M. Archer // Fall 2007

model progress

2007-11-28T16:31:00.000-08:00

These images show some areas of the model that I have questions about. The render is simply a conceptual image suggesting the formal archetype that I imagined the system arriving at. The model in the image was constructed in the absence of the paper system, but not without adhering to the behavior of said system.

Building images:

This image (and the two below it) show the changes in landscape elevation and topography that occur on the site. As of now, there are simple cardboard sheets and columnar elements supporting the paper model. In the future, this topography could be more accurately modeled out of wood or , ideally, the paper system.

Building detail images:

small cavities which emerge as a result of the braiding are being utilized and activated as spaces. There is no paper below this emergent space. I was thinking that the floor would be achieved as the system horizontally arrays itself beneath the building as landscape eventually.

simple wrapping techniques begin to create spaces, this one here being a partial circulation corridor.

The system curves and doubles back on itself, creating large spaces like the incomplete cafeteria seen here.

Concept render:

braiding, etc.

2007-11-17T14:07:00.001-08:00

BRAIDS:

The concept of spatial braiding was discussed on Monday. I believe it could be a very fruitful investigation. By aligning spaces according to a particular design agenda, the act of braiding the spaces together to form an arrangement could produce very interesting results. Even looking at the idea of circulation braids could be productive in terms of generating a spatial model. By braiding together all of the lines needed to diagram the circulation throughout the kindergarten in a drawing, and then positioning spaces around the circulation patterns associated with them, a logical 3D arrangement of spaces results.

These images show some of the spatial possibilities inherent in braiding exercises. All of these studies were conducted with 3 strands of rope, all of equal thicknesses.

DIAGRAM:

This diagram shows how regulating lines can be used to abstract core geometries within the braid. The gray oblique shapes show the spaces produced. The thickness of the rope was considered to be the innards of the space in question. By understanding densities, one can begin to position the circulation (dark gray, perhaps) within the spaces (light gray, perhaps).

LANDSCAPE:

The modules that were redesigned have been assembled into the first workings of the landscape. The system will function in a series of layers like the natural models from the SEM investigations, and will have the same structural assembly in terms of load distribution and connections. The sample renderings in the next post to come (which were produced in an attempt to help myself become familiar with the Maxwell rendering program) show how the building could grow out of the landscape. The units are all similar, but not congruent. The scaling and skewing of the parts allows for various spatial effects that will be productive int he final building. Their self-similarity allows for a smooth transition out of the landscape and into the structure.

These images show a sample of the assembly within the regularly-arrayed portions of the landscape.

SEM findings

2007-11-11T12:17:00.000-08:00

I spent some more time in the SEM lab looking at some fossils I bought on the internet. The Trilobyte was an early arthropod that lived during the Middle Cambrian period in our Earth's history, roughly 570,000,000 years ago. The Horseshoe crab is an arthropod from the Phanerozoic period (just after the Cambrian period) that, after 300,000,000 years, is still in existence today.I wanted to see if the structural systems of prehistoric arthropods were similar to the modern day arthropods I've been researching. To determine this, I looked at sections of Trilobyte fossils and the shell of a modern era horseshoe crab in hopes of finding similarities to my current image collection.

The results were fascinating.

The horseshoe crab information will be shared Monday. The Trilobyte fossils showed an eerily evident similarity to the current specimens in terms of structural assembly. The layered assembly is most evident. The reticulating lattice argument is more speculative, but there is certainly strong evidence to suggest that the structural assembly of prehistoric arthropods was nearly identical to the assemblies today.

And now, the images:

Trilobyte "A":

The first sample had some good examples of the layered assembly. Though it is still rather speculative, the fact that these are not images of a rock but rather an animals fossilized shell leads me to believe in the legitimacy of this argument. The same assembly exists. Perhaps the most important thing to consider about the first specimen is that the layers occur in the same regular pattern and at the same scale as the layers in the modern day specimens Ive looked at. This might not be mere coincidence.

Trilobyte "B":

The second specimen showed fossilized forms strikingly similar to the ones in my current natural models. The layered assembly can still be clearly seen, but the striated lattice remnants are what pop out the most. Compare the first image in the "Trilobyte 'B' "section images to the below images of the crab specimens I've already looked at. Pay particular attention to the center of the mentioned Trilobyte image, as it shows a fragmented section of a layer with clearly defined and fossilized vertical structural members.The sections show similar assemblies.

fiddler crab images:

Project Adjustment

2007-11-10T08:17:00.000-08:00

I've adjusted my kindergarten's modules, floor plans, pedagogical philosophy, daily routine, spatial taxonomy, and source material slightly. This newer stuff learns more from the successes and failures from the semester so far. We'll see on Monday. Here are a couple of samples of the new developments.

3D material model v.2

2007-11-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the current state of the 3D material model in Rhino.

material modeling

2007-11-07T23:50:00.000-08:00

I modeled a section of my material in Rhino. In doing so, I will be able to manipulate the members and modules to examine new connection possibilities. I'm thinking at this point that the school will be constructed out of the material I have engineered.

Rather than having a module with changing typologies and morphologies, I want to keep the module the same. The field can be printed in large quantities satisfying an economy of means. It is within the connections and spaces created that typologies will begin to emerge. The connection typologies and spatial typologies generated through varying assembly logics will have the most emphasis placed on them, not the behavior of each module.

The flange width of each module can be changed through a script. I intend to keep this process and its products as they have proven beneficial in design. Porous and nonporous spaces are important in my design concept.

The heights of spaces and the locations of raised and lowered areas are determined by the program overlaps and "height field" procedure in Rhino. Some design intervention occurs in certain areas where my own desires shape the space.

In short, all of the aspects of the building have been taken care of in this first phase of propositions. The SEM-related module, the assembly system, program areas, circulation, height, and volumetric configuration have all been approached logically and are ready for critique.

I've also been experimenting with the V-Ray rendering program in preperation for Media class next semester. Here is my first ever rendering of the material I modeled in Rhino.

more to come.

height field 2

2007-11-07T08:06:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the scattered posts on a topic that I'm not even sure I should be exploring past this point. The image here gives a more readable lay of the "extruded" space that results from the height field process. I put the word "extruded" in quotes because again, this is not merely extrusion, it is more intentional and programmed with specific information based on my spatial desires.

images:

above: the floor plan with grayscale information I have added. the gray tones indicate the program overlaps; denser gray = higher frequency of program occurring in an area

below: the density is translated into the envelope I desire

height field edit

2007-11-07T07:25:00.000-08:00

The image in the previous post did not load correctly, here's a better one.

Again, this is not merely extrusion, but a 3D shape generator impregnated with specific plan information.

Height Field

2007-11-05T21:13:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting with the generation of "height fields" in Rhino. This is not merely 3d extrusion of plan data, it is the creation of 3d envelopes according to instruction sets given in the form of floorplans. The gray tones in the plan drawings show the programmatic organizations within spaces (this diagram shows the 5 classrooms and the music/arts room). Each layer of program receives a grayscale value of "10" (out of 100) and the overlapping program conditions result in deeper gray tones (x+10). The more program that takes place in a given area, the loftier a space could become. This is of course a generalization at this point. The result is not a plan extrusion, it is the creation of a 3d envelope based on a floor plan impregnated with program-specific information that requires an architectural response.

2007-11-05T19:34:00.000-08:00

Robert Gordon, Vice President and General Manager of Hitachi, came to Pratt today to view the work produced by the studio thus far. The meeting gave the class an opportunity to display the SEM-related work to Mr. Gordon and to demonstrate the machine's potential when applied to an architectural scenario. The work provides a new perspective for Hitachi, who has this particular model at several other schools throughout the country including Duke and Cornell. The applications so far have all been in the material engineering and microbial science realms. We (Pratt Institute) are the first school of architecture to use the machine in an architectural study.

Here are some images of the spread from today (only a small sample from the total body of work)

paper system v.1

2007-11-05T19:25:00.001-08:00

This paper assembly was the first iteration from the midterm. It is obviously littered with problems regarding typological shift and massive scale change. I've been revisiting this lately, and have been questioning the need for massive scale change and typological changes. The system is flexible and can perform in a variety of ways. Its methods of enclosing space, ventilating space, and providing partitions and spatial definition. I found a grad student project on the 5th floor that looks almost identical to this model...

site model v.1

2007-11-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

This was an early iteration of the site model. The next version, at the final, will consist of laser-scored line information revealing the assembly logic and building characteristics. Effectively, there would be 156 sections that one could draw understanding from.

2007-11-01T09:59:00.001-07:00

2007-11-01T09:42:00.000-07:00

2007-10-23T14:44:00.001-07:00

Here are the layouts from the midterm.

2007-10-14T22:30:00.001-07:00

These vignettes show the images from each specimen that have been applied to the project. They have also been included in a class-wide matrix that combines images and taxonomic classifications. The matrix is nearing completion.

more to come.

Structural developments

2007-10-14T20:59:00.000-07:00

The project, at this point, has consisted of several realms of investigation. The recent posts regarding the natural models' structural logics have discussed how and why the building system will work. By applying the nano scale logic, that would have been impossible to discover without the use of the Scanning Electron Microscope provided by Hitachi, the modeling process should have a specific direction powered by a logic and rule set.

By analyzing the shell structures of two species of fiddler crabs, a Blue Crab, and an Atlantic Shrimp, a structural vocabulary was developed. This vocabulary was applied to the plan design of the kindergarten. Several small-scale undertakings have all converged and added a level of clarity to the project as a whole. The aforementioned structural investigation, a study of the lofting tool in Rhino, a site analysis, a script undertaking (or three), a concept for the transformation of the site, and the generation of a material for the resultant structure have ALL been developing alongside one another. Now, these side projects have met together and produced raw results that will be refined by the midterm. The diagrams below map the progress made for today.

MATERIAL:

I originally decided that the building would not be made out of linked modules, but sculpted out of a material produced through the same field condition logic. The first diagram was an early support piece used to explain the process. The others show the actual material being used at this point int he development.

early layout explaining scripting process

sample sheet of laser-scored material used in construction

folding diagram

STRUCTURE:

The structural argument started with a method for producing a building envelope based on my classroom cluster layout. The building was conceived in parallel through the development of an abstract digital engine and the intuitive act of drafting a footprint and landscape condition that illustrated the concept of the project and the building's function in the site.

basic site plan of building and classroom cluster, literal approach

using the classroom cluster outline within the building as the "attractor" element in a new scripting process, a 3D form is generated that suggests the appropriate vertical density and general envelope within which the building should operate.

*This early diagram shows how the cluster, after being analyzed through the 3D envelope script process, can be applied to the structural logic overlay derived from the natural model study. The cluster is again used as the "attractor" element in yet another scripting process. This maneuver, coupled with a study of lofts and the outcome possibilities based on rule sets and ordering, allows for the abstraction of a building form based on the scripted envelope dictation, spatial partitioning of the loft and classroom cluster, structural assembly from the natural model, and application to the site based on previous studies. Current developments are seen below.

the blue zone suggests what might be the classroom area, the gray suggests what might be the spine of circulation (both seen in the floor plan diagram above)

lofted structural geometry derived from natural model

render suggesting spatial qualities of such a product

section through loft, suggesting occupational potential - spatial qualities within the loft are pre-determined based on the applied classroom cluster as an "attractor" in the scripting process

more to come.

Breakthrough

2007-10-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

The visits I have taken to the SEM lab each day this week have been the most fruitful yet. In order to strengthen my structural argument, I needed to find examples of the chosen assembly logic in more than one specimen. One case study may hold within it a clear structural logic, but to argue that its application in an actual building project is appropriate would be unreasonable given the lack of data and precedent. By looking at multiple specimens in hopes of finding similar structural assemblies (based on the model I have chosen to pursue), I aimed at building a catalog of examples that would make my application more relevant.

To start, I looked at the shell of what is commonly known as a "spotted crab," a small coastal species. Below is a sample of the images taken on the SEM from Hitachi.

The findings concluded that a particular overriding geometry was at work within the structure of its exoskeleton. Using the images and drawing analysis as a structural proposition, I wanted to transpose the logic from its existing nano scale form to a macro scale application.

The only problem with this approach, as previously stated, is the lack of reasoning behind such a leap. To make this argument based on one specimen seems largely unsupported. Other specimens needed to be analyzed. The following are this week's findings. A Blue Crab and Eastern Fiddler were looked at to provide more source material. The findings were completely unpredictable. I was hoping to find something that echoed what I had already discovered in the original crab shell. After all, I was looking at two more crab species. The results showed incredibly similar structural assemblies. These findings were thrilling. The hypothesis was correct! If the shells of various crab species are analyzed to determine their structural logics, than all of the logics will be similar if not congruent. This was correct as the new data below shows.

Blue Crab:

Eastern Fiddler:

After the excitement of these findings subsided, I realized that the overall pool of data still lacked some legitimacy. The data had come from the same genus. Yes, the species varied, and the fact that the structural logics are incredibly similar across this field is quite astonishing. But all of the specimens were crabs. I needed something different to test, something that might still fit into the same category as the other test subjects without having to adhere to the same genus classification exhibited thus far. I decided that the exoskeleton was the element in each subject that needed to share a common thread. The crab shells, or exoskeletons, had all been examined at this point. The exoskeleton, then, of another oceanic crustacean should have he same structural logic. This hypothesis seemed slightly farfetched at the time. However, after acquiring a sample from a local supplier, the images produced from the microscope would be all that I needed to bridge the data gap I refused to agree would be filled by the information thus far. Enter the Atlantic Shrimp.

I analyzed the shell of the Atlantic Shrimp to determine its structural logic. The results show a slight variation, expected given its different genus from the previous specimens. The structural logic? Identitical.

Atlantic Shrimp:

The structural logics and assembly systems are the same throughout this examination of 4 different exoskeletal crustaceans. Quite exciting, I'll further the argument at the midterm.

more to come.

beyond the class

2007-10-09T20:09:00.000-07:00

Resident shop monitor Dan Plonski used the electron microscope to look at some shower scum he collected while cleaning his appartment. He found a really interesting disk-shaped form in the specimen and shared this image with me. It's pretty sweet.

thanks Dan.

new SEM studies

2007-10-07T23:34:00.000-07:00

I've begun to specifically broaden my SEM image investigation. How can one both specify as well as broaden a topic? I've specified the structural situations I'm searching for but will be searching across a field of endoskeletal arthropod specimens like the crab shell that spurred this entire process int he first place. To strengthen the legitimacy of the project's structural argument, more than ONE specimen with ONE typological investigation is necessary. As such, new crab species will be looked at along with the exoskeletons of insects, spiders, crustascians and myriapods.

Here are some of the new perspectives I have on the current crab shell, which I am considering somewhat exhausted at this stage.

The first layout is my original, very one-sided, investigation. The second and third are the newest layouts of photos. They were taken on October 4th.

1)

2)

3)

more to come.

script template to help classmates

2007-10-02T23:45:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

these PDFs break down my script. I'm putting this on here because Brad wanted me to. There was a problem with trying to paste the actual text from the script onto the the blog, so I made iamges of the text. So it doesn't look like a bunch of letters and numbers, I've edited it and commented (in blue) to explain things in more of a general overview.

Instead of listing out a long process, I leave the first line or so, but then explain what happens and what the code is doing. For instance, instead of saying "x1 + i, x2 + 1, x3 + i" all the way until "x13 + i" like the script would normally have, I said things like "x1 + i etc. until x13 + i." This makes it easier to follow if you do, in fact, need to gain something by looking at this script.

Let me know if you have questions. Hope this helps someone.

script diagram

2007-10-01T20:52:00.001-07:00

The script process and result is best explained in a quick diagram such as this one:

script developments

2007-10-01T20:38:00.000-07:00

The script has been developed to the point of functioning as a design engine. To generalize, it allows me to establish physical parameters that dictate how and why a piece of architecture would look the way it does. The script can also generate a material rather than a construct (if asked) that fits conceptually with the porosity gradient my partner and I have established. To touch on the notion of porosity, we've decided to categorize spaces within both our school models and proposed kindergartens as elements on a gradient of porosity. The porosity is determined by the level of privacy needed in each space. For instance, a bathroom would need to be incredibly private of r a number of reasons. A classroom may need instances of both private space and public space that engages surroundings and peers. A playground area would need to be the most public (or porous) as it facilitates undisturbed and boundless interaction between child and environment. When a child opens their mind to something outside of the classroom, a large metal fence should not restrict their process of discovery; the playground in our proposed structures will be nodes of intersection between the public and the children at the school.

The following images show renderings of sample outputs generated by the script. The green and blue areas map the water's edge and grassy park areas, both important to the public at the site currently. These forces , when recognized in curve and surface form by the script, dictate the amount of structural density that should be expressed at a given point in the site.

and now, the site with the scripted curves:

notice the dip in the center. The circle in the previous image shows the location of a potential "non private" space within the school, perhaps an assembly area or an auditorium. This would dictate a low structural density as to promote openness throughout the school and exposure to classmates and peers.

I began experimenting with lofting and rendering the curves that were generated. The result would act as a 3D map of the potential structural requirements on the site. Here is a sample render of a previous script iteration:

More to come.

-Mike

blog update: work until now

2007-09-27T16:49:00.000-07:00

Here is a small compilation of process material that has been important in the development of the project thus far. There will be several updates following this that will close the gap between blog entries up until now.

Here is the SEM image collection of the crab shell I've chosen to study

Here is an autopsy drawing that shows the development of the module up until this point

There is a strong scripting focus behind this work. The augmentation of the modules that will eventually function as the structural network for the piece of architecture is currently (and will eventually be) written and drawn via a script. The thickening of the modules allows them to adhere to the porosity gradient Ryan (my partner) and I have established as an area of study for the school models (see next image). By coding in a method of adjusting modules based on various parameters at various points due to various factors and forces, the process of generating a template for lase scoring is automated rather than manually drawn.

Here is the drawing my partner and I have done based on our analysis of the school models.

Thoughts on Site

2007-09-14T08:05:00.000-07:00

Ryan and I took some concept photos during our visit to the site. I took particular notice of the distance the local infrastructure, places of business, and people had placed between themselves and nature. This was further exemplified by the architectural remains left on the site.

The educational model I'm studying is based on the pedagogical indications of Rudolf Steiner. The school approach is one of interaction and discovery. This process of discovery and growth comes from the student's close interaction with nature and the living world. The site seemed to be removed from nature. Though the concrete footprint is surrounded on two sides by grass, there was an awkward tension between what I thought would be a close relationship between the landscape and the previous building. The following photos can perhaps speak on this:

The image on the left suggests that nature existed only on the other side of some large concrete barrier. Even now a picnic table, something that was designed to exist in a natural setting, rests on concrete slab that seems to have landed on the site from somewhere foreign. The structures in the left image seem to have landed on or near the site as well.

The site is blocked off from the neighborhood by a large, black fence. The fence Is unnecessary as far as security is concerned: facades keep people out of buildings, fences keep buildings out of neighborhoods. The fence seemed like a barrier between the site and the neighborhood.

Here are some other images that I thought were interesting in terms of composition.

I was interested in the small building at the end of the driveway on N. 7th street. There was information shared on the possibility of reanimating this building into something that could be used in conjunction with the site.

2007-09-08T09:37:00.001-07:00

The following are some sample images of my Friday afternoon microscope session. I found interesting things out about my radish that have helped me to rethink my approach to the current segment of the project.

2007-09-08T09:31:00.001-07:00

2007-09-08T09:28:00.001-07:00

SEM phase 1 research

2007-09-07T22:25:00.001-07:00

This is a thumbnail of the layout from our first pinup.

Ryan and I were thinking in tandem, and have decided to have similar modular approaches to our structural derivations. While I think in terms of a more volumetric, expanding module, he will think in terms of a more tectonic, arrayed module.