project H:Home
BRIEF
This project indicates a dynamic way of expanding from a flat surface into a fabricated system. The whole system shows different situations of density, which forms various spaces inside and outside. This dynamic system includes components, skins, structures and illustrates a smooth change in the fabrication of architecture. Users would treat this not only as constructed object but also as an integral enhancement of the site. Our concept "Symbiosis" in a way reflects this very phenomenon.
This project begins with an investigation into topological surfaces, different modules will be developed that could function both as surface and structure. The developed modules will allow for numerous connection combinations which enables behavioral characteristics within the system including, bending, torquing, flipping, splitting, and lifting by alternating component connections/ units and scale in order to adapt to various site parameters like user density, sun, wind, precipitation and noise. At some parts components morph into flat panels which merge with the ground. This will allow the system to act both as floor, wall, and roof, while blurring the lines between these conditions.
INTERVENTION
Our intervention will be a path through the park linking different uses. These uses will be walking, cycling, skateboarding, lounge area’s indoors and outdoors. This path will be a three-dimensional spatial structure that is shaped/molded/wrapped/warped according to the use. The structure will be interactive with its environment and its users. The primary task of such a structure as providing a sense of semi-enclosed space for people, alone or in groups, to feel comfortable while sitting, eating, transiting, conversing and/or reading along it.
Linkages are conceived to allow for almost constant spatial experience when switching from one path to another. The user is in a state of constant arrival to the same destination repeatedly and this view is mediated and controlled by the imposed view angle of the space, enclosure, openings and speed of motion. While performing the intervention, we need to take into account few other factors as well, like:
[exploring the design, rules and functioning of a multi component system in detail]
[exploring temporal structures]
[creating a place of linkage within the urban void]
[instrument for activating the present landscape]
[material/component re-usability or extension after completion of structure's life cycle]
DESIGN SYNTHESIS
A research will be carried out exploring the idea of modulating differentiated external forces like light, sound, wind into a space. The process of pattern making, through an exploration in geometry, will be of particular interest during the initial steps of the design process.
Exploration will begin with a series of physical experiments into simple sheets of paper. In further development to understand and rationalize the surface experiments into a built-able structural component. Through a parametric model the analysis of the surface geometry will be done and generated data will be used to carry out the structural maneuvers.
For example, connecting two components by length would create an internal stress which would add to structural stability and control the amount of opening of each cell, orientation and global geometry.
SITE PATH CIRCULATION ANALYSIS
This field will provide us with representational particles that might be the building blocks of our structure. These representational particles might be further developed by analyzing their density to observe their transitional behavior or by linking the particles together to produce a series of parallel strands and thus construct a relationship between the generated pattern and topographic condition.
Here different possible paths through the existing site are considered as attractors and thus create a field around it. All these separate path fields are then taken and superimposed on one another to extract a differential spatial conditions depending on the varying degrees of concentration of usage and accessibility. This will help in the organization of various functions and zoning the site in the most logical way. The Circulation study is based on programmatic functions such as; Gathering Area, Café, Transit linkages, BMX, Meditation and Exhibit.
SPACE QUALITIES
Which is the appropriate position for each use/function?
Which use is placed high and which one lower?
Which use is visible and which one is hidden?
Which use can be indoor and which one outdoor? or semi-open?
Which part of the space is only for pedestrians, only for bikes-skateboards and where they can coexist?
Which functions are autonomous and which one can interact with the others?
PARTI DIAGRAMS
Circulation studies where then applied to the spatial condition which then shifts and rotate the spaces accordingly, thus giving rise to various parti diagrams. The information gathered from site analysis was used as feedback.
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PROGRAMMATIC DISPERSION
The diagram reviews the possible distribution of different functions according to the gradation of publicity and the
tendency either to activity or infrastructure part of the building’s programme. The diagram verifes
the difference
between the
circulation patterns of
diverse user groups.
FORCE FIELD CONFIGURATION
Based on parameter configuration setting, we are drawing different spheres representing amount of acoustic, density, etc. These can be seen as the attractor or repellent points within a force field for the particles.
SITE ZONING BASED ON ACOUSTIC, WIND, CIRCULATION LINKAGES, FUNCTIONAL FIELDS
MULTI-COMPONENT SYSTEM RESEARCH
Our specialization is “multi component system”. We are trying to make components that can adapt (move, rotate, change color, etc.) by using real time information provided by sensors. In our specialization we search deep to find the optimal shape for these components within several conditions.
Mapping will be used as a tool to identify the patterns and understand them. It explains the found information to our validators as well.
PATTERNS AND GEOMETRY
We experiment with patterns which generally find references to the nature. A self-organization pattern as the one we will use is dynamic and gets developed over time. Based to the principles of self-similarity (the fundamental principle of a self-similar structure is the repetition of a unit pattern on different size scales), we can create a structure which theoretically can be extended to infinity and to adapt to every site.
PARAMETERS
For our project we are collecting two kinds of parameters.
To create our structure we are collecting parameters from the site and its environment. We are using the average value of the wind and sun seen over a year. Further we collect information from the existing pathway and linkages.
The parameters for our components are real time collected. We will place sensors on our components that will collect information which will be directly processed.
FABRICATION + ADAPTATION
ITERATION
Different techniques such as repetition, unfolding, bending, mirroring, twisting, scaling and duplication will be carried out on component geometry to develop construct iterations. Some of the possible itereations have been shown below:
SYSTEM RULES
In order for elements in these components to be self-organizing and reconfiguring, there have to be a set of inbuilt rules for them to arrange themselves, so that the system is not chaotic and at the same time, is not stable/static.
Rules would help to give a basis for the system to organize itself. A system must meet a number of conditions and constraints to be able to move from a disordered state to an ordered one. This could also be done by establishing a set of rules for the system. The intent is to create a system that has no organization within itself but, if provided with the right conditions, it could self-organize.
MATERIAL
SHEET METAL: It can be folded without loss of structural integrity) can be formed into complex, three-dimensional shapes by multi-axis folding machine or CNC miller.
FIBRE-GLASS: As with any pouring or moulding process, the act of casting shapes out of fluid materials has the advantage that complex, curved surfaces may be achieved.
MEMBRANE FABRIC: An air cell structure is one that is self-supportable and self-erectable using only an air fan, it is constructed entirely from fabric and can therefore be reduced to a small volume for handling and transportation. Cellular nature of the structure offers an enormous range of geometrical variations including the capacity to be self-supporting and to resist wind load.
TIMBER: The fabrication of timber is one of the most common things. It depends in the first instance upon the quality of the raw material and the way in which it is treated.
POLYCARBONATE PANEL: Polycarbonate panels are made up of polymers added with carbonate. It is very easy to work with in terms of manufacturing, shaping, bending, rolled out into sheets, among others..It is used for making the ultra hard outer coating for automobile panels and other components.It is a light weight and ultra tough materials.
ASSEMBLY LOGIC
CONSTRUCTION
In situ construction. The system is made of multiple components. It is designed especially for the host site and constructed in it. The components are moved there and connected to each other according to the scenario and the parameters.
MECHANISM
Hydraulic mechanisms are used in the interior part of each component. Capturing the energy these mechanisms make the component as well as the system to interact.
AUTOMATION
How much intelligence is efficient to embed
In order to understand which electronics and software would be best suited to our needs it is important to understand the different impacts that they could have on the user interface and resulting fabrication. There is a gradient of intelligence that can be embedded including an integration of more than one system approach.
BEAM(Biological, Electronic,Aesthetic, Mechanical)approach will be adopted in this regard.
BEAM
Design of the component makes it inherently reactive to its environment. It is therefore possible to embed an intelligence into the component; an ability to respond to external conditions independently. It is conceivable to employ this technology in the focusing system associated with the enclosures. Based on system design, the component would continuously adapt by treating the connection between circuit components as neurons in the brain.
INTRODUCTION
There are two branches in physics that were explored separately in this stage.
Kinematic is a branch that studies different movement of body parts in relationship to its joints without considering the external forces that are needed to activate the movement.
Kinetic is a wider branch in a sense that this branch is concerned with not only the motion of bodies but also the forces needed to cause motion. In the case of architecture, kinetic can become very complicated. Computerized software and hardware will then need to be synchronized to achieve this goal.
METHODS AND TECHNIQUES
There are different methods and techniques to develop responsive architecture. We have tried to experiment with some of these systems.
FOLDING
As a generative process, folding architecture is an experimental system. The relationship between each crease, fold, score, and cut give an infinite possibilities for form and function. Origami is the traditional Japanese form of paper art. This basic system is only using mountain folds (fold up) and valley folds (fold down). When origami changes to a larger scale, folding is no longer applicable. We then use rigid sheets and hinges. In this case, it is not required for the structure to start as a flat surface. This branch of origami is called “rigid origami” also named “Deployability”.
HYBRID SYSTEM
A Hybrid system is the integration of two or more different systems which otherwise have not been previously used within a single system. In the rest state, the material has no structural capacity, however, when in a pretension form through geometric formation the material works as a structural membrane supporting its own weight. Pre-tensioning the material changes its property and helps to store some energy which can later be used in correlation with various mechanical actuators. As a result, the exchange communication between the material, sensors and actuators creates a dynamic hybrid system with emergence behaviour.
EVALUATION AND PROPOSED METHOD
The System Branching
This diagram explains the methods and techniques that will be applied though out in order to achieve a “Responsive Kinetic System”. As previously noted, there are two different categories that will be examined. First, a Structural Responsive System capable of shape change in response to various functional needs. Second, an Environmental Responsive System that transforms based on several environmental conditions. These two categories are studied simultaneously on separate explorations. Eventually, these two systems will merge as collective behavior; performing and complimenting each other as one compound system.
MODULAR PATTERNS
Knowing the strategy within simple patterns, we move onto more complex patterns. Modular patterns are usually asymmetrical; however, the patterns consist of smaller modular components that can be repeated on the surface. Modular patterns can be deployed to form different volumes while remaining as a surface when retracted. Due to its triangularity,
twisting and deformation is not visible at this scale. Modular patterns have a smaller ratio of expansion in the X and Y axis, however, they make up for it due to their greater volumetric expansion. From experimenting with the paper model, it seems that these patterns have the potential to control expansion independently from each other’s axis.
COMPLEX PATTERNS
The second type of patterns are the complex patterns which can be considered as difficult patterns when folding due to the variety of repetition from ridges and valleys from one point its immediate neighbour through faces. Once folded, the transformation of the surface is more difficult to control and to predict.
After exploring different patterns in this category, it becomes the most interesting due to the intricacy of the surface and the volume that it creates. Starting by holding the two sides, we can expand the surface by pulling it apart and at the same time create surface curvature on the other two sides. Its very flexible and deployable in nature. The only difficulty which we came across is the connection to the adjacent components.
TUBULAR STRUCTURE
Here we tried to use a tubular structure with movable joints, which could be regulated further by actuators to carry out different degree of enclosures. The two component models that we experimented with were:
1) First attempt was to combine one module of the hexagonal analogue to interlock one another to form a self supporting structure. However, the structure seem to lack rigidity. Though the component seemed to make the entire structure collapsible in nature. Two configurations were obtained by folding hexagons into vertical and horizontal orientations. The investigation didn't went that deep due to demerits of the particular system.
2) An umbrella system, that is formed over triangulated structural framework performing a one way retractable mechanism was the second typology being evaluated.
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EVALUATION AND SELECTION
From all of these pattern explorations, we selected a pattern. Using the concept of rigid origami, paper folding is replaced by rigid surface panels and joints for greater force resistance and structural integrity. To test this, larger scale models are required.
This MODULAR pattern component was chosen due to its expendability, control points, modularity, and the ability to create volume. From our previous hypothesis, it is important to check the expansion depending on X axis and Y axis. Because this surface transforms from a surface to a volume, we can conclude that it exhibits high potential to generate architectural spaces.
Positive aspects:
1)Independent control on each direction resulting in more form possibilities.
2)To control local displacement, 2 actuators per component are needed.
3)Non-triangulated elements increase the possibility of non-planar elements.
Negative aspects:
1)Complex system connections irrespective of simple local actuation principles
2)Integration
GEOMETRIC ANALYSIS
Nine different component geometries obtained by the combination of 3 stages in the actuators: open, semi-open and closed.
SECTIONAL ANALYSIS
Sections of the surface when activated in 2 different ways by local components reflecting curvature change in the global geometry.
GLIMPSES OF THE POPULATED COMPONENT GEOMETRY
KINETIC ACTUATOR AND CONTROL
In a kinetic system, there are two main ways of controlling motion; one being local control and another one being global control.
In global control, movement or displacement is defined by a single processor. As a result, several configurations and movements may be achieved. For instance, if an element is designed to move along the X, Y, and Z axis, it is more likely to do so within same formation every time it is activated. Therefore, the sequence of motion would not be adaptable to other sequences under different conditions.
On the contrary, systems with local control are most likely to have multiple processors and actuators. This means that each processor acts as a parameter that is uniquely designed and engineered to respond to one particular condition. When assembled together, different parameters will behave as one collective behaviour. This characteristic makes a system versatile and able to adapt to several different conditions.
== KINETIC: SURFACE CONTROL ==
Through digital and physical model explorations, we are trying to prove that component becomes the most successful for independent control.
Local control - digital exploration
In order to gain local control, we begin by testing a foldable surface in terms of its components. At first, these components are studied as a two-dimensional surface which begins to change shape not only from its components but also from its own boundaries . This shape change is possible by controlling the aperture percentage from one component to the next. In return, being able to expand or contract the surface in some areas more than others. However, it is important to make note that there is always a sequence or a pattern that follows depending on which component becomes actuated before the others, and also depending on the location of this component within the surface area. In other words, there is a relationship between expanding or contracting depending on the aperture sequence from one component to the next.
Local control - physical model
In parallel to digital explorations, we built a prototype from cardboard panels. In order to ease the assembly process, we join component elements by taping them together. In this case, we utilize a 20mm reinforced tape. The tape is in turn replacing a rotational movement that otherwise would be possible by a hinging system. However, what becomes important is the sequence in which these pieces are group together to ease the assembly process. Each component is divided into 8 triangular pieces. In this case, they are grouped into components and assembled as such. Each pair of elements is able to rotate 180 degrees. A folding element make up a component. This component type is then made up of four ridges and four valleys in the shape of triangles. As a component these triangular pairs are capable of expanding and contracting independently from its neighboured pairs. The rotational freedom from one element pair allows for local control within a component. Therefore, gaining local control over an entire surface area.
