Structural developments

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.