Siu pui wong 662119 final

Studio AIR

By Siu Pui Wong, VeraYear 3

Tutors: Finnian Warnock, Victor Bunster Milnes

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I am Vera Wong from Hong Kong and this is my final year in Bachelor of Environment, ma-joring in Architecture. Before studying in Mel-bourne, I studied architecture in City University of Hong Kong for two and a half years. In 2014, I decided to transfer my study to the University of Melbourne and become one of the students.

To me, architecture has enriched my daily life and let me experience the world a lot. Whenever I got a chance and spare time to travel around, like Lon-don, Beijing and Taiwan, I would make use of what I have learnt to understand the building styles and cultures in different cities and appreciate an archi-tecture in a more professional sense, from the form to its design theme, function, spatial division, cir-culation. I can get a deeper impression in front of an architecture after I have studied in architecture. Imiliciis sentis, sus vil hocaec ta sa tered cum tessus.

Previous

WORKAbout

ME

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Previous

WORK

Under the study in City University of Hong Kong, the course is also in studio- based that I really enjoyed learning architectural techniques while working on a design proj-ect. In my first year, I worked on pavilion, single family house, library and hostel proj-ects; while in the second year, I examined high- rise buildings: office and residential project. Studio- based learning allows me to learn more than what I need and think wisely in a practical situation. I really enjoy working on a project.

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Previous

WORK

CONCEPTUALISATION

High- rise Office building

High- rise residential project

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A.1. Design Futuring

A.2. Design Computation A.3. Composition/Generation

A.4. Conclusion A.5. Learning outcomes

A.6. Algorithmic Sketches

CONCEPTUALISATION

Part A

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Part A In

troductio

n

A.1. Desig

n Futurin

g

Design Futuring

- Focusing on evolution under a sustainable manner in architecture

Design computation

- Focusing on façade and roof performance in architecture

Composition/ Generation - Focusing on the interpretation of generative algorithms

Part A

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Design futuring means the design against defuturing and unsustainability. But how to be performed in architecture?

Not only about using new technologies, creating an extraordinary form to represent an architecture, design futuring is about making the building survive and keep on evolution over time. A building can easily get attention from a splendid design, but how to be kept using over years without losing the original purpose would not be that easy.

To me, an architecture designed for present and future should be able to evolve con-tinuously in a manner to achieve sustain-ability.

A.1. Desig

n Futurin

g

A.1. Prece

dent case

studies

Lloyd’s build

ing What makes an architecture outstanding while not being replaced over years? Lloyd’s building would be

a representation which is built in 1986 by Richard Rog-ers. Although Lloyd’s building has been already used for 30

years, it still cannot be replaced and keep on development to provide accommodations over the next 50 years or even longer.

Bowellism architecture

This term is specifically used to describe the Richard Rogers’ architectural works. Bowel-lism is first inspired by Antonio Sant’Elia’s Manifesto of Futuristic Architecture. The main idea is to break down a conventional architecture into high-technology, flexibility. Other than the Lloyd’s building, the Pom-pidou Centre in Paris by Rogers and Renzo Piano is another illustration of Bowellism ar-chitecture.

They are both designed “inside-out” which means all building systems are put at the exterior of building rather operating interior space and this is one of concepts of Bowel-lism architecture.

Information

Location: 1 Lime Street, City of Lon-don, UK Architect: Richard Rogers Uses: OfficeCompletion: 1986Height: 95.1mAward: Civic Trust Award, Concrete Society Commendation and Finan-cial Times 'Architecture at Work' Award in 1987

Part A

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Technology

As a usual practice, the core and building ser-vices which are the heart of building should be put inside the middle area for higher ac-cessibility. In this case, however, the Rogers principal is inversed with normal situation, putting all service systems in six satellite towers separated from the main building. Rogers followed the American architect Lou-is Kahn’s concept: buildings as served and servant spaces and successfully occupied this concept into the Lloyd’s building.

“Served” spaces: offices, exhibition space, elevators, and other places where people would be are located inside the main build-ing.“Servant” spaces: mechanical, electrical and structural system that are essential for a building to function properly are located in-side the satellite towers or the exterior of the building.

This concept gives an alternative idea on building design and planning whereas an addition and alteration work or a further space planning can be easily carried out on a certain period of time without disturb-ing the main function area. An architecture is being modified over time has effectively shown in the Lloyd’s building.

A.1. Prece

dent case

studies

Lloyd’s build

ing

Part A

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Flexibility

Another success in Lloyd’s building is due to the high flexibility. The usable floor area is maximized by putting all services to the perimeter. The main building consists of a series of concentric galleries overlooking a central atrium whereas each gallery is in open planning for underwriting rooms or office spaces. These galleries are connected through a simple central escalator system which provides an easy access between floors. They are respond to change with high flexibility.

Evolution

Rogers has also expanded the possibility of Lloyd’s building for the future. While all building services are built separated and changed over time, the main building can get an opportunity to have further expan-sion, change the planning division, func-tional uses as well. The Lloyd’s building is not limited to what it is at the moment, it is able to be modified and revalu-ated into another use under cer-tain situations. This is how the evolution can bring Lloyd’s building from the past, present to future.

Reference: - A Lloyd’s list special report (1986), Serving the world: the new Lloyd’s building, London: Lloyd’s List- Powell Kenneth. (1994), Lloyd’s building : Richard Rogers Partnership, London: Phaidonhttp://www.vatjaiswal.com/richard-rogers/http://www.unknown.nu/futurism/architecture.htmlhttp://www.richardrogers.co.uk/render.aspx?siteID=1&navIDs=1,4,23,558

A.1. Prece

dent case

studies

Inside O

ut house

Apart from using “inside-out” to describe a building de-signed with exterior building system, it can be used in a new

expression by a Japanese architect Takeshi Hosaka illustrated in Inside Out house in Tokyo, Japan. The house is designed for a mar-

ried couple with two cats. Hosaka first intended to design a house that consider both people and cats but not cats living in a house de-

signed for human. Later on, he developed a house with a strong expres-sion: “a house inside which you feel being outside”. The design theme in Inside

Out house is different from that in the Lloyd’s building, but they both can show how architecture can evolve towards sustainability and achieve design futuring.

Space planning

The form is an irregular quadrangle simply with white concrete wall, however, when going into the building, it would be a contrast with what you experienced from outside.

Inside the exterior concrete walls, the main in-terior space is surrounding by a pathway with skylights that allows sunlight, wind or even rain passing through. On the ground floor, bedroom and bathroom are located while liv-ing and dining area are put on the first floor.

The decision of putting the private area on ground floor rather than on first floor is be-cause living and dining area should be the place to stay longer than bedroom, and so as to maximize the natural resources entering into the living room which is more important than privacy. The design can allow sunlight and wind passing from the skylights and openings. While the living and dining room is located above the bedroom, a terrace is designed on the first floor area above the bathroom.

Information

Location: Kastushika-ku, Tokyo , JapanArchitect: Takeshi Hosaka Uses: Residential Completion: 2010

Part A

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Part A

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Sustainability

Hosaka has maximized the use of natural resources, like sunlight, rain and wind. First, skylights are opened where trees are plant-ed so that they receive sunlight and rain naturally.

Second, Sliding doors are used in the living room and bedroom that can be adjusted ac-cording to the weather and privacy to create a flexible change to natural environment.

Third, there is no air- conditioning installed in the house, the host make use of natural resources and reduce energy consumption as a way of not relying much on electrical appliance.

Fourth, concrete for structure and timber for flooring are mainly found in the house that create a simple harmony with natural envi-ronment.

Architecture, nature and human

The Inside Out house is a weather- depen-dent architecture which means the house evolving with the change of weather over time. Similar to trees inside the house that need sunlight and water to survive and grow up, the house needs nature as a fertilizer to live over years.

Every architecture should be designed with the natural conditions but in most of the cases, natural environment are put on a mi-nor strategies, or even excluded from the design elements. Architecture, nature and human should be considered as a whole rather than splitting them into different elements and therefore, the Inside Out house is evolving towards the future.

A.2. Desig

n computatio

n

Reference: http://www.dezeen.com/2011/03/31/inside-out-by-takeshi-hosaka-architects/http://www.hosakatakeshi.com/english/works-projects_en/insideout_en.html

Part A

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A.2. Desig

n computatio

n

How technology is developed at that period can directly affect the design style of archi-tecture. From a bulky rectangular building to a lightweight parametric form of build-ing, the technology to architectural indus-try has enhanced and contributed a lot. The invention of computer and software for ar-chitecture has provided an alternative con-venience to architects and engineers.

Nothing is impossible in the computer world and this definitely help building an unprecedented architecture in reality. However, the role of computer should be defined well that we should not deeply rely on computer to design everything. Com-puter can be used to illustrate the possibil-ity and buildability of an architecture, the design idea in our mind should be extend-ed but not limited to what computer can or cannot do.

Design with complicated geometry is cer-tainly expanded the possibility by compu-tation. Both Swiss Re Tower in London and Zlote Tarasy in Poland demonstrate how computation contribute to the design pro-cess of architecture.

A.1. Prece

dent case

studies

Swiss Re To

wer

Challenges in form

The form of Swiss Re Tower is a gherkin- like shape of slim tower with a smooth curved façade. The creation of this form is to achieve sustainability, intimate with site condition and as well as stand out from the nearby hard- lined façade buildings which is the client’s aspiration. This creates a lot of chal-lenges in design and construction. Finally, Fosters and Partners come up with a circular plan following with the form. To maximize the flexibility inside office space, it is a col-umn-free office floor plan with central core and various spiral lightwells. Thus, structural system is expressed in exterior steel frame-work. Other than this, the curtain façade is built strictly to the roof to create a glazed dome roof, without any plant rooms at the top.

InformationLocation: 30 St Mary Axe, Lon-don, UKArchitect: Foster + PartnersUses: OfficeCompletion: 2004Height: 180mAward: Royal Institute of Brit-ish Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize in 2004

Part A

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Parametric approach

Swiss Re Tower particularly shows the para-metric approach in architecture. The build-ing form can be varied, producing different possibilities for analysis by setting up math-ematical relationships between geometric parameters and controlling factors. Com-puting has finally solved the problem that is difficult to achieve in reality and thus saving the time and effort while expanding the po-tentials of an architecture could be.

Geometry- diagrid

The façade of Swiss Re Tower is made up of a diagonal steel structure, a diagrid. Since the geometry is unusual to be used as an office building façade, computing helps ar-chitects to examine diagrid structure, how loads and forces are transferring, how many steel frames and horizontal hoops are re-quired. Various types of 3D- model can be created and replicated to perform the struc-tural analysis, aesthetic and functional study etc. Everything is calculated, elaborated on and then applied to the finest detail in or-der to achieve the final form of building.

A.1. Prece

dent case

studies

Zlote Tarasy The Zlote Tarasy, also known as Golden Terraces, is

a complex development of commercial, office and entertainment located in the centre of Warsaw, Poland.

The design feature is the free- form roof at the center which is made of a continuous triangulated grid of steel rectangu-

lar hollow sections and glass panels to form a unique geometry.

Atrium roof

In nowadays, a roof is not simply designed as a shelter or a shading device, but also to create an experience and make connection to the outdoor. The atrium roof in the Zlote Tarasy has fulfilled both strategies.

The innovation of free form glass roof can provide a new experience when walking inside the plaza. Natural sunlight refracting and illuminating the interior space allows the indoor atmosphere changing with time and weather, whereas retail and entertain-ment are combined with nature, indoor and outdoor are related with each other. In order to achieve the free- form glass roof, architects and engineers have prepared 3D models to analyse the form, curvature, load bearing, structural supports etc.

Computation and modelling

The Arup engineers applied their own soft-ware and created computer model to illus-trate the complexities of the Zlote Tarasy for further studies. The free form approach is developed by the wind, snow and thermal modelling which give the detailed analyse under different environmental conditions.

By the use of computation, the Arup engi-neers can study the bending moments dur-ing design stage and discuss the supporting elements for further construction. The buck-ling analyses for the atrium roof provides alternative forms to resolve the bending moment. Finally, the roof form is developed with the tree- like supporting elements at the weakness points.

Reference: http://www.arup.com/Projects/Zlote_Tarasy.aspxhttp://www.arthitectural.com/the-jerde-partnership-zlote-tarasy/http://www.oasys-software.com/casestudies/casestudy/zlote_tara

Part A

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A.3. Composit

ion/Generatio

n

Composition l Generation Top down l bottom up

The shift from composition to generation in archi-tectural industry is probably due to computation. In my understanding, the composition in architec-ture is a top- down approach which breaks down elements for separate investigation. This is more likely to describe the common practices in nowa-days architecture. While the generation in architec-ture is a bottom- down approach which combine all primary elements together and form a complex system for further exploration. The generation is a new approach being developed and attempted in the architecture by the use of computation.

From composition to generation, the practice in 2-D and 3-D computer- aided design software for draw-ing architectural design like AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Rhinoceros 3D has now shifted into 3-D soft-ware packages based on algorithmic thinking and parametric modeling, like Grasshopper and Coffee.

The generative architecture is created automati-cally by inputting primary data like dimension, prototypes, aspects and site conditions while mod-ification, transformation, repetition can be demon-strated. The output could be varied dramatically with the change of input which provides a wide range of opportunities during the design stage.

Part A

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Greg Lynn who is one of the architects conceiving parametric architecture with the help of computers. The design of flatware presents a kind of genetic system made up of stem, leaf, flower to produce various op-portunities as a flatware. This can show how generation is performed.

The Resolution Wall by Gramazio & Kohler is made of concrete cubes with variable sizes from 5 to 40 cm. The construction of wall is all built by a robot which acts like the gen-erative algorithms in reality.

Both the flatware and the resolution wall show the exploration of generative algorithms. They are automaticallly worked out and formed by the raw data.

Reference: Form+Code in Design, Art, and Architecture, Reas, Casey McWilliams, Chandler Barendse, Jeroen, Princeton Architectural Presshttp://www.dfab.arch.ethz.ch/web/e/lehre/131.htmlhttp://www.dezeen.com/2009/09/16/pike-loop-by-gramazio-kohler/http://metamuseum.tumblr.com/post/47780606540/greg-lynn-american-born-1964-tableware-2007

Part A

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A.4. Conclu

sion

A.5. Learn

ing Outco

me

First of all, what is the elements for design futuring is clarified. In my understanding, an architecture which is able to evolve with time under a sustain-able manner, is said to be design futuring. This is also my intended design approach. Next, in design computation part, I studied the case studies with challenging forms. How computer and software can solve the difficulties and expand the opportu-nities in construction is discussed. This allows me to learn the design process and contribution of computation to architecture. Third, the shift from composition to generation, this is an approach in nowadays architecture world that we have to be familiar with the practice. I learnt the importance of algorithmic thinking and how this is contribut-ing to the architectural design.

Part A

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A.5. Learn

ing Outco

me

Before starting the studio Air, I did not have any knowledge on parametric design, algorithmic thinking, how to use Grasshopper etc. After these four week lectures, studios and practices, I learnt the basic skills in Grasshopper, how it can be used as a design tool instead of drawing by hands. I have a new understanding on how computer can be used as a fundamental technique in architec-tural design.

A.6. Appendix - A

lgorithmic

Sketches

Lofting on curves - studying parametric form

Facade design - practising repetition and series

Part A

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Shelter practice - studying intersection and pile

Series of increasing sphere - studying series and movement