ARC280 Modelling and Fabrication in Design Notes

Course Information

Overview of Today's Class

  • Research Trip: London, UK

    • Visit notable architectural sites and firms.

    • Key focus areas during the trip include:

    • Capturing Design Intent

    • Sketch Models and Study Models

    • Parametric Design Rationalization (Structure/Envelope)

    • Introduction to Digital Fabrication Lab (Laser Cutters)

    • Greater London Authority Building (GLA)

Core Questions

  • How do architects form buildings?

  • What factors influence building form?

    • CD

    • Notations indicating specific segments of the presentation (e.g., (03), (00), etc.)

Technology in Form-Making

  • How can technology help in the form-making process?

  • What tools do designers need?

  • Emphasis on the integration of technology in architectural design.

Architectural Firms and Innovations

  • Zaha Hadid Architects: Known for their unique architectural style and parametric design approaches.

  • Foster + Partners: Internationally recognized architecture firm known for innovative building designs such as:

    • Swiss Re Office Tower (The Gherkin)

  • Hugh Whitehead's statement:

    • "Parametrics is more about an attitude of mind than any particular software application. It has its roots in mechanical design, as such, for architects it is borrowed thought and technology. It is a way of thinking that some designers might find alien, but the first requirement is an attitude of mind that seeks to express and explore relationships."

    • Positioning of parametric design as a philosophical approach rather than merely a technical skill.

Capturing Design Intent

  • Design Sketch View:

    • Conceptual architecture sketches display elements like:

    • Facing River, Open Ground Plane, Smaller spaces behind the building, Communal Gathering Space, “Legs” → visual and spatial components in design.

Parametric Model and Parameters

  • GLA Parametric Model Contains parameters such as:

    • CF1A and CF1B: Specific constant factor definitions addressing shape and geometry.

    • Various lengths and widths detailing the geometric structure with calculations:

    • CF1A = 30.582994

    • CF1B = 45.000000

    • lengthA = 76.308

    • lengthB = lengthA

    • Detailed parameter equations demonstrating lengths and widths across structural components.

Environmental Analysis

  • Environmental Considerations:

    • Discussed methodologies to analyze environmental impacts on design.

    • Firms such as ARUP contribute significant insights into sustainability and performance.

Rotational Surfaces

  • Definition:

    • Rotational surfaces (surfaces of revolution) are generated by rotating a curve around an axis.

    • The intersections of curves lead to the generation of measurable circles and meridian curves, creating an orthogonal grid on surfaces for architecture.

  • Examples:

    • The Royal Pavilion (1815-1823, Brighton, UK by John Nash)

    • 30 St Mary Axe (1997-2004, London by Foster + Partners)

    • Torre Agbar (2000-2005, Barcelona by Jean Nouvel)

  • Types of Rotational Surfaces:

    • Illustrations include vases and different types of tori (horn, ring, spindle).

Geometric Shapes in Architecture

  • Cone Definition:

    • A cone is a three-dimensional geometric shape tapering from a flat base to an apex.

    • Two primary forms: right circular cone and oblique circular cone.

  • Sheared Cones: Discussion on the planar sections around the apex leading to architectural designs involving cones.

Project Methodology

  • Geometry Method Statements:

    • Steps for Diagrid Lens Cladding

    • Instructions on creating components based on dimensions and radial arcs.

    • Establishing horizontal joints and faceting details in the design construction.

    • Cladding layers: Emphasized divisions across multiple levels.

Acoustic Analysis

  • Arup Acoustics: Detailed discussions around noise vibration, audio, and visual impacts in building design.

Study Models and Digital Fabrication

  • Importance of 3D models: Architects create models to visualize and fit together complex components efficiently.

  • Use of technologies such as laser cutting to create precise components for architectural designs.

Conclusion

  • Essential to integrate both technology and a conceptual understanding of design.

  • Continued study on environmental impacts and parametric design methodologies to push the boundaries of architecture while ensuring sustainable practices are upheld.