Studio Air - Journal AZac Goldberg, Geoff, Tute 16582837

About MePrevious Design experience

This is my 3rd year of architecture at Melbourne Uni. Previously, as seen in picture right I have complted Studios Water & Earth - very much enjoy-ing the design elements. My strengths are in de-sign ideas & sketching - whilst my weakness lies with computers.

I am looking forward to what I can develop, & how my design capabilities can improve with learning Grass Hopper & Rhino.

Table of Contents 1

About Me - 1

Design Futuring - 2-3

Design Computation - 4

Composition & Generation - 5

Conclusion & Learning Outcomes - 6

ALgorithmic Sketches 7-9

References - 10

Design Futuring

Architecture & Design is engulfed within every day societal needs & practices. An overlapping principle that not only engag-es other disciplines, Architects/ architecture works in tandem with other professions to produce results that respond most appropriately to its environment & cultural requirements. Ur-ban sprawl - or life, can dictate the type of architecture & design necessary for the environment surrounding. This is a common approach, for there is the requirement or brief, and then there is the solution. An example being the recently built architecture building at the University of Melbourne.

Yet, it can also be the contrary. Whilst there is always minor adaption for how users respond to the newly built architecture , architecture can also completely dictate not only the users, but how the surrounding urban environment is used. This is highlighted in the notably close to home example of Federation square, where users are guided by this unique cultural precinct.

The Architecture Building at Melbourne University is my logical choice for highlighting how a building is constructed as a pure response for its users, simultaneously engaging & contributing to modern cultural trends. Built by John Wardle & NASAAA this building is not only aesthetically brilliant, but completely logical in its layout & construction. Aesthetics aside, the build-ing is fitted with numerous study, collaborative, & engaging spaces, all of which are vital cogs contributing to the education of its students. Engaging & designing stringently for the stake-holders of the building allows a completely accurate representa-tion & response for its users.

Additionally, the building “sets a standard” for sustainability & Green Architecture. Current Global condition demands a need for sensitivity in the responding architecture - as eloquently highlighted by Dr. Stanislav Roudavski. Dr Roudavski among many, highlights this issue as extremely critical, concluding dramatically that it could very well bring about the end of the human race. As portrayed in an online science journal, “The increased volumes of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases released by the burning of fossil fuels, land clearing, agricul-ture, and other human activities, are believed to be the primary sources of the global warming that has occurred over the past 50 years.” As such, the Newly built Architecture building re-sponds to this modern cultural phenomena by having the build-ing awarded a “ 6 Green Star Rating,” portraying the sensitivity towards the cultural crisis. Wardle & NASAAA’s design highlight the way which architecture stringently respond & is dictated by user, urban & cultural requirements.

However, Federation Square demonstrates how users & urban environment adapt & are dictated by its design. The original de-sign brief for the Square was to better connect the surrounding urban sprawl, such as Flinders St Station & the St Pauls Cathe-dral church.

Yet, the end results highlights the dramatic contrast between the earlier Melbourne landmarks. Federation square doesn’t respond to a cultural requirement, it defines it. The inquisition of cafes, galleries and seated “hang out” zones almost revolu-tionized the existing cultural precinct prior to its existence. Aesthetics such as minor “clumsy” details & clear juxtaposition to its surroundings are highlighted as negative implications on its existence within the precinct. However, Its controversial fa-cade further demonstrates the architectures dictation on urban sprawl, as the clear deviation helps define the urban surround-ings. Whether appreciated by all or not, the Federation Square is notably defined as Melbourne’s “heartbeat,” signifying the architectures influence on Melbourne Culture.

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Federation Square Melbourne School of Design

Federation Square Melbourne School of Design

Design ComputationArchitecture & Design Process has developed over centuries to produce some of the complex geometric buildings we see today. Transforming from beautifully hand drawn & crafted perspec-tives , to complex, modern 3 dimensional models. Both are juxtaposed means of translating ideas to reality, but ultimately contain the same information. The way Computer aided design is used has also transformed on its own esteem, developing from a tool to finalize complex & imaginative forms - to a legitimate design tool in itself. This transformation is prevalent in two es-teemed examples, which without computer aided design, would not be possible. They are Frank Gehrys Walt Disney Concert hall, & Sou Fujimoto’s Serpetine pavillion.

Hailed as a modern master, Frank Gehry’s Walt Disney Con-cert Hall is an architectural wonder. Famous for his unique & innovative approach to design, Gehry’s creation stands nothing short of spectacular. The countless striking features include a [ roof structure that spans the entire space, wonderful curved partitions & the creative representation of LA’s musical move-ment through its undulating & angled forms,] is what makes it so unique. However, without computer aided design, this structure would not have been possible. Gehry’s free flowing mind allowed these complex shapes & imaginative ideas to form, highlighting his genius, but there was an undoubted reliance on the computing to make this design a reality. In this particular instance, computer aided design was used a construction & Engineering tool.

This is in contrast to Fujimoto’s Serpentine pavilion, of which was completely reliant on the use of computing. This project particularly highlights the drastic evolution in architecture &

design from computing, undoubtedly not flawless, but demon-strating tremendous benefit. The serpentine pavillion is an architectural wonderment in its own right, blurring the line between interior and exterior spaces, encouraging visitors to use the spaces freely & creatively. In addition to the computer aided design process, traditional construction techniques of the tubes would not only have been labour intensive, but almost impos-sible to construct accurately. The serpetine pavilion is a classic example of Prefabrication from computing, making the unlikely 2 month deadline for construction a complete reality.

Composition & Generation

Two precedents & Mr Gehry.

Early emerging programs such as AutoCad were used as an alternative to drafting, & were considered a unique approach to architecture. The same can be said for 3D computer modeling programs, such as Sketch up or Rhino. However the transition towards computing in this generation is truly prevalent, with the potential of ‘sketching’ or design as an art form being slow-ly phased out.

This is is linked with personal experience of mine, as I have recently started work experience at a small firm. The phrase computing as an alternative approach to design is unmen-tioned, for it is considered as the normal approach. Used in the right context, computation is a clear & absolute necessity in architecture. Yet, paradoxically, it is limited in its own right, for it can lead to rigid designs. This is why using computation in conjunction with free hand thinking/drawing is essential in design, as highlighted in the lecture, ‘we shouldn’t forget tech-nology from the stone age, we should improve on it.’

The advantage of this method of design is the parameters, the algorithmic thinking & the accuracy for which the structures can be built - complex or otherwise. Two example precedents are the National Bank of Kuwait & the Cayan infinity tower.

This early 21st century structure formulated as a result of algo-rithmic thinking, where the cells were rearranged from a point system - within the designers control, to produce this complex algorithmic form. The complex pattern on the facade, encom-passed with the ‘fast’ construction process, demonstrates the clear advantage of computing within architecture.

The Cayan infinity tower significant twist feature is a resulting process from Computing tools. Such complex structures without technology would be near on impossible - if not impossible to construct. In addition to creating this ‘twist’ for aesthetic purpose, the pressures of the wind are reduced in such a way that the forces are “unable to organize themselves,” a revelation. This futuristic structure may be a unique once in a generation building, or it may be the crux of a transition phase in design, one which is engulfed with its technological resources.

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Conclusion & Learning Outcomes Algorithmic Sketches

Rhino was something I have used very spraringly - with no history using Grass Hopper. The first Algorithmic excersize, enabled me to produce some free flowing shapes, with the concept idea to produce something sculptural

Conclusion

My intended design approach is to really respond to the site itself, and draw on the history of it - dating back 1000s of years. I feel that using organic and original materials will enable me to have a deep connection with the site - and therefore be more readily em-braced by its users. For Part A i designed a sculptural response to the site, which is linked with an earlier tutorial example of emer-gent behavior. The different positioning of shading and cladding produces a unique environment within an environment for the user. For example if the user wants a view of the water, grass, to be shaded, to be hidden, to be exposed or to be seen - each position within the sculpture has a representation of this. I hope to contin-ue along this line of thinking.

Learning Outcomes

Part A highlighted to me a new world that I am yet to fully explore or tap into. I am fortunate to have drawing or design skills, but unfortunate in the sense that it has prevented me from exploring other design options. Whilst grasping the skills required for Rhino & Grasshopper will be an ongoing task, using it in conjunction with hand drawing skills will be invaluable. Looking back on previous studios, I definitely could have benefited from using it as simply another design method or tool. When stuck or brainstorm-ing for ideas, computing as a design method can produce unique & unexpected results - such as my one in Part A.

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Algorithmic Sketches

The unique cladding options produced by experimentation in Grass Hopper in Rhino. I used a nurbs function as well as a panelling function on my original curved structure.

Algorithmic Sketches

The sculptural result produced came through experimenting with Rhino. The curved shape was as a result of a natural response to the site - and the open clad-ding allowed me to fill it with materials present or representive of the site. Materials such as Kannan - an ancient hunting stick, white maple wood & Greenery can all be seen on & throughout the structure. The purpose of the structure is to observe the surroundings from different viewports without inhib-iting on the natural surroundings.

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Referenceshttp://msd.unimelb.edu.au/new-building-0

http://www.livescience.com/topics/global-warming/

http://www.thatsmelbourne.com.au/Placestogo/FedSquare/Pages/FedSquare.aspx

http://www.cv.vic.gov.au/stories/built-environment/federa-tion-square/

http://www.thenational.ae/business/industry-insights/property/dubais-twisting-cayan-tower-named-among-worlds-best-new-skyscrapers

http://www.archdaily.com/441358/ad-classics-walt-disney-con-cert-hall-frank-gehry/

http://www.dezeen.com/2013/09/29/i-tried-to-create-something-between-architecture-and-nature-sou-fujimoto-on-serpentine-gallery-pavilion-2013/

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