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Studio Air Journal By Yazid Hussein

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Table Of Contents Introduction Part A Conceptuslisation Introduction A1. Design Futuring A2. Design Computation A3. Composition/Generation A4. Conclusion A5. Learning Outcomes A6 Appendix and Algorethmic Skecthes Reference list Part B Criteria Design B1. Research Field B2. Case Study 1.0 B3. Case Study 2.0 B4. Technique: Development B.5. Technique: Prototpes B.6. Technique: Proposal B.7. Learning Objetives and Outcomes B.8. Appendix and Algorethmic Skecthes

Part C Detailed Design C.1. Design Concept C.2. Tectonic Elements C.3. Final Model C.4. Learning Objetives and Outcomes

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Introduction

My name is Yazid Hussein I am a third year undergraduate student in the Bachelor of Environments majoring in Architec-ture, at the University of Melbourne. My main field of interest in architecture is pursuing a career in green and sustainable ar-chitecture, that can deal with today’s global warming issues.

I enjoy the works of many great Architects such as Norman Foster, Zaha Hadid and many others. I like to think of architec-ture as an extension of nature and as a result take most of my design inspirations from the natural environment and try and create a balance and harmony between the built environment and the natural habitat. I believe humans greatly impact the surrounding environement and natural habitat, so as a result I believe architecture should evolve in the future into a sustain-able and green way of designing to help with the everchanging climate.

My experience with digital designing involves the use of Auto-cad, skecthup and other plan based design software. I have never been exposed to 3D parametric based programs such as Rhino and Grasshopper, which makes this subject all the more interesting as I will learn a new software that is in current demand and may soon be the leading software in the future.

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Architecture has no limits, it pushes the boundries and creates oppurtunites.

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DESIGN FUTURING

“architecture needs to be thought of less as a set of special material products and rather more as range of social and professional practices that sometimes, but by no means always, lead to buildings.” Williams, Richard (2005)

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Design futuring analyses the consequences of design decisions and how they should change to cope with the ever changing world, espe-cially the issue of sustainability. Tony Fry suggests that there should be a change in design theory and process in order for sustainability to be addressed.

Furthermore, Fry raises the issue of ‘Design Democracy’ 1 entitling ev-eryone to come up with ideas and design. I believe that having every-one collaborate and think together to find a solution and create a new design era is plausible. However, not everyone has the ability to design professionally and effectively like designers.

In the future, many of our current energy sources would be depleted and so there is an over carrying theme of developing sustainable de-sign sooner rather than later. Design should start focusing on meeting the needs of an increasing population, hence designers should think about design from a green perspective in order to meet the needs of the growing planet 2.

Design has a growing importance and is a decisive factor for the future. Fry suggests that there is no relation between creation and destruction if the source is a renewable one and it’s a disaster when it is not, which raises the issue of current construction methods that rely predominantly on concrete being a great structural material however, is a very large emitter of carbon dioxide; acting as hero and villain at the same time.

Future construction should find renewable or recyclable building materi-als that do not alter the workability and effectiveness. Designers have a role in creating projects based on the materials at hand and so this shift will impact designers into using sustainable sources, and poten-tially reducing carbon emissions.

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This Building precedent is regarded as one of a kind in the world of architecture and built form. This building contributed much like what the leaning tower of Pisa did a new incite on curvature in building materials and pushed the envelope on the amount of bending occurring, reaching 350 mm.

This building is the first building in the world to use vertical post tensioning for counter movement of the overhang and support the weight of the building with various stresses3. This kind of architectural design opened doors to this kind of innovation in parametric design in built form.

Shortly after the completion of this project a few developing projects used similar as-pects of design; whether the materials, post tensioning rods, or the ability to go further in the field of parametric modelling. The theory behind this project was due to the testing of eggs and the amount of pressure 1000 eggs can withstand before cracking which led to the dome like covering at the top. The main inspiration for this project was the leaning tower of Pisa in Italy. This develops greater possibilities for the fu-ture of skyscrapers and architecture in gen-eral. This is now a major tourist attraction in Abu Dhabi that is visited by people from all around the world.

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Building: Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi by Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Comapny Architect: RMJM

Year: 2011

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This building is the venue for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and was built in 2009, by Asymptote. This was built on the manmade Yas Is-land in Abu Dhabi and features a wide variety of parametric design mainly in the hotel section of the building with various key influences and inspirations ranging from the aesthetics and forms associated with speed, veocity and movement; and the artistry and geometries forming the basis of ancient Islamic art and craft traditions 4.

The curved roof structure is predominantly made of steel and dia-mond shaped glass panels that form the surface of this strange and encompassing design. This project clearly took the brief into consideration before the design stage started; this is evident in the race track shape and parametric look that is an analogy for speed in Formula 1 racing competitions. This project was started a revolution in the design of buildings with mathematical and vector like qualities later seen in the Capital Gate building. This hotel is visited many time through the year specifically throughout Grand Prix months, where Formula 1 enthusiasts gather to watch the races and feast their eyes on one of the modern day architectural wonders.

“The entire jewel-like composition of the project responds visually and tectonically to its environment to create a distinct and powerful sense of place as well as a breathtaking backdrop to the Formula 1 and other events that the building will celebrate”. The grid shell theory engaged dates back to inspiration from nature due to the organic and ornate physical appearance that is transformed by the addition of full colour capable LED’s at each connection point all of which are fully programable 5. The glass surfaces are designed to transmit the light across each panel independently, displaying a number of different colours for different events.

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Building : Yas Hotel, Abu Dhabi

Architect: Asymptote Year: 2009

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Design Computation “design computation is still only seen by many as ‘just a tool’ and remote from the real business of creative design [...]”. Frazer, John H. (2006)

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Since the beginning of Architectural practice architects resorted to imagination from nature and their surroundings and translated that into drawn up ideas and plans. This all changed when computational design was introduced into the field of design. Computational design is regarded as the use of computers and mathematics to approach architecture and geometries 6. Computing has had an unprecedented effect on all fields of design, specifically architecture as it enhanced precision and automation of repetitive tasks, allowing ease in transformation of patterns and ge-ometries. Design practices have changed over the past 20 years with increased reliance on digital software and computer aided design rather than hand drawing and drafting which was previously used in practice.

Due to the ever changing and expanding computational software, the future of design and construction will rely mainly on computation and digital fabrication to solve future problems such as climate change 7

and the struggle that designers face with sustainability. These pro-grams allow designers to design shapes, objects and geometries that were not achievable in the past through an expanding network of al-gorithms and functions that explore 3 dimensional shapes like never before 8.

Computerized building programs such as Green star resulted in per-formance orientated design that allows for feedback and quick gener-ation of source consumption by the design. Both building precedents chosen symbolise material behaviour embedding physical processes through computational design. Computation has enabled freeform complex geometries, having different volumes through new softwares that create algorithms that manipulate form and map different param-eters creating many different variations hence, varying design possi-bilities and outcomes 9.

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Building Precedent 1: ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion, 2011

This project was designed by The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and The Institute of Building Structures and Structural design (ITKE)and students from the University of Stuttgart. It explores the architectural transfer of biological principals of the sea urchins skeleton morphology, by the use of computational design and simulation. This building was generated purely by the use of algorithmic modelling and computational processes as it has a complex morphology that was built with extremely thin sheets of plywood (6.5 mm). The design of this pavilion clearly takes inspiration directly from nature by configur-ing a sea urchins scale morphology.

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This type of complex geometry and engineering could only be available due to the use of computation as it takes into account; Heterogeneity being that the cell siz-es are not constant and have to adapt to curvature, Anisotropy cells of the pavil-ion direct and orient themselves according to the mechanical stresses, Hierarchy the structure has a two level hierarchy 10. First is where the simple finger joints of the plywood sheets are glued together forming a cell. Second, screw connections join the cells together allowing assembling and dissembling of the pavilion. This research pavilion offered the opportunity to investigate methods of modular bionic construction using freeform surfaces representing different geometric character-istics. This type of design and construction brings future possibilities and poten-tial refinement to this area of design which may lead to the future of architecture through the development of computation and digital fabrication, that make these designs possible.

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Building Precedent 2: Bamboo Pavilion, 2010Architect: Esan Rahmani + Mukul Damle

Bamboo is a natural material found in Asia, it is readily available because of its renewable and inexpensive nature, has excellent properties in compression. It is commonly used as a roofing ma-terial, or for channelling water, for fences and floors. Due to bam-boo’s sustainable nature it is often used in ‘green’ projects as it tends to be one of the few or only material used in construction, as a result of its very tough and light nature.

This design was made possible by the use of computational de-sign resources; that shaped the central funnel of the building and connected it from the base to the roof. The design allows for natu-ral light to enter through the central funnel, while assuring that water does not enter and is collected through the funnel till the maximum level is reached and either sent to the ablution area or flushed 11.

The building consists of three bedrooms, 3 storage rooms, living room, water storage funnel and toilets. The integration of the roof-ing system is what makes this house an efficient use of resources. Dissembling the roof by the use of computation allowed the de-signers to study each aspect of the building before it was even built. First the thin concave bamboo beams are set out, then the funnel also made of thinner bamboo sticks, and finally a interlock-ing layer of bamboo to direct water inside the funnel 12. The use of these digital programs resulted in a sustainable and comfortable building from with the use of minimal building materials.

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Composition and Generation “Architecture is currently experiencing a shift from the drawing to the algorthim as the method of capturing and communicating designs” Brady Peters, 2013

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In our current generation, the development of digital fabrication, modelling and computation had come a long way. What used to be drafted by hand, is now drafted by using computerization with greater accuracy and a smaller margin for error. This had an impact on architectural literature and practice mainly through algorithmic thinking that wasn’t available till recent years, parametric modelling which opened doors to the future of design and construction and scripting cultures that changed the view towards automation and enhanced the ability for buildings to take different geometries or be built by a robotic machine. Contemporary architectural buildings have an increasing complex-ity in both geometric shapes and structural and material engineer-ing. However, through the use of algorithmic modelling this is made possible. Furthermore, the finite element (FE) algorithms allows for a complete rotation in an axes of a building creating a shape never thought possible for construction.

Parametric techniques have helped endlessly in the composition and generation of new and unique ideas such as the ones men-tioned in the building precedents. Through the use of parametric de-sign models and built forms are seen and visualized in three dimen-sions before construction stages even begin, with the ability to know the maximum load and stresses these materials can withstand; which is something that could not be achieved before such technol-ogy.

Scripting cultures allow for the exploration of different textures, ma-terials , forms and structures. This is achieved by creating scripts that link data together and hence creating a building with predefined elements which increases opportunities for design in the future.

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Building Precedent 1: Al Bahr Towers, Abu Dhabi (2012)Architect: Aedas

The Al Bahr Towers by Aedas, is an excellent demonstration of parametric modelling, as it balances conceptual, contextual and cultural factors as well as the over riding issue of sustainability 13.

The building’s most important feature is its overhanging facades that block out the hot and dry middle eastern sun, while allowing the sunshine to enter the building by using fiber glass. The use of the culturally significant ‘mashrabiya’ lattice which is a traditional Islamic symbol14 communicates with the public and the audience while maintaining a strong architectural connection to the brief. The use of parametric design in the ‘mashrabiya’ lattice facade generates a mobile facade that opens and closes based on the temperature and amount of sunlight, which was only achievable through parametric modelling.

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Obvious analogy for the building is it’s resemblence with the form of a pineapple, show-ing inspiration from nature

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Building Precedent 2: Esplanade, Singapore, (2002)Architect: DP Architects and Michael Wilford

The skin of the building was inspired by Durian having a triangular louver shape to block direct sunlight and heat but allow light into the building. This precedent shows a strong link from composition to gen-eration and brought new innovations, with the use of an automated responsive facade. By the use of computational design (Rhino and Daylight Illuminance Daylight Simulation also known as DIVA) found the ideal projection of sunlight and the needed angle, degree of open-ing and number of louvers 15. This building shows computational de-sign as a leading device towards sustainable design, much like the previous building precedent both having win sustainability awards.The use of compuatation here was crucial as it allowed for an exact measurnment of the amount of shade and light for an ideal and com-fortable viewing environment. This was very helpful for the designers, as it enabled them to easily manipulate and find the most efficient and effective building envelope.

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There is a direct link between the two building precedents, as they both use computationally controlled facades that enable the build-ing to function efficiently and sustainably. The main difference be-tween the two is the shape of the external louvers and the process of changing from a fully closed facade to a semi open one. Both build-ings show an excellent use of computation and paranteric modelling to achieve remarkable sustainable structures.

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Conclusion

Architecture has always been a way of communi-cating a message through built form. It translates culture, economy, politics, social level through design. Given that we live in the digital age, much more is expected from designers and this can fi-nally be achieved through the use of computation in parametric, algorithmic modelling; which gives designers a faster and more accurate way of de-signing and creating interesting and unique de-signs. Computation brought a new way of think-ing about forms and geometry like never before, the previous shift in the field of design was from hand drafting to Computer Aided Design (CAD) and that was for faster and more accurate plan-ning, but now parametrics and algorithmic model-ling allow for a full scope view of the project from before launch to after its finished. Personally I be-lieve that the shift into the world of computational design is having a positive impact on architecture and design in general, and it may potentially take us towards a more sustainable future while main-taining the design’s integrity and aesthetics.

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Learning Outcomes

So far this semester studying algorithmic and parametric design through grasshopper and rhino has been a very interesting approach for design. I have never been exposed to such software before so it really allowed me to widen my design ideas and brainstorm out of the usual way of design. Parametricism, algo-rithmic scripting is the new approach for archi-tectural design. Although the process of de-signing and generating ideas was challenging and new to me, I like how it showed me a way of design that I didn’t know was possible. Fur-thermore, learning about precedent buildings has really helped me explore geometric forms and question how the designers of such build-ings came up with these shapes and forms, which is through computational programs. I hope to improve in the field of computational design and gradually master these tools which will help me advance my skills, imagination and direct me into the way of the future of de-sign.

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Appendix- Algorethmic Sketchbook

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Reference ListText ReferenceText Reference

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Tony Fry, Design Futuring: Sustainability, ethics and new practice (oxford: Berg Publishers, 2008, p. 1-7.

capitalgate.ae, Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, 2011, < http://www.capitalgate.ae/building.html>

yasisland.ae, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi, Aldar, 2009, < http://www.yasisland.ae/en/visiting/discov-er-yas-island/attractions/yas-viceroy-abu-dhabi/>

Oxman, Rivka and Oxman, Robert:eds (2014). Theories of the digital in Architecture (Londong; New York: Routledge).

Big Think, “How has Technology changed Architecture?”, 2007, <http://bigthink.com/videos/how-has-technology-changed-architecture>

achimmenges.net, ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion, ICD (A.Menges) & ITKE (J.Knippers) Stuttgart University, 2011 <http://www.achimmenges.net/?p=5123%20Computational%20Design%20Bi-onic%20Research%20Pavillon>

esanrahmani.net, Bamboo Pavilion, Esan Rahmani & Mukul Damle, 2010, < http://esanrah-mani.net/2010/bamboo-pavilion/>

ahr-global.com, Al Bahr Towers, Aedas, 2012, < http://www.ahr-global.com/Al-Bahr-Towers>

Karen Cliento, ‘Al Bahr Towers responsive facades/ aedas’ in Arch Daily, <http://www.Archdaily.com/270592/Al-Bahr-Towers-aedas/>

Shahab Din Rahimzadeh, Veronica Garcia, Hansen, Robin Drodgemiller, and Gillicer Isoardi, “Parametric modelling for the efficient design of daylight strategies with complex geometries” in Cutting Edge: The 49th International conference of the Architectural Science Association (ASA), (ASA, 2013)

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Image ReferenceImage

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Reference

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Skyscrapercity.com, 2011, < http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=854276> Accessed 10/3/15

gulftrackservices.com, 2009, < http://www.gulftrackservices.com/yasmarinagrind-ing.html> Accessed 10/3/15

icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2011, < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> Accessed 13/3/15

icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2011, < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> Accessed 13/3/15

icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2011, < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> Accessed 13/3/15

icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2011, < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> Accessed 13/3/15

icd.uni-stuttgart.de, 2011, < http://icd.uni-stuttgart.de/?p=6553> Accessed 13/3/15

wakefieldin.ca, 2005, <http://wakefieldinc.ca/en/healthy-homes/building-with-bamboo/> Accessed 13/3/15

esanrahmani.net,2010, <http://esanrahmani.net/2010/bamboo-pavilion/> Ac-cessed 13/3/15

esanrahmani.net,2010, <http://esanrahmani.net/2010/bamboo-pavilion/> Ac-cessed 13/3/15esanrahmani.net,2010, <http://esanrahmani.net/2010/bamboo-pavilion/> Ac-cessed 13/3/15

ahr, 2012, ahr-global.com, Al Bahr Towers, Aedas, 2012, < http://www.ahr-global.com/Al-Bahr-Towers> Accessed 15/3/15

ahr, 2012, ahr-global.com, Al Bahr Towers, Aedas, 2012, < http://www.ahr-global.com/Al-Bahr-Towers> Accessed 15/3/15

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Image

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Reference

ahr, 2012, ahr-global.com, Al Bahr Towers, Aedas, 2012, < http://www.ahr-global.com/Al-Bahr-Towers> Accessed 15/3/15

ahr, 2012, ahr-global.com, Al Bahr Towers, Aedas, 2012, < http://www.ahr-global.com/Al-Bahr-Towers> Accessed 15/3/15

archdaily.com, 2012, <http://www.archdaily.com/270592/al-bahar-towers-responsive-facade-aedas/> Accessed 15/3/15

picshark.com, 2005, <http://pixshark.com/esplanade-cartoon.htm> Accessed 17/3/15

yoursingapore.com, 2006, <http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/vi/browse/see-and-do/arts-and-entertainment/architecture/esplanade-theatres-on-the-bay.html> Accessed 17/3/15

yoursingapore.com, 2006, <http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/vi/browse/see-and-do/arts-and-entertainment/architecture/esplanade-theatres-on-the-bay.html> Accessed 17/3/15

travel.nationalgeographic.com, 2004, <http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/city-guides/singapore-photos-1/> Accessed 17/3/15

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Part B Criteria Design

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B1- Research Fields Tessellations Repetitive elements on minimal surfaces

Tessellation is the arrangement of shapes repeated continuously creat-ing a close and joint display. The best example of this is seen in nature; such as flowers, animals and landscape. Tessellations can be virtually any shape or size. Architecture defines this as patterns on buildings or the digital production of mesh patterns. Tessellation is often used to make large, complex forms; some of impli-cations of this type of design is the difficulty of producing it on non sheet materials. This used to be manually produced by hand but is now applied by the use of parametrics and com-putational design.

The field of Tessellations has many op-portunities due to its aesthetically pleas-ing nature, creates building resemblance and connections and the ability to be used on many materials. There is much more to tessellations than the geometric patterning, although that can be used for decorative purposes; it can also be used for filtering light, defining space, communicating a message. In terms of parametrics tessellations tend to have potential and a number of opportunities evident in; the endless number of possi-bilities, generation of a variety of differ-ent models and the ability to address a large number of arrays across different curvatures and scales.

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Federation Square was built in Melbourne in 2002, by LAB architects. This building showcases an unusual tessellation tech-nique that uses angulated right angle tri-angles and projects them in different an-gles, sizes and uses different materials. I feel that the building aims to communicate a message through the repetitive tessella-tion design, this is evident through the use of a mathematical function that formed the basis of the tessellation. Pinwheel tiling is a system of non periodic tiling which form the facade elements, the use of different materials (Zinc, Sandstone and Glass) highlights the vast variety that tessella-tions can work and is a major design op-portunity that I would like to explore in my Merri Creek design.

The main aspect of the project that inter-ested me, was the use of mathematics and nature to influence a award winning design; that’s aim is to unite a commu-nity and federation. The use of a Boolean system to decide on a shape of a triangle was very interesting as it used a random generation system. Today’s architecture seems to revolve around the aesthetic qualities of a building and the ability for a built from to be memorable can easily be achieved through the use of tessella-tions as it connects with a range of audi-ences of different cultures, ages and back-grounds.

Building Precedent 1: Federation

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Gyna Pavilion was designed as an in-teractive component system by Archi-nect in 2012 in New York. This pavilion shows a lot of refinement and digital fabrication through the assembly of 4 different shapes made from paper, and joined together to form an angulated geometrical tessellation. The apertures in the design vary in size based on the distance to the ground, to allow natural light to enter through the use of tessel-lations. The pavilion was digitally mod-elled through the use of grasshopper and produced an interesting design by combining a selection of natural shapes. The use of constant refinement and manipulation enhanced the effect of the tessellation and light transmittance, this idea is unique and I would like to explore the use of more than one geo-metric shape combined into one tessel-lation.

The digital fabrication of this design would be demanding and challeng-ing due to the extensive curling nature of the pavilion, however, the use of computation enabled a digitally manu-factured model assembled through in-dividual shapes that lock together on assembly, with the repetitive tessella-tions produced efficiently and quickly on the facade of the Gyna pavilion.

Building Precedent 2: Gyna Pavilion

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Case Study 1.0

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B.2 IwamotoScott - Voussair Cloud

IwamotoScott - Voussair Cloud has a unique expression of tesselation across a 3-dimen-sional structure. The use of petals across the built structure creates a lightness and floating effect through the use of gaps and lighting. The material used is the main aspect of the structure, using wood panels that bend into anchor points and tesselate the geometry. The structural logic behind the Voussair Cloud is the implimentation of a catenary form finding method, that combines minimal surface gemo-etry and the tesselation distribution. The build-ing is a strong example of structural ambiguity and aesthetically pleasing surfaces.

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A B

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Species 1- Shape Exploration+Kangaroo relaxation

Species 2- Joint/ split systems

D E F

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G H I

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Species 3 Minimal Boundry

Species 4- Tesseltaed Surfaces

J K L

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D1 A3

G3 J1

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The selection criteria for the 4 successful outcomes were made based on the possible design outcomes for the tessella-tions research field. These 4 variations were chosen based on factors such as, the ability to occupy space, interesting use of structural form and tessellated surfaces, ability to incorporate; materials and surfaces into the tessellation language to com-municate with users.

These examples were not pushed any further in exploration due to the effect it would have on the clarity of the tessellated design language and clarity. The 4 different examples are from different species aiming to incorporate different ways of explor-ing the definition through tessellation and surface properties. These examples provide a mixture of qualities that can pro-duce differing architectural applications. The clear use of relax-ation, tessellation, surface and geometry division can produce architectural designs such as pavilions, temporary structures or a tessellated language communicated to varying audiences through built form.

Potential challanges with the use of these examples may be the develpment of tessellated surfaces on each geometry, giv-en that some are irregular. However, this is one of the qualities of the tessellations research field, having the ability to produce outcomes even on irregular or modified geometries.

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Case Study 2.0

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Shell Star Pavilion, MATSYS

Wai Chai, Hong Kong, 2012

The Shell Star Pavilion is a lightweight temporary structure by using mini-mal structure and material and applying a tessellated surface on to the material. The design uses a form finding strategy in kangaroo through constant relaxation of the mesh. The tessellated geometry subdivides the cells in the surface into a variety of different sized circles and ovals. The positioning of the anchor points plays a role of significant importance as it defines the structural shape of the pavilion and impacts the effect of the relaxation in Kangaroo. The interior organisation allows for greater optimi-sation of space and is openable from all faces.

B.3

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Reverse Engineering

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Reverse Engineering Process

1. Start by drawing a pentagon located in te middle of the grid, with triangles based from that pentagon and mirrored to create a vortex like look.

2. A hexagonal grid is placed on top of the shape and by using the region intersection component is shaped like the mesh.

3. Anchor points are placed in certain points on the mesh to create the different layer depths seen in the Star Shell Pavilion

4. Connecting the anchor points into springs and into the kangaroo physics engine produces and starting the simulation would create a relaxation effect.

5. Tesselated surfaces are created and blowing up of the curve pat-tern genereated by the kanagaroo physics engine.

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The Nervi Palazetto is an in-door sports arena located in Rome, Italy by Annibale Vitel-lozzi in 1957. This project really highlights the array of tessella-tions used in this elegant and classic design. This design has the potential to be re-designed parametrically by the use of Grasshopper and Rhino. The design potential in this building is the use of natural aspects and tessellation across the surface, shown not only in the dome structure but also in the supporting concrete columns.The design’s diagonal tessela-tion is the design aspect that the Merri Creek design might incorporate.

Nervi Palazetto, Rome, 1957

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1. First step of re modelling the Nervi Palazetto is to create 7 circles in Grasshopper that will from the overall structural shape.

2. Create different heights by using the move component and then dividing the curve into 30 points.

3. Reference each circle to an end point and cre-ate a 3 point arc and connect to a sweep 1 com-mand to create the dome like configeration.

4. Explode the points and create 4 shift lists con-nected to a line which will create diagonal lines across the dome forming tessellations.

5. Once the segements are divided into 180 points around the circle by using the slider, the ‘Y’ shaped columns are connected by vertical lines.

6. List item command allows for a connection between a number of points between 0 and 3 to create the diagonal shape. Rotate and graft to cross reference

7. Create a thicker exoskelton by using the exowireframe and referencing the ‘Y’ shaped columns to create a thicker diameter.

8. Tesselation are made more prominent by hid-ing list items and other functions that are not needed to be visible.

Reverse Engineering Prcoess

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The ICD/ITKE 2010 research pavilion is a modern example of surface manipulation and tessel-lated qualities through material characteristics. The use of thin and bent plywood strips with gaps allowed for tessellation across the surface of the tempo-rary pavilion, creating a structure that stands out due to its un-usual bent in geometry and eye catching tessellations.

Potential ideas from this design and possible outcomes for the Merri Creek design, could be the flexible and unrestrained shape with an interesting vortex like shape pulling the structure inwards and the use of material such as plywood to create tes-sellations.

ICD/ITKE 2010 Paavilion, Stuttgart

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1. Start by referencing in 4 curves in Rhino Base, central funnel, and grid shell like envelope.

2. Divide curves into a number of points and ex-plode tree branches and connect to an arc compo-nent connecting each curve to the next.

3. Loft the resultant curves to create the overall general shape of the pavilion, and connect to the rebuild command to loft all areas of the pavilion.

4. Because the structure is predominantly built in grasshopper there needs to be a component to connect all curves in a non regular and liner man-ner, so a geodesic curve connects points from the explode tree command.

5. Shift list is also connected to the explode tree command and to the geodesic curve with the boolean set to true in order to avoid any missing sections in the pavilion that have not been listed.

6. Another Geodesic component is placed to cre-ate a mixed mesh surface with diagonal lines from both sides appearinf across the surface of the pavilion

7. The control points are manipulated to further enhance the look of the pavilion to compare to that of the ICD/ITKE pavilion in Stuttgart.

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There are similarities and differences between the reverse engineered project and the original project such similarities are the structural orgin-sation and geometry of the ICD/Itke pavilion. The organisation of internal space in a circular and open way acroos the central funnel connecting the ground to the roof and inward bending structure. Some differeces are the tessellations used that have created a different overall look to the structure, which is something that wasn’t configured in the reverse engineered project. There is a lot of potential from this case study, with the overall structural composition and layout of the pavilion and the use of materiality to create a tessellated surface. Further exploration of the form would enhance the understanding of the building and further devel-opment the design intent for the Merri Creek project.

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