This series of work looks at various methods parametric algorithms. It looks to experiment and unite methods in order to create, optimise, form and distribute architecture with a sense of self-organising structures. Using techniques such as shortest walk algorithms, voronoi, metaball, space syntax, and physics engines, I explore the potential to algorithmically define a fully functional and responsive piece of architecture based on simple rules and parameters.
With the introduction of a new public transport system to serve central Wellington, a fully integrated Northern Transport Hub is required to unite all modes of transport; Train, Bus, Ferry, and Cruise Liners.
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> Shortest Walk
> Voronoi
> Metaball
> Space Syntax
> Real Time Control
> 2D - 3D
> Internal Voronoi Divisions and Floors
> Application
> Optimisation
> Comment
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To what extent can parametric algorithms and processes be used to define, optimise and distribute an architecture.
Voronoi
In mathematics, a Voronoi diagram, named after Georgy Voronoi, is special kind of decomposition of a metric space determined by distances to a specified discrete set of objects (represented by their center points) in the space. The voronoi diagram is one of those mathematical oddities, like fractals and fibonacci spirals, that turn up frequently in the natural world. |
Voronoi + Metaball Early developments of combined the voronoi diagram with a metaball perimeter to produce more accurate zones as the voronoi algorithm always prefers to worth with orthogonal boundaries which produce misrepresented areas. This development was in the early stages of experimenting with self organising structures and programme. While some interesting results are produced, it has some fundamental issues which defeat the purpose of organisation of programme; the cells are arranged by size not architectural relationships. Optimising Architectural Programme
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Space Syntax
In an attempt to give these forms architectural / programatic organisation, I refered to Space Syntax Logic in order to define relationships and correspondence between spatial configurations and behavioral patterns. The definition has predetermined relationships embed, for example and ATM has a direct correspondence with a Store. While we would like to think we can create a completely self organising structures, I believe as the designer, I get the final say. I have therefore incorporated the ability to add and remove and relationships I feel necessary. In the later half of the video after automated process, I show how links can be created and the organised structure to the left is simultaneously updated. |
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Real Time Control
As stated earlier, self organising structures get us so far, but as a designer, I want the ability to tweak the outcome. Using a real time physics engine, the optimised space diagram can then be tweaks based on the decisions and artistic licence of the designer. As the relationship have been defined, the algorithm updates the whole structure using these optimised lengths when anchor points are moved. |
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2D - 3D
Previous organisation has only been in 2 dimensions. As intended for architecture, it is a must that it works on multi-levels. There is no reason this logic can not be transferred to 3D dimensions so the following videos show the developments I have taken to do this. The first development transferred the data from the 2D space syntax diagram to a target 3D curve which can act as a spine or a boundary depending on the forces applied. The relationships are maintain using the desired established lengths and the form settles based on a best fit result. In order to visualise the 3D form, I have applied a metaball framework to each of the cells using the desired area as the charge. This produces a form somewhat accurately to the process of organisation behind it. The issue with the first method is that it is not a true form, it is just represented by contour lines. In next development used another method which effectively "skins" the arranged programme, resulting in a solid form which can be further manipulated. |
Internal Voronoi Divisions and Floors
While I am able to produce a form which is representative of the programmatic organisation, I then referred back to early voronoi developments in which I divided space a created corresponding floor plates. This video shows how the programme is translated from 2D to 3D, skinned, internal partitions or zones are created then floors and defined. |
Application
To test this space syntax - form optimisation process I have developed, I tried it on a transport hub proposal. Brief The existing Interislander site is the only place in Wellington where the ferries, trains and buses come within proximity of of each other. Yet currently, you can not transfer between these modes. As a result the Interislander is cut off from the city and other transport opportunities are lost. The other area potential is the influx of cruise ships Wellington has seen in recent years. Currently Wellington can host up to 2 cruise ships along Aotea quay but facilities are hugely limited. These passengers which injected $36 million dollars into the Wellington economy in 2012 are dumped out of the city and greeted by an extremely unattractive side of town. This terminal is the perfect opportunity to combined all modes of transport improving facilities for daily commuting to a one-off visit to Wellington. Also by increasing the the cruise ship capacity Wellington will see the economic benefits within a couple of years. 2013 saw 28 Cruise ships. 2014 has 48 cruise ships scheduled till May. Based on existing infrastructure, I have resolved routes for each mode of transport. Using these parameters, and established space syntax rules I have run the self organising algorithm to see if this process I have developed can yield a functional result. Transport Route Positioning
2D Space Syntax Diagram
3D Space Syntax - Pre Optimised. The Blue Spheres show target anchors.
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