design studio airsemester twoaaron lougoon 328159

contents: week one - architecture as discouse week two - computing in architecture week three - parametric modelling

Oh, Hello there! If your reading this I take it you want to get to know me a bit better. So here it goes, my name is Aaron Lougoon and i’m doing design studio air. Some things about me: I like to cook, play sport and watch movies. I play hockey and am loving that the olympics are on because its one of the only chances you get to watch the Aussie hockeys teams go at it! This is my first semester of my environments degree but I have previously finished a science degree. Why the change? Well its just something ive always occupied the idea of doing (having

done some work experience at an architecture firm during school and then choosing predominantly design based breadth subjects during my science degree). I found that those design subjects were just as engaging as the anatomy and physiology subjects I was also doing. Even from a young age I guess I always loved making things, whether that was playing with lego or creating bush shelters with friends.Getting back to the now, the most recent designing subject ive done was Virtual Environments that took us through the process of choosing a natural process

and abstracting it though a digital means and then constructing it with the help of plugings to Rhino (to help with the nothcing of the paper/card construction).

week one:architecture as discourse

My design was based around embroyonic development of cells multiplying and growing. This was conveyed both by the increasing size and number of interior rings of the balls. I think it was reasonably successful for its purpose. So, up until the start of this year I had had very little interaction with computer based design and it was through this subject that we were introduced to a range of different examples and applications of digital architecture. The main guide I gained from this means of design, was that when combind with

model making is one of the greatest tools for learning about a project and expanding and improving upon it. That process of designing, making, improving, making again was done on a lesser degree in that subject but the idea of how well it works with computer design really stuck with me.It was also around this time that I saw the documentary Sketches for Frank Gehry and it just sort of reinstated how important that process can be, no matter how experienced you are.

Favourite buildings are always fun to talk about but on the same hand deciding on more then one was difficult. Firstly i’ll talk about the one that took some time to come up with. Im not sure whether it actually is my second favourite building but since seeing it ive always been intrigued. The Manadnock building in Chicago was one of the early skyscrapers in the US. In terms of standard conventions

and precedents there was very little, so in that sense it was part of the modern movement. However, with Daniel Burnham as one of the architects, its no real surprisethat it still holds some classical values, allbut subtly displayed. I think it was this subtleness that I was really drawn to, its slightly tapered base and abstract flared cornice add to the effect that it could be a giant column if it wasnt for all the bay windows. Another thing that really stands this building out is the colour, when considering what was to follow is also really rare (1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition and the “White City”, also framed by Burnham among others). Its seems to me that it was part of a one step forward ten steps back process (it being the one step forward). I feel that, that colour really does add to the monoloithic presense of the building.

One of the last giant brick structures to reach for the sky. Its magnificent!

Ever since I saw this next building, I was always facinated by it and as cliche a favourite building comes this ones it. Falling Water or the Kauffman House in Bear Run has forever been amongst lists of the greatest buildings ever designed but my reasons were a bit more simple.I like it because it looks cool, not only is it situated on a flowing creek but its cantilevered out over it too. It wasnt until I actually looked into more of Frank Llyod Wrights work and what was happening else where at the time that it really becomes a bit more significant.

He was a master of siting a building and understanding the environment, both built and natural. I think thats what makes this incredible, creating a grace on this particular landscape. Something fitting such a pristine and natural space while also creating a path that emcompasses fantastic views. Another reason I love this building is because of him, who better to create this then the crazy man himself. Confidence is an understatment when considering the engineering prowess of this build and the hangover of the floors. This building was also quite distant from the utopian dream he was also trying to create during the tough economic middle war years. On one hand economical

minded builds compared to this, which even in 1936 was super expensive. Quite happy to paralell those projects.

week two:computing in architecture

Designers and computers have been working together for decades. Mostly though it has been as another method of showing a design.Computers are superb anaylitical machines that just are not being used to their full potential. Computational design encompasses more then just transfering designs into the digital realm. It also gives us the opportunity to create and build more abstract forms from our thoughts. As opposed to computer aided design, its more then just a tool and can actually help in the means of design by using mathematical information to generate possible new forms or solutions to problems. This age of Information is chaging the way

we think about all aspects of buildings; from conception to constrcuction and sustainability and the impacts on the environment. Through these digital technologies there is scope for greater holistic integration of the process from conception to production to living. When we think of iconic shapes that are defining this age we need not look furhter the in front of us most of the time; our phones, ipods, computers, cars etc all are a part of the this smooth architectural/design discourse. As a part of the digital conituum there is now more expanded exploration in architectureand these links can help in the speed of the entire process as this digital design information is essenitally the construction information (as shown in the ship building industry where there is no drawings anymore, just 3D digital models). Buildings have this same potenitally.

LAVAs The Martian Embassydrew inspiration from fusion of whale, rocket, time tunnel.needed to trigger imaginationfluid geometry, broken up into plywood ribs, which in turn create seats, shelves, storage displays etcill get back to this....

Unlike conventional design (independent), computational design (dependent) has interelated parts that are predetermined by their relations to one another or to a deeper algorithm or formulae. With parametric modelling, those relations are determined by set parameters. Relationships defined and established by the designer to fit a certain criteria in its discourse. As a new part of the design process the designer must first though set down the logic that connects the design as a whole, By having a dynamic means, this method aims at representing change. Unlike traditional design, simply erasing lines, walls or sections of buildings is much more difficult as these become part of the whole (of interelated parts). Is this going to restrict imaginative exploration into projects by limiting options available.

week three:parametric modelling

Rocker Lange Architects in Hong Kong is using parametric modeling to try and define a new and unique Hong Kong streetscape. This comtemport city bench is part of a greater group of dynamic street furniture, with the ability to adapt to the already existing layout of the city. They all have similar properties because they are all based on similar parameters with varible environmental inputs, such as stairs and poles. The great positive about using parametric modelling for installations and furniture is that because it is on a small scale, more options can be processed further down the design process unlike architecture. This project shows some of the great capabilities of parametric design as new forms can be made by inputing physical environmental features (prebuilt environment) but also has a form with minimal inputs.

Images sourced from www.evolo.us/architecture and rocker-lange.com/index/workproductdesign/urbanadapter

The “Yorkshire Diamond” project from Various Architects drew inspiration from the mining district but it is its interior flexibility that is the key parametric feature. The inflatable tubes are in place as the atomic structure of diamonds (hence the name) and allow for varying shapes to be hollowed out into the structure by following the structural patterns. The idea of a mobile pavillion needs to have this dynamic aspect to suit the needs at the time; small to large conferences/ public presentation.Stability in 3D structural shape.

Images sourced from www.evolo.us/architecture