joseph Luc Nveaux, ‘South Australian Health And Medical Research Institute’, Architectural Review Asia Pacific, 135, (2014), 60-67. 20. Katie Gerfen, Cayan Tower Opens in Dubai (2013) <http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/cayan-tower-opens-in-dubai_o> [ac-cessed 19 March 2015].media/940593/Foster_plus_Partners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].21. Katie Gerfen, Cayan Tower Opens in Dubai (2013) <http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/cayan-tower-opens-in-dubai_o> [ac-cessed 19 March 2015].22. Dr. Jerry H Qi, Finite Element Analysis (2006) <http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/MCEN4173/chap_01.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].23. Dr. Jerry H Qi, Finite Element Analysis (2006) <http://www.colorado.edu/MCEN/MCEN4173/chap_01.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].24. Foster and Partners, New Elephant House, Copenhagen (2012) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Part-ners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].25. Foster and Partners, New Elephant House, Copenhagen (2012) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/26. Foster and Partners, New Elephant House, Copenhagen (2012) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Part-ners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].

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Fig 1 Francisco Martínez Mindeguía, ÉTIENNE-LOUIS BOULLÉ, Newton’s Cenotaph, 1780-93 (2014) <http://www.etsavega.net/dibex/Boullee_Newton-e.htm> [accessed 11 March 2015].Fig 2 Lebbus Woods, Antonio Sant’Elia’s August 1914 Futurist Manifesto of Architecture (2011) <http://www.creativejournal.com/posts/9-antonio-sant-elia-s-august-1914-futurist-manifesto-of-architecture> [accessed 11 March 2015].Fig 3 Archinect Firms, Trifolium (2014) <http://archinect.com/firms/project/122289712/trifolium/122294529> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 4 Archinect Firms, Trifolium (2014) <http://archinect.com/firms/project/122289712/trifolium/122294529> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 5 Archinect Firms, Trifolium (2014) <http://archinect.com/firms/project/122289712/trifolium/122294529> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 6 Archinect Firms, Trifolium (2014) <http://archinect.com/firms/project/122289712/trifolium/122294529> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 7 Archinect Firms, Trifolium (2014) <http://archinect.com/firms/project/122289712/trifolium/122294529> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 8 A/N Blog, Google’s New Headquarters (2015) <http://blog.archpaper.com/2015/02/breaking-big-heatherwicks-google-plans-un-veiled/> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 9 A/N Blog, Google’s New Headquarters (2015) <http://blog.archpaper.com/2015/02/breaking-big-heatherwicks-google-plans-un-veiled/> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 10 A/N Blog, Google’s New Headquarters (2015) <http://blog.archpaper.com/2015/02/breaking-big-heatherwicks-google-plans-unveiled/> [accessed 12 March 2015].Fig 11 Computer Aided Architectural Design, Panoramic Alpine Urbanism (2015) <http://www.mas.caad.arch.ethz.ch> [accessed 17 March 2015].Fig 12 David McManus, Beijing National Swimming Centre (2015) <http://www.e-architect.co.uk/beijing/watercube-beijing> [accessed 17 March 2015].Fig 13 David McManus, Beijing National Swimming Centre (2015) <http://www.e-architect.co.uk/beijing/watercube-beijing> [accessed 17 March 2015].Fig 14 Arch Daily , South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute / Woods Bagot (2014) <http://www.archdaily.com/533388/south-australian-health-and-medical-research-institute-woods-bagot/> [accessed 18 March 2015].Fig 15 Architecture Design, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) by Woods Bagot (2014) <http://www.archi-tectureanddesign.com.au/news/south-australian-health-and-medical-research-insti> [accessed 18 March 2015].Fig 16 Architecture Design, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI) by Woods Bagot (2014) <http://www.archi-tectureanddesign.com.au/news/south-australian-health-and-medical-research-insti> [accessed 18 March 2015].Fig 17 Arch Daily , South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute / Woods Bagot (2014) <http://www.archdaily.com/533388/south-australian-health-and-medical-research-institute-woods-bagot/> [accessed 18 March 2015].Fig 18 Arch Daily , South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute / Woods Bagot (2014) <http://www.archdaily.com/533388/south-australian-health-and-medical-research-institute-woods-bagot/> [accessed 18 March 2015].Fig 19 Malgorzata A. Zboinska, The algorithmically-generated 3D constructs (2012) <https://morfotactic.wordpress.com/> [accessed 19 March 2015].Fig 20 Architect, Cayan Tower Opens in Dubai (2013) <http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/cayan-tower-opens-in-dubai_o> [ac-cessed 19 March 2015].Fig 21 Architect, Cayan Tower Opens in Dubai (2013) <http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/cayan-tower-opens-in-dubai_o> [ac-cessed 19 March 2015].Fig 22 Architect, Cayan Tower Opens in Dubai (2013) <http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/cayan-tower-opens-in-dubai_o> [ac-cessed 19 March 2015].Fig 23 Architect, Cayan Tower Opens in Dubai (2013) <http://www.architectmagazine.com/design/cayan-tower-opens-in-dubai_o> [ac-cessed 19 March 2015].Fig 24 Foster and Partners, New Elephant House, Copenhagen (2012) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Partners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].Fig 25 Foster and Partners, New Elephant House, Copenhagen (2012) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Partners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].Fig 26 Foster and Partners, New Elephant House, Copenhagen (2012) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Partners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].Fig 27 Katy Harris, ‘Ground Breaking For the Elephant House at Copenhagen Zoo’, Foster and Partners, 27 October 2008, p..Fig 28 Al Hilal, Elephant House by Foster+Partners (2008) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Partners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].Fig 29 Al Hilal, Elephant House by Foster+Partners (2008) <http://www.fosterandpartners.com/media/940593/Foster_plus_Partners_RD_Paper_Copenhagen_Elephant_House.pdf> [accessed 19 March 2015].

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PART B

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PART B

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B.1 RESEARCH FIELD

According to the Qin Pan and Guoliang Xu, there are several benefits of the minimal surface technology: 1. Using of least material to the achieve the most efficient result.2. It has branching ability without losing the mini-mal surface property.3. Equilibrium in tension force everywhere.4. Water cannot stay on minimal surface (perfect for roof design). [1]

The minimal surface technique allows least mate-rial waste through algorithm generated surface. It has a potential for sustainable design where material efficiency and environmental impact needed to be considered. Fig 1 shows the process of generating minimal surface through boundary geometries, a gradual and smooth curvature sur-face is formed between those boundary curves by computer aided design. The result of the continu-ous flow is both natural and beautiful.

The structure is also structurally efficient as ten-sion is evenly distributed through the surface. This could reduce the time on experimenting load distribution from the traditional construction method.

GeometryMinimal Surface

And it could achieve a closer relationship between design and construction by digital fabrication. The structural efficiency of minimal surface pro-vide possibilities in designing high rise buildings and light weight structures.

One good example of the technique is the Green Void installed in the Customs House in Sydney by architects form LAVA. It is an organic tree-branch-ing look structure that serves as both aesthetic and acoustic function. The structure is controlled by 5 loops facing either to the wall/ceiling or the crowd, and given a fixed area of material, the mini-mal surface is formed by the method mentioned previously.

Due to the horn like form at the end of each structure, it exhibits high acoustic performance as it gently diffuse the noise and prevent echoes in the 6 storey high atrium space.[2] Other than the acoustic function, the project achieved using only 40 kg high tech nylon and constructed in 5 weeks. The efficiency in time and material could be ex-tremely helpful in post disaster restoration works, for example, refuge camp after earthquake.

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Fig 1 Minimal surface defined by its boundaries

Fig 2 The Green Void Fig 3 The Green Void Surface Analysis

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GeometryGrid Shell System

The grid shell system is a self supported structure that is similar to a dome.[3] It challenged the tra-ditional structure of a building that consists bases, columns, beams and roof because it is one unity stretching continuously from bottom to top.

A typical grid shell system is formed by a two di-mensional grid surface that can be constructed on the ground and finally support by the tension and compression force of itself without any extra joints and supports.[4] In designing the grid shell struc-ture, architect needs to consider the structure as a whole and anticipate the assembly method in advance. Like the minimal surface method, designing and construction need to be planned simultaneously.

Most grid shell systems are made by diagonal diamond cells due to the fact that flexibility and stability are required in the form. The diagonal element provide resist to shear force [5] and elas-tic movement to prop up the surface to a three dimensional space.

However, the structure is usually subject to buck-ling because of its bending shape [6], this could possibly restrict the realization in creative forms, and requires higher standard in materials. One

solution to this constraints is using doubly curved surfaces to enhance the strength.[7] The other restriction brought by the grid shell system is that a high skilled carpenter might be needed in the construction as the patterns, joints and connections are specially design with little traditional reference.

A fine experiment on the grid shell system is the SG2012 Gridshell project by MATSYS. The proj-ect used straight wood strip to create this dy-namic wing like pavilion. Curvatures are achieved though bending of the timber strips. The project used the double layer surface as I mentioned pre-viously (Fig7). The Curvature analysis shows the most stressed area of the form is where the wood strips bend most, mainly at the top. (Fig 4) there-fore, the grid shell system might not be a perfect solution for load bearing structure.

The construction of the project was completed within 4 days.[8] The process was more similar to the weaving rather than construction. Instead of creating the surface on the ground first, the team built the structure vertically with the help of tem-porary props such as ladders.

Fig 4 Curvature analysis in stress

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Fig 5 Front Elevation

Fig 6 Side Elevation

Fig 7 Double Layer Connection

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B.2 CASE STUDY 1.0

1. Division Count

1: C=15 2: C=25

4: C=45

1: S1=0 S2 =0 C=35 2: S1=1 S2 =-1 C=35

4: S1=8 S2 =-8 C=35

2. Shift List

5: C=45

5: S1=20 S2 =-20 C=35

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2: C=25

2: S1=1 S2 =-1 C=35

5: C=45

5: S1=20 S2 =-20 C=35

3: C=35

3: S1=3 S2 =-3 C=35

6: C=45

6: S1=30 S2 =-30 C=35

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3. Cross Reference

1: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=10 2: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=20

4: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=40 5: S1=0 S2 =0 C=20

4. Input Geometry

1: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=102: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=30

4: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=80 5: S1=20 S2 =-20 C=80

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2: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=20

5: S1=0 S2 =0 C=20

2: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=30

5: S1=20 S2 =-20 C=80

3: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=30

6: S1=10 S2 =-10 C=20

3: S1=5 S2 =-5 C=50

6: S1=40 S2 =-40 C=80

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5. Input Geometry

6. Exoskeleton iterations

1: S1=15 S2=-5 C=10

1: S=10 R=0.128 N=0 B=0.8 D=1.696

2: S1=0 S2 =0 C = 30

2: S=10 R=0.456 N=0 B=0.8 D= 1.696

3: S1=10 S2 =10 C = 30

3: S=10 R=0.128 N =0 B=0.8 D=16.281

4: S1=15 S2 =0 C = 30

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3: S=10 R=0.128 N =0 B=0.8 D=16.281

4: S1=15 S2 =0 C = 30

4

5: S1=15 S2 =-5 C = 30

5

6: S1=15 S2 =-5 C = 100

6

S1 : Positive shift list countS2: Negative shift list countC: Curve dividing countS: Number of sides for tubes

R: Radius of the tubesN: Node sizeB: Knuckle bumpinessD: Division length along tubes

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Speculate

1. Division CountThis iteration simply changes the number of divi-sion point on the input curve. As the division in-creases, the grid shell becomes denser and closer to the surface. Desired shading system can be achieved through this method to determine how much sunlight is needed.

2. Shift ListThe grid shell system is made with strips that in-tersects with each other through the shift list defi-nition that allows 2 groups of points join in a shift sequence. By changing the sequence of shifting, a different pattern is generated, eg. iteration no. 2.

3. Cross ReferenceBy replacing the shift list definition with cross reference, the lines intersect with each other more than once, therefore, more calculations are in-volved that made my computer crash a few times. However, with cross reference, the “tentacle” of the structure remains distinct even as the count divi-sion increases.

4. Input GeometryBy stretching the input geometry, unexpected results were obtained. A void was created on both side of the wing. However, unbalanced structure occurred as the shifting increases.

5. Input GeometryIn this iteration, I replaced the original input ge-ometry with circles. This produced a column like structure with the grid system. The iteration could possibly applied to a lightweight load bearing component such as internal column.

6. Exoskeleton The final iteration explores exoskeleton definition by creating continuous pipes that replace the lines of the original design.

The 4 most successful experiments of the above it-erations are shown on the next page. The first two iterations come from the cross reference definition. The outcomes are balanced in structure and show their ability to vary its number of “tentacles” according to site conditions. The 3rd iteration ex-hibits a symmetrical composition with voids that can serve as functional purposes. The last one achieved a balance in strip spacing and symmetri-cal aesthetic effect.

Selection CriteriaThe selection of the project is based on the struc-ture’s innovative ability to develop the brief. The ideas should be simple, the form should be com-plex and has potential to incorporate with the chosen site. It ought to provide a multifunctional, playful and interactive space that promotes partic-ipants’ experiences on the site.

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B.3 CASE STUDY 2.0

Create the base geometry

Create the base ge-ometry for branch-ing units

Loft the branching units

Batch the form into two groups

Explode to obtain the surface

By shift list, adja-cent curves loft with each other to prevent auto loft-ing

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Explode to obtain the surface

Create a mesh surface

Obtain the mesh edge Use kangaroo to get minimal surface between the “trum-pet” edges

Shift list combina-tion to remove the surface for later joint mesh

Combine the surface

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B.4 TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT “Relaxed Surface”

1. Degree of Relaxation

2. Postions of Input Geometry

3. MeshBox Geometry 2D

GL=0 GL=0.2 GL=0.4 GL=0.6 GL=0.8 GL=1.0

3 branches 4 branches 5 branches 6 branches2 branches

GL: Goal length, factor deciding on how relax the surface is

7 branches

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B.4 TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT

GL=1.0

GL: Goal length, factor deciding on how relax the surface is

7 branches 8 branches 9 branches 10 branches 11 branches

Selection Criteria

The selection of the project is based on the struc-ture’s innovative ability to develop the brief. The ideas should be simple, the form should be com-plex and has potential to incorporate with the chosen site. It ought to provide a multifunctional, playful and interactive space that promotes partic-ipants’ experiences on the site.

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“Relaxed Surface”

4. MeshBox Geometry 3D

5. Control Points Manipulation

6. Anchor Points Manipulation

3 branches 4 branches 5 branches 6 branches 7 branches

More anchor points

8 branches

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8 branches 9 branches 10 branches 11 branches 12 branches

Less anchor points

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Because of grasshopper’s ability to monitor the final outcome through manipulating input ge-ometries without starting the design process all over again, changing the control points in Rhino provided results that varies significantly from the original concept.

6. Anchor Points ManipulationThis method is very useful as the anchor points in relaxed surface determines where the form stretches from. This could be applied to tensile structures where anchor points can be easily changed by judging on the external factors such as circulation, topography, movement and so on.

Successful Iterations

Successful iterations are shown on the next page. The first one in the 3rd iterations has 8 branches of “trumpets”, it has potentials to provide a playful tunnel like structure for both adults and kids to explore, the facing direction of each “trumpet” can be modified by control factors such as landscape, sunlight, neighboring buildings and so on. The second one in the 4th iterations is similar to the previous structure, however it raised the volumne vertically and perhaps has potential dealing with views from different orientation on the site. The last one is also interesting as the form is complex and the structure is balanced, it has a sharp sil-houete comparing to other iterations.

Speculate

1. Degree of RelaxationBy changing the factor of rest length, different de-grees of surface relaxation can be achieved. How-ever very limited amount of form can be achieved by this method.

2. Position of Input GeometryAn unexpected form was found through moving the “trumpet circle” around, the form changes substantially from the original green void, the long span structure can potentially serves as a structural component such as beams and columns in buildings .

3. MeshBox Geometry 2DThe MeshBox geometry is another approach to produce the green void structure by using several meshboxes as the input geometry and set the border of the box as the control point . The pat-tern becomes more interesting as the branches increase. Complicated organic form can be found through this simple method.

4. MeshBox Geometry 3DSimilar to Iteration 3, MeshBox Geometry 3D plays with the simple technique in both horizontal and vertical space that could be applied to inter-nal load bearing structure or possibly a maze in 3 dimensions.

5. Control Points Manipulation

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B.5 TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPE

Architect Frei Otto was inspired by bubble forma-tions. His form finding process was based on a series of bubble experiment that explores the idea of minimal surface (fig 8 & 9). In his famous ar-chitecture, the Munich Olympic Stadium realised the idea and implemented into a tensile structure that made of cables. The cables are intersecting and connecting with each other by a flexible joint (fig11 & 12). The tension force in the cable and the compression force in the structural column supported the structure (fig 13). Frei Otto’s experi-ment and the construction process is very innova-tive in my research area as it informed my explora-tion and fabrication methods.

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Fig 8 Frei Otto’s bubble experiment

Fig 10 Munich Olympic Stadium

Fig 12 Munich Olympic Museum, cable intersec-tion

Fig 13 Munich Olympic Museum, force evalua-tion

Fig 11 Munich Olympic Museum construction

Fig 9 Frei Otto’s bubble experiment

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Testing With BubblesRelaxed surface

1 face 2 faces 3 faces 3 faces

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3 faces

Inspired by Frei Otto’s bubble experiments, I have tested bubble formation by the most basic struc-ture: a pyramid and a cubic frame. The bubble formed a uniform relaxed surface by digging 2 faces or 3 faces of the pyramid into soap water. Interesting shapes were found by putting frames into soap water. A small bubble box was formed by digging 4 faces of the cube into soap water. As bubble does not last long and the form was difficult in manipulating, I then used stocking to imitate the relaxed surface formed by the bubble in the pyramid. Stocking is a perfect material in model for membrane since it is good in stretching.

3 faces

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Prototype 1

From the experiment of playing with bubble and stocking, I came up with a prototype that devel-oped from the relaxed surface technique and decided to use stocking for its great flexibility and ability to withstand tensional force. I used the ma-terials that I had in my tool box for the connection and joints. The 3 long bolts were used as the main support of the tensile structure, the nuts clamped the stocking and served as the anchor point that could move up and down. The bottom of the bolts were secured with a cable locker. While the tensional force tended to pull the 3 bolts towards the middle, I used a cable wire to attach the ends to the ground by hooks.

The structure is extremely flexible as the anchor points can be changed horizontally and vertically to meet the conditions on site. Its joints should also be flexible to reduce the effect of wind/snow load. To test effect of external pressure on the material, I applied a force on top of the membrane to see how far it could stretch to.

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Fig 14 Linear structure Fig 15 Edge cable with clamp

Fig 16 Single hinge base plate Fig 17 Ball & socket base plate

Fig 18 Cable and membrane connection

Fig 19 Tension rod Fig 20 steel cable

Construction of Tensile Structure

In the real world construction for a tensile struc-ture, flexible connections are commonly used as they are simple to fabricate, easy to connect and economic. The linear steel member is used to connect to cable and membrane to hold up the structure (Fig 17). It is usually joint with base plate by either simple hinge (fig 19) that allows lateral movements or ball and socket base plate (fig 20) that allow complex movement. Edge cables (fig 18) are usually clamped with the membrane, they

are not fixed such that the effect of wind load is lessened. The cable and cable loop (fig 21) stretch the membrane and relieve the pressure at the connec-tion point. A tension rod (fig 22) can be used to joint two cables together because a single span of cable might experience more live forces and break under tensional force. Steel cables (fig 23) are strong members in tension that is a perfect mate-rial for tensile structure.

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Fig 21 Arches to shape the facric membrane

Prototype 2 & Construction

The second prototype used fiberglass cloth as the membrane and the cable wire as the arches. Wo-ven strand fiberglass cloth is good in stretching and often used as a substrate on metal or timber surface. However, the cloth gets a fuzzy edge on trimming. The cable wire is very tough, it took a long time to cut the wire by a bolt cutter. However due to its flexibility, it is suitable for the cable ele-ment in a larger scale model for the tensile struc-ture.

Prototype 2 explores the possibilities of relaxed surface in a truss and membrane roof structure (fig 24) in the real world that can be applied to places such as exhibition hall, botanic garden, and open space performance centre.

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B.6 TECHNIQUE: PROPOSALCollingwood Children’s Farm

Reasons for chosen site

As I explored along the Merri Creek, few pedas-trians were seen in most of the areas. Due to the lack of landscape designing, the rail along the creek gives a sense of insecurity. However, in the Collingwood Children’s farm, families are happy to gather here, because there are activities that both parents and kids would enjoy;

Possible activities on site

Dinning, barbecue, dog walking, horse riding, honey collecting, animal feeding, and other edu-cational programs.

Proposal

To create a space that provide interactive and playful experience for parents and kids; Func-tional purpose such as performance, gathering, educational programs for participants through the use of relaxed surface technology.

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Fig 22 Site in relation to CBD

Fig 23 The Collingwood Children’s Farm

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Fig 24 Site Topography

Topography

Site Topography in Rhino

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Topography

Site Topography in Rhino

The site is generally flat and descend gradually to-wards the river. It is an open green space enclosed by the river and the houses in the farm.

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TENSILE STRUCUTRE ON SITE

Images on the right is a showcase of the tensile structure with membrane in a natural environ-ment setting. It fulfills the requirement of the design criteria that I proposed in part B2 and the proposal I mentioned earlier. The layout of the form is extremely flexible as anchor points can be moved according to the needs. The structure provided a space for both people and animals and has a potential to be developed into a more sophisticated and complex form.

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The technique can be further developed by pat-terning. Images on the right is an example show-ing possibilities when patterning is applied to the relaxed surface. The variation of the shadow of the patterns can be interactive with the participants as the sunlight changes its orientation. Pattern-ing also made it possible for rigid materials to form the relaxed surface, the Giraffe Pavilion is an good example of using laser cutting plywood panels to create a dynamic relaxed surface. (fig 14 &15)

Fig 25 The “Giraffe Pavilion” by Harris Lewis and John Harding

Fig 26 Interior plate connection

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Patterns of shadow in daytime

Pavilion tnear water Pavilion in nigh time

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B.7 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

Objective 2 “An ability to generate a variety of design pos-sibilities for a given situation”

From the case studies, I have explored extensively in a specific field “geometry”. This provided me with opportunities of familiarizing with the con-cept of mesh and surface, the spring and Kangr-oophysics definitions. The knowledge and prac-tice enables me to develop my own definitions for design proposals.

Objective 3“Skills in various three dimensional media”

Throughout the studies of parametric design in studios, I have been familiarizing with grasshop-per and until this stage I could propose solu-tions to a given situation using this technique. It enhanced my experience in logical thinking and troubleshooting skills and also helped improving my Rhino skills.

Objective 6Capabilities for conceptual, technical and design analyses of contemporary architectural projects.

From Part A to Part B, we have studied case stud-ies with regard to a specific concept or technique. From this I have obtained the ability in research for new materials, technologies and parametric design solutions and able to analyse the results and make the skill mine.

Objective 8

Developing a personalised repertoire of com-putational techniques substantiated by the understanding of their advantages, disadvan-tages and areas of application.

From analysing the case studies and iterations of each techniques, the potentials and limitations of a technique became clear to me. It informs me in my design process and fabrication for what needs to be avoided and what could be applied to my problems.

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B.7 LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES

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B.8 APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

Inspired by studio and online tutorial, the spider web algorithmic task was considered to be the most successful ones according to my opinion. By using the voronoi definition together with the cull pattern and graph mapper definitions interesting and unexpected results were created .

The uniform and balanced patterns can be po-tentially applied to architecture. Through the use of kangroo spring and kangroo physics, a relaxed surface can be made with those patterns which is extremely innovative in modern designs.

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B.8 APPENDIX - ALGORITHMIC SKETCHES

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REFERENCE1.Qing Pana and Guoliang Xu, ‘Construction of Minimal Subdivision Surface With A Given Bound-ary’, Computer-Aided Design, (2009). 2. LAVA, Green Void (2013) <http://www.l-a-v-a.net/projects/green-void/> [accessed 8 April 2015].3.Céline Aude, Past and future of grid shell structures (Cambridge, MA, US: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007).4.Céline Aude, Past and future of grid shell structures (Cambridge, MA, US: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007).5.Céline Aude, Past and future of grid shell structures (Cambridge, MA, US: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2007).6.Cullinan Studio, The Inventive design and Construction of Downland Gridshell (2015) <http://cul-linanstudio.com/project/downland-gridshell> [accessed 21 April 2015].7.Cullinan Studio, The Inventive design and Construction of Downland Gridshell (2015) <http://cul-linanstudio.com/project/downland-gridshell> [accessed 21 April 2015].8.Cullinan Studio, The Inventive design and Construction of Downland Gridshell (2015) <http://cul-linanstudio.com/project/downland-gridshell> [accessed 21 April 2015].

Pictures:

Fig1. Qing Pana and Guoliang Xu, ‘Construction of Minimal Subdivision Surface With A Given Bound-ary’, Computer-Aided Design, (2009). Fig2. DEZEEN Magazine, Green Void By Lava (2008) <http://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/16/green-void-by-lava/> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig3. DEZEEN Magazine, Green Void By Lava (2008) <http://www.dezeen.com/2008/12/16/green-void-by-lava/> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig4. MATSYS, SG2012 Gridshell (2012) <http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [ac-cessed 8 April 2015].Fig5. MATSYS, SG2012 Gridshell (2012) <http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [ac-cessed 8 April 2015].Fig6. MATSYS, SG2012 Gridshell (2012) <http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [ac-cessed 8 April 2015].Fig7. MATSYS, SG2012 Gridshell (2012) <http://matsysdesign.com/2012/04/13/sg2012-gridshell/> [ac-cessed 8 April 2015].Fig8. YouTube, Frei Otto : Soap Films And Tents (2013) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxeUFVVfVrQ> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig9. YouTube, Frei Otto : Soap Films And Tents (2013) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxeUFVVfVrQ> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig10. YouTube, Frei Otto : Soap Films And Tents (2013) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxeUFVVfVrQ> [accessed 8 April 2015].

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Fig11. YouTube, Frei Otto and the Munich Olympic Stadium (2012) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K421pXdUPNw> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig12. YouTube, Frei Otto and the Munich Olympic Stadium (2012) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K421pXdUPNw> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig13. YouTube, Frei Otto and the Munich Olympic Stadium (2012) <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K421pXdUPNw> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig14. Fabric Architecture, Tension Structure Connection Details (2010) <http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/0110_ce_connection.html> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig15. Fabric Architecture, Tension Structure Connection Details (2010) <http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/0110_ce_connection.html> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig16. Fabric Architecture, Tension Structure Connection Details (2010) <http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/0110_ce_connection.html> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig17. Fabric Architecture, Tension Structure Connection Details (2010) <http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/0110_ce_connection.html> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig18. Fabric Architecture, Tension Structure Connection Details (2010) <http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/0110_ce_connection.html> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig19. ArchiExpo, Bridon Products (2012) <http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/bridon/connector-cylindri-cal-tensile-structures-65373-462651.html#product-item_462181> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig20. ArchiExpo, Bridon Products (2012) <http://www.archiexpo.com/prod/bridon/connector-cylindri-cal-tensile-structures-65373-462651.html#product-item_462181> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig21. Fabric Architecture, Tension Structure Connection Details (2010) <http://fabricarchitecturemag.com/articles/0110_ce_connection.html> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig22. Google Maps, Melbourne (2015) <https://www.google.com.au/maps> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig23. Google Maps, Melbourne (2015) <https://www.google.com.au/maps> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig24. Land Chanel, Topography (2015) <http://services.land.vic.gov.au/maps/interactive.jsp> [ac-cessed 8 April 2015].Fig25. Architectural Art In Wood, Sculpting the Future (2012) <https://architecturalartinwood.word-press.com/2012/10/29/sculpting-the-future-2/> [accessed 8 April 2015].Fig 26. Architectural Art In Wood, Sculpting the Future (2012) <https://architecturalartinwood.word-press.com/2012/10/29/sculpting-the-future-2/> [accessed 8 April 2015].

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PART C

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PART C

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C.1 DESIGN CONCEPT

From the presentation feedback, I decided to further develop the tensile system closely with the site condition and with the concept “interaction”. As the membrane system can hardly provide any interaction between the materials and the users, I decide to adopt the cable system for users to walk and climb on. It also provides shading.

Reflection on Feedback

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Reflection on Feedback

Fig 27 Brazil pavilion at Expo Milan 2015

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Collingwood Children’s Farm Market

The market that operates once a month in the Collingwood Children’s Farm is the major income of the farm. About 60-70 farmers come to the farm and set up the stall to sell their products. During the event there is also performance such as cello playing. My project is then developed to provide a space for the activities on the market day.

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Collingwood Children’s Farm Market

Fig 28 The Saturday market

Fig 29 Stall arrangement on the market day

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Collingwood Children’s Farm Bonfire

The winter solstice bonfire in June offers activiti es such as the lantern parade, storytelling, drum performance, fire twirling. The project could also potentially develope to provide a multifunctional space for lantern showcase, dining and perfor-mances.

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Collingwood Children’s Farm Bonfire

Fig 30 Winter Solstice Bonfire

Fig 31 Lantern parade

Fig 32 Storytelling for children

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Concept

The project focuses on the interaction between people and between architecture and users. It benefits users such as parents, children, farmers, visitors, and the staffs by enhancing their expe-rience of the activities in the farm. The design aims to reduce greenhouse gas by using minimal amount of materials and by using efficient spatial arrangement .

Due to the flexibility of the position of the anchor points, the tensile structure can be applied to al-most any situation. As the site is generally flat, the structure can be anchored to the ground and col-umn with suitable connections that I introduced in Part B of the journal.

The technique can be developed to be a shading system because cables net can block away part of the sunlight and it can also be designed into a playground for users on the site. This duality al-lows the technique to be multifunctional to cope with different needs of the stakeholders.

Inspired by the Brazil Pavilion at Milan Expo for making the tensile structure as the walking bridge , the users can feel the texture of the material by walking and climbing on the structure. From one of the user experience feedback, the cable net was stronger than she thought, and fun to walk on it. As the cable net system is extremely good in stretching, high and low position can be achieved by using the fixed anchor point.

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Concept

Fig 33 Collingwood Children’s Farm

Fig 34 Brazil Pavilion at Milan Expo 2015

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Form Finding Process

From the case study of the National Aquatics Cen-ter in Beijing in Part A of my journal, we know that the pentagons are efficient in spatial arrangement because it uses minimal surface to create the largest area. It is also quick and accurate generate zoning of space using the voronoi technique.

A series of voronoi patterns are generated on ex-perienmenting for the market and the winter sol-

stice bonfire activities on site. Finally the last op-tion marked in red was selected as the base plan for the project due to its evenly distributed and balanced variation of space.

The reverse engineering shows the process of generating the voronoi from a series of points and a boundary rectangle. The final form was oriented according to the site topography.

Reverse engineering

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Form Finding Process

movement pattern

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The ground floor voronoi plan is not only good in zoning, it controls the movement pattern and lead users to different directions of the site. The first layer of cable net system serves as a bridge to di-rect users who enters the site from the north entry to explore the net system and heading down to the south of the pavilion. The 3 loops are designed to connect to the second layer of cable net system to integrate the two layers of tensile structure.The second layer of the cable net is the shading system that blocks part of the sunlight to provide a shelter space.

Base plan movement First layer of cable net movement pattern

6 large loops are open to release the pressure at the point where the structure experiences most of the tension and receive the sunlight for natural lighting through the loops. The 3 small loops of the second layer of membrane connects with the first layers loops to form a tree trunk like structure to hold the net down in the middle where us-ers are able to climb on it. Live load such as wind pressure coming from all direction need to be considered in the design of connections as it often tends to lift the tensile structure up.

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First layer of cable net movement pattern Second layer shading system

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Workflow

Curves Quad Panels

Curves ExtrusionTrim Base

Geometry

Brep Joint CurveBrep Edge Discontinuity

End Point Line Brep Edge DupLn KangarooPhysics

Line

The base input curves of the two layers of net are obtained from the voronoi plan, the loops are centered around the structurally support columns. The lunchbox definition “Quad Panels” were used to create the grid line surfaces and the spacing could be easily controlled through the input UV division numbers. The spacing of the grids depends on the func-tions of the two cable nets, the first layer of cable net is for users to step on, therefore smaller spac-ing is needed such that users’ feet would not fall between the net. The spacing of the second layer of cable net depends on how much sunlight it oughts to block.The anchor points are supposed to be sufficient to support the structure and avoid the main circula-tion path. The anchor points at the loops of the second layer of cable net are oriented towards north to receive sunlight (east elevation)

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East elevation

South elevation

Composition

Workflow

Plan

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C.2 TECTONIC ELEMENTS & PROTOTYPE

crimp beads &beading wire

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C.2 TECTONIC ELEMENTS & PROTOTYPE

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To test out the tensile structure, i have tested with several materials such as stockings, birds net, fibre glass cloth, soft clothing fabrics... and finally I chose fishing net because it is stretchy and easy to trim. However, unlike the real cable system, the fishing net is only stretchy in one way and poor in stretching in the other direction therefore it requires a greater length of materials in the poor stretching direction.

A square box made of digital fabricated perspex board with holes was used to test out the strucu-tre as a prototype. The fishing nets are secured to

the wall of the transparent panels with crimp beads and beading wire, the net was stretched by botls and nuts that secured on the perspex panels to create gradients. The connections in this prototype serves as the anchor points while the fhishing net is the input geometry in my previous definitions.

Although, the fishing net is not as stretchy as the stockings and fabrics, and the gradient it creates is not as smooth, I still decided using this material for the final model as it is a better display of how tensional force acting on the net.

poor in stretching

good in stretching

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By digital fabrication, the model making process saved much time than hand making. The hand made voronoi plate is almost impossible as ac-curate as the laser cut one. I then developed the main supporting elements for the final detailed model by a flexible connection using laser cut MDF board which consists of a bolted base, two sticks with holes that can be connected and ad-justed with length, and a cap with 4 small holes for the wire to pass through at the top. The tensile structure needs flexible connections as movement allows releasing of wind pressure. In this model, the “columns” can be rotated such that the loops can be facing north. The extent of web stretches can also be adjusted by chaning the length of the “columns”.

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C.3 FINAL DESIGN AND MODEL

Making first layer of cable net

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C.3 FINAL DESIGN AND MODEL

Detailed connection at the anchor point

Details at the loop connection with the column

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C.3 FINAL DESIGN & MODEL

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C.3 FINAL DESIGN & MODEL

Lighting effect

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Effect of users walking on the first layer of cable net

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Loop onnection of two layers