On the Role of Geometry in Formal Design

In recent decades, new methodologies have emerged in architectural design that exploit the computer as a design tool. This has generated a varied set of digital skills and a new type of architectural knowledge. This means, architecture is taking part in an “intellectual revolution [that] is happening all around us, but few people are remarking on it. Computational thinking is influencing research in nearly all disciplines, both in the sciences and the humanities. It is changing the way we think.” i A good example of such reshaping of discipline-immanent thinking by means of computation is the paradigmatic shift in sciences like physics or biology caused by the introduction of the computer as the primary tool for simulating and modelling natural processe

Computational analyses of dynamics of architectural space

Although space is the central element of architecture, questions of space are hardly addressed in computational research in architecture. On the other hand, current mainstream practice in computational design research in architecture tends to focus on efficiency of architectural procedures, entailing optimisation of form, structure, performance, data management or workflow, etc. Such focus utilises computation to handle quantitative data of tangible properties in architecture. However, architectural space is filled with abstract qualitative properties, one of which is its dynamics. Dynamic properties of architectural space have been discussed in diverse disciplines from diverse perspectives since the nineteenth century, but it is only in the past decades that some of the theories are revisited due to discoveries in neuroscience. Such reappraisal of past theories by new technologies anticipates further rediscovery of qualitative properties of architectural space, such as spatial dynamics, that have been investigated largely through speculative descriptive methods using phenomenological approaches. Hence, the research explores the idea of architectural space as dynamic field structures by reexamining theories since the nineteenth century in multiple disciplines, and develops a system of computational inquiries to investigate dynamics of architectural space. The computational procedures produce visual spatial data that are analysed and calibrated in comparison to the past studies of architectural space based on descriptive methods. The correlations observed between the two approaches substantiate potentials of the computational approach as ways to study abstract properties of architectural space further.Peer reviewe

Statically motivated formfinding based on extended graphical statics

Abstract. In the 19 th century it was common to use graphical methods for study the relationship between form and force. The central element of all drawing methods for representing the inner flow of forces was the investigation of the dependence of equilibrium and force polygons, as well as their representation in two geometrically dependent diagrams with different units. This research is part of an on going project to extend the methods of 'graphical statics' of Carl Culmann (1866) to the third dimension in order to overcome some of the 2D-limitations of this approach. It is focused on the construction of resulting force within 3D and the utilization within discrete space frames (tetrahedrons) in equilibrium. The objective of the EGS is to focus on constructing in contrast to calculating. That means that the logic of the inner force flow leads to a process-oriented and visible approach of design, which gets computationally accessible. With the use of digital tools and increasing importance of performative methods of form-finding a renewed interest in these vector-based geometric methods of construction of force flow has occurred. This maybe will give the possibility to get an alternative to the common form finding methods by relaxation processes and analysis by FEM

The art of structural relation: Kazuo Shinohara's "strong structures" design thinking

With increased interest in materials and construction in the architectural field, the use of building structure as the element of architectural expression has gained interest in recent years. In his analysis of contemporary Swiss architecture, Arthur Ruegg has coined the notion of "Strong Structures" for the tendency to activate a load-bearing structure for spatial and conceptual expression. The article applies this notion to the works of renowned Japanese architect Kazuo Shinohara, who has influenced many prominent Swiss figures in the debate over "Strong Structures." By conducting phenomenological research on his experimental practices in House in White, Tanikawa House, and House in Uehara, the article examines how Shinohara used the organisation of structural elements and relations to express the architectural and cultural context. Finally, by contrasting the structural design methods used in Switzerland and Japan, this article aims to introduce a relational structure design mindset in order to complement and extend the concept of "Strong Structures", which can enrich structural design by focusing on the art of structural relations.ISSN:1347-2852ISSN:1346-758

Speed of Deposition: Vehicle for structural and aesthetic expression in CAM

This paper presents intermediate results of an experimental research directed towards development of a method that uses additive manufacturing technology as a generative agent in architectural design process. The primary technique is to variate speed of material deposition of a 3D printer in order to produce undetermined textural effects. These effects demonstrate local variation of material distribution, which is treated as a consequence of interaction between machining parameters and material properties. Current stage of inquiry is concerned with studying the impact of these textural artefacts on structure. Experiments demonstrate that manipulating distribution of matter locally results in more optimal structural performance, it solves printability issues of overhanging geometry without the need for additional supports and provides variation to the surface. The research suggests aesthetic and structural benefits of applying the developed method for mass-customized fabrication. It questions the linear thinking that is predominant in the field of 3D printing and provides an approach that articulates interaction between digital and material logics as it directs the formation of an object that is informed by both.Peer reviewe

Speed of Deposition: Vehicle for structural and aesthetic expression in CAM

This paper presents intermediate results of an experimental research directed towards development of a method that uses additive manufacturing technology as a generative agent in architectural design process. The primary technique is to variate speed of material deposition of a 3D printer in order to produce undetermined textural effects. These effects demonstrate local variation of material distribution, which is treated as a consequence of interaction between machining parameters and material properties. Current stage of inquiry is concerned with studying the impact of these textural artefacts on structure. Experiments demonstrate that manipulating distribution of matter locally results in more optimal structural performance, it solves printability issues of overhanging geometry without the need for additional supports and provides variation to the surface. The research suggests aesthetic and structural benefits of applying the developed method for mass-customized fabrication. It questions the linear thinking that is predominant in the field of 3D printing and provides an approach that articulates interaction between digital and material logics as it directs the formation of an object that is informed by both.Peer reviewe

Contemporary Stereotomic Trait, an Opportunity for the Development of the Volumetric Digital Architecture

Peer reviewe

Stereotomy, an Early Example of a Material System

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A Tomographic computation of Spatial Dynamics

Waning of vigorous discourses about the idea of space as essence in architectural design concurred with the emergence of digital architecture. The notion of space was replaced with the underlying notion of form facilitating optimization of performances and form-generation in digital design ever since. Within the context of digital architecture, the current research investigates a formal method to reintroduce spatial aspects, based on dynamics of architectural space in relation to form, into digital design processes. Accordingly, a computational framework is devised employing the idea of space as dynamic field conditions, in order to capture dynamic interrelation of architectural space with architectural form. That is, spatial dynamics are regarded as data embedded in architectural space, that can imply operational aspects of spatial experiences and / or stimulate corporeal engagements with experiential space, as concepts as action potentials and affordances do (Rasmussen 1964). As a result, the research aims to contribute to the body of knowledge that endeavour to systematize architectural sensibilities that are implicit in design processes by externalization utilizing computation.Peer reviewe