DECODE – DEVELOPMENT COMPLEX DESIGN

DECODE is a young company founded in Paris during the early months of 2010, following a thorough market research developed over the previous two years, focused on the world of contemporary architecture and, in particular, the architectural works of considerable importance on an international level. The name chosen, obtained by the fusion of the words DEvelopment COmplex DEsign, intend to communicate immediately and clearly the concept of process. The reference to decoding simply interprets a set of actions and skills related to the development of the project during the phases that lead to a more concrete implementation and subsequent management. Subsequently, the three keywords individuate the development of complex projects as the scope of this young company, which operates in close contact with all parties contributing to the concretisation of the building. The teamwork, structured around the two founders Valerio Bonora and Luca Dal Cerro, consists of a small set of people who represent the core around which other professionals support the resolution of complex problems, maintaining at the same time a strong organizational and managerial flexibility. The common denominator is certainly what, in French, is defined as savoir faire, or the wealth of expertise.

A good example to explore the approach of this society in large-scale projects can be provided by renovation project of   ”Les Halles” area, which represents the heart of the French capital, both from the economic point of view and in relation to the infrastructural aspects that characterize it. Within the metropolitan area Les Halles is the most important transport hub for the metro and RER system. Above the intermodal terminal is located one of the most important shopping centers in Europe, which supports an important part of the Parisian economy. Moreover, at ground level a vast green area is to be found, presenting a potential which exceeds its current conditions. The first development of the architectural concept lead to the phase called PRO which, within the design process formally adopted in France, represents the preparation of the project before it can be assessed by the construction companies in the tender, prior to which must be demonstrated the feasibility of the design solutions through a series of necessary technical insights.

TECHNICAL PROJET SCHEME

• Project name: Canopée des Halles de Paris
• Project type: international competition focused on reconfiguration for a wide urban area
• Project surface: 17.000m² (without underground portions)
• Costs previewed before PRO phase: 180M€ (without underground portions)
• Opening of tender competition: January 2011
• Client: SemPariSeine (Ville de Paris)
• Architect: Patrick Berger & Jacques Anziutti Architectes
• Responsible for PRO phase: Ingérop – Ingénierie et Conseil
• Responsible for master model management: DECODE – Development Complex Design

Consultants:

• BASE CONSULTANTS – energy optimization and sustainability
• INGELUX – lighting analysis and engineering
• ACV – acoustic engineering
• ARCORA – façade systems engineering
• EPPAG – glass surfaces engineering

Within this delicate transition, DECODE acted as an intermediary between all the professionals involved in the development process, including architects, engineers, façades specialists, etc.. All information provided in digital format by the different operators, both in the form of three-dimensional geometries, and as traditional bi-dimensional drawings, were harvested, discretized and incorporated into a single three-dimensional master model, whereby it was possible to assess the consistency technical solutions and relationships that connect them.

During this first phase my contribution to the PRO phase was concentrated on the development of a series of lots, and in particular the special façades of the buildings (which constitute a complex roofing system), the secondary structure for the buildings’ covering, the Petite Canopée special façade system and some complex elements of the vertical façades. All the geometries have been developed through a parametric/generative process into a Rhinoceros platform, availing typical details and technical documents which defined geometry constraints. During the development of the lots I participated to several meetings with architects, engineers and façade specialist, in order to check all the incoherencies and establish new feasible solution for complex and critical areas of the project. The evolution of this process can be appreciated through the images organized into the gallery below.

Of course the role of model manager is not limited to a mere support for 3D modeling or parameterization of complex geometries. The degree of expertise that characterizes those who work in reality as DECODE put them in a position to understand the problems raised by technological development information system, report and recommend solutions in advance to the different actors in the project. With the resolution of all the critical geometric, structural and technological level issues the interoperable model undergoes a transformation, becoming a pedagogic tool for understanding the project: all the geometries generated by the model management company are thus translated by customized plugins in a viewer that allows construction companies to navigate the complex project, facilitating its understanding and ensuring a direct reference to all the technical details which will constitute the bases for the bill of quantities. With this point of view the viewer acquires a 4D value (defined as a fusion between 3D model and dynamic data-base), which makes it more accessible to a range of data otherwise precluded to many players, with the exception of international majors. Even smaller construction companies are thus able to access procurement contracts for complex projects, facilitated by an understanding of the work to be carried out, its component parts and, in particular, the distinction between elements easily available on the market and details that, by contrast, require a customised production.

The use of BIM technology for optimised management of complex projects, as well as the adoption of the IFC protocol for data transfer, provides a strong advantage for the different actors in the project but, in particular, ensures a reduction in purchasing costs related to the project, in addition to compliance with the deadlines set down for its implementation. The transversal presence of a model manager across one or more phases of the design process, regardless of the quantity and type of specialists operating at any single moment, ensures continuity of control on the evolution of the interoperable master model. If this control will be maintained in the property administration, the client may also obtain a strong cost reduction, thus becoming the actor who most favores the adoption of these technologies.

DECODE TEAMWORK – CANOPEE DES HALLES DE PARIS

• Arch. Ing. Luca Dal Cerro (co-founder)
• Arch. Valerio Bonora (co-founder)
• Arch. Jessica Dechevrand
• Ing. Phillip Shapiro
• Ing. Ariane Genty
• Arch. Seung Wan Lim
• Arch. Matteo Lo Prete
• Jennifer Shapiro
• Mario Altobelli
• Elenonora Zacchini

For further information about the society and its approach:

• DECODE
• Address: 7, Passage Thiéré 75011 Paris [France]
• Tel.: +33 (0)1 43 14 78 00
• Fax: +33 (0)1 43 14 02 64
• Site: www.decodebim.com
• Mail: contact@decodebim.com

Please note that all the materials and images related to this project are protected by the international laws on copyright, being intellectual property of the authors mentioned into each image. You’re not allowed to copy, modify and/or reproduce each of these materials. Each abuse of this series of rights will be reported and punished.

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PROSP3TTIVA

Mosaico Giovani (Mosaic Youth) represents a regional large scale project, which produced a series of initiatives focused to the implementation of specific services for young people on the territory of Lombardy. Into this wide scenario, made available by a total funding of 3M€, one of the largest activities consisted into the reconfiguration of an entire floor of the former Art School “A. Frattini” in Varese, currently become the new Spazio Giovani (Youth Space) of the garden city. The project, developed by the association Prosp3ttiVA in collaboration with the Municipal Technical Office, in most respects the original structure of the last floor of the building, focusing its attention to the functional distribution and interior design strategies.

The concept which leads to the development of the project takes inspiration by the need of a stronger continuity between the period of youth when boys and girls, still students, live their growth accompanied by adults and later, when they start to assume their role into the society and into the professional world. This is the principle that, into Spazio Giovani, mixes different functions together, like the study room, workshop areas, multimedia room, the area dedicated to young associations, together with Informa Giovani (Youth Information Office) and Informa Lavoro (Work Information Office) offices. A place, therefore, that doesn’t seeks to respond to a very specific period that characterizes the growth of an individual, but offers a wide range of possibilities exploitable in various stages, from the study to the encounter with other people, until the research of a first employment.

The last floor of the former Art School “A. Frattini” can be divided into two broad areas, although connected through a fluid space which tends to evoke the concept of relationship individual and group: the part nearest the entrance is dedicated to consultancy activities from adults to youth. By contrast, the second part is devoted to the study and the meeting. Analyzing the project more in detail, functional distribution is organized as follows:

• Reception Area. Whitin this space, located near to the entrance, is placed an open office working as Spazio Giovani reception area. Into this area are also available some platforms for internet connection and for the research of information focused to the world of youth in relationship with the work, as well as a space dedicated to multimedia editing, equipped with two dedicated workstations.
• Red Room. This space, characterized by a large glass window in front of Spazio Giovani entrance, offers a possibility of meeting for those youth association which don’t benefit of an own headquarter. The name, assigned to this space even before the Art School was transferred, influenced the choice of furnishing and some decorative writings on the walls, which include original messages left by former students.
• Youth Information Office. Featuring apple green tones this secluded environment home the organizing committee of initiative and events. The composition of furniture complies with the functionalities of the office and, at the same time, introduce a couple of sofas which make allow the committee to organize small meetings and work sessions, lived in an informal mood under the shadow of natural wall decorations.
• Work Information Office. Slightly less imaginative than the previous, this office reflects the world of work through its formal order. Part of the furniture, custom made by an architect from Varese, has been transferred from the previous office and, around it, a new set of colors and decorations has been created, aiming at connecting the walls with the furniture palette.
• Prosp3ttiVA Area. Real heart of the project, this open-space is fully dedicated to the meeting and collaboration. Ideal for work sessions and project development it is characterized by a large rectangular table, which passes directly through the septum wall in the center of the room. A wall decoration accentuates the effect of perspective given by the table, in addition to a series of furniture designed specifically for workshop activities.
• Meditation Room. This small environment has been dedicated to those people who desire to practice an intensive study activity, without any disturbing element. The space is dominated by a large cross septum, placed in the center of the room and characterized by blue curtains and libraries, also flanked by four tables dedicated to study activities. The color of the drapery panel is taken up within three niches, decorated with hieroglyphics, mathematic and music symbols. Three small tables, dedicated to individual study, complete this composition taking place into the niches.
• Study Room. Located opposite to the entrance this space is the largest of the entire floor and, for this reason, has been dedicated to study activities for groups. The environment, though free from partitions, is divided into three main areas, respecting its architectural vocation. This space can be easily transformed into a conference room, also suitable for theater performances, concerts and other public initiatives, thanks to the presence of a stage and an appropriate multimedia equipment.

After nearly a year of development of architectural project, followed by the reconfiguration of the site, Spazio Giovani was inaugurated on December, 2^nd 2010 in the presence of the Minister of Interior Roberto Maroni, the Mayor of Varese Attilio Fontana, the Regional Councillor Raffaele Cattaneo and the Procincial Councillor Alessandro Fagioli.

Participants to the development of the project:

• Association Prosp3ttiVA – Andrea Bianchetti, Marco De Santi, Matteo Lo Prete, Luigi Semeraro
• Collaborators – Francesca Cecchini, Sara Bani Alunno, Giovanna Manzo
• Varese City Hall – Elena Emilitri, Francesco Spatola, Giuseppe Longhi, Alessandro Barbieri
• Consultants and participants to the realization – Samuele Zanardo, Roberto Cavallini

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DESIGN PROCESS FOR COMPLEX BUILDING SYSTEMS

This project was born during a multi-disciplinary course held at Politecnico di Milano and offered to all the PhD students. The course, held by Ingrid Paoletti and entitled “Innovative Design and Construction Technologies”, aimed at developing competencies and skills on innovative technologies for design and construction. The main goal was to help students to achieve highly competitive levels of knowledge, by managing the whole process of building a construction system.

The programme was divided into two sections. The first one was dedicated to frontal lectures, while the second part consisted in a long-time workshop experience which mixed together different disciplines in order to develop projects of building systems.

The workshop activities were held by Edmondo Occhipinti [Gehry Technologies] and were dedicated to the Altra Sede Regione Lombardia building, through the use of Digital Project [Gehry Technologies] as instrument for the management of the whole design to construction process.

The whole class was organized into different groups, each of them developed a specific project to reconfigure some specific aspects of the building. My group was formed by the following participants:

Roham Afghani_Building Environment Science & Technology Dept.

Lo Prete Matteo_ Building Environment Science & Technology Dept.

Maryam Moayerynia_Department of Architecture and Planning

Reza Raeissamiei_ Building Environment Science & Technology Dept.

Rachele Perego_ Building Environment Science & Technology Dept.

The main goal of the project was to critically analyze the project of Altra Sede Regione Lombardia, designed by Pei, Cobb, Freed & Partners, individuating some negative aspects and trying to propose new solution based on an innovative approach to the architectural design to production process.

Edmondo Occhipinti suggested all the groups to focus the attention on the covering system positioned above the great internal court. This system is composed by a structural steel mesh as primary structure, holding a secondary steel structure with a series of triangular ETFE cushions. The primary structure is positioned on the top of the building (not considering the tower), above a series of steel columns which separate it from the reinforced concrete structure.

Our analysis highlighted three main negative aspects related to this solution:

Considering other examples of lightweight covering systems which are similar to this one [British Museum Great Court (Norman Foster + Partners), Multihalle Mannehim (Frei Otto), etc.] we considered the steel mesh as oversized in comparison to other lighter and more efficient system. This solution affects the costs with a high quantity of materials used decrease the quality and the beauty of the architecture. Moreover the solution takes distance from the early sketches produced by Kelly Wilson, which describe a more thin structure above the inner plaza.

Our second though was dedicated to the plaza itself which hasn’t a real focus and appears just as a free space without any reference and attraction. The lack of a real centre for this huge volume, ideally squeezed at its ends, produce dispersion instead of attraction, becoming just a passage more than the core of the whole building.

The last aspect we observed is lack of implementation of energetic systems with the covering structure. This huge surface would be used for the production of “clean” energy availing the sun power but at the moment there isn’t a specific system integrated with the steel and ETFE structure.

Aiming at providing a series of suggestions for the solution of these three main problems we had a long discussion about the new proposal and, in particular, about the substitution of the main steel structure with a lighter one, maybe realized with different techniques, dimensions and materials. At the end of the discussion we decided to propose a more feasible solution, by keeping the main structure, removing the secondary steel ant ETFE mesh, and adding new components in order to achieve a better result under a technical and aesthetical point of view. The new concept we propose is to realize a new building system, able to collect the rain water and avail it for reduce water consumptions, able to collect the solar energy and avail it for energetic optimization, able to change the perception of the inner plaza by giving it a real core and increasing the aesthetical quality of the environment through a really interesting solution.

We achieved these goals through a series of passages:

1. Reconstruction of the geometrical model

The first phase was dedicated to the reconstruction of a geometrical model into Digital Project, availing some standard 2D drawings received by Regione Lombardia and Infrastrutture Lombarde, which is the construction company which realized the project. The reconstruction process passed through the definition of a pure NURBS surface describing the main structure. Then we extracted a series of curves from the NURBS and changed them into a triangular mesh, able to describe the subdivision of the covering system.

The triangular mesh presented some irregularities, which we supposed coming from some imprecision during the generation process. After a comparison with some photos of the real covering structures we discovered that same irregularities into the steel mesh which was built on site.

The geometrical model was then completed with all the information related to the steel sections, the steel plates used for the joints and the management of the secondary structure. In this case we also solved all the problems deriving from the difference of position between the primary structure joints and the secondary structure ones, in particular near to the lateral edges.

2. Changing the inner space and collecting the water

After the reconstruction of the covering system we started to design an architectural solution able to change the aspect of the inner court by giving an attractor point. We decided to connect the architectural solution with a technical advantage deriving from the collecting of rain water from the roof. Then we developed three different solutions, based on textiles and treated as inversed umbrella, able to collect the water to some point on the ground. All the solutions, developed through a geometrical process in Digital Project, will be realized with developable surfaces, which can be easily produced by cutting planar fabric surfaces.

During the design process we were inspired by the world of pure geometry [please see the first solution] and the world of nature [please see the second and third solution]. All the complex shapes we developed are able to solve the technical problem that we posed and introduce a new element into the composition of spaces, adding value to the existing structure.

Obviously each of them present advantages and disadvantages: we offer a comparison between these three configurations without take a final decision. We just decided to offer all of the as feasible answer to the problem.

3. Treating the light with specific components

Once suggested a series of different configurations for the inner plaza we focused our attention on the main structure, the substitution of the ETFE cushions and the acquisition of solar energy. Under this point of view we decided to develop some components working as louvers, offering a sun-shading system and, at the same time, allowing the passage of water and the absorbance of sunlight.

Considering the height of the buildings around the plaza we decided to reverse the standard logic of the louvers, allowing the passage of summer sun and defining a system able to reflect the winter one, bringing the rays into the plaza in a more efficient way. This kind of system becomes efficient just considering the combination with the textile surfaces that we discussed before, because they tend to eliminate any flashing effect due to the pure reflection of sun rays.

The early system we developed was based on a series of longitudinal components, anchored to the edges of each triangle of the structural mesh. The components were composed by a long central bar and a series of transversal section, holding four developable surfaces, cut by a planar surface and then adapted to those steel sections. We thought to produce the base structure with steel and the surfaces with plastic materials, with the integration of solar cells. The development of the model in Digital Project allowed a parametric configuration of the components, based on the curvature of the transversal steel sections.

Then we tried to develop a second solution, based on triangular components. These elements, also following the concept of filtering and reflection, subdivide each mesh triangle into four smaller parts. The single panels are held by a steel bar and they are folded onto this axis just following the optimal position and angle of the sun, considering the whole year sun paths. This new version of the louvers allows a sunlight regulation during the year and the collection of solar energy through the positioning of specific cells on them.

At the end of the design process we instantiated the standard panel on each triangle which composed the structural mesh, obtaining a continuous variation of geometrical solutions, adapted to the external conditions.

At the end of the whole design process we produced a last comparison between the different configurations and then discussed about the relationship existing the problems found during the analysis and the quality and performances offered by the solutions.

All the configurations appear as valid under a critical point of view and need of a series of simulations and tests in order to define which of them presents the best conditions considering the external environment.

The end of the course showed that the use of parametric and associative software such as Digital Project is very useful in order to manage the whole project as process more than a series of complex shapes. All the aspects related with physical simulation are also useful to define the condition for an optimal solution and should be deepen into a second time, giving more importance to a new way to conceive the architectural project, which today becomes process instead of form.

I’d like to thank Roham, Maryam, Reza and Rachele for this great experience. I also thank Edmondo Occhipinti, a strong a really experienced architect in my opinion. I admire and respect each one of these persons.

Please note that all the materials and images related to this project are protected by the international laws on copyright, being intellectual property of the PhD student’s group affiliated to Politecnico di Milano and Edmondo Occhipinti as project manager for this course. You’re not allowed to copy, modify and/or reproduce each of these materials. Each abuse of this series of rights will be reported and punished.

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]]> http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/2010/05/altra-sede-regione-lombardia/feed/ 0 http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/2010/05/working-prototypes/ http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/2010/05/working-prototypes/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 21:24:55 +0000 admin http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/?p=433 SMART GEOMETRY 2010_HIGH TECH DESIGN – LOW TECH CONSTRUCTION

The following project was developed during the Smart Geometry Workshop, organized by Bentley Systems at Iaac [Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya - Barcelona]. The event was aimed at investigate a series of topics, related to advanced architecture, through the development of “working” prototypes. In this kind of approach the word “working” refers to the necessity, at the end of the design and production process, to verify the performances offered by the projects through an analytical process, keeping distance from a mere aesthetical use of complex shapes.

All the participants were grouped into clusters, each of them focused on a specific topic. The cluster’s name that I’m going to present is “High tech design – Low tech construction” and was dedicated to the translation of a complex design into a really simple construction process, which can be pursued without any CNC [computer numerically controlled] facility.

The group was formed by the following members:

Cluster leaders

Juan E Subercaseaux [KPF]

David Kosdruy [KPF]

Gustav Fagerstorm [KPF]

Participants

Benjamin G Callam [Unimaginative Design Ltd.]

Jose Luis Garcia del Castillo [Ayesa – MITAD Seville U]

Josh Lobel [Point B]

Matteo Lo Prete [Politecnico di Milano]

Michael Georgiou

Pablo Casarin Resende [UFRGS]

Stefan Hoijmans [Ghent University]

Yasushi Ikeda [Keio University – Ikds inc]

YooJu No [Grimshaw Architects NY]

Brandom Kruysman [Point B]

John Shields [Point B]

Stefano Andreani [University of Perugia]

Before the workshop the group produced an initial brief, starting at a design idea offered by the cluster leaders. During the early two days all the members developed their own idea, investigating different aspects related to the main cluster’s topic. At the end of this process the design ideas were discussed and evaluated, trying to find the most interesting aspects to merge into a feasible solution for the end of the event.

The group oriented its attention to a complex shape having interesting volumetric qualities, taking distance from the concept of wall and surface, which was the early driver for the design idea. Another aspect took into consideration was the characteristics of the components and their connection system, always related to the concept of a low tech construction process [base design concept by Yasushi Ikeda].

The final output, based on this synthesis, is a small pavilion built at the real scale. This small architecture owns volumetric qualities and is composed through the assembling of a huge number of standard components, cut from plywood sheets. All the cuts were performed by a laser cutter and a CNC milling machine, but the process is supposed to be replicated just with manual work, keeping the approach close to the cluster topic. All the pieces composing this cloud were marked through a complex system of numerical tags, which constituted the set of information related to the digital model, useful for the correct assembling of the cloud structure.

At the end of the production process all the panels were assembled manually, following the information pattern given by the numerical tags. All the joints were reinforced with plastic cable ties, stiffening the whole structure. The model were completed by a couple of surfaces [design concept by Stefan Hoijmans], made with other simple components.    The realization of a so-complex shape through a series of really simple components demonstrated the relationship between high tech design and low tech construction, which was the main goal of our cluster. The stiffness of the structure also ensured the good quality of the realization.

I’d like to thank all the participants for this great experience. I also thank the group leaders, three strong and really experienced professionals in my opinion.

Please note that all the materials and images related to this project are protected by the international laws on copyright, being intellectual property of the cluster’s members and, where specified, of some single authors. You’re not allowed to copy, modify and/or reproduce each of these materials. Each abuse of this series of rights will be reported and punished.

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This design concept was developed as brief proposal before Smart Geometry 2010, aiming at giving some suggestion for the development of a small pavilion. This concept is closely related to one of the workshop topics [High tech design – Low tech construction] and mix the generation of a parametric and complex shape with a series of components which can be easily realized through basic and standard production processes that don’t need any CNC [computer numerically controlled] facility.

This small pavilion is based on the concept of a shell, defined by a parametric spiral formula which is developed in order to obtain a double curved complex surface. Then the surface is divided into planar curves (all of them are spirals too), useful for the instantiation of the components. These last are simple rectangular panels, connected each other with several cable ties. The proportion of the standard components derives from the golden ratio [sezione aurea] and is connected with the mathematical formula that allows to realizing the guide curve of the pavilion.

Under a structural point of view, the composition of the surface refers to the “tholos vault” systems, turning an instable amount of separated pieces into a unique stable and resistant cloud structure.

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This project represents a small research experiment, focused on the use of Grasshopper as instrument for the development of a parametric and generative masterplan. The project takes place into the Lea (river) Valley, a wide area that separates the city of London from Stratford Upon Avon, a smaller city positioned at the East. The same area has been selected for the XXX Olympic Games 2012 and is going to be completely renovated very soon.

The definition of a new masterplan doesn’t keep into consideration this new development of the area and tries to give a solution for the requalification of an industrial area positioned exactly in between London and Stratford Upon Avon. The main concept is to create a complex organization of the urban asset, based on the Lea and the definition of a series of attractive poles, positioned into the Valley.

The Grasshopper definition is based on the acquisition of a simple quadrilateral surface as main input, completed by a series of points constituting the attractive poles, carefully organized into the area. Then the definition allows to extract a point grid from the surface, with different densities and quantity of points, which will be the base element for the construction of the buildings.

The point grid is then deformed accordingly to the attractor points, through a process which is closely derived by the studies on magnetic fields. The result of the deformation is a series of “isopotential” curves [streamlines], showing the influence of the attractors on the whole area. A new point grid is then extracted from the streamlines and used to develop a Voronoi pattern.

Some of the Voronoi faces are culled, in order to define the presence of water into the masterplan. This procedure allows continuity to the Lea river, which longitudinally crosses the area. Remaining surfaces are populated with two different components, aiming to generate high rise buildings (based on the attractors) and low rise buildings (characterized by internal courts).

At the end of the process all the geometries have been baked and refined in Rhino. It’s interesting to observe the potential of a generative and parametric approach applied to urban design, which needs of a very short series of operations (applied to a huge series of geometries) in order to realize a complex solution for urban planning, which can be also customize at the end of the whole process through the set of parameters.

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This small experiment was focused on generative and parametric processes applied to digital design. In this case specific software like Grasshopper constitutes a fundamental aid aiming at exploring new formal configurations.

The definition was developed starting at a square and regular point grid. The Grasshopper definition is organized in order to allow a series of complex formal solutions, all derived by a single set of rules. This kind of result can be achieved just through an “emergent” approach to parametric design, which doesn’t allow any kind of prevision about the final output of the logical structure.

All the different configurations of the point grid are not specifically related to such kind of architecture or masterplan. They constitute just a suggestion referred to the possibilities given by a so complex approach to the advanced design, based on a series of predefined rules and useful to investigate new formal configurations, which are not derived by prebuilt case studies.

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PARAMETRIC DESIGN OF COMPLEX TOPOLOGIES

This project was developed during a workshop dedicated to McNeel Rhinoceros and its plug-in Grasshopper, held by Giulio Piacentino, Marco Vannucci and Annarita Papeschi, with the contribution of Andrea Graziano and Alessio Erioli. The design topic was focused on a small expo pavilion, into which synthesize simple geometries and complex shapes, abstract volumes and topologies referred to the world of nature. The design process started with the choice of a title, which opens this description, and a simple sketch giving an early image of the building to realize.

The pavilion is thought as an endless and organic space, where the structure becomes a fluid element, recalling shape of trees and, on the other hand, the pattern generated by the overlapping leaves traversed by the daylight. This concept is embodied by a self-portant canopy, which touches its basement in three points. Beside the restitution of a highly evocative image, these points allow loads transmission to the terrain, being also useful during the evacuation of rainwater collected on the roof.

The structure is completed by a lightweight and flexible membrane, which partially interpolate its shape, protecting the internal space from bad weather and conveying rain waters into the three contact points. The membrane, realized with materials deriving from textile technologies, will be fixed to the edges (steel maiden tubular beams defining the perimeter of the canopy).

The complex and organic shape of the canopy creates a neat contrast with the vertical envelope of the pavilion, composed by a series of thin steel columns, which constitute a support for the glass surfaces of the façade (glass can be substituted with another material with equal strength and resistance along time). The second strong geometric element is the basement, which slightly elevates the ground floor where the building is placed. The expressive result of this composition shows a continuous and endless space, interrupted by the façade envelope. This last becomes a section line, physical and imaginary. The canopy is defined by components, which populate each single face of the mesh. The nearer the component is to the basement, the more strong and dense it is. The farer the component is the more lightweight it is.

The whole project was developed with McNeel Rhinoceros and, in particular, through the plug-in Grasshopper, that allows a parametric/generative approach to the design process. The early basis is a flat NURBS surface and a series of autonomous control points (they anticipate the numbers and the position of the canopy bearings). A point grid is extracted by the surface with a u,v coordinate map. The grid is then deformed to obtain the final shape of the structure. During a second stage I created the façade system, the basement and the terrain, which is derived from a photo (is possible to use an orthophoto in order to simulate the real terrain). At the end of the process I designed the single component, which has been applied to each triangle of the Delaunay’s mesh, obtained from the point grid. Once designed the component, it has been repeated and adapted on the mesh, obtaining a highly complex geometry.

The fully parametric approach allows to interactively modify the dimensions of the pavilion, the number and the position of the bearings, the characteristics of the component and its behavior, the dimension of edge beams and façade columns. Every single aspects linked to the building can be adapted anytime is needed, with time and energy savings and without rethinking the digital model.

The complexity of this canopy, once populated with adaptive components, wasn’t previously expectable and emerges from the association of a single element, designed into its minimal details, and the variations of the surface into its domain. Anyway, going deep with further stages of the design process, is always possible to analyze the canopy geometries, extracting information about surfaces, single adaptive components, dimensions, points, edges lengths and all the details that are necessary for a better definition of the project, aiming to evolve it during more advanced steps.

Once determined a good configuration for the pavilion is possible to “bake” it in Rhinoceros availing a special command, in order to continue with further editing or prototyping some models through cnc machines.

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]]> http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/2009/11/forest-pavilion/feed/ 0 http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/2009/07/sen-s-e-i/ http://www.matteoloprete.com/eng/2009/07/sen-s-e-i/#comments Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:20:46 +0000 admin http://www.matteoloprete.com/en/?p=127 SENSIBLE SHELTER ENVIRONMENT INTERACTION

This project was born during a workshop dedicated to the software Generative Components, held by Lars Moth-Poulsen, Alessio Erioli, Ludovica Tramontin and Alessandro Uras. The theme is focused on the shelter, a kind of protective element which could be used in different contexts, being adaptable to different environmental conditions.

The work, developed during six days of strong cooperation together with Catia La Grotta and Paolo Dallara, started with a selection between two typologies suggested by the tutors: on one hand a simple covering structure and on the other hand the integral envelope, which defines a closed construction that totally encases people, a part from the entrance and exit. Our group focused its attention on this last building typology, aiming to diversify, during the design process, the construction of the building in order to don’t make it too serial and fuzzy in its different parts.

The second design choice was the definition of those parameters that, into a huge number of possibilities, better define the adaptation of this architectural organism. In this case we selected the gradient of the ground as variable directly connected to the morphology of our shelter, and the sun as second control element,  responsible for the constant variation of the components, that proliferates tessellation surfaces in an adaptive way.

Once we selected the direction of our inductive process, then we started to define a hypothetical terrain into Generative Components. One of the lines which describe the slope had been used as generative element of the envelope, so linked to a curve directly detected through the use of topographical instruments in a strongly objective way. Starting from this curve we extracted the vector product between the perpendicular to the tangent along a series of points and the vertical to the Cartesian plane defined in the origin. This value is directly responsible for the increase and reduction of the building transversal sections dimension, as the sketches show. After the definition of the vector product we generated a series of segments, linked each other through the so-called “sezione aurea” and forming two concentric rectangles. Then we generated two autonomous surfaces, based on those points: the subjacent one constitutes the floor of the shelter, while the upper part works as a covering. The first one is a monolithic element, similar to a sepia bone, while the second represents a lightweight structure, generated by the variation of a single component. This last, designed apart, is formed by a lightweight steel (or aluminum) frame and a quadrilateral panel, which has a mechanism that allows it to rotate around one of its diagonals. The adaptive logic which animates the component says that, the more vertical the sun is above the panel, the more closed will be the panel in order to protect from strong light and temperature. By contrast, the more grazing the rays are, the more open the panel will be in order to avail indirect lighting.

Once designed, the component has been applied to the upper surface of the shelter through an adaptive process, after the tessellation. Then, as fundamental operation, we linked the adaptive rotation of the components with the vector product between the vertical direction of each panel and the direction of an hypothetical sun (in this project its has been defined by a point which rotation is based on two circular arches, regulating the yearly excursion and the daily cycle of night and day). This kind of parametric model allows us to adapt the architectural organism to different terrains, both considering urban environments and extreme natural contexts. Moreover, the responsive behavior of the components in relation to the sun excursion allows us to obtain a regulation gradient of the internal environment, in order to preserve optimal lighting condition during the day.

For further information on the project a short Presentation (Pdf 2.486Kb) is available for download.

I would like to thanks Catia La Grotta and Paolo Dallara for this thrilling though short design experience, in which we developed a highly productive cooperation. I’ve been also pleased to pass these days with the group of tutors, which gave an important contribution to the workshop through their strong technical support and their interesting suggestions for the project. In the end is right to thanks Casartarc association and Arch. Andrea Graziano, which made a so important workshop possible.

Thank you everybody.

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GENERATIVE DESIGN OF A TOY USING GRASSHOPPER

This project has been developed participating to WAAS – Workshop on Advanced Architectural Structures, 2009 edition, organized by Prof. Arno Pronk and held at TU Delft in the Netherlands. The workshop, dedicated to deepen the use of avant-garde design instruments and building techniques for architecture, it’s been useful in order to learn some design software, such as Grasshopper, plug-in for the best known McNeel Rhinoceros. The course, held by the McNeel Official Trainer Rinus Roelofs, was divided in a first part dedicated to the basics for the use of the software and a second phase focused on the autonomous development of projects by the participants. At the end of the workshop the TU Delft rapid-prototyping laboratory (TNO) offered the realization of the projects through a nylon-base 3D printer, with a maximum volume of 50x50x50mm.

Using the model dimension limits as starting point, I decided to realize a small toy, characterize by a captivating design and, at the same time, a specific functionality. From this basis I started to think about a whirligig, which formal development is focused on the concept of knot, that emerges in several works presented by Roelofs during the first part of the workshop. The geometry is generated from a single circular arc, which is deformed from the grip to the end point of the whirligig in order to form a fillet. The thin shape is regulated by a series of arches which represents the generative curves of a NURBS surface. Once that the geometry was created, I gave it a thickness (1mm, minimum limit defined for the 3D printer). Then I copied it in series, aiming to obtain the whole object.

The Grasshopper definition starts with selecting some control points that generates the fillet. These are variable in position through a specific series of sliders. In the next step I generated the arches, the fillet and introduced a series of adjustments in order to obtain the most interesting shape. Then I introduced a second series of sliders in order to realize the knot. At the end I realized an offset of the surfaces and capped the holes, exporting the file in Rhinoceros. This 3D model, realized with Grasshopper, is fully parametric and can be modified anytime in each part. Once that the model was imported in Rhino I checked the quality of the volume and saved it as stl file (stereolithography), sending it to the TNO for the 3D printing.

Although this object was designed to be used by a child, it is characterized by elegance and lightness directly connected with the natural world (shells, urchins), also deriving by the serial repetition of interlacing shapes. The production process, characterized by the superimposition of layered dust (Nylon sublimation) reminds about generative process of shells and produces a bump effect on the surface, increasing the complexity. Once produced, the object was tested and resulted as perfectly functional.

The project highlights the possibility to generate fully parametric highly complex forms starting from the connection of simple circular arches. Parametric software as Grasshopper allow architects and designers to investigate new morphogenesis processes which, linked with technological innovation for components production, will allow the realization of extremely complex and elegant objects and buildings in the future.

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