ITOrations

I completed some work for the Melbourne University Digital Architecture research lab (CRiDA) in the second half of 2010, creating parametric design models to be used in their real-time onsite design setup.

One of the definitions recreated the self-similar, scaling square pattern of the Toyo Ito Serpentine Pavilion. In this case, the user can slide through iterations of scale and rotation affecting the solidarity of the building envelope. Real time information regarding facade performance of orientation was linked to energy analysis software to respond to the macro and micro-regionalism of the pavilions geographic location and site placement.

Definition\\

The information output\\

SynapseCity - Nov 2010

SynapseCity explores a system approach to design, taking the dynamic and adaptive synaptic system of information exchange, reinforcement and connection generation into an urban implementation. The system attempts to resolve problems regarding densification of the existing city and housing within it both city-dweller and suburbanite.

Design Algorithm_City Growth Possibilities

Starting an exploration into the future city led to generating an algorithm to iterate through the possibilities of growth which may feed into a design framework with an intention of improving the future city of Melbourne

The Hub, Centre of New Culture - Nov 2009

For a past design project, we looked at replicating craft inspiration parametrically, responding to climatic and programmatic conditions with rigid folding surfaces. An origami fold pattern was used to generate the form of the main facade system.

Click to enlarge images and details.

ImpellerLogic - StudioHatzellis June 2009

ImpellerLogic

VIDEO- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7Kpc2ujvQY

AGENDA
to create a system where human trajectory paths inform and effect the building at scales from the form to the detail while instilling modern pedagogical methods.

MATERIAL SYSTEM



video- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwDsfZXuWHM

The base material system we chose was a fractal composition, a mesh composed of self-similar scaling triangular surfaces which folded and stretched when under the unfluence. Various digital modelling processes where used to control deformation, variables of which were informed directly by data collected onsite and diagrams involving program volumetric requirements, adjacencies and connections and time based fluctuations of use.

LAYOUT AND ADJACENCIES

VIDEO- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFDANnPGZTM

By examining the bried and considering modern pedagogical methods we created an early diagram which showed important connections between the learning enviroment. From this diagram we were able to replicate relationships in digital space, and create several spatial iterations where the strength of the connections informed the relative adjacencies. From this process we selected the most appropriate outcome.

LEARNING RAMP




As focus was placed on the connections, we blurred the idea of the conventional classroom. By creating ramps and stairs where digital projections convey the transition between disciplines, to provoke responses, and which can promote spontaneous events while allowing the learning process and absoprtion of ideas/information to continue.

PHYSICAL MODEL



By using pepakura, we were able to unfold our digital model. this was then fabricated using a digital card cutter. However the first model did not have enough structure to resist the forces of gravity, so a load bearing facade was introduced as a secondary structure.

DOCUMENTATION



We then continued the design process, producing documentation which allwed for further resolution. Plans, sections and elevations.

DYNAMIC FACADE



Video- http:/www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJ4Wu327xwo

Towards the end of the design process we began to develope a dynamice facade system which responded kinetically to human porximity. This furthered out agenda of movement and the response of the built form to it, also as a way of conveying that movement to the external viewers.

DIAGRAM TO FURNITURE





From diagramming the volumetric requirements of the learning spaces we ascertained various ergonomic and working surfaces required to allow for various forms of interaction. Areas for various sizes of interaction within open learning spaces were then differentiated by modular, double functioning furniture and deformation of floor plates.

FINAL RENDER FROM EXHIBITION STREET



ImpellerLogic Learning Academy
80 Collins Street, Nauru House Forecourt.

Design Response_Preliminary

In an attempt to create a design response using a different process, the initial massing investigations were further explored while previous framework proposals were drawn from, in particular SJB's proposal.
As a way of further exploring the design rules I employed parametrically in the previous digital model, I implemented similar design rules as well as exploring connections and pathways across the site. Trying to achieve accuracy in representing the data I'd collected in a way that effectively sculpted geometry was consuming time which didn't allow for exploring a multitude of ideas at once.

The response meets all of the commercial brief of 15,000sqm and 250 student apartments while adding a 90 unit multiresidential building in addition. A large parking platform is obscured behind built form utilising otherwise un developable land to supply parking to all new buildings onsite as well as replace all existing parking on the subject site and Hyde street, also allowing for a further residential development improving the street character by matching the building grain opposite.

Parametric Massing

Real Time Data

The definition calculates data regarding gross floor area, site coverage, floor to site area ratio, density and displays all this as well geometry dimensions in real time. The example uses basic geometry on a dynamic site area but can be easily modified for more complex building shapes and restricted site area.
-----

Metric Solar Data

Metric solar values pulled from EcoTech into a pdf document.
Later Grasshopper definitions will link to this document
-----

Tall buildings in Melbourne

For discussion regarding how tall is appropriate to the site. No building over 100m is outside of the CBD or it's pretty immediate surrounds, the exception to the rule being along St.Kilda road, a wealthy commercial area.
-----

Sunlight Analysis

More accurate sun analysis was undertaken in an attempt to create 'solar cones', geometry which could be used in a subtractive approach to massing. This approach only removes minimal mass, therefor maximises floor area.
-----
The negative aspects of this very basic model is the lack of control of floor plate depth and therefor light access into the rooms. This preliminary approach to modelling can be taken much further in coming weeks.
-----

Sweet Massing - continued

-----

By comparing results I could ascertain which schemes enabled large numbers of people to be housed on the site while being provided with an appropriate amount of direct sunlight access. MVRDV in the 'Light' chapter of their 'FARMAX' publication specified 3 hours as a minimum. The sugar massing approach was an approach which allowed for a number of simple iterations to be created quickly but without the accuracy desired to ensure requirements are both met and made the most efficient.

Sweet Massing

Massing models onsite using sugar cubes to replicate modular nature of housing units. Each unit to scale is 10Mx2Mx6M enabling footprint, gross floor area and floor-site ratio metrics to be obtained.
-----

Precedent Studies - continued