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ARCH20001
Module 02: Generating Design Through Digital Processes
Design Concept
My design concept is based on the idea of a shelter. I wanted my design to facilitate spaces where people can be protected from external factors such as the weather. This was achieved by the canopy-like structures generated mainly using a series of rotation and scale increments. Another central concept behind my design is the idea of thresholds and the sense of progression. Throughout my iterative process, I strived to achieve forms that represent these concepts through a grasshopper generated spiralling motion, creating a sort of fanning effect that shows a progression in the size of the geometries. The exploration of forms also allowed me to create different pockets of space with different spatial qualities.
My design fragments produce the spatial quality of a shelter, as per my initial concept. Due to the spiralling motion of the geometry, I was able to achieve different qualities that highlight the dynamic and organic nature of the forms I generated. In addition to that, it also gave me the opportunity to create different points of engagement within the space where people can physically and visually interact with. However, the spatial qualities of my design fragments evolved when I translated them into waffle structures, such as the quality of light and vision continuity of the space.
Iteration after Iteration
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Successful iterations must have the following:
- Some sort of overhanging portion that can potentially became the canopy for the concept of a shelter
- Spiralling/fanning out motion to compliment the idea of an organic and dynamic form
Final models for Task A
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Final exttracted models for Task A
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Matrix 01
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This additive shape was extracted from iteration 08.02 and it demonstrates my continued interest in producing natural forms with organic geometrical composition. With this form, I was drawn to certain qualities that it produces, including; the sense of shelter and privacy from the semi-closed canopy and wall structure, the sense of heaviness produced by the large canopy mass, the impermeability caused by the densely spaced geometrical composition, which also creates a clear threshold separating the inner and outer spaces.
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Matrix 02
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Here, the concept of a shelter is further emphasised by the semi-enclosed space created within the form that was extracted from iteration 08.06. Following my initial two successful criteria, I further experimented with the iterations to produce forms with different and interesting spatial qualities. This form, in particular, creates a more atmospheric setting due to its massive overhang blocking sunlight from entering the main space. This is one of the qualities that I was aiming to achieve since doing the pavilion study for Peter Zumthor's Serpentine pavilion in M1.
Matrix 03
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The final model was extracted from iteration 09.02 and is also successful in creating two very interesting sheltered spaces, in which one resembles a cave and the other resembles a narrow walkway for an experiential journey and circulation, which relates back Zumthor's atmospheric architecture. I was particularly drawn to how the base of the structure waws separated in three different portions, allowing for unique pockets of space where people can engage with visually and physically.
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While it is important to be able to model complex structures digitally, it is also equally important to understand the whole printing process. Before submitting the 3D print file, I had to go through a self-assessment of the 3 selected models to ensure that they are all printable.
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Orthogonal Waffle
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One of the key considerations that I did during the exploration of the orthogonal waffling technique was the adjustment of plane directions. For structural stability reasons and to translate the concept of a shelter better, I opted for ZY waffle instead. Doing this allowed me to have planes going in the Z direction. Therefore, creating roof-like structures that can shelter people from the weather. Beside that, I also played around with the density of the section planes to see if it could evoke the sense of progression as well as privacy.
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Radial Waffle
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I have chosen the radial waffle as it compliments the radial nature of my original geometry. Compared to the orthogonal waffle, the radial waffle has better retained the original shape of my model. The radial waffling technique also enabled me to open up a new space, like the central atrium inside the rings. This spatial quality is something that was absent from my original geometry and I would love to make use of this opportunity to add to my idea of creating atmospheric spaces.
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