MICHAEL XIE

SEM 1, 2013

STUDIO:

AIR

A special thanks to my tutors Daniel & Kirily

and my team Stella and Victor

CONTENTS
CONTENTS:
INTRODUCTION

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION

Architecture as a Discourse
Computation Architecture
Parametric Modelling
Case for Innovation Conclusion

6
10
13
15

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH

Design Focus
Case Study 1.0
Case Study 2.0
Technique: Development
Technique: Prototypes
Technique Proposal
Design Approach Conclusion

18
21
26
28
31
34
35

PART C: DESIGN PROPOSAL

Design Concept
Tectonic Elements
Final Model

38
44
46

CONCLUSION

54

REFERENCES

55

My name is Michael Xie and I am third year student studying Bachelor of Environments majoring in Architecture. Though my parents are from
China, I was born here in Melbourne and have
called it home my entire life and love it here (except when there are four seasons in one day).
At a young age I was given Lego pieces to play
with, which a found very interesting as it gave
me the opportunity for my imagination to go
wild. From that moment on I wanted to be creative and as time went by I believe Architecture
is right path for me; I want to design structures
that will draw peoples interests and be there for
years to come.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION INTRODUCTION

My current experience with digital design tools

is fairly limited. The main exposure I have had
to digital design is through the subject Virtual
Environments in 2011, though to be honest,
wasnt a pleasant experience because there was
limited time given to learn Rhinoceros 3D; which
is a powerful yet complex tool. When the subject
was completed, I was relieved and decided to a
keep a distance from Rhino 3D. In Design Studio:
Water I explored the program Revit, which is a
powerful tool as well and is easier to understand.
However, when comparing these two programs,
I believe Rhino 3D is a difficult program to grasp
because there is a lot more freeness in the
sense that you can design almost anything.
Through Rhino 3D I have learnt that digital
architecture can be used to create very complex
designs and look amazing, however, it can limit
our imagination because we are then susceptible
to designs that are based on a set of algorithms
or parameters. Instead of these being like site
surroundings etc, it is based on coded instructions that are like long sets of maths equations
that the computer processes to produce a form.
Many buildings these days use digital design in
some form to produce complex yet beautiful
structures.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION INTRODUCTION

ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

What is architecture? This used be a straightforward question,

with a straight forward answer.1 Through the progression of time,
there is more to architecture than just the aesthetics and materiality making it difficult to define. Architecture can be broken to
three approaches; as art, symbolic and spatial experience.2 When
viewed as discourse aspects such as cultural, social, political and
other ideas become part of the discussion in relation to the architectural work. The architecture can then often change a current
idea about aspects of discourse and functionality and pushes the
limits of engineering. It defines our movement through cities and
its society. This is because we always interact with them in some
capacity.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

GUANGZHOU OPERA HOUSE

Architect: Zaha Hadid

A project I find interesting is Zaha Hadids Guangzhou Opera House which overlooks the Pearl River
in Guangzhou; the main river that runs through
the city. The buildings site context is important to
the discourse because it is located adjacent to the
proposed Guangzhou museum, Canton tower and
other new iconic buildings of the city. Zaha Hadid
herself is an internationally renowned architect
and her designs have often become landmarks.
She combines the cultural traditions that have
shaped Guangzhous history, with the ambition and
optimism that will create its future. Therefore this
building further defines the area as one of Asias
cultural centres; a far cry from the industrial area of
the past.
The design was inspired by pebbles that are
smoothed from erosion near the Pearl River. It rises
and falls into the landscape. Although it sounds
simple and logical, the structure is complex and its
form is only achieved as a result of advanced technologies and machinery. Throughout the building
there is the notion of smooth from the transition
between differences elements and surfaces. The
interaction between all of these is the result of
parametric modelling. The building will stand for
many years to come and its style will not only shape
architecture within the Guangzhou, but also internationally.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

SAGRADA FAMILIA
Architect: Antoni Gaudi

A project I found interesting is the minor basilica

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona design by Francisco
de Paula del Villar. At the end of 1883, Antoni
Gaudi was commissioned to carry on the works
until his death in 1926. Not only is it a magnificent structure, but its discourse is interesting as
well. Commenced in 1882, over 130 years later to
this day, construction has yet to be completed
for another 15 years; which demonstrates the
commitment for this project.

Every detail of the building is a piece of art; from

the exterior faade to the interior faces. The
organic style of the architecture was part of the
Modernism movement that demonstrated new
dimensions but still wanted to remember the
history of the city through rich decorations such
as the nave. Its train of though and spatial experience demonstrates a discourse that has lead us
to software that enables parametric design.

Though Sagrada Familia was designed by Gaudi,

one can suggest that it was the people who
constructed it because they provided the funding; through donations from the public only. It is
an icon of Barcelona because it symbolises the
population culture and their lives are affected
by it; being declared a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO. It also symbolises the religion they
worship. Tourists frequently visit it every year,
which further funds the project.
The design of the structure was radical at the
time because of the lack of advance technologies and machinery to aid the construction.
Gaudi came up with a plan by hanging chains of
strings with weights to explore possible arches
that could bear certain loads. When one section
is adjusted, others will move due to the centre of
gravity. In essence they were models of buildings, only upside down and calculations need
to be inversed to create a viable structure. It is
radical way of thinking because it is much like
parametric design, only that he did it manually
whereas nowadays we have software to aid us.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION ARCHITECTURE AS A DISCOURSE

COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
As tme progresses, styles change and
conform to zeitgeist. At the turn of the
century, a pursuit has begun in search of
a new style that will succeed the current one. Debates and arguments have
arisen to determine what the new style
will be, and the roles in which humans
and technology will play in it. The roles
of architects are being questioned as its
being consumed by others. Structures
previously thought to be impossible to
create can now be a reality through the
technological advancement of design
processes and construction methods.
Computer technology has become a significant factor in the design of structures
due to a variety of factors: representational prowess, codification, explicit
space, implication, speed, backup, recall
and replay. This is because humans
are endowed with specific and limited
cognitive structures that constrain their
behaviour(pg63). As design is constrained by time, the use of computeraided design (CAD) enables us to have
a greater capacity to explore the design
space and be more efficient with the
time available.

create their own because of their limited

capacity to be creative and intuitive.
(pg2) Therefore if we rely too heavily on
computer software, we tend to question
whether design was produced by humans or the outcome of a set of parameters or algorithms that was imputed into
a computer. Our creativity can hinder
the design too, as we limit ourselves to
only what the technology is capable of
doing.
Computation Architecture will be a powerful design system if we humans can
use them in harmony whereby computers will contribute their superb rational
search abilities, and we humans will
contribute all the creativity and intuition
needed to solve design problems.3(pg3)
This will allow us to go beyond traditional architecture and explore a greater
design space.

Computer technology has become a

powerful aid for us depending on the
systems that we choose to use. It allows
us to design structures with complexity that was previously thought to be
impossible. The use of algorithms and
parameters in the digital design space
allows use to explore vast amounts of
geometry. However, they need to follow
precise instructions and are incapable to
10

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

WEBB BRIDGE

Architect: Denton Corker Marshall

Webb Bridge is an example of a design that is
affected by the use of computers. Designed by
Denton Corker Marshall, it is located in Melbourne where it connects the old to the new
Docklands via the Yarra River. The design of
the bridge is based upon a Koori eel trap where
there is a series of hoops to produce the notion
of movement and transition. The use of computers has enabled the structure to have this curved
and sinuous form. A set of parameters has been
calculated to determine the size of each hoop to
create the pattern: varying in width and height.
The hoops are then connected to one another
through a series of straps scattered in between.
Through this example, it is visible that we are
moving from reduced ornament designs to ones
with complex ornaments and forms that would
be impossible without the aid of computers.
The use of computers has allowed engineers to
turn the architects imagination into reality with
little sacrifices; such as modern prefabrication
techniques that allow greater control over the
construction process.

It can also be suggested, from these projects,

that computers have will gain a greater relationship with architects in the future. Computers will
allow designers to create what their mind imagines and its feasibility in a matter of seconds instead of seeking engineers for advice. As a result
of these opportunities, architects can in some
ways become the master builder of yester year
as our designs not need to be constrained by the
thoughts and boundaries of others.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

11

PARAMETRIC MODELLING
DRAGON SKIN PAVILION
Architect: Denton Corker Marshall

Dragon Skin is a project designed by architects

from Laboratory for Explorative Architecture
and Design (LEAD) and assembled in Kowloon
Park, Hong Kong. The design is an exploration
in both computerisation architecture and manufacturing technology. The structure consists of
163 rectangular pieces of post-formable Grada
Plywood that are bent and connected together
to form a dragon like skin. Parametric design
has been used to create such form hence its
complexity and large amount of pieces. Each
piece is bent into the same shape, which causes
a repetition in the framework. By introducing a
set of algorithms, it allows precise calculations in
determining where the interconnections are located in each piece. The subtle difference in the
location and angle of the joints between each
piece results in the overall arched form. This will
be very difficult and many errors may occur if it
was done without design software; the use of
it streamlines processes like trial and error to
check if the structure is viable. The uniqueness
of each piece also creates aesthetic appeals: as
light and views are filtered, softened and dampened towards the interior, the interior is slowly
and more hesitantly revealed outwards. The
cutting of the files require precision too, therefore computers need to be implemented as well
so that it can send information to a 3D printer
to cut out the slots. This structure demonstrates
the spatial, tactile and material possibilities digital design and advanced technology can achieve
in architecture.

12

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

The notion of parameters in design is not new;

it has existed for many years. Clients goals,
decisions and various boundaries affecting the
site have narrowed the desired design outcome,
which can be viewed as a form of parameter.
These traditional design methods have been
applied by architects throughout, therefore
structures often adhere to the conditions being set. Advanced technology and construction
methods have driven the current architectural
discourse where a new era of design awaits.

The relationship between them can then be efficiently explored and manipulated according to
the computers rational. The design can then be
adapted and not restricted to one location.

The definition of parameter is adjusting nowadays to not only include traditional restrictions,
but also other boundaries: parametric modelling. When using the phrase parametric modelling it describes a deeper relationship involved
with the design where computer aided design
software is applied. It is not just a tool that
aids the designer in the design, but becomes
integrated within the design process therefore
allowing a more explicit relationship. Designers
can now explore greater possibilities based on a
set of parameters that they themselves can set.
Parametric modelling can be a powerful tool for
form finding, as seen in many structures that
have used it. The strength of this tool is the resultant of challenging and complex mathematical equations that are difficult to grasp. This is
why computers are implemented as they quickly
and efficiently perform calculations for form
finding; repetitive tasks and the ability for future
adjustments have too streamlined performance.
Designers can place a certain set of algorithms
and connect them together to form shapes that
can be fluid and organic.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION PARAMETRIC MODELLING

13

ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION

Architect: Emmi Keskisarja & LEAD

The ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion demonstrates

how parametric modelling has assists in the
language and scripting cultures of the discourse.
Designed by Institute for Computational Design
(ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and
Structural Design (ITKE), it explores parametric
modelling and computer-controlled fabrication
based on sea urchins. The dome like structure is
designed based on certain principles: Different
cell sizes adapt and conform to create curvature and each three meets at one point, though
they interlock and different points and angles.
The use of computers to create the pieces also
allows greater control over the viability of the
structure. The design adapts both algorithms
and traditional parameters to create an organic
and fluid like structure.
Not all designs can achieve this, as the use of
parametric modelling may hinder the designers
ability to include traditions parameters like topography. However, the advantages out way the
negatives because of the performance, flexibility, fabrication methods, and analysis power that
architects have gained. The use of parametric
design processes can further advance architecture and may become a new style.

14

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION PARAMETRIC MODELLING

CONCLUSION

Through the case for innovation section of this journal we see that
computers have become embraced in architecture and throughout
society. The modernists of the 20th century solved the problems
its predecessors were not able to, through the use of new technologies: concrete and steel. Computers were first used in architecture as a tool to emulate simple tasks performed by hand, such
as the Sketchpad System by Ivan Sutherlands in 1963. I believe the
zeitgeist of this era is computer technology because we humans
are influenced by it at all scales therefore parametric modelling
will become part of a future movement. It will allow us to achieve
complex results that were previously thought to be impossible,
with greater efficiency in design and processes.
As a design team we should explore and investigate the possibilities parametric modelling has to offer for an innovative design
and discourse. We should also seek to include not only the local
site context by also Wyndham City itself; as an emerging city; its
culture; identity and image. By combining parameters both in the
digital and living realms, we can achieve innovative results that
can utilises less material and enhance the performance and systems of the environment. This will further define Wyndham City as
a gateway to Melbourne.

PART A: CASE FOR INNOVATION CONCLUSION

15

What if every, inventor, at the moment of creation could ask: how does
nature solve this? How does nature
flow without turbulence? - Janine Benyus

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH

DESIGN FOCUS

Biomimicry is a powerful idea because by imitating and taking inspirations through understanding natures products, we can achieve designs
with far greater efficiency in performance and
resources, as nature has been successful at it for
billions of years. Looking at natural organism
provides us with solutions that will solve human
problems.
Wyndham City has been addressing the issue of
its image and experienced rapid growth in recent years therefore a new eye-catcher should
be placed that will identify the city. In our view
we see growth in terms of a city that is continually developing itself; in a sense it is a living
organism.
Wyndham city is a vibrant area where everyone
has a unique identity within the community. As
part of the development we believe the notion
of sustainability has influenced the citys future:
through the construction of open landscape and
parks.
When looking at nature, we think that everything is plotted randomly. However, when
examine further everything is logically placed
and designed according to adhere to the local
environment.

18

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH DESIGN FOCUS

Through understanding the systems of nature

we see that it is a life cycle where ones waste
is anothers source of energy. This is the way of
nature and we a part of it. Therefore, as suggested by the the diagram below, we should
question what we want from this site then look
at how nature efficiently solves the problem. We
can then emulate these functions to better our
designs and using the least energy doing it.
We want to create an experience for the users
where the non-linear nor restricted geometric
forms of the structure will create shadows with
different sized surface opening throughout to
represent the diversity of the city.

THE GIANTS CAUSEWAY

Architect: Nature or Giant?

One of the most interesting things about biomimicry is its ability to use the most efficient
structure given the environment. It is only right
to seek inspiration from one of the natural
wonders of the world: The Giants Causeway.
This wonder was formed from a volcanic eruption. The cooling time and processes resulted in
cracks going into the earth thus causing columns
to form. The way in which the cracks are shaped
into hexagons are interesting because in invokes
the question: why does nature often use hexagons? We can find hexagons in bee hives, snowflakes etc. The shape of the columns results
in ball and socket joints where its geometry
allows a natural interlocking structure without
the need for extra materials; hence being able
to naturally support itself. The use of all these
elements results in a structure that is formed
because of natures engineering and adopting
to the local environment. This then creates and
interesting form that has stood the test of time
and still stands today.

Top, Fig. 1 Top view where the hexagons have different dimensions
Bottom, Fig. 2 Change in columns heights

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH DESIGN FOCUS

19

THE EDEN PROJECT

Architect: Grimshaw Architects

The Eden Projects design intent was to transform a quarrying site into a habitable space
through the use of biomimicry. This is to consider what the design was to replace because
implementing biomimicry has help keep the
human foot print to a minimum. The domes are
constructed from hexagon and pentagon steel
frames that are enclosed by inflated plastic cells
derived from pollen grains to increase material
efficiency. Since the development, The Eden
project has created a unique culture that represents the countrys heritage of plant exploration
and attracting visitors.
The context of the site is like Wyndham Gateway
but less damaged because it is currently situated
in a location that people would just pass and be
unnoticed because nothing is interesting. The
constant use of motor-vehicles at the location,
and the service station nearby, causes change
to the landscape. Therefore we need to find an
approach the will represent the notion of efficiency.

20

Top, Fig. 3 Interior view

Centre, Fig. 4 Close view of polymer cells made of
plastic
Bottom, Fig. 5 A habitable landscape

CASE STUDY 1.0

VOLTADOM

Architect: Skylar Tibbits

Our group selected Skylar Tibbits VoltaDom definition as
opposed to The Morning Line and Spanish Pavilion because
we believe it was appealing and most appropriate in terms
of our design direction. VoltaDom appears to have a complex structure that was aesthetically appealing but not over
complicated like The Morning Line. We believe that, though
it seems complex, it could be flattened down to have a main
set of parameters that everyone can see which will then
create a certain experience as the users travel under it. The
parameters of the structure allow it to have an arch that
is self-supporting, which is one of the points we want to
achieve in our sculpture.
The original VoltaDom definition consists of a 2.5D voronoi
which we found challenging. Each surface has four curves
and a circular hole where the total area is manipulated. The
sliders allowed us to adjust the number of control points,
their positions, and the size of the extrusions. We further
explored the definition by using various strategies such as
changing the primitives and form boundary as seen in the
matrix.

Top, Detailed view

Left, Exterior View
PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 1.0

21

M AT R I X

MATRIX

Species
22

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 1.0

CASE STUDY 1

1.0
Mutations

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 1.0

23

Amongst the outcomes achieved, I feel the following four are most interesting:
A1 We first attempted to look at what happens
when we create a structure in 2D plane. The nonlinear position of each cone creates a cell like structure that seems very intriguing from top view. By
cropping at the intersection of each cone, it creates
a completely different surface where all the intersections are unique. The openings allow natural
light to penetrate through, and through the disordered positions, it may seem to user going underneath it that there are flashes of random light.
C5 By plotting the spheres onto a curved surface,
we found that we would then have more control
over the position of spheres. The variation in sphere
sizes causes leads the notion of hierarchy within the
community. When visualising it in a 3D perspective,
we believe changing to semi-spheres can lead to
a functional sculpture or potentially create certain
effects if water flowed down it.
D2 We were trying to achieve an arch that would
later be reflected as though the road may be hovering through it, though we werent able to change
the direction of the bottom of the structure.
Though this outcome was not very successful, it
caused have different train of thought Ring of Fire
where we could possibly explore the concept of
volcanoes because there are extinct ones along the
Princess Freeway.
E5 We plotted the cones onto a cone surface to
where although the cones are of the same dimensions, the change in height can seem as though the
dimensions are changing. We think that the notion
of an illusion changes the users views on the sculpture, but further exploration is needed.
24

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 1.0

M AT R

I believed these outcomes were most successful in this case study

because they each allowed us to further develop our techniques
and forward our design path. They each contain different qualities: light and shadows, functionality, inspiration, manipulation
of space, mass and scale. These qualities are applicable to our site
because the site is large so therefore each section is different. Exploring and manipulating the original definition enables a numerous forms through the use of a complex shape being placed onto
a curved surface. Combining the parameters of the local environment and ones explored in Grasshopper, an innovative design can
be achieved so that the design is most appropriate for the selection location.
However, some of the drawbacks were that the use of such primary shapes (cones and spheres) being cropped at intersections will
be very difficult to manipulate and fabricate. Our limited knowledge of Grasshopper at this time restricted our abilities to further
explore other opportunities such as changing the direction of the
objects.

Fig. 6 Matrix A1
Fig. 7 Matrix C5
Fig. 8 Matrix D2
Fig. 9 Matrix E5
PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 1.0

25

CASE STUDY 2.0

ICD/ITKE RESEARCH PAVILION
Architect: Emmi Keskisarja & LEAD

The project explored the form and functions

of a natural organism then apply it to create
an efficient structure. The sand dollars plate
skeleton morphology was studied to determine
its performance. Through understanding its
modular system of polygonal plates being linked
together via finger like calcite protrusions, they
found its design to have high structural stability. 6.5mm timber panels with finger joints were
then used to construct the pavilion. The projects
design intent of mimicking biological organisms
enabled a design where the structure is able to
support itself with minimal material usage and
efficient construction method. We see that the
design is difficult to achieve without the correct
geometries and material used considering the
size the structure: it even needed to be bolted to
the ground so that it wouldnt be blown away.

Fig. 10 Interior view of

the pattern and openings.

1.

2.

3.

Using what we have learnt throughout the

semester we decided to reverse engineering it,
because also it was highly relevant to biomimicry. It would also become a challenging process
because we first thought it aesthetically looks
simple, but became interested in it when studying it further.

4.

Various outcomes

5.

26

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 2.0

Some issues we encountered were:

Unable to change from flat surface to a curve
Unable to create lofted surface on arch only
created a wire frame
Only being able to create uniform shape with
the box tool seen in figure 11.
When we finally achieved a voronoi structure,
we saw a great potential in the design because
we now have the ability create numerous forms
using different geometries. We thought our time
would be best utilized if we further explored and
manipulated the Grasshopper definition to our
intent. Therefore we disregarded the outer shell
of the pavilion.
We were excited and intrigued by the structure
we created. The next step we would look at is
potentially testing the definition out with different geometries, changing the size and scale of
each surface, seeing how changing the openings
can affect light and adding movement to the
structure.

Fig. 11

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH CASE STUDY 2.0

27

28

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

maths function

rotation

curve attractor

image sampler

TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

29

colour relative
to hieght

multiple attractors

single attractor

manually plotted points

Analysis
Now that we are able to plot various geometries
onto a surface with the MapSurface tool, we
decided that we should conduct experiments on
a 2D plane first and then further development it
if we found a species to be interesting.
The first three species demonstrates that surfrace opening can not only be create thought
opening but also via the seperation of circles.
We think the potential of these outcomes are
positive as we can then stretch the distances to
our liking, but these ones are limited in terms
of constructability as they will seem floating
and is not what we are disering. This is because
a sub-frame structure will be need which then
defeats the purpose of biomimicry in terms of
material efficiency.
The use of hexagons on the manual point plots
seem appealing because we can obtain a self
supporting structure. By further developing it
with attractors to change the diameter of surface openings we realised that we can then play
with light. This was a positive move in terms of
our design so we decided to plot it on a curve
surface and fabricate it to see the real life outcome.
The voronoi patterns of the last column created
an interesting definition of the notion of living
organism because the each surface looks like
cells at different stages of life and we think that
with further development we can create something interesting.

30

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT

TECHNIQUE: PROTOTYPES
The complex nature of our design development meant that we
had to really consider how the sculpture will be fabricated both in
the model and real realm.
We decided to first test our the performance of a voronoi that was
placed onto a cruved surface to see what potentials there are as
seen in Model 01.
We then assembled a full model (Model 02) of a hexagon variation
fabricated from cardboard and tabs to visualize how the sculpture
will appear in real life. As cardboard is a solid material, this allowed
us to see what impact sun light has on the opening and what happens when travelling through it at high speed. At certain points,
the sculpture will intruding into the ground for structural support
and also make it seem as though its disappearing back into the
ground.
The aim for Model 03 was to create full model that was transparent but became a failure because the material used was 2mm Perspex. The Perspex was too thick for the scale of our model. There
were other major problems with it because, as Perspex is impossible to fold without snapping, when gluing it we found that we did
not know angle to glue each individual piece to form a surface. The
glue used also made the prototype white and was not neat.
Model 04 used polypropylene, which is semi-transparent. This created an effect where there is appropriate light for vehicles to drive
through safely, but everything becomes blurred and only being
clear and focused at the openings.

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES

31

Model 01 - Voronoi Surface

Model 02 - Hexagon Surface

32

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES

Model 03 - Perspex

Model 04 - Polyporylene
Tabs should be used for models to hold the
elements in place, however, in the real realm
finger-type joinery or create an overlap to screw
the pieces together.
The most appropriate assembly method will
consist of a numbering sequence in rows where
each surface is constructed then connected
with neighbouring surfaces. This is due to the
complex and non-linear nature of the position of
each surface.
Through the exploration of materialization seen
in the prototypes we believe a form of metal
sheeting will be most appropriate for the sculpture so as to maintain longevity and reduce
maintenance. However, due the large amount
of joineries and complex structure, it is better to
consider the scale, size and length of the sculpture because different densities may require a
new approach.

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE PROTOTYPES

33

TECHNIQUE: PROPOSAL

Through the developments of this phase of design, we believe the use of biomimicry is a viable
approach because the design will be intricately
related to the natural environment of the site. This
will create an effective and efficient design that
portrays the beauty of the local area. Its design will
portray the uniqueness and growth of Wyndham
City and as a major vein for Melbourne where people throughout the west coast will travel through.
The limitation of this design is that nature is a slow
process compared to the speed of vehicles travelling past. Therefore we propose the sculpture to
be arched over the road so that users will not only
experience it but also questioning it. The use of
material efficiency on the site will mean the structure will likely be self-supported and be fabricated
from one material. This will reduce negative impact
on the environment. By finding the best system and
processes the local environment and adapting it
tothe design, people will remember Wyndham City
not only as a place, but the opportubities it has to
offer.

34

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH TECHNIQUE PROPOSAL

Learning Outcomes and Objectives

I have found biomicry to be a very interesting yet

challenging field of study because it is not as simple
as copying what looks natural, but it is a more intriqete process. This is further evident from the surprise feedback we recieved on our presententations
that our design do not have a relation to biomimicry. When criticalling analyzing our design after the
feedback I realised that it is true and I think it has
helped my team move in a positive direction because we now much more developing and exploring
to do. I think we missinterpreted what biomicry is
about and thought it was just using materials and
shapes. Through further investigation we realised
biomimicry is more related to understanding the
systems and processes and how its form achieves it
given the environment. It is also about using these
ideas to further develop as design and solve problems. This is likely to change the our views of what
our design should be and create greater debate
amongst each other. I believe we have the tools and
knowlege from the work we have accomplished so
far to explore different opportunities. Tere is mcuh
more for development to achieve an innovative
design

PART B: DESIGN APPROACH LEARNING OUTCOMES AND OBJECTIVES

35

PROJECT PROPOSAL

38

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESIGN CONCEPT

DESIGN CONCEPT
Reviewing the feedback given during the interim
crit, we realised there were two concerns with our
proposed technique that needs to be addressed.
Firstly we realised a stronger argument is needed
for our design; in particular our relation to biomimicry. We went back to the fundamentals and ask
ourselves: What is biomimicry? How is it used? How
is it going to be integrated into our design? Another
concern was that our technique appeared to be
static and did not have much integration with the
site. These concerns will be addressed through the
following section of this journal.
Our concept is conceived through a step by step
analysis. We began by exploring Wyndham City and
its features. It is a rapidly growing city with a multicultural population. The city has become a natural
icon featuring Werribee Zoo, open landscape parks
and internationally recognised wetlands. These
natural features and attractions are what draw the
many tourists and visitors into Wyndham.
Wyndham wants the new Gateway installation
to become a new identifier for the municipality.
Because there is such an emphasis on natural environment, we believe that biomimicry is the best
approach. Biomimicry is just more than abstracting
natural form; it is about mimicking natures principles and applying it appropriately. The design will
then be able to behave like nature which can then
create non-geometrical forms efficiently. Biomimicry can have many definitions, but we think the
best for this design is to an abstract approach so
that the gateway is understood by both designers
and non-designers. This approach will allow users
to gain interests by the complex shape but also the
simple logic behind it.

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESIGN CONCEPT

39

Our design intention is to create an installation

that is lightweight so then material efficiency
can be achieved. This can then allow us to create
forms that cannot be achieved conventionally.
By exploring what biological features and principles can be used for our design, we eventually
found the dragonfly wing. A number of features
of the dragonfly wing can be adapted into our
design. The wing uses materials and patterns efficiently so that it is able to hold up such a large
structure when compared to the body. It can be
seen as a canter lever.

Rigid

Flexible

The patterns on the dragonflys wing may seem

complex, but when examined, it is logically
placed. The veins become thinner as it extends
further out. The number of sides each cell has is
closely related to the structural need to of wing
where fewer sides mean greater rigidity and vice
versa.

Major veins

Root
Thick
Thickness of
veins and
membranes
Thin

Thin

40

Thickness of veins and membranes

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESIGN CONCEPT

Thick

We decided to choose the most appropriate site location first in

order to create a form that can adhere to the immediate surroundings. Scale was also considered in the section.
1. Road
The majority of the users will be motorists, therefore the installation needs to have some sort of experience to the appropriate
roads.
2. Site Boundary
The site boundaries limit our location for the installation therefore
some users may only experience it from a distance.

3. Traffic Direction
The location of the installation should give the right experience to
the users according to the direction in which they are travelling.
4. Location of Installation
We decided to place the installation over sites A and B because
it has the greatest opportunity. Not only will it be a gateway for
Wyndham City, users who take the bypass will be able to experience it as well.
5. The Form
The idea that a large cantilever can be achieve motivated us to
move away from a literal tunnel approach to a half tunnel that is
supported by a cantilever. The curves allow the structure to appear
to be flowing and be integrated with the site. The form also appears so that it is coming out of the ground.

Elevated

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESIGN CONCEPT

Ground level

41

1. Pattern development for rib section

2. Pattern development for remaining sections

3. Extrusion sequence for design

4. Variation of openings

42

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESIGN CONCEPT

The Pattern
For the facade to adhere properly to the form
we decided to create the pattern on a planar
surface first, then map it onto the from.
1. We began with squares for the rib section as
it will be the primary structural elements and
squares are the most rigid
2. The rest of the pattern consists of a voronoi
where each cell size different because of attrators. The base will have more cells for rigidity.

Structural rib

3. The cells are then extruded and scaled to create openings.

Footing of cantilever section

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL DESIGN CONCEPT

43

44

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL TECTONIC ELEMENTS

TECTONIC ELEMENTS
Fabrication
Below are details of the fabrication methods
that will be used for the installation
Materials:
3mm Stainless Steel Sheeting for the cantilever
because of its strong properties
1.9mm Polypropylene for the rest of the installation because it is semi-transparent and lightweight.
1. The installation will be unrolled into 2D shapes
2. Cut the sections onto the material
3. Fold each of the sectrions to create a cell.
4. Transport cells to site
For Stainless Steel - Weld each of the ribs together with cleats
For Polyproylene - Bold each of each of cells
together according to numbering sequence

The fabrication of the same procedure for protoVictor

Eric
4 - 0.6mm
Polypropelene
types,
butGoh
because
of the scale
we were unable
to create enough bolts and fold the tabs correctly which meant the model kept on bending in
ctor Ericdifferent
Goh 4 directions.
- 0.6mm It
Polypropelene
was also unable to stand
up because we did not have footings in place

mm Polypropelene

ropelene

Bolts
Internal tabs

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL TECTONIC ELEMENTS

45

West View
South View

46

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL FINAL MODEL

North View

FINAL MODEL

East View

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL FINAL MODEL

47

Morning Shadows
Aerial View

48

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL FINAL MODEL

W E S T E L E VAT I O N

SECTION

PART C: PROJECT PROPOSAL FINAL MODEL

49

50

51

52

53

LEARNING OUTCOMES & OBJECTIVES

The feedback recieved during the crit was overall
positive, however, there is alway points to improves on that can be taken with us in future as
well. The design looked beautiful however, given
the time constraints we were not able to test the
structural stability of the overall structure, which
became questionable by one of the jury. Another
thing I have learnt is that the confidence and exercution of the presentation is important as good
communication can make a great different in the
design. One queestion was raised which we were
unable to answer the due to not revisiting the
start of the project of why we chose biomimicry.
Overall this semester has been a turning curve on
what my perception of architecture is about even
though it has been tough. Rhino 3D and Grasshopper are definately the most difficult programs
I have come across so far, mainly because I have
had very little interaction with such a design
language. I have alway been used to the notion of
traditional design methods where the computer
is just a tool to aid us in our design. Throughout
this semester, as I gained more and more confidence with it, have gained knowlege of designing
unique and sometimes weird designs that I never
thought was possible which is fun and a uniqe
experience. I have realised that the computer is a
powerful tool and feel that it is starting to become
more and more interrelated in which both the
human brain and it are designing. Though this
style is questionable in my mid, I feel that one day
computation architecture will become an era in
architecture.

54

REFERENCES
http://www.archdaily.com/215249/dragon-skin-pavilion-emmi-keskisarja-pekka-tynkkynen-lead/
http://www.biomimetic-architecture.com/2012/ted-talk-janine-benyus/
http://grimshaw-architects.com/project/the-eden-project/
http://www.dezeen.com/2011/10/31/icditke-research-pavilion-at-the-university-of-stuttgart/
http://www.livingprinciples.org/biomimicry/
http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org/about-us/what-is-biomimicry.html
Fig. 1 - http://simonward.com/wallpaper/causeway.jpg
Fig. 2 - http://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/00/1a/69/f2/giant-s-causeway.jpg
Fig. 3 - http://transitionculture.org/wp-content/uploads/edendome2.jpg
Fig. 4 - http://www.ease-ds.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/The_Eden_Project_Dome_Vents1.
png
Fig. 5 - http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f2/Eden_Project_geodesic_domes_panorama.jpg
Fig. 10 - http://www.archiable.com/image/design/120519_ICD_ITKE_Research_Pavillion/Archiable_
ICD_ITKE_Research_Pavillion_01.jpg

55