EOI_531876_mengdan yang air journal part B

ARCHITECTURE DESIGN STUDIO AIR 2013 MENGDAN YANG

Group memberBrian Han & Elsie Zheng

Tutor Daniel & Adam

CONTEXT 1 INTRODUCTION3 PART A. CASE FOR INNOVATION3 A.1. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE 9 A.2. COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE15 A.3. PARAMETRIC MODELLING21 A.4. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATION22 A.5. CONCLUSION23 A.6. LEARNING OUTCOMES24 REFERENCE23 PART B. DESIGN APPROACH23 B.1. DESIGN FOCUS29 B.2. CASE STUDY 1.035 B.3. CASE STUDY 2.041 B.4. TECHNIQUE: DEVELOPMENT45 B.5. TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES51 B.6. TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL53 B.7. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES56 REFERENCE

INTRODUCTION

Hello everyone,

my name is Mengdan Yang, also be called as Meg. I am an international student from South of China and I went to Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School in Melbourne for two years before come to university. Currently, this is my third year study of bach-elor of Environments and I am major-ing in architecture. I think architec-ture is an interesting but challenging courses as it is always combining with different parts of knowledge to finalize the creative and complex outcome.

For digital programming, I have used Rhino in my first year study in Virtual Environ-ments. I found it is very hard during the design process, because I was unfamiliar with the software. It was more like a tool rather than a design program for me. However the final outcome is almost successful, it also gave me a chance to realize how digital design can help us achieve from a design concept to a real physical project. This was just a simple start of my digital study, the aim of doing design studio air will be devel-oping the technical skill of using Rhino by learning Grasshopper (the algorithm editor integrated with Rhino),in the meantime to help me understand digital and parametric architecture further in depth.

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MY PREVIOUS WORK

THE BODYSPACE PROJECT VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT 2011

The brief of this project is to design a complex geometrical structure which will be fabricated using paper and can be worn on our body. Overall the final model is successful, even though there can be some improvement of model connecting. The out-come of this project is not just the model, but the ability of thinking and creating by practices. Before doing this course, I cannot think to make a lantern based on per-sonal understanding of a natural process. The model looks simple, but the creating process is com-plex and time consuming. I think it is same for all design and archi-tecture work, the truth is the more time we spend will give us a more satisfied outcome.

It is also an amazing experience to watch every-one wearing their lantern on Parade at the end. It is exciting that everyone all has different outcome based on a simple brief. I did not known what I can achieve at the end, at the start, it was all about ideas and thinking. Than the concept becomes more complex and require us to transfer the de-sign ideas into a real project. This process included modeling,digitizing and fabrication. This complex process require us to understand different discipline knowledge. In today’s architecture industry, hav-ing a new idea is not good enough to achieve an amazing project, the final outcome will be ef-fected by modeling process, digital technique and construction process. 2

PART A. CASE FOR INNOVATION

A.1. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

A.1. ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

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Much of what we know of institutions, the distribution of power, social relations, cultural values, and everyday life is mediated by the built environment.

Dutton, Thomas A. and Lian Hurst Mann, eds (1996). Reconstructing Architecture: Critical Discourses and Social Practices (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press), p. 1

ARCHITECTURE AS DISCOURSE

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In order to build the basis of our argument for an architectural solution for the Gateway project, we need to firstly understand the concept of architecture. What is architecture? The defini-tion can be various. The most familiar definition will be described architecture as buildings and physical structure or a piece of art and science of designing. However, these definitions limit the meaning of architecture by focusing on the temporary external appearance of the building and ignoring the ongoing communication process which architecture has to achieve engaged with its surrounding environment, users and everyone participated over long period of time. In Richard Williams’s article ‘Architecture and Visual Culture’ he claims that architecture as art is in many respects the default mode of architecture writing. Instead of seeing architecture as some individuals’ personal art work, we are more likely to agree that is a uniquely compromised art. The reason can be

- It existing because a client allows it to exist.- The client determines the function of a project and its specification, location and cost.- The architect must work within the limitation of a location.- Work with other professional: engineer, quantity surveyors, building contractor etc.- The idea of authorship in architecture is highly complex.- They are practices that involve social, commercial network and institutions.

Overall, architecture needs to be analysed as discourse , which everyone can be participated with. In the other hand, the consumption of architecture can be based on the understanding of it as sign and its spatial experience. Therefor it will be a better idea to consider architecture as a network of practices and debates about the built environment rather than just focusing on one single aspect such as material, structure or design concept.

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PRECEDENT 1 SANAA : DIOR IN OMOTESANDO, TOKYO 2003

This building is located in Omotesando, along with Ginza. It is the most important commercial areas in Tokyo, which dedicated to the fashion and housing a constellation of the worlds’ most famous fashion brands. There are many notable works by major Japanese and international architecture firms. Such as Spiral Buidling by Fumihiko Maki and Prada by Herzog and DeMeuron.According to the special condition of the site, build a functional building will not meet the client’s needs. Kazuyo Sejima says “Mr. Amault is a very rich man, and he wants to sell as much Dior as possible”, this is the basic requirement by the client. Even though the architects are not so interested in it, they have to consider it first and try to achieve it in their own way. This shows the difference between architecture to other art, again it is more like a uniquely compromised art. Based on these, Sejima come out the design idea of separating the exterior and interior. The exterior is very beautiful and attractive to their buyers who want to buy pretty goods and feels themselves special, behind the beautiful wall will be the Dior Company’s intention. Here, the architects want to keep some conflict between their appearance and intention.Similar to other projects the SANAA office has done, the proposal for this Dior building is minimalist and simple. In her design, Sejima likes to use clear modernist elements such as glass to keep the structure looks simple and to allow the interior space be involved within the outside world. Based on a conceptual “skin”, the Dior building creates a feeling of visual interaction in different degree with the interior of the building by using prism of glass and metal. Additionally, a translucent acrylic coating is placed behind the glass to create a beautiful designable façade according to the architectural principle of SANNA. Because of different opacity of acrylic at each level, the lighting effects seen from outside is varies. Especially at night, the building looks like wearing thin lightweight clothing like a beautiful girl. This façade design is according to the architectural principles of SANAA, however I think it also help to achieve the client’s intention by attracting their customer walking into the store. I have been to this place two years ago, I feel like this building is a beautiful girl stand along the street and is the highlight of the street with its shining ‘skin’. I believe their customer will feel same as me, and feel like to walk into the store and become special like this ‘Pretty girl’ (Dior store). SANNA office achieves their design purpose by showing their design concept as well as meeting their client’s requirement. I think it is a great example of architecture as discourse.

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PRECEDENT 1 SANAA : DIOR IN OMOTESANDO, TOKYO 2003

This building is located in Omotesando, along with Ginza. It is the most important commercial areas in Tokyo, which dedicated to the fashion and housing a constellation of the worlds’ most famous fashion brands. There are many notable works by major Japanese and international architecture firms. Such as Spiral Buidling by Fumihiko Maki and Prada by Herzog and DeMeuron.According to the special condition of the site, build a functional building will not meet the client’s needs. Kazuyo Sejima says “Mr. Amault is a very rich man, and he wants to sell as much Dior as possible”, this is the basic requirement by the client. Even though the architects are not so interested in it, they have to consider it first and try to achieve it in their own way. This shows the difference between architecture to other art, again it is more like a uniquely compromised art. Based on these, Sejima come out the design idea of separating the exterior and interior. The exterior is very beautiful and attractive to their buyers who want to buy pretty goods and feels themselves special, behind the beautiful wall will be the Dior Company’s intention. Here, the architects want to keep some conflict between their appearance and intention.Similar to other projects the SANAA office has done, the proposal for this Dior building is minimalist and simple. In her design, Sejima likes to use clear modernist elements such as glass to keep the structure looks simple and to allow the interior space be involved within the outside world. Based on a conceptual “skin”, the Dior building creates a feeling of visual interaction in different degree with the interior of the building by using prism of glass and metal. Additionally, a translucent acrylic coating is placed behind the glass to create a beautiful designable façade according to the architectural principle of SANNA. Because of different opacity of acrylic at each level, the lighting effects seen from outside is varies. Especially at night, the building looks like wearing thin lightweight clothing like a beautiful girl. This façade design is according to the architectural principles of SANAA, however I think it also help to achieve the client’s intention by attracting their customer walking into the store. I have been to this place two years ago, I feel like this building is a beautiful girl stand along the street and is the highlight of the street with its shining ‘skin’. I believe their customer will feel same as me, and feel like to walk into the store and become special like this ‘Pretty girl’ (Dior store). SANNA office achieves their design purpose by showing their design concept as well as meeting their client’s requirement. I think it is a great example of architecture as discourse.

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PRECEDENT 2 Frank Lloyd Wright :Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 1959

Solomon R. Guggenheim museum opened to the public on 1959 and it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1943, Weight was commissioned to design a building to house the Museum of Non-objective Painting, the director of the museum instructed Wright “I want a temple of spirit, a monument!” This masterpiece was recognized as an architectural landmark immediately as it opened after six month of Weight’s death. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum can be regard as the most important building of Wright’s late career. As required by the director of the museum, this museum becomes a monument to modernism under Wright’s design. It is the unique architecture of space, with its spiral ramp riding to a domed skylight, continues to thrill visitors and provide a unique forum for the presentation of contemporary art. In the words of Paul Goldberger, “Wright’s building made it socially and culturally acceptable for an architect design a highly expressive, intensely personal museum. In this sense almost every museum of our time is a child of the Guggenheim”However, regarding to the financial reason, Wright’s proposed ten- story tower behind the smaller rotunda went unrealized. Refer to the concept of architec-ture as discourse mentioned before, architecture is an ongoing communication process, if the users cannot value them in architect’s original design purpose, than change need to be made. In 1990, the Wright building was closed to the public to enable the expansion and a major interior restoration by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates. They converted the storage and office into galleries, and improved the exbition capabilities of the museum without detracting from Wright’s original design. The tower's simple facade and grid pattern highlight Wright's unique spiral design and serves as a backdrop to the rising urban land-scape behind the museum. It is now continue to work as a main museum and landmark building in the center of New York City.

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PRECEDENT 2 Frank Lloyd Wright :Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum 1959

Solomon R. Guggenheim museum opened to the public on 1959 and it was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1943, Weight was commissioned to design a building to house the Museum of Non-objective Painting, the director of the museum instructed Wright “I want a temple of spirit, a monument!” This masterpiece was recognized as an architectural landmark immediately as it opened after six month of Weight’s death. The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum can be regard as the most important building of Wright’s late career. As required by the director of the museum, this museum becomes a monument to modernism under Wright’s design. It is the unique architecture of space, with its spiral ramp riding to a domed skylight, continues to thrill visitors and provide a unique forum for the presentation of contemporary art. In the words of Paul Goldberger, “Wright’s building made it socially and culturally acceptable for an architect design a highly expressive, intensely personal museum. In this sense almost every museum of our time is a child of the Guggenheim”However, regarding to the financial reason, Wright’s proposed ten- story tower behind the smaller rotunda went unrealized. Refer to the concept of architec-ture as discourse mentioned before, architecture is an ongoing communication process, if the users cannot value them in architect’s original design purpose, than change need to be made. In 1990, the Wright building was closed to the public to enable the expansion and a major interior restoration by Gwathmey Siegel & Associates. They converted the storage and office into galleries, and improved the exbition capabilities of the museum without detracting from Wright’s original design. The tower's simple facade and grid pattern highlight Wright's unique spiral design and serves as a backdrop to the rising urban land-scape behind the museum. It is now continue to work as a main museum and landmark building in the center of New York City.

PART A. CASE FOR INNOVATION

A.2. COMPUATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

A.2. COMPUATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

“ The dominant mode of utilizing computers in archi-tecture today is that of COMPUTERIZATION; ENTITies or processes that are already conceptualized in the de-signer’s mind are entered, manipulated, or stored on a computer system. In contrast, COMPUTATION or COM-PUTING, as a computer-based design tool, is generally limited.” Terzidis, Kostas(2006). Algorithmic Architecture(Bosten, MA:Elsevier),P.xi

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COMUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

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Problem analysis plays an important role in the process of design. It allows us to un-cover the roots causes, which can help devise the means to solve the problem. How-ever, there is often limited information contained to solve the problem. At this point, the designer need to make difficult tradeoffs between multiple and conflicting goals, and then guess whose outcome cannot be reliably predicted. Relying on intuition and cre-ativity will help to overcome these difficulties. But unlike art, architecture design is an activity that deals with externally imposed constrains which can include site condition, climate, cost, client requirement. These require architecture to conclude the design process by both analysis the problem and be creative at the same time. Computers as a sign of modernism are effective analytical engines, which can help designer to improve the efficiency of design process by analyzing problem in a fast and accurate way. However they are machine, they lack the creative abilities and intuition. Hence the evolution of design process will be making human and computer work together as a powerful symbiotic design system, while computer can contribute their superb rational and search abilities and human can contribute all the creativity and intuition needed to find out the most suitable solution of the design. The evolution of architecture design process is related to digital information revolution which has a similar scale and influence as the industrial revolution happened before. Using computer during the design process is like share the information between human and computer. It is can be seen as a communication process. However, the challenge will be the difficulties of communicate information from human to computer. In order to deal with this problem, the computational systems has developed to provide differ-ent level of assistance to help human design by taking care different part of the design process. For example, if the system was ranged by drafting and modeling, the role of computer will be limited in drawing lines and other geometrical entities. (Such as the different strength of Rhino and Auto CAD) These different types of the system help de-signer in different area and ways, it is useful to achieve different outcome. Again, the role of communication will become more important between computer and human and also human to human to allow the design information be understood and trans-ferred by everyone participated.

How computer has engaged within the revolution of design process?How does computer affect the design process? What are the going and incoming changes within design and con-struction industries? How does computation impact on the range of conceivable and achievable geometries? What does computer contribute to evidence – and performance- oriented designing? What unique opportunities and innovations it pres-ents and how does these concepts relate to preceding archi-tecture theory?

PRECEDENT 3 Frank Gehry :Guggenheim Museum(1997), Bilbo, Spain 1997

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Frank Gehry’s Guggenheium Museum in Bilbao is described as the most known example which captures the zeitgeist of the digital information revolution. Similar to the industry revolution, the new information age is challenging not only how we design building but also how we manufacture and construct them. “In the conceptual realm, computational, digital architecture of topological, non-euclidean geometric space, kinetic and dynamic systems, and genetic algo-rithms, are supplanting technological architecture.” Since the appearance of computer aided design, which was used to produce the construction drawing in a more professional and accurate way, the technologies have started to have an impact on building design and construction practices. This program allow archi-tect to produce a more complex form and also produce construction drawing into a large scale with details. This is not only benefit to the design process, it also require the architect’s professional knowledge about structure and material. By using this program, architect can analysis and design at the same time, hence the final design will become more practical toward the construction process. As CAD programs made the construction drawing process more accurate and simple to approach, it allow the designer to build up a more complex geometric design which can be located at the required space and engaged with its surrounding environments and people participated. Architecture also has been revolu-tionized by collaboration with computer numerical control machines (CNCS). Using Rhino with plug- in editor Grasshopper is architects’ typically way to design for CNC. This allows the architect design the forms by calculating based on construction efficiency. The Guggenheim Museum in Bibao is the first implement of this system. After winning the commission with their curvy model, Frank Gehry and his partner started to find the way of making the design into a reality. After they realized the existing architecture design program may not suffice at this point, they turned to more powerful software(CATIA) which is designed for the airplane and automotive industry. Except the heavy duty structure issue of the facade, the final outcome is very successful based on the more efficient construction way and less building cost.

PRECEDENT 3 Frank Gehry :Guggenheim Museum(1997), Bilbo, Spain 1997

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Frank Gehry’s Guggenheium Museum in Bilbao is described as the most known example which captures the zeitgeist of the digital information revolution. Similar to the industry revolution, the new information age is challenging not only how we design building but also how we manufacture and construct them. “In the conceptual realm, computational, digital architecture of topological, non-euclidean geometric space, kinetic and dynamic systems, and genetic algo-rithms, are supplanting technological architecture.” Since the appearance of computer aided design, which was used to produce the construction drawing in a more professional and accurate way, the technologies have started to have an impact on building design and construction practices. This program allow archi-tect to produce a more complex form and also produce construction drawing into a large scale with details. This is not only benefit to the design process, it also require the architect’s professional knowledge about structure and material. By using this program, architect can analysis and design at the same time, hence the final design will become more practical toward the construction process. As CAD programs made the construction drawing process more accurate and simple to approach, it allow the designer to build up a more complex geometric design which can be located at the required space and engaged with its surrounding environments and people participated. Architecture also has been revolu-tionized by collaboration with computer numerical control machines (CNCS). Using Rhino with plug- in editor Grasshopper is architects’ typically way to design for CNC. This allows the architect design the forms by calculating based on construction efficiency. The Guggenheim Museum in Bibao is the first implement of this system. After winning the commission with their curvy model, Frank Gehry and his partner started to find the way of making the design into a reality. After they realized the existing architecture design program may not suffice at this point, they turned to more powerful software(CATIA) which is designed for the airplane and automotive industry. Except the heavy duty structure issue of the facade, the final outcome is very successful based on the more efficient construction way and less building cost.

PRECEDENT 4 ARCHITECT FUTURE SYSTEM: LORD’S MEDIA CENTRE, LONDON,UK 1999

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Architecture as a new industry been revolutionized by the digital technology in its design process, it is important to learn from other profound industries in order to adopt of innovative technologies. As described by Kolarevic (2003) that buildings and ships are similar in many ways, architects and builders have much more to learn from the shipbuilding industry. For example, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum will not be achieved without the local steel and shipbuilding industry regarding to the its heavy structure issue. Another good example of architect made creative use of shipbuilder’s expertise will be office Future System’s project- The Natwest Media Centre at the lord’s Cricket Ground in London. “It was manufactured in a small shipyard in Cornwall, England, and then transport-ed in segments for assembly at the building’s site. The shipbuilder’s expertise in making aluminum yacht hulls was essential in designing and manufacturing the first semi-monocoque building structure from aluminum.”Today, the manufactured using digitally driven is used in various areas. From the construction process of The Natwest Media Centre, we can define that build-ings have the same potential to be digitally conceived and produce. However, there are also disadvantage of using software that are mainly be programmed for designer, this may limit the creativity of architecture design by creating forms based on the software. In Mark Burry’s book Scripting Cultures, he suggesst that scripting can provides unique opportunity for innovation to enable the designer to customize the software around their own predilections and modes of work-ing. Relate to the Gate Way project, using of Grasshopper plunged in Rhino will give us more opportunity to control and develop our design during our design process.

PRECEDENT 4 ARCHITECT FUTURE SYSTEM: LORD’S MEDIA CENTRE, LONDON,UK 1999

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Architecture as a new industry been revolutionized by the digital technology in its design process, it is important to learn from other profound industries in order to adopt of innovative technologies. As described by Kolarevic (2003) that buildings and ships are similar in many ways, architects and builders have much more to learn from the shipbuilding industry. For example, Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum will not be achieved without the local steel and shipbuilding industry regarding to the its heavy structure issue. Another good example of architect made creative use of shipbuilder’s expertise will be office Future System’s project- The Natwest Media Centre at the lord’s Cricket Ground in London. “It was manufactured in a small shipyard in Cornwall, England, and then transport-ed in segments for assembly at the building’s site. The shipbuilder’s expertise in making aluminum yacht hulls was essential in designing and manufacturing the first semi-monocoque building structure from aluminum.”Today, the manufactured using digitally driven is used in various areas. From the construction process of The Natwest Media Centre, we can define that build-ings have the same potential to be digitally conceived and produce. However, there are also disadvantage of using software that are mainly be programmed for designer, this may limit the creativity of architecture design by creating forms based on the software. In Mark Burry’s book Scripting Cultures, he suggesst that scripting can provides unique opportunity for innovation to enable the designer to customize the software around their own predilections and modes of work-ing. Relate to the Gate Way project, using of Grasshopper plunged in Rhino will give us more opportunity to control and develop our design during our design process.

PART A. CASE FOR INNOVATION

A.3. PARAMETRIC MODELLING

A.3. PARAMETRIC MODELLING

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“Post- modernism and deconstructiovism were mere transitional episodes” and parametricism will be “the great new style after modernism”

Schumacher, Partrik. 2010. “The Parametric Epoth: Let the style Wars be-gin.” Architecture’s Journal 231(16):41-45.

PARAMETRIC MODELLING

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Parametric modeling represents change in architecture design process. In an exclusive text for the AJ, Patrik Schumacher of Zaha Hadid Architects argues that the unified style of archi-tecture for the 21st century will be parametricism.

What is Parametric modeling?Its ‘ set of equations that express a set of quantities as explicit function of a number of inde-pendent variables, known as ‘ parameters’Weisstein 2003,2150

Negative principle-Avoid rigid form(lack of malleability)-Avoid simple repetition( lack of variety)-Avoid rigid functional stereotypes-Avoid segregative function zoning

Positive principle-All form must be soft-All system must be differentiated and interdependent-All functions are parametric activity scenarios-All activities communicate with each other

Parametric modeling introduces a fundamental change: “ Marks”, that is, parts of a design, relate and change together in a coordinated way. No longer must designers simply add and erase. They now add, erase and repair. (Woodbury 2010) To achieve this, it requires designer to consider the relationship between each elements, and regarding them as a whole sys-tem. Architecture is not only about designing and constructing a building for the clients, it is need to be regarded as a system of ongoing communication process. This can be the communi-cation between architect and client, communication between users and building even the communication between designer and computer. These results of these communications will influence the outcome of the project while they will help designer to make a further decision during the design process.Refer to the Gate Way Project, I believe that by using of parametric modeling under the concept of architecture as a discourse will produce a notable project. First, understanding of architecture will be contribute to the design idea to this project, then we need to analysis the site and brief to come out a design concept. Then the important part will be put the idea into digital software to find the most suitable solution to this project based on understanding the relationship between each elements.

PRECEDENT 5 ZAHA HADIA: BAKO FACTORY, DOWNTOWN BELGRADE, SERBIA UNBUILT

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Zaha Hadid is one of the pioneer of using parametric design. From her design of Bako factory in Serbia, we can clearly see the parametric modeling principle involved in. The overall soft surface is continued around the site. It maximizes the malleability of the structure and fit it into the site. This struc-ture provides a space for people to encounter and allow each function and activities can communication in this whole structure. However, the chal-lenge of this project will be the construction process, as the size of the building is much larger than the Natwest Media Centre, it will require a high level of manufactory product and construction practice to achieve the final construction. Based on using parametric modeling, her design are distinctively futuristic, which is characterized by the “ powerful, curving forms of her elongated structure” with “ multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry to evoke the chaos of modern life” (Zaha Hadid,2007)

PRECEDENT 5 ZAHA HADIA: BAKO FACTORY, DOWNTOWN BELGRADE, SERBIA UNBUILT

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Zaha Hadid is one of the pioneer of using parametric design. From her design of Bako factory in Serbia, we can clearly see the parametric modeling principle involved in. The overall soft surface is continued around the site. It maximizes the malleability of the structure and fit it into the site. This struc-ture provides a space for people to encounter and allow each function and activities can communication in this whole structure. However, the chal-lenge of this project will be the construction process, as the size of the building is much larger than the Natwest Media Centre, it will require a high level of manufactory product and construction practice to achieve the final construction. Based on using parametric modeling, her design are distinctively futuristic, which is characterized by the “ powerful, curving forms of her elongated structure” with “ multiple perspective points and fragmented geometry to evoke the chaos of modern life” (Zaha Hadid,2007)

PRECEDENT 6 HERZOG & DE MEURON: CHINA’S NATIONAL STADIUM, BEIJING, CHINA

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The Beijing National Stadium is another example of using parametric modeling. Construction began on the Beijing National Stadium on 23 December 2003 and was finished in early 2008.As the stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olymocs and Paralympics, China wanted to have something new for this very important public stadium. The brief is to design a stadium that was “porous” while also being “a collective building, a public vessel”. The design team wanted to achieve an optimum balance between making sure every spectator had a nice view and also creating a good atmosphere. They challenge for the structure is to get everyone close to the main venue, this rise the task of accurate calculation. In order to achieve the optimum design, parametric design is used to work out the sightlines, the bowl geometry, natural ventilation to keep the grass in good condition, seismic studies and the design of the façade. To make sure the web of twisting steel sections can be fitted together to follow the surface, a compli-cated calculation is engaged by using the software. The random looking ‘nest’ is not simple as it be looked as, it following the rules of geometry and contains 36 km of unwrapped steel. These outcomes are all benefit from parametric calculation. AS both the example of parametric design, Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry has more heavy structure and façade compared to Beijing Na-tional Stadium. This also indicates the innovation ways of making space and sustainability approach.

PRECEDENT 6 HERZOG & DE MEURON: CHINA’S NATIONAL STADIUM, BEIJING, CHINA

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The Beijing National Stadium is another example of using parametric modeling. Construction began on the Beijing National Stadium on 23 December 2003 and was finished in early 2008.As the stadium was designed for use throughout the 2008 Summer Olymocs and Paralympics, China wanted to have something new for this very important public stadium. The brief is to design a stadium that was “porous” while also being “a collective building, a public vessel”. The design team wanted to achieve an optimum balance between making sure every spectator had a nice view and also creating a good atmosphere. They challenge for the structure is to get everyone close to the main venue, this rise the task of accurate calculation. In order to achieve the optimum design, parametric design is used to work out the sightlines, the bowl geometry, natural ventilation to keep the grass in good condition, seismic studies and the design of the façade. To make sure the web of twisting steel sections can be fitted together to follow the surface, a compli-cated calculation is engaged by using the software. The random looking ‘nest’ is not simple as it be looked as, it following the rules of geometry and contains 36 km of unwrapped steel. These outcomes are all benefit from parametric calculation. AS both the example of parametric design, Guggenheim Museum designed by Frank Gehry has more heavy structure and façade compared to Beijing Na-tional Stadium. This also indicates the innovation ways of making space and sustainability approach.

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A.4. ALGORITHMIC EXPLORATION

A.5. CONCLUSION

Here are two simple example of my algorithmic exploration, they are based on points, lines and curve. By doing this, I understood the essential feature of an algorithm is that it is made up of a finite set of rules or operations that are unambiguous and simple to follow. By connecting each elements in Grasshopper and defined them in number slide, I understand the concept of definite and effec-tive. According to term of effective, I found it can be both advantage and disadvantage dur-ing the design process. When there are many command going on, it will be difficulties to find the problem and make change. At this stage, I think I do not have enough knowledge to deal with the technical problems. And I need to learn more and analysis the relationship between each algorith-mic elements. Otherwise, the outcome will not represent the design ideas.

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A.5. CONCLUSION

Architecture is not only about designing and constructing a building for the cli-ents, it is need to be regarded as a system of ongoing communication process. This can be the communication between architect and client, communication between users and building even the communication between designer and computer. These results of these communications will influence the outcome of the project while they will help designer to make a further decision during the design process.Refer to the Gate Way Project, I believe that by using of parametric modeling under the concept of architecture as a discourse will produce a notable proj-ect. First, understanding of architecture will be contribute to the design idea to this project, then we need to analysis the site and brief to come out a design concept. Then the important part will be put the idea into digital software to find the most suitable solution to this project based on understanding the rela-tionship between each elements.

A.6. LEARNING OUTCOME

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-In steading of seeing architecture as art, we are more likely to agree it is a uniquely compromised art which need to engage with everyone participated in.-When use computer to design a project, it is important to understand the differ-ence between computerization and computation. We need to ensure we use computerization to develop our design while computation will limit our idea. -The evolution of design process with computer will be making human and com-puter work together as a powerful symbiotic design system, while computer can contribute their superb rational and search abilities and human can contribute all the creativity and intuition needed to find out the most suitable solution of the design.-Parametric design can help to calculate the complex part of a geometric shape to allow it been achieved. -By design with computer, it is a good idea to learn from other industry such as shipbuilding which are profound adapted the innovation of technologies.

A.6. LEARNING OUTCOME

REFERENCE

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Anthony Askew, An Introduction to Parametric Design, uk. Accessed on 4 April 2013 from:http://anthonyaskew.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/an-introduction-to-parametric-design/

Burry, Mark (2011). Scripting Cultures: Architectural Design and Programming (Chichester: Wiley), pp. 8 - 71.

Definition of "algorithm" in Wilson, Robert A. and Frank C. Keil eds(1999) in The Mit Encyclopedia of Cognitive Science (London: The MIT Press) Yehuda E.

Guggenenheim, TheFrank Lloyd Wright Building, New York. Accessed on 3 April 2013 from http://www.guggenheim.org/new-york/about/frank-lloyd-wright-building

Kalay, Architecture's New Media : Principles, Theories, and Methods of Comput-er-Aided Design (Cambridge, Mass.: MIT Press, 2004), pp. 5 – 25.

Kolarevic, Branko, Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing (New York; London: Spon Press, 2003), pp. 28 – 62.

My Architecture Moleskine, Sanaa/ Kumilo Inui: Dior in Tokyo, Accessed on 4 April 2013 http://architecturalmoleskine.blogspot.com.au/2011/11/sanaa-ku-miko-inui-dior-in-tokyo.html

National Stadium ‘ Bird’s Nest” architecture, designbuild, Accessed on 4 April 2013 from: http://www.designbuild-network.com/projects/national_stadium/

Patrik Schumacher, 'Introduction : Architecture as Autopoietic System', in The Autopoiesis of Architecture (Chichester: J. Wiley, 2011), pp. 1 - 28.

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

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

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

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B.1. DESIGN FOCUS

The architectural profession is rapidly embracing digi-tal design technologies developed and applied in the framework of biologically inspired processes. Put simply, nature is the largest laboratory that ever existed and ever will. While biomimicry does not exclude emulating form, we are interested in the processes and systems in which all design resides.

Michael Fox (2009). Interactive Architecture(Princeton Architectural Pressosten)

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RESEARCH STREAM: BIOMIMICRY

As ‘nature is the largest laboratory that ever existed and ever will’. Our group wants to use biomimicry as our design approach to explore our design idea of Gate Way Project. Based on the concept of Architecture as Discourse, we would like to design an interactive architecture, ‘a continual and constructive information exchange. As people interact with architecture, they should not thought of as “users” but instead as “participant”. (Michael Fox 2009) project which will inspire and enrich the municipality in a long time period.

“The proposed site for the Western Gateway offers a high exposure location to those enter-ing the urban precinct of the municipality, as well as to those travelling along the freeway.” Under the design approach of biomimicry, we have researched the network system of biome, we find out network is an interesting and important system which are everywhere; it can be intracellular with our human body or in ecosystems or within a city, it can also be the social network of our human society. From the idea of network, we would like to make our Gate way Project to show a network system to highlight the significant growth of Wynd-ham city as part of social network in Victoria.

Back to a smaller scale and original points, our design inspiration will be taken from the network system of cell, while they have the same similarity with structure forming of fractal. they both have to be networked together in some optimal way for the system to function, to adapt to grow, to mitigate and to be long term resilient.(Geoffrey West) Our design will show the complexity of the system including the self repeating similarity and emergency system to show the difference. The growth of cell network will represent the growth of Wyn-dham City.

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PRECEDENT 7 CANOPY BY UNITED VISUAL ARTISTS

Inspired by• Experience of walking through the dappled light of a forest.• Form (Thousands of identical modules): abstracted from the geometry of leaves.

Brief:Canopy is the latest installation work form United Visual Artists commissioned by Cadillac Fair-view, Lanterra Developments & Maple Leaf Sports. It is a 90-metre long light sculpture spanning the front facade of the building, using massproduction and precise fabrication.

Materials : Powder coated steel, anodised aluminium, injection moulded polycarbonate, LED, Code

Dimensions: 90 metres x 3 metres

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Performance:During the day, apertures in the modules filter natural light to the street below.After dusk, particles of artificial light are born, navigate through the grid and die, their survival determined by regions of energy sweeping across the structure.

Outcome: Canopy as an example of digital design inspired by biological experience and form, evokes and reflects nature by its structure pattern and atmosphere it created at the site.

PRECEDENT 7 CANOPY BY UNITED VISUAL ARTISTS

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Philip Ball, Nature’s Patterns – Shapes, OxfordUniversity Press (Oxford), 2009, p. 17

[W]e can expect that [nature] will choose to create at least some complex forms not by laborious piece-by-piece construction but by harnessing some of the organisational and pattern-forming phenomena we see in the non-living world. Evolution, via genetics, can exploit, tame and tune such phenomena; but it does not necessarily generate them. If this is so, we can expect to see similarities in the forms and patterns of living and purely inorganic systems, and to be able to explain them both in the same manner.

PRECEDENT 8 THE RESEARCH PAVILION BY ICD AND ITKE

Brief:This Research Pavilion is constructed with 60 kilometres of carbon and glass fibre filaments, which winded by a programmed robot.

Material:Their research of lobster’s exoskeleton forwards them to design a structure that could be made from resinsatu-rated glass and carbon fibres laid down by a robot. The glass fibres mainly serve as the formwork for the layers, while the stiffer carbon fibres are responsible for the load transfer and rigidity.

Dimension: 8 metres across, 3 and 1/2 metres tall, 4mm thick

Inspired by: lobster’s exoskeleton The structure of the pavilion was based on their research into the complex layers and load-bearing efficiency of a lobster’s exoskeleton, which is made up of layers of chitin a derivative of glcose embedded in a protein matrix.

Performance:As a benefit of the structure researching, the Research Pavilion provides a maximum internal space by a thin shell skin. This was achieved by removing the steel frame after robot’s construction process.

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PRECEDENT 8 THE RESEARCH PAVILION BY ICD AND ITKE

Brief:This Research Pavilion is constructed with 60 kilometres of carbon and glass fibre filaments, which winded by a programmed robot.

Material:Their research of lobster’s exoskeleton forwards them to design a structure that could be made from resinsatu-rated glass and carbon fibres laid down by a robot. The glass fibres mainly serve as the formwork for the layers, while the stiffer carbon fibres are responsible for the load transfer and rigidity.

Dimension: 8 metres across, 3 and 1/2 metres tall, 4mm thick

Inspired by: lobster’s exoskeleton The structure of the pavilion was based on their research into the complex layers and load-bearing efficiency of a lobster’s exoskeleton, which is made up of layers of chitin a derivative of glcose embedded in a protein matrix.

Performance:As a benefit of the structure researching, the Research Pavilion provides a maximum internal space by a thin shell skin. This was achieved by removing the steel frame after robot’s construction process.

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The logics of generative computational systems that integrate material, form and performance in the design process offer ways of proces ing the flow of structural forces and interaction with environmental infl ences on a material construct.

Menges, Achim (2012). “Material Computation: Higher Integration in Morphophonemic Design”, Architectural Design, 82, 2, pp. 14-21, p. 20

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B. 2.

CASE STUDY 1.0

CASE STUDY 1.0 THE MORNING LINE

From our Case study 1 -The Morning Line, a gesture, a holo-tectonic system. We explode that the geometry and expression of the design project need to be united. In the ‘The Morning Line’ project, infinitely self-scaling is used to change the unites of the modular around a fixed ratio, the module then can expand and contract in any size or direction. This project also is an example of interactive system, while each module is interactive in multiple ways. The content grows and adapts as the structure changes both physically and in information depth over time. All components are interchangeable, demountable, portable and recyclable. (Matthew Ritchie)Architecture is an inherently destructive act. It’s the very physical breakdown of materials into smaller components that are standardized in order to recompose into new stable structures. Computation is also destructive, it breaks things down into language, an abstract and codified system to build and rebuild from the smallest components—ones and zeroes. Re-composition can become automated. (Aranda\Lasch)

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by Matthew Ritchie with Aranda\Lasch and Arup AGU Commissioned by Thyssen Bonemisza Art Contemporary Seville, Spain, 2008

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UNEXPECTED EXPLORATION MATRIX

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Morning Line presents the idea of by using different arrangements or combinations of base geom-etry to provide the differrent experiment space for the performance. In this exploration, we have created different space by moving and connecting single elements in a different way. The image above shows bridge structures which consist of regular geometry produced by scale ,explode and trim from a pyramid. This outcome expresses the main idea of The Morning line project by destruct-ing structure into small components.

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THE MORNING LINE EXTEND

In this case study, we have explored an extended result from the project Morning Line. The trial version shown above is another experimenting of fractal geometries by the application of making recursive system of tetrahedrons in the base geometry.In this exploration, we used a perfect pyramid as our base geometry. The step is listed below:•create the pyramid structure on Grasshopper (adding polygons command) •Set up the calculation in the expression mode and make each side pyramid has equal length•Identifying the points at the end in order to scale the same geometry to each ends•Adding the same concept of pyramid to each face of original pyramid.•Export the curves for original geometry and analyses the middle points of each sides and centers of each faces in order to construct a four half side pyramid onto the plane. •Apply the same tetrahedron patterns into the structure.

The structure provide two contrasting spaces as a gateway arc. On one end, it is higher and larger space with strong con-nection to the ground while the other end of arc has relatively compressed space with a point support by the ground. It is expected to have different feelin of space when entering two different space.

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In this case study, we have explored an extended result from the project Morning Line. The trial version shown above is another experimenting of fractal geometries by the application of making recursive system of tetrahedrons in the base geometry.In this exploration, we used a perfect pyramid as our base geometry. The step is listed below:•create the pyramid structure on Grasshopper (adding polygons command) •Set up the calculation in the expression mode and make each side pyramid has equal length•Identifying the points at the end in order to scale the same geometry to each ends•Adding the same concept of pyramid to each face of original pyramid.•Export the curves for original geometry and analyses the middle points of each sides and centers of each faces in order to construct a four half side pyramid onto the plane. •Apply the same tetrahedron patterns into the structure.

The structure provide two contrasting spaces as a gateway arc. On one end, it is higher and larger space with strong con-nection to the ground while the other end of arc has relatively compressed space with a point support by the ground. It is expected to have different feelin of space when entering two different space.

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B. 3.

CASE STUDY 2.0

CASE STUDY 2.0 ZA 11 PAVILLION

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Our case study 2 ZA 11 is 1:1 scale the flagship pavilion for ZA 11 Speaking archi-tecture event which designed and fabricated by student located in Cluj, Romania. The objective of the project is to attract passers to the event as well as emerged to be a significant urban attractor to engage with the local society. This is also the ob-jective we want to achieve for our Gate Way Project. However, ZA 11 is focused on slow movement while The Gate Way Project is mainly used to attract participates in a high speed and large scale environment. The highlight and successful point of ZA 11 is that it provides a flexible and comfortable space for users to hold various social events and activities rather than only be a temporary shelter. As this project is done by student from design process to its fabrication, its environmental friendly and low budget feature also make it more successful as a good example of archi-tectural experiment of parametric design.

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PARAMATRIC DIAGRAM BY DESINER

As showed above, this project is achieved by advanced use of parametric design technique; the idea is to use center point to attract the hexagons on the geometry surface to extrude into the center of the object. Under the control-ling from exact geometry generation to piece generation, a flexible internal events space is created by assembly logic and actual fabrication. On the right, the matrix shows different exploration outcome based on subdividing lines and hexagons to the center point of the geometry to create free- form ring shape. As the center point of the geometry is also the load bearing point of this structure, it allows the internal space can be created by self- balancing the force coming out from the structure.

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This image above shows the outcome of development based on ZA 11 project. It is simi-lar to their original design except the connecting methods used. For the further develop-ment, we would like to create more attract point instead of one at the center. This will create a more complex form as well as show the similarity based on focusing on several attractor in a network system structure.

OUTCOME

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PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B. 4.

TECHNIQUE : DEVELOPMENT

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TECHNIQUE : DEVELOPMENT 1

In this exploration, the main approach is towards the extrusion of certain patterns on the surface and producing the different result in extrusions by definition of point attractor which it could be a development towards our ideas of generation or the arrangement of molecule structure. Our precedent is studio DLA’s explorations which usd point attractor as a tool to create variations in three aspects, scale of base pattern and overall performance of the texture of design project.

So in terms of doing that, we set up the exploration on two areas, firstly creating variation on base plane by using the point attractor definition. By doing that, we used hexagon structures as our base geometries for the exploration. We were trying to create a hexagon field where point attractors could be placed in and introduce some properties such as points that have an effect of suction on the structural field. By doing that, we tried to filter the lines that less than certain distance to between the vertices of structures and the attractor point. It is like creating a field of influence with certain affective radius. And we used two points as dem-onstration to create such affects which bring out the results as shown on the image above. On the right, the matrix shows different result by mov-ing the attract point and changing object height.

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TECHNIQUE : DEVELOPMENT 2

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The second stage of our development is to find out the basic elements for our further design of Gate Way Project. Under the research stream of biomimicry , we would like to show the growth process of cell and also the network system achieved by the connection. At this stage, we create six points based on a hexagon, and then create surface from the center point to the edge. This process is can represent the growth of cells as from one point to generate the connection to create a network system. We also used curve attractor here to make difference to show the emergent system with cell system to show the complexity as well as create an eye attractive shape. The matrix showed on right is the design process of trying creating different surface and attractor curve to cre-ate the basic form of our design.

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PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B.5.

TECHNIQUE : PROTOTYPES

MATERIALISATION

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FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY - CASE STUDY 1

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For our fabrication process, we tired two different ways in our case study to connect each element. One is create tabs around the unrolled surface edge, another one is create connector between each piece of surface by leave a gap between and connect them together. After the experiment, we found that using connection will produce a more complex form compare to connecting them by creating tabs. And also model produce by connector is seems more stronger than the tab one, this may because tab is only one liner connection while connector can be multiple and through each single surface.

FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY - CASE STUDY 1

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For our fabrication process, we tired two different ways in our case study to connect each element. One is create tabs around the unrolled surface edge, another one is create connector between each piece of surface by leave a gap between and connect them together. After the experiment, we found that using connection will produce a more complex form compare to connecting them by creating tabs. And also model produce by connector is seems more stronger than the tab one, this may because tab is only one liner connection while connector can be multiple and through each single surface.

FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY - TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

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For the experiment of our technical development model, we also tried use two different material to build our model. One is based on the original structure, as three surface split to the middle point, this model is produced by using black and white Perspex. Anoth-er one is produced using cardboard. However, both of these two experiments faced connecting problem as there is no structure frame to support the surface. And as the middle point of the structure is very tiny, this make the fabrication and assembly process more difficult and complex than we expected. By making different model using different material, we find out that each material has its advantage and disadvantage at differ-ent performance. Such as plywood is good bending, plaster is good to create a clear surface while cardboard is easy to control with but weak in supporting the structure load. For our further development, it will be necessary to consider the fabrication process during the design at all the time, we may still need to do more experiment on different material and connecting methods depend-ing on the major project performance we want to achieve at the end.

FABRICATION AND ASSEMBLY - TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT

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For the experiment of our technical development model, we also tried use two different material to build our model. One is based on the original structure, as three surface split to the middle point, this model is produced by using black and white Perspex. Anoth-er one is produced using cardboard. However, both of these two experiments faced connecting problem as there is no structure frame to support the surface. And as the middle point of the structure is very tiny, this make the fabrication and assembly process more difficult and complex than we expected. By making different model using different material, we find out that each material has its advantage and disadvantage at differ-ent performance. Such as plywood is good bending, plaster is good to create a clear surface while cardboard is easy to control with but weak in supporting the structure load. For our further development, it will be necessary to consider the fabrication process during the design at all the time, we may still need to do more experiment on different material and connecting methods depend-ing on the major project performance we want to achieve at the end.

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B.6.

TECHNIQUE : PROPOSAL

DESIGN PROPOSAL

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The outcome we came out after the development is basically combination of de-velopment 1 and development 2. It represents the idea of growth of Wyndham City by exploring cells growth as a network system. From this model, we can easily image cells growth and split into two and continue grown as a network system. Each hexa-gon represents each cell which grows from a point then develops to several line to generate a surface. The hollow surface of the elements is also another important idea to show the durable of nature system as a network. We want to achieve a design based on Bomimicry not only the nature form but also how nature existing and its per-formance in a long time period. Hence we use the hollow surface to allow the nature light come down during the day, the change of shadow pattern will create a sense of feeling dynamic in a day time as well as durable in a long term. However, this model is not the most successful outcome as its appearance is lacking of volume and structure support. For our next step, we will continue to push our design argument into a more specific way. Based on the development techniques of case study and research on the cell system, the further development will be engaged with actual site to find the best solution for The Gate Way project.

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PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

PART B. DESIGN APPROACH

B.7.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOME

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At this stage of our project, we have developed different outcome through the design process. Based on the feedback and presentation last week, we find that our design argument is not strong enough to finalise our outcome. This let us rethink about our concept and research stream. We decide to go back to our initial design technique and ideas from case study and development. (Shown on the im-age) For the next step of our design, we will continue develop follow the cell growth idea and create a more structural form rather than a surface for the Gate Way Project. However, the new development will also keep the feature of complexity and durable of network system to engage with the site and local society.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOME

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At this stage of our project, we have developed different outcome through the design process. Based on the feedback and presentation last week, we find that our design argument is not strong enough to finalise our outcome. This let us rethink about our concept and research stream. We decide to go back to our initial design technique and ideas from case study and development. (Shown on the im-age) For the next step of our design, we will continue develop follow the cell growth idea and create a more structural form rather than a surface for the Gate Way Project. However, the new development will also keep the feature of complexity and durable of network system to engage with the site and local society.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOME

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reference

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Albert-László Barabási, To Understand Is To Perceive Patterns, Accessed on 23 April 2013 from http://vimeo.com/34182381

Canopy by United Visual Artist, Design Playgrounds, Accessed on 23 April 2013 from http://designplaygrounds.com/deviants/canopy-by-by-united-visual-artists/

Dimitrie Stefanescu, Patrick Bedarf, Bogdan Hambasan,ZA11 Pavilion, Archiable, Accessed on 6 May 2013 from http://www.archiable.com/201107/110724_za11-pavilion.html

Emilie Chalcraft, Research Pavillion by ICD and ITKE, Accessed on 8 May 2013 from http://www.dezeen.com/2013/03/05/research-pavilion-by-icd-and-itke/

Generative Stochastic, Subset System, Accessed on 1 May 2013 from http://subset-system.blogspot.com.au/2010_11_01_archive.html

Geoffrey WEST on The sameness of organisms, cities, and corporations, Accessed on 8 May 2013 from blog.ted.com/2011/07/26/qa-with-geoffrey-west/

Menges, Achim (2012). “Material Computation: Higher Integration in Morphopho-nemic Design”, Architectural Design, 82, 2, pp. 14-21, p. 20

Michael Fox and Miles Kemp, Overview, Interactive Architecture, Princeton Archi-tectural Press Accessed on 23 April 2013 from http://www.interactive-architecture.com/

Michael Fox (2009). Interactive Architecture(Princeton Architectural Pressosten)

Philip Ball, Nature’s Patterns – Shapes, Oxford University Press (Oxford), 2009, p. 17

The morning line by matthew ritchie with arandalash and arup, Designboom, Ac-cessed on 8 May 2013 from http://www.designboom.com/art/the-morning-line-by-matthew-ritchie-with-aranda-lasch-and-arup/

The Morning Line, TAB21, Accessed on 23 April 2013 from http://www.tba21.org/pavilions/103?category=pavilions