MediaFire Files
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Wednesday, 20 June 2012
Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Monday, 18 June 2012
Assignment 3 Poster
THE SITE
The chosen
site is on the corners of King and Castlereagh Street in the heart of the
Sydney CBD. It runs adjacent to one of Sydney’s most famous icons in the Sydney
Tower and is a central HUB for both Sydney’s shopping, commercial and
residential districts. The site provides verticality as well as a large floor
site for shopping on the lower levels with the upper levels providing space for
both commercial offices and residential apartments. As the site allows for
verticality 360 degree views from the interior allow for a complete
understanding of the Sydney CBD and how this site reacts to its environment.
The main concept for me was to still focus on using nature as an influence and
provide a location that supplies the demand that our Sydney CBD is in need of,
including shopping, offices and apartments.
THE INSPIRATION
The natural
realm has always inspired me and with the opportunity to develop a site, I
chose to follow this concept. The building on the site was inspired by the
spiralling form above created for my previous assignment. The structure of the
new building represents the same spiralling structure represented in a way that
could be used for structural purposes. My new design is not only inspired by natural
geometry on a macroscopic level but also microscopic as I used a voronoi pattern
that represents more of the cellular structure within plants. This work
inspired me to attepmt to morph both the man-made and natural realms into one,
where I believe my design really comes to life. “The future of architecture and
design is in genetic engineering, biotechnology and universal computing… think
of a new kind of xenoarchitecture”
THE BUILDING
The
building was aimed to be a multi-functional design where the structure could be
used for shopping, commercial and residential purposes. Using inspiration from
Biomimetics (the interrelationship between architecture and living systems”, I
developed a site to provide for these requirements. The bottom few floors provide
walk through access to Pitt, King and Castlereagh Street, and encompasses the
entire shopping district within the building to follow on from the Pitt St
Mall. Offices and commercial spaces are provided above this with access through
the centre of the building, with the residential space above this. The reasons
for this is because office spaces will have views out of about 90 degrees each
whilst as floors get smaller for the apartment complex, the rooms will have a
more panoramic view of the cityscape and beyond.
Assignment 3 Renders
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Assignment 2 Tier 2 Model Proposal
Research Question – Can the mathematical modeling of Natural and Nonlinear Systems describe, determine and redevelop the concepts of complex geometry in architectural forms and structures?
Hypothesis – Complex geometry in architectural structures are defined and determined through the use of mathematical modeling. The studies of Nature and Nonlinear Systems Biology and Design allow for architects to reconfigure these studies through the use of these mathematical models.
Problem Statement – How the influences of Nature and Nonlinear Systems Biology can be used as complex geometric forms, for architects to develop and construct various structures and forms that can be used as structures. This will be achieved through using a natural, nonlinear form (seashell) that can be mathematically modeled to create a structural form of architecture.
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of how architecture interrelates to nature and biology, and through this understanding how you can articulate this relationship into a solid 3D structural form.
Procedure – To test my hypothesis and answer the research question at hand, I will be parametrically modeling the seashell geometry. For my Assignment 1 I created a spiral structure, this spiral was constructed by using a series of circles at a base point. I then used inputs to determine the length and height of the spiral whilst the shape followed that of the sin and cos laws of trigonometry. I then combined these functions together and created the circular spiral shape and then applied a piping to the structure. To then follow my hypothesis, I will attempt to use this structure and using valid points along the shape to create horizontal levels in relation to the size of the spiral. This I believe will leave me with a diagrid structure representing that of a living system and nature.
To ensure that if there are any hiccups in my first procedure, I am constructing a secondary model. This model will use a parametric tower, and to start I will create the base shape of the model as a polygon. I then will apply a series and movement modifier in the z-axis to form the basic level structure of the tower. As I want the tower to twist as it rises I will include a rotate modifier so that the building continuously turns as it grows in height. From this I will use two graphs that represent the way in which the building is shaped to allow for the spiral shape to end at a point much like that of a conical shaped shell. With these parameters completed, I will then scale the shape using the base point from the polygon, the midpoints of every floor and the scaling factor. After this base shape is created I will loft the surface and then using the edge modifier, only take the lines creating the diagrid. These will then be extruded as flat planes to simulate the laser cutting shape I wish to create.
Significance – The results of this study will provide an understanding of how architecture can use Natural and Biological Systems as a way of developing future structures. Through the use of mathematical and parametric modeling the complex geometric shapes that make up our natural world will become more imminent in the realm of architecture.
Hypothesis – Complex geometry in architectural structures are defined and determined through the use of mathematical modeling. The studies of Nature and Nonlinear Systems Biology and Design allow for architects to reconfigure these studies through the use of these mathematical models.
Problem Statement – How the influences of Nature and Nonlinear Systems Biology can be used as complex geometric forms, for architects to develop and construct various structures and forms that can be used as structures. This will be achieved through using a natural, nonlinear form (seashell) that can be mathematically modeled to create a structural form of architecture.
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to develop an understanding of how architecture interrelates to nature and biology, and through this understanding how you can articulate this relationship into a solid 3D structural form.
Procedure – To test my hypothesis and answer the research question at hand, I will be parametrically modeling the seashell geometry. For my Assignment 1 I created a spiral structure, this spiral was constructed by using a series of circles at a base point. I then used inputs to determine the length and height of the spiral whilst the shape followed that of the sin and cos laws of trigonometry. I then combined these functions together and created the circular spiral shape and then applied a piping to the structure. To then follow my hypothesis, I will attempt to use this structure and using valid points along the shape to create horizontal levels in relation to the size of the spiral. This I believe will leave me with a diagrid structure representing that of a living system and nature.
To ensure that if there are any hiccups in my first procedure, I am constructing a secondary model. This model will use a parametric tower, and to start I will create the base shape of the model as a polygon. I then will apply a series and movement modifier in the z-axis to form the basic level structure of the tower. As I want the tower to twist as it rises I will include a rotate modifier so that the building continuously turns as it grows in height. From this I will use two graphs that represent the way in which the building is shaped to allow for the spiral shape to end at a point much like that of a conical shaped shell. With these parameters completed, I will then scale the shape using the base point from the polygon, the midpoints of every floor and the scaling factor. After this base shape is created I will loft the surface and then using the edge modifier, only take the lines creating the diagrid. These will then be extruded as flat planes to simulate the laser cutting shape I wish to create.
Significance – The results of this study will provide an understanding of how architecture can use Natural and Biological Systems as a way of developing future structures. Through the use of mathematical and parametric modeling the complex geometric shapes that make up our natural world will become more imminent in the realm of architecture.
Assignment 2 Tier 2 Research Paper
BENV2426 Experimental Modelling – Assignment 2 Tier 2
Through the studies of both nonlinear biological
structures and nature, architects could learn to generate form or design a
building from these blueprints. These will provide architects with a new
process of alternative applications in architecture. The abstract models offer
approaches and methods for the design and fabrication of shell, spatial and
deployable structures that are able to change the shape in alternate contexts. The
first approach being the development of architectural form through sketches of
forms, using properties such as colour, pattern and textures, and the other is
learning from natural forms and applying this to the realm of architecture,
following the behaviour and generative properties. As architects learn from
nature, they open a new platform for finding complex geometry in architecture.
This research in turn provides an inspiration to architects to use nature and
integrate it into architecture with developing technologies, to create further
interest within the topic. Similarly, our perception of nature has been
changing through the impact of the developing computational technologies and
tools. Basically, abstraction/simplification of natural structures and forms by
mathematical models would be a starting point to explore inspiring forms. The future
interaction between architects and biologists will produce models that
reciprocate organic systems of architectural and biological systems. With this
architecture can use the complexity and the dynamic features of living
environments and organisms. With this architects will be able to move towards a
more dynamic and volumetric models where surface architecture mimics that of biological
structures and systems.
Bibliography
Nature
Supporting Articles
Research Paper – Nature and Nonlinear Systems Biology and Design
Biomimetic is the concept of interrelationship between
architecture and living systems. Through the studies of both natural and nonlinear
systems biology, this concept is explored through architectural systems and
expresses the idea that architects are using nature, including the systems
within living organisms as a way of developing complex geometry through
parametric and mathematical modelling. The relationships between architecture
and biology are allowing for people within these industries to work in
collaboration with the ability to not only create architecture, but also
develop further understandings of nature and the nonlinear systems. To discuss
both of these topics and how they interrelate, I will show how both nonlinear
systems biology and nature are being used by architecture as a bridge to
communicate new ideas about complex mathematical geometry. “Through the investigation of organotypic biological
models… parallel models work to unfold the parametric logic of these biological
and responsive membrane and scaffold structures, thereby revealing their deep
interior logics.” (Sabin, Jenny E.; Peter Lloyd Jones, Nonlinear
Systems Biology and Design: Surface Design, 01/05/2012)
Biology as a whole encompasses both
the natural world and the study of living organisms and systems. The realms of
Architecture, Pathology and Nature they share the concerns of how form is
generated or lost. Models from architecture have given new light upon living
systems and how these are assembled and function, and models from biology have
given architects complex, nonlinear geometry, which has led to new structural
organisations in architectural design. These examples demonstrate how
architecture and biology can be so attentive to each other, particularly
because these two industries are “constantly reinventing and questioning
themselves due to historic avant gardes, or in the face of new techniques.” (Sabin, Jenny E.; Peter Lloyd Jones, Nonlinear
Systems Biology and Design: Surface Design, 01/05/2012)
Architects have
always looked to nature to design better shells and spatial structures. Cable
nets are based off of spider webs in both design and with the strength to
weight ratio, vaults after shells and eggs composed of hard exterior and curved
materials. These complex forms of geometry are developed through mathematical
modelling of the natural geometry in both objects and organisms. Nature will
always be a stimulant for the development of architect’s ideas and provides
them with “new potential solutions for their problematic.” (Arslan Selçuk, Semra; Gönenç Sorguç,
Arzu, Exploring Complex Forms in Nature Through Mathematical Modeling: a Case
on Turritella Terebra, 01/05/2012) Through the
biomimetic process architects are able to mimic nature and produce models that
provide natural inspiration for architect’s and the natural geometry sets an
analogy between natural and architectural forms. These ideas are represented in
the architectural realm today whereby a ‘thinking model’ is developed to
transfer these ideas into reality. The complex geometry of natural systems is
represented through the large number of parameters and variables involved in
the mathematical process of modelling. Architects then need to follow steps to
ensure they learn from the natural world, these being that they have to observe
the realistic form and simplify it. The model created is an abstraction or
simplified version of the complex form of geometry. Therefore the perceptions
of nature in the architectural realm have been changing due to technological
advances, and that abstracting the natural form and structures using
mathematical models would be beneficial in exploring the natural realm to
create new forms and structures
“abstraction/ simplification of natural complex forms/structures by
mathematical models would be a starting point to explore inspiring forms and/or
structures”(Arslan
Selçuk, Semra; Gönenç Sorguç, Arzu, Exploring Complex Forms in Nature Through
Mathematical Modeling: a Case on Turritella Terebra, 01/05/2012). Through this
process discussed within these sources it shows how our conceptual models are
related to the physical model of nature in the real world. Not only is an
understanding of nature’s form and structure developed, architects are also
learning from the abstraction.
Contemporary biology shows the
architect that context and dynamics count, which leads to new structures,
systems, form and matter. The collaboration between biologists and architects
has and will give rise to new unseen research, education, and design in both
these industries. “The future of architecture and design is in genetic
engineering, biotechnology and universal computing… think of a new kind of
xenoarchitecture: an information labyrinth or, better still, a universal matrix
that is self-generating and self-organising with its own autonomy and will to
being.” (Sabin,
Jenny E.; Peter Lloyd Jones, Nonlinear Systems Biology and Design: Surface
Design, 01/05/2012) In the near
future architects may be designing and growing buildings through the design and
mutation of code, and using mathematical, physical-geometric and natural
algorithms in architectural and structural design. Examples of this being developed today include
the spiral addition to the Victoria and Albert Museum’s contemporary wing,
which also includes a tiled façade that follows the mathematical model of the
Fibonacci Sequence forming fractal and branching figures.
Bibliography
Nonlinear Systems
Biology and Design
Main Article
Sabin, Jenny E.; Peter Lloyd Jones
(2008) Nonlinear Systems
Biology and Design: Surface Design Silicon
+ Skin: Biological Processes and Computation, [Proceedings of the 28th Annual
Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture
(ACADIA) / ISBN 978-0-9789463-4-0] Minneapolis 16-19 October 2008, 54-65 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?acadia08_054
Supporting Articles
1 Perez, Santiago
R. (2006) PolyForm: Biomimetic
Surfaces Synthetic Landscapes
[Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the Association for
Computer-Aided Design in Architecture] pp. 471-482 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgibin/works/Show?acadia06_471
2 Edgerton, M.E.,
Neubauer, J. and Herzel, H. (2001) The
Influence of Nonlinear Dynamics and the Scaling of Multidimensional Parameter
Spaces in Instrumental, Vocal and Electronic Composition International Conference on Generative
Art http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?ga0119
3 Krieg, Oliver
David; Dierichs, Karola; Reichert, Steffen; Schwinn, Tobias; Menges, Achim
(2011) Performative
Architectural Morphology: Robotically manufactured biomimetic finger-joined
plate structures RESPECTING
FRAGILE PLACES [29th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 978-9-4912070-1-3],
University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Architecture (Slovenia) 21-24 September
2011, pp.573-580 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?ecaade2011_035
4 Chalmers, Chris
(2008) Chemical Signaling as a
Model for Digital Process in Architecture Silicon
+ Skin: Biological Processes and Computation, [Proceedings of the 28th Annual
Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture
(ACADIA) / ISBN 978-0-9789463-4-0] Minneapolis 16-19 October 2008, 340-345 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?acadia08_340
5 Paz Gutierrez,
Maria (2008) Material
Bio-Intelligibility Silicon +
Skin: Biological Processes and Computation, [Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference
of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) / ISBN
978-0-9789463-4-0] Minneapolis 16-19 October 2008, 278-285 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?acadia08_278
6 Ahlquist, Sean;
Moritz Fleischmann (2008) Material
& Space: Synthesis Strategies based on Evolutionary Developmental Biology Silicon + Skin: Biological Processes
and Computation, [Proceedings of the 28th Annual Conference of the Association
for Computer Aided Design in Architecture (ACADIA) / ISBN 978-0-9789463-4-0]
Minneapolis 16-19 October 2008, 66-71 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?acadia08_066
Nature
Main Article
Arslan Selçuk, Semra; Gönenç Sorguç, Arzu (2009) Exploring Complex Forms in Nature
Through Mathematical Modeling: a Case on Turritella Terebra Computation: The New Realm of
Architectural Design [27th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN
978-0-9541183-8-9] Istanbul (Turkey) 16-19 September 2009, pp. 665-672 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?ecaade2009_164
Supporting Articles
1 Fukuda, Tomohiro;
Kazuhiro Sakata; Wookhyun Yeo and Atsuko Kaga (2006) Development and Evaluation of a Close-range View
Representation Method of Natural Elements in a Real-time Simulation for
Environmental Design - Shadow, Grass, and Water Surface Communicating Space(s) [24th eCAADe
Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9541183-5-9] Volos (Greece) 6-9 September 2006,
pp. 58-65 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?2006_058
2 He, Jie and Tsou
Jin-Yeu (2001) GIS-based
Visual Perception Analysis of Urban Natural Landscape for Urban Planning
Supporting: A Case Study of Jinzishan Hill Region Architectural Information Management
[19th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN 0-9523687-8-1] Helsinki (Finland)
29-31 August 2001, pp. 505-510 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?bb4f
3 Calderon,
Dominguez, Emmanuel Ruffo, Hirschberg Urs (2011) Towards a Morphogenetic Control of
Free-Form Surfaces for Designers Computer
Aided Architectural Design Futures 2011 [Proceedings of the 14th International
Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Futures / ISBN 9782874561429]
Liege (Belgium) 4-8 July 2011, pp. 165-180. http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?cf2011_p083
4 Mannan, Ashik
Vaskor; M.Saleh Uddin (2007) Natural
Behavior and Computational Logic for Optimization of Architectural Design CAADRIA 2007 [Proceedings of the 12th
International Conference on Computer Aided Architectural Design Research in
Asia] Nanjing (China) 19-21 April 2007 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?caadria2007_171
5 Perez, Santiago
R. (2006) PolyForm: Biomimetic
Surfaces Synthetic Landscapes
[Proceedings of the 25th Annual Conference of the Association for
Computer-Aided Design in Architecture] pp. 471-482 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgibin/works/Show?acadia06_471
6 Estévez,
Alberto T. (2009) Biodigital
Architecture Computation: The
New Realm of Architectural Design [27th eCAADe Conference Proceedings / ISBN
978-0-9541183-8-9] Istanbul (Turkey) 16-19 September 2009, pp. 681-686 http://cumincad.scix.net/cgi-bin/works/Show?ecaade2009_097
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Task 10
Thoughts on Laser Cutting and Material Selection
For my model in Assignment 3 I had to choose an alternate route to Laser Cutting as my model was to difficult a task to go about with that technology. Instead, I chose to use 3D Printing and this technology I think really aided not only my model but my concept as a whole. It opened up a lot of opportunities with my work and I believe I chose the best and most reflective design.
At first I used Shapeways, a 3D Modelling company overseas, and everything was going smoothly until I received an email saying my model could not be created via them. I tried changing materials and discussing possible alternatives with them but unfortunately nothing positive arose. Luckily, I found a local 3D Printing Company that allowed me to complete my design at a reasonable cost and in a very quick time frame that benefited my studies.
Using Shapeways my idea was to use transparent material to show how natural light could filter into the Model and the concept of a real life building. These materials however were unable to be used and instead I had to use a white plastic. The idea and concept of my building as a nature inspired work is still evident within the design and I believe is a wonderful piece of art and architecture.
For my model in Assignment 3 I had to choose an alternate route to Laser Cutting as my model was to difficult a task to go about with that technology. Instead, I chose to use 3D Printing and this technology I think really aided not only my model but my concept as a whole. It opened up a lot of opportunities with my work and I believe I chose the best and most reflective design.
At first I used Shapeways, a 3D Modelling company overseas, and everything was going smoothly until I received an email saying my model could not be created via them. I tried changing materials and discussing possible alternatives with them but unfortunately nothing positive arose. Luckily, I found a local 3D Printing Company that allowed me to complete my design at a reasonable cost and in a very quick time frame that benefited my studies.
Using Shapeways my idea was to use transparent material to show how natural light could filter into the Model and the concept of a real life building. These materials however were unable to be used and instead I had to use a white plastic. The idea and concept of my building as a nature inspired work is still evident within the design and I believe is a wonderful piece of art and architecture.
Task 9
Preliminary Exploration into Geometry for Fabrication
My understanding of geometry in fabrication was really helped by our lecture with Jeremy and our on site Laser Printing Service. It allowed me to see what I could and could not do with such technology and I think it was especially beneficial for the whole course.
Before this course I did not know what this technology was capable of and certainly had never had experienced the use of a Laser Cutter before. The first thing that really helped me was the ability to hatch and no cut fully through materials and as much as I didn't need to use this, I could see through previous examples how it could be extremely useful.
For my design I had a base idea that I could laser cut each level of my model evident in my laser cutting file, whereby I could either stack them or feed string or wire through small holes that would be placed in the six corners of each level. This idea was however a bit simple and lacklustre, and I believe it did not show what I wanted my assignment to be.
Once I reached this point I decided to go ahead with 3D Printing an once again I was perplexed when I heard this technology was being used so consistently today. When I started to watch some videos and develop an understanding of the geometry created I thought it would really suit my concept. So with this I explored the options and tried using Shapeways to do my work, however I was unable to print my design through this company. I then searched locally and compared prices to find somewhere reasonable to get it printed and luckily found a reasonably cheap and very efficient company that was able to print my design for me.
My understanding of geometry in fabrication was really helped by our lecture with Jeremy and our on site Laser Printing Service. It allowed me to see what I could and could not do with such technology and I think it was especially beneficial for the whole course.
Before this course I did not know what this technology was capable of and certainly had never had experienced the use of a Laser Cutter before. The first thing that really helped me was the ability to hatch and no cut fully through materials and as much as I didn't need to use this, I could see through previous examples how it could be extremely useful.
For my design I had a base idea that I could laser cut each level of my model evident in my laser cutting file, whereby I could either stack them or feed string or wire through small holes that would be placed in the six corners of each level. This idea was however a bit simple and lacklustre, and I believe it did not show what I wanted my assignment to be.
Once I reached this point I decided to go ahead with 3D Printing an once again I was perplexed when I heard this technology was being used so consistently today. When I started to watch some videos and develop an understanding of the geometry created I thought it would really suit my concept. So with this I explored the options and tried using Shapeways to do my work, however I was unable to print my design through this company. I then searched locally and compared prices to find somewhere reasonable to get it printed and luckily found a reasonably cheap and very efficient company that was able to print my design for me.
Saturday, 21 April 2012
Assignment 2 Non-Linear Systems Biology Review
BENV2426 Experimental Modelling – Assignment 2 Tier 1
Non-linear Systems Biology and Design
Non-linear Systems Biology and Design – Surface Design
The purpose of this study is to explore the fundamental processes
in living systems. The topic being discussed relates to the potential
application in the novel design responsive surfaces and spatial structures. The
articles I have chosen focus on investigations of studies between nonlinear
systems in biology and architectural design. The resulting product is an abstract
surface architecture that has the ability to respond to both environmental and
interior programmed systems.
The articles discuss how through these studies architects are able to gain a new way of thinking about design, incorporating the dynamic feedback and reciprocity of the 3-D models created. The project reflects the relationship between the interior and exterior environment much like an architectural project, and allows for an abstract understanding of the form relating to dynamic conditions. As digital and physical algorithms are developed, geometric abstraction gives rise to the formation of the spatial structures and allow for these to shape shift, just as an architect would create iterations of their work.
Architects similarly to pathologists both have concerns as to how form is generated or lost, and this reflects in the relationships that have emerged between these two fields. Both fields provide models that provide vital information in their respective areas; architects are able to provide tensegrity structures and geodesic domes allowing for increased insight into how living systems function and are assembled. Models borrowed from biology allow for the emergence of complex, non-linear global systems from simple local rules of organisation. This in turn has led to the new discovery of structural organisations in architectural design. Through these developments studied within this text it allows for architects to look to nature to design better structures. Many structures today are developed based on those we see in the world around us such as spider webs, providing a stepping stone for how nonlinear systems within biology are used in design. Using these parts of nature as a starting point has allowed for various architects and engineers to branch off and use other forms of nature to create structures that have never been seen before, yet still follow the concept of nonlinear systems.
These discoveries and research have led to more collaborations between architects and biologists that gives rise to new modelling concepts that has expanded the spectrum as realms of work start to intertwine allowing for new relationships and blueprints of algorithms that can be designed at all scales. This allows for certain aspects of design to be transformed and adapted to particular environments, whether it is by scaling or stretching. These ideas and changing ideas allow for designed objects to be transformed in the way nature changes, allowing for architecture to mimic nature. The future of architecture and design is in genetic engineering, biotechnology and universal computing, and could in fact be modelling through the mutation of code or design.
In conclusion, the ideas and concepts present within these texts
have allowed for collaboration between these realms in the world. The
relationships and cooperation has led to more advanced and complex developments
not only in architecture but also various sciences and engineering. However, we
do not design buildings after the structure of nonlinear biology, but architects
can use these concepts to develop architectural contexts. These new abstract
models provide new approaches for designing and fabricating shells, spatial and
structures that can shift and transform in alternative and scalable contexts.
Assignment 2 Nature Review
BENV2426 Experimental Modelling – Assignment 2 Tier 1
Natural Geometry in Architectural Design
Exploring Complex Forms in Nature Through Mathematical Modelling
The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship and links
between the realms of nature and architecture. The sources I have chosen
discuss how complex forms of architecture are developed through mathematical
modelling of natural geometry in objects and organisms. They show that nature
will always be a stimulant for the development of ideas within architecture and
provides architects with “new potential solutions for their problematic”. The
concept of “biomimetic” is explored throughout the texts as architects imitate
and learn from nature, expressed through tree-like, web-like, skeleton-like,
pneumatic and shell like structures, that is reflected in architecture today.
This provides natural inspiration for architects, which is considered to be a
visual expression of nature. However, many architects use these methods and
natures geometry to set an analogy between natural and architectural forms.
The texts aim to firstly answer the question of “what/how architects can learn from the optimized futures and efficiencies in the formation of processes in nature?” This question is answered by showing that all inspiring natural forms and structures are very complex and difficult to understand as a whole when considering structural, physical and material properties in relation to architecture. The source then states that the development of a way of transferring these ideas from nature into architecture is needed, this being a “thinking model”. An example of this process is known as a computation cycle, whereby complex geometry within nature is analysed, which inspires the complex forms and structures of architecture in the modern era. The idea of “Real problems” in the natural world due to the large numbers of parameters and variables means that mathematical modelling is the only way to solve such issues. This means that architects must follow steps to learn from the natural world, these being that they must observe the real model and then simplify it, prepare the working model and decide on the variables and parameters. They then must create the mathematical model as an abstract or simplified version of the complex form of geometry. Therefore, perceptions of nature in the architectural realm have been changing due to the impact of technological advances, and that abstracting the natural form and structures using mathematical models would be beneficial in exploring the natural realm to create new forms and structures. Through this modelling process discussed within the source it shows how our conceptual models are related to the physical model of nature in the real world. Not only is an understanding of nature’s form and structure developed, architects are also learning from the abstraction.
Through the example of ‘Sea Shells’ it is evident how complex
geometry within nature is expressed through architectural design. The shell
today is common in both the natural man-made world due to the high structural
performance and the shelter provided within. Shells provide the architecture
with form and an exterior surrounding that are capable of spanning over large
distances without needing any internals supports, which in turn provides an
open interior. These forms of shell geometry show us the link between modern
architecture and complex geometry within nature, providing a gateway of endless
opportunities as each piece of nature is individual and inspiring in its own
way.
The articles I have chosen provides us with the information needed
to link nature and architecture that can be built upon two approaches. The
first being the development of architectural form through sketches of forms,
using properties of colour, pattern and textures, and the other is learning
from natural forms and applying this to architectural form, following its
behavioural and generative properties. As we learn from nature, we are open to
a new platform for finding complex geometry in architecture. The intention of
this research is to inspire more interest in the analysis of natural forms
through the integration of architecture and technology into the example of
“seashells” and their “implementations in architecture”. Similarly in
architecture, our perception of nature has been changing through the impact of
the developing computational technologies and tools. Basically,
abstraction/simplification of natural complex forms/structures by mathematical
models would be a starting point to explore inspiring forms.
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Thursday, 22 March 2012
Wednesday, 21 March 2012
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Assignment Concept
For Assignment 1 I have chosen to do my work based around the random assortment in nature. To come to this concept I saw dew drops on a small spiraling plant and the effect created is something I have never seen before.
Articles:
http://www.miqel.com/fractals_math_patterns/visual-math-natural-fractals.html
This article discusses patterns within nature, although its not exactly what I'm looking at doing it is extremely similar. As you look through the images within the article it shows how many patterns there are in the natural world and how from the simplest of things, patterns can evolve.
http://www.patternsinnature.org/Book/Chaos.html
This article refers to a book being developed on the development of software being used to generate the most random of patterns and amongst these comes nature. The patterns and book are known as "Chaos" which is a strange way of defining patterns that are rarely seen twice. With random assortment added to the equation these patterns never will repeat andi believe that being able to create something that may only be seen once in life is quite an amazing experience.
Images:
Wednesday, 7 March 2012
Weekly Task 1
Assignment 1 Concept- This image inspires me to represent form in a different way within architecture. The way the plant curves over on itself creates quite a majestic feeling. With the randomly assorted drops of dew, the pattern almost becomes non-repetitive and flows consistently throughout the plant. |
Tree branches represent a strong algorithmic pattern within the natural world. This image represents the strong yet delicate way in which branches wrap and intertwine with each other to form rigid structure. At the same time the pattern is never repetitive and as each branch meets another, a new form is created. |
This pattern is relatively simple and highly repetitive, but I believe the affect that it creates is amazing. Through the spiraling system of triangles that create a small star in the centre adds to the plants natural beauty. This design would be quite a simple task in Grasshopper, but for a first attempt at the software I think it is a reasonable task. |
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
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