EXP 3 - Week 3

For week 3, we were required to firstly select one of the plans shown in the lecture and manipulate to input the spaces required for the brief. I chose the Riverside Museum by Zaha Hadid because I really liked the profile of the building which sparked some ideas for the design of my bridge.

My first step to developing a bridge, was to list the spaces in the brief and estimate the size of each space that would be sufficient enough for the users interacting with these spaces. Below is a screenshot of my list, the quantity of spaces and their proposed sizes.

I then needed to establish the relationship of these spaces between each other to be able to generate a logical layout for these spaces. I put together a relationships diagram showing the spaces that in my opinion should be placed next to each other or share a combined space.

Relationship Diagram

I then used the plan of the Riverside Museum as my inspiration and began developing my bridge using Google Sketchup. I wanted this model to be a foundation for my design which I can further refine in the upcoming weeks so I established 4 main zones of my design which are:

Lecture Theatre
Studio Spaces
Workshop
Computer Labs
Gallery
Meeting Rooms for Students
Offices for Academic Staff
Offices for General Staff
Research Space for Staff
Meeting Room for Staff
Library
Architectural Folly

Plan of the Riverside Museum

My plan  inspired by the Riverside museum

Model inside of Google SketchUp

I then imported my model into my environment inside of CryEngine and gained a first look at the possible positioning of my model in relation to my valley, the scale of the spaces in relationship to the environment and also how well my overall design fulfils my concept. Some screen shots of the initial design can be seen below.

Screenshot 1

Screenshot 2

Screenshot 3

I believe that being patient when designing when designing and executing the design process in phases is an ideal way to ensure the quality of the final design is of a high standard. For this week I was able to establish the basis of my design and how I want to convey my concept which I can further refine and add detail to as part of my final submission for this experiment.

Amazing stair illusion

My brother came upon this video of this incredible stair illusion. Being the person that is associated with Architecture, he challenged me to figure out how these stairs were constructed but I think there is a trick to it.

Video credit: daniel5527 , http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LUc6wWo55pw 

Exp 3 - Week 2

The second week of experiment 3 required us to draw a series of 2 point perspectives exploring the space bounding opportunities that exist between 3 "F-Shaped" prisms in space. We then had to redraw each perspective twice from an upper and lower angles whilst also defining the perspectives with words or phrases that connected our relationship to the prisms. My results can be seen below.

2 point perspective set 1

2 point perspective set 2

2 point perspective set 3

2 point perspective set 4

2 point perspective set 5

2 point perspective set 6

 I then took my favourite perspective and developed it inside of Google Sketchup where I also thought about the positioning of my elevator. I decided to allow the elevator to travel through the structure by creating a rectangular opening. In doing so, I was able to frame sections of the view individually as the elevator was in motion which can be seen in the screenshots below of the elevator.

Selected perspective that was developed using Google Sketchup

Screen shot of the structure in the scene and how the scene was manipulated to support the structure

Another view of the structure in the scene

The final part for this week was to watch a tutorial created by Russell showing us how to create a moving elevator inside of CryEngine. Below are 2 screenshots that were taken whilst the elevator was moving.

A concealed view looking up through the lift shaft to the upper areas of the structure

The view opposing the structure which is framed at each individual level as shown

Exp 3 - Week 1

The first task in experiment 3 required us to develop 18 one point perspectives exploring the relationships between 3 F-shaped prisms as concepts for an architectural folly. Below are my 18 one point perspectives.

3 different views of perspective 1

3 different views of perspective 2

3 different views of perspective 3

3 different views of perspective 4

3 different views of perspective 5

3 different views of perspective 6

The next par of this task was to develop a few of these perspective drawings using Google Sketchup. I carefully chose 3 our of 6 perspectives to which I thought conveyed an interesting form. I also imported manipulated the form of each perspective further inside of Google Sketchup to create a variation in the form.

Chosen and manipulated perspective

Chosen and manipulated perspective

Chosen and manipulated perspective

 We also had to find a valley from our country of origin and re-create it inside of cryengine. Just to add a little about my origin, I belong to a very old culture known as "Chaldeans" that originated in a country called "Babylon" thousands of years ago that is now known as Iraq. Throughout our many years of existence we pioneered many great examples of architecture but can also be proud to have such natural landmarks as the valley shown below.

Coles, http://iraqikurdistan2012.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/day-two-rawanduz-valley-iraq.html, accessed 13^th May, 2013.

I decided to edit the valley by reverting it back to its natural state. I noticed that the image of the valley shows a man made water catchment area and I wanted to disregard this element to keep the valley looking natural and authentic to its age.

A view through the trees

The final part of this exercise required us to create a MashUp of 3 articles that I located about "Architecture", "Architectural Computing" and "Engineering". Due to my passion for creating buildings that are sustainable I decided to create a MashUp that included the topic of sustainability that was supported by these 3 areas. Below is my article in sections and with the respective references.

Architecture is an essential arena for sustainable innovation. Buildings represent about half— the U.S. building stockincreases by about 3 billion square feet every year - architects have a historic opportunity to transform its impact for the better. (Lance Hosey, Why Architects must lead on sustainable design, 

http://www.greenbiz.com/blog/2013/03/19/why-architects-must-lead-sustainable-design (Accessed May 13th, 2013).

Sustainability in design requires attention to several factors, such as civil infrastructure, site design, architectural design, and the design of the building systems. Although sustainability has implications throughout the life of a building, architects, engineers, and developers need to be sensitive of the value added by every dollar of their investment.

The use of building information modeling (BIM) technology can prove extremely useful in achieving these goals. BIM, along with the support of appropriate technology, can potentially minimize the cost of a sustainable design. This is possible because BIM enables information to be easily available for design, analysis, and certification. (Jonas N. Salih, BIM and Sustainable design, http://buildipedia.com/aec-pros/design-news/bim-and-sustainable-design (Accessed Ma 13th, 2013).

The future of design requires thinking innovatively about the way current construction techniques function so we may expand upon their capabilities. Sustainability has evolved far beyond being a trend and has become an indelible part of this design process. Sustainable solutions have always pushed against the status quo of design and now the Structural Technology Group of Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) has developed a concrete that sustains and encourages the growth of a multitude of biological organisms on its surface.

We have seen renditions of the vertical garden and vegetated facades, but what sets the biological concrete apart from these other systems is that it is an integral part of the structure. According to an article in Science Daily, the system is composed of three layers on top of the structural elements that together provide ecological, thermal and aesthetic advantages for the building. (Irina, Vinnitskaya, Biological Concrete for a Living, Breathing Facade, http://www.archdaily.com/315453/biological-concrete-for-a-living-breathing-facade/ (Accessed May 13th, 2013).  

"Implementing sustainability in a design is what separates the common from those with a creative mind"

The Revision

After seeking Jerem'y opinion of my final design, it was made clear to me that I had room for improvement to better my design thus making it more effective in portraying my intended concept and scheme. I believe that this factor has allowed me to experience the professional side of Architecture at such an early stage of my Architectural studies.

In my opinion, the design process must not be limited to an individual's vision but instead should be focused on capturing the views of other professionals who can greatly influence the final design in a positive sense. An Architect must have the mind sent of negotiating the design with their clients to maximise their chances in capturing the client's vision and intentions towards the design that they require.

Therefore, to be allowed to experience such events at the early stages of my studies will only increase the chances of becoming a better professional. I believe that Architecture is such a broad profession but has the capabilities of educating individuals on a daily basis regardless of their prior experiences and it is those who possess the right mind set to take on critics in a positive sense to better themselves as designers. 

The Final Design

The final design explores the interconnection between various spaces to create a unified scheme for the users. The highlight of the final design is the "meeting point" of the Architectural students. A strong emphasis was laid on this particular element which can be clearly identified when looking at the captures of the final design below. I wanted to design a space that would allow for an adequate area for the students without impacting negatively on the overall scheme which I set out on executing in the beginning of the project. I believe that my concept in allowing my monument to adapt to its environment and relate to the surroundings was not affected by my emphasis on the "meeting point" but instead both element and concept work together to fulfil my overall intentions. 

This capture conveys the monument adapting to the environment.

The following image shows how the "dark" texture has been used to interpret the main paths in the monument.

This capture allows one to observe how the various macro elements work together to create an adapting monument.

The use of lights and various colours have been used to highlight the 3 main areas of the monument. The "blue" and "red" represent the 2 different sections of the monument and the "green" represents the "meeting point" of the architectural students.

This area of the monument is one of the most essential areas that needed focus. I wanted the "meeting point" to be sufficient enough for a meeting between students but to also bring in the out door environment to allow for the free flow of air to circulate in this enclosed area. I also focused on allowing sunlight to enter the area through the use of skylights and long elevated glass walls. 

Cry Engine 3 file: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/e8xvegfe7lb4838/nYePcCiBho

Google Sketchup file: http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/details?mid=885b4e53e6915a08f3e0b3de91eba079&prevstart=0

Week 3 - Exp 2 (The Finale)

In the last week of experiment 2, we were required to develop 36 custom textures that transitioned between light and dark. As I was developing my textures, I ensured that I used stylistic patterns to convey the transition because I felt that the textures played a vital role in improving my created monument. The 36 custom textures that I created can be seen below.

36 Custom Textures

However, I also felt that my job in creating the custom textures to fit my monument was not yet completed. My original idea was to develop a monument that would adapt to the environment and camouflage itself with its surroundings rather than impose itself. The "timber material that I chose to coat my monument in was used to also help emphasis my idea of belongingness and adaptation. I then chose 3 of my custom textures to represent the "light", "medium" and "dark" and then further refined them using Photoshop by enlarging them and applying the same "timber" material to each texture to allow for the free flow of my materials on my monument. The refined textures chosen can be seen below. 

Light

Medium

Dark

The method that I chose to use my materials on my monument was based on a few ideas that I had developed. I applied the "light" texture to the vertical element because I felt that the large size of the texture complimented the imposing mass of the vertical structure. The "medium" texture was used to aid in signifying the main portal between the spaces and the "dark" texture was used to only highlight the paths between each separate monument and the "meeting point" of the Architectural students. The use of textures on the monument to represent these ideas have been highlighted on the screenshots below. 

The textures vertical structure

The main portal between spaces

The meeting point for Architectural students and the use of the same texture to define paths

The next task was to look at my monument at a macro scale and create a series of smaller detail elements to aid the concept of the "electro liquid aggregation". I found that this particular task was rather beneficial because it allowed me to break up the chunky masses of rectangular prisms that defined my monument and begin to explore interesting ways to stylise and detail my monument. I was also careful not to over detail my monument because I did not want to take away from its overall feel. The detailed elements that were added can be seen below. 

Macro Detail (highlighted)

Macro Detail (highlighted)

Macro Detail (highlighted)

Macro Detail (highlighted)

The concepts that inspired me - Technology is an inspiration of new reality. (Archigram), 

                                                 The building as land art in itself.(Winka Dubbeldam).

The concept "Technology is an inspiration of new reality" can be interpreted in a number of ways but my understanding of this concept is how technology has become an integral part in turning ideas or concepts to a reality. Many things that were not feasible prior to the development of technology can now be made a reality.

The concept "The building as land art in itself" was the backbone of the design of my monument. I strongly interpreted this concept as a building having the ability to adapt to its surroundings and utilise the available resources rather than encroach on the environment.

The Finale

The final step of this experiment was to build up the details of the environment in Cryengine and finalise the model and then capture 5 images using FRAPS. Below are the 5 captures of my scene.

The following image shows how the monument creates a link between each space to allow for the free flow of circulation  This element was implemented into the design to further enhance the term "ElectroLiquid Aggregation".

This particular capture also highlights the term "ElectroLiquid Aggregation" because it conveys the "meeting point" for the Architectural students in the monument and how individual spaces have been aggregated together to form a continuous experience.

The various macro elements implemented into the monument.

This particular capture uses various coloured lights to highlight the individual spaces found in the monument. The "green" light attracts both spaces to create the "meeting point" in the monument which further contemplate for the term "ElectroLiquid Aggregation".

A distant view of the monument at night

Below is a small animation showing off my monument

Final Thoughts

My overall experience with this experiment has been very fulfilling because I have been able to design a monument based on concepts that have inspired me and I have also gained an understanding to how we interconnect various forms to define a unified structure. My exposure to the Cryengine software has also excited me to learn the software to my highest capabilities for future projects.