FIELD STATION STUDIO - PART II
ARCHITECTURE & AUTOMATION
Architecture Master Studio 2019
ARCHITECTURE & AUTOMATION
Architecture Master Studio 2019
Michiel Helbig & Corneel Cannaerts
''architectural design studio, aiming to investigate the potential of architecture as a medium to disrupt, explore and raise questions, rather than solving them''
Link for Field Station Part I:
https://www.behance.net/gallery/125700323/Field-Guide-Automated-Fabrication-and-Construction
Link for Design Studio introduction: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12eLtj-Xp5zVWER2WXR3fqcjyPxGSOnhh/view?usp=sharing
Link for Field Guides for all topics: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UiZ5AnItDLDbKHtgCZQ0Wuy8nOkEslxP?usp=sharing
Link for Final Exebition projects:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MbqszVoQhnEvWkjTTpFHvNRhyHd60Z-o/view?usp=sharing
The New Tectonic
Hristo Hristov
''pseudoscientific research of a new architectural language based of a digital revolution''
1.0 QUESTIONS
What automation gives us as an informal benefit in the architectural artifact?
How automation is changing the design process?
How the automation is changing the architectural language?
2.0 INTRODUCTION
Research subject - This project looks at method for the coupling of truss based topology optimization of space-frame structures. The presented work establishes the concept of an integrated optimization and fabrication process that fosters the development of novel space-frames, based on the ideas of the generative design, and speculates for key visual or experience based differences of the future architectural artifact.
3.0 BACKGROUND
Topology optimization (TO) of continuum structures - can be summarized as a process in which material densities are iteratively redistributed within a FE-discretized design domain to meet an objective function. The most efficient use is with discrete members such as bars, beams, trusses, plates and facade elements, prefabricated in formative processes and assembled on-site.
Topology optimization (TO) of space-frame structures - Compared to concrete construction, a higher economic incentive is thus given for developing material efficient steel or wood structures with less structural members and smaller dimensions of members.
TO of continuum structures is well known method used in other industries (compared to the space-frame structures), but do to the large scale of the buildings and from there the problems with in-situ construction, there are numerous advantages of applying truss-based topology optimization to discrete architectural structures, which normaly come prefabricated on site.
4.0 METHODOLOGY
Semi-digital fabrication:
1.Boundary form and grid of points with resolution in side;
2.Connection between points (with certain distance factor form point of fabrication purposes);
3.Topology optimization (remove unnecessary elements based on FEM structural analyses) and elements cross section optimization (limited by reasonable amount of cross sections);
4.Fabrication supporting system;
5.Devision of the space frame in to groups for easier fabrication;
6.Nomenclatures and groupings of different elements for easier fabrication, transportation and assembly.
Individual architectural expression can be achieved mainly by redefining the boundary form of the frame and by different support and load placements. Or on a minor level inside the boundary by controlling the grid resolution and the connectivity index, as well as by imposing gradual resolutions.
Do to inability to photo the real physical model are provided similar renders of section G1 of the space frame.
The presented fabrication uses established methodologies, but it requires the use of auxiliary structures. Instead, there is a principal robot-assisted process to avoid the excessive use of jigs and additional formwork to stabilize elements during fabrication.
5.0 INFORMAL EVALUATION OF THE ATRTIFACT
Comparison between displacement and mass is made with the purpose of an error monetarization in the generated complex structure, which due to the optimization should be more efficient compared to a classical spatial truss with identical elements. This comparison should not be confused with an engineering speculation for better efficiency of such structures, which due to their complexity have much more intricate joints, as well as much more straitened fabrication (despite the controlled environment), which in fact currently more than doubles the cost of the structure compared to a conventional one, making it economically inefficient. The main task of the project remains the realization of а complex form based on generative principles, a process currently founded on an engineering speculation, but seriously ahead of its scientific development, which refers the elaboration entirely as an artistic work.
It should be mentioned that the tools that are used are strictly made for early design process (Karamba), so there is a strong potential for even better numbers.
6.0 DESIGN PROCESS OUTLET
1.Architect remains superior
The domain of the architect here remains superior to that of the computer; the layout and composition of the architectural structure is defined entirely through his design activities, and the computational form-finding in essence just fills the already given geometries.
2.TO - Tool for design exploration
In topology optimization, the most fundamental part of a geometrical construct, the topology, is subject to change. As a consequence, the designer is now detached from any direct control over the process, which, as a function of the embedded complexity of the calculations, arrives at unforeseeable, unexpected morphological results.
These iterations do not provide a platform for the execution of a design intent in a conventional understanding of the term, but rather the possibility for a design exploration, where aesthetic potentials are discovered along the way.
3.Adaptive design
The application of the process enables the generation of adaptive designs which can accommodate geometrical irregularities such as topographic variations of the site, skewed position of neighboring buildings or asymmetries of the building program. As such, the process points to a perspective for a contextualization.
This is a graphic that represents the design process. The formal intent represents the architectural or structural formalities that embody non-quantifiable parameters and the relationship between structure, material and technology is detached in a separate closed computational domain. What follows from then on is a loop between the two domains refining the artifact.
7.0 NEW ARCHITECTURAL LANGUAGE
Tectonic - Tectonics, as characterized by Karl Christiansen, is defined as the relation and interaction between form, matter and technology. (Christiansen 2004).
This is the language that is used in architectural artifact and trough history it has been a key factor for desired architectural expressions.
Photo of:
1. ancient arc 2. modern – concrete and steel structures.
What this work speculates for is a possibility of a shift in this particular fragment of the architectural artifact and/or the architectural process.
FUTURE QUESTIONS
1.The algorithm needs to be used more in a designed architectural environment. Let’s say rebuild the American pavilion with the capabilities of the new technology and explore the new forms/spaces, visual characteristics. What could be the story, the experience, the vibe, that could be achieved with this new aesthetic?
2. One of the main pros of the technique is the adaptability - how this can be exploited?
3. Get a level above – get free of the normal building elements like columns, beams and slabs, they can become one – how this affects the space?
4. Standardization of the elements by controlling the number of sections, and the lengths of the elements (resolution of the nodes + connectivity index). What is the potential of different form expressions using this viriable?
5. Solve collisions – this is a huge problem visible in the physical model.
6. Can a topology optimization be done to a discreet assembly (one construction block)?
7. What is the role of the engineer or the programmer? Are we going for a need for even more integrated design process which leads to more tight collaboration between different disciplines?
