INTELLIGENT TECTONICS V2.0
DESCRIPTION
INTELLIGENT TECTONICS V2.0 will focus on the application of computational design in form-finding design strategies and fabrication methodologies for membrane typologies, stretched across spatial rod-string structures. Participants will learn to use physics simulations, panelization techniques and optimization tools to design advanced computational forms, as well as achieving their material representations through digital fabrication methodologies. Participants will revisit the compelling work of well-known architects on catenaries, minimal surfaces and tensegrity structures, to generate a series of physical and digital study models which inform a proposal for a permanent ceiling installation at the
DeCode FabLab in Athens. The final outcome will be a single built, 1:1 scale, ceiling mounted structure by all the participants, which will result from the computational studies. The design will be digitally simulated and then fabricated and assembled by all students collectively. A complete journey from design, through experimentation to fabrication and construction.
This workshop is intended for architects, designers and artists at all skill levels interested in applied computational design strategies and their process from concept to reality at a 1:1 construction scale.
DETAILS
Grasshopper and Rhinoceros will be the main tools to carry out studies on the final design scheme and fabrication. Students will be guided through the writing of parametric definitions in Grasshopper 3D, in order to create digital models of spatial systems. Participants will be divided into teams to develop initial designs and one teams design will be selected to be developed and fabricated for the remainder of the workshop. The selected design may also be modified to include interesting elements of the other teams designs.
Kangaroo will be the tool to develop digital simulations with particles and springs to create tensile physical systems and explore physical and digital design intuitions. In this digital environment, participants will be shown various ways to represent physical forces and their interactions with springs and anchor points that will recreate the construction of the membrane.
Structural analysis will be performed with Karamba3D in order to understand different stresses in the elements and thus chose rods or strings. Further optimization refinements will be achieved by introducing material properties in Karamba3D and optimizing them with Octopus.
The resulting design will be digitally detailed by additional parametric plug-ins and prepared for fabrication, using laser cutting and 3d printing technology to have accurate control on the final components.
An important scope of the workshop will be the understanding of fabrication implications and structural practicality not as a final design stage but as part of the design process, the system will inform the outcome. In particular, the integration process will include merging different materials as well as two fabrication techniques for the development of component-based systems with a combination of flexible/rigid/locking joinery.
During the workshop participants will receive both theoretical knowledge of the relevant topics and a practical demonstration of material samples and fabrication methods.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Advanced Parametric Modeling
3D modeling in Rhinoceros 5.0
Introduction to Grasshopper and computational design
Creating complex geometries and advanced computational strategies
Panelization, subdivision and patterning with additional add-ons
Structural optimization based on material behaviours and geometrical constrains
Practical understanding of innovative techniques in computational design and digital fabrication
Form-finding and digital simulations
- Digital form-finding techniques with particle-springs using Kangaroo
- Digital structural simulation with Karamba3D
- Digital Fabrication techniques of complex geometries
- Digital simulations of built forms
- Understanding material behaviour and its impact on the design process
- Data management for fabrication purposes
- Producing physical prototypes through digital fabrication
- 3d printing and laser cutting techniques
- 1:1 scale construction and installation
REQUIRED SOFTWARE
Each Participant should provide their own computer with the following software installed. If you do not have a software, trial versions can be found on each software company’s website. We will send participants links to the required software, trials, and plug-ins for download. Please have the software installed prior to workshop start. If you have issues installing software, we may be able to help you during the workshop.
- Rhinoceros 5.0
- Grasshopper 0.9 (Plug-ins: Kangaroo, Weaverbird, Lunchbox, FabTools, MeshTools, Karamba3D, Octopus, Mesh Edit, Bifocals)
- Keyshot
- Adobe Suite
LOGISTICS
Intelligent Tectonics V2.0 will expand from 08 – 15 July, 2017.
Daily meetings will take place from 10:00 to 18:00 at
DeCode FabLab – Agiou Thoma 9 and Halkidonos 52 corner, Athens, Greece.
Participants will first work in groups and then combine to build one 1:1 scale ceiling installation.
There will be a final presentation of the work containing renderings, diagrams, and physical model on 14 July, 2017.
There will be 3D Printers and Laser Cutters on site to fabricate the 1:1 scale design.
The project will be published on DesignMorphine’s web page.
All participants who complete the workshop will receive a certificate of completion.
For attending the workshop there is no previous software experience required.
Participants need to bring their own laptops or workstations.
Please note that places are very limited on a first pay first serve basis!