Honeycomb part II

We've messed around the with the honeycomb script we wrote a few weeks ago. As you can see the form has the same basic shape but we've added a few surface functions to the script to articulate the hexagons. Also, we've put the arrangement in a somewhat more architectural context, just to legitimize what it is we do here.

Sensu-wall

Scripting allows us new ways to look at traditional architectural problems. This is true not only for problem solving and design processes, but also in the way we treat traditional architectural materials. This experiment was based on the experiments and findings in the book Digital Materiality in Architecture by Fabio Gramazio and Matthias Kohler. This book shows many different projects which create breath-taking architectural compositions out of various standard building materials. The work of the Gramazio & Kohler has been a key influence for our efforts and an excellent example of the potential of algorithmic design processes - but you don't have to take my word for it.

This week's entry is an homage to their innovation and talent. As you can see, by injecting a traditional masonry wall with algorithmic forces the result can be surprisingly fluid and sensual.

I'll see you next time.

BOO

One of the great things about designing with scripts is the ability to link forms with random variables. One of our main goals at a r c h i t e c t u r e 2 . 0 is to achieve unexpected results through our use of algorithms, and never is this more frequent than when scripting with random functions. We touched on this earlier with the packing script, but here we've decided to explore it further with surfaces.

By inserting a random value when calling our curve method we are able to give the skeleton of our surface an incredibly rich texture. The base curve for the skeleton is just a hyperbola mirrored back on itself. When we apply a random multiplier to the Z coordinates of the hyperbola we get the resulting (goose)bumps. When we loft these lines the transformation from curve to surface is complete. In the rendering we chose to contrast these bumpy forms against the rigidity of the cube. The use of the random brings with it uncertainty, doubt, and sometimes even frightening results. The forms here are are chilling, haunting, grotesque... and also time consuming to render. Happy Halloween.

The taste kids love

Honeycomb - The honeycomb script seems to be a staple for newcomers to scripting. Throughout much of our research we have constantly come across programmers tackling this same problem. There must be something about nature's sweetest form that has people coming back for more. At a r c h i t e c t u r e 2 . 0 we like to think that the honeycomb script is the "Stairway to Heaven" of generative design. So we've chosen to approach the issue the same way we did with space frames. We create an augmented grid of points and run a series of if...then s to connect lines for the hexagonal pattern. Increasing the curvature and density of the grid creates a more exciting form. Also, controlling the depth of the hexagon pieces has a substantial impact on the final result as well.

Who's hungry?

Outer Space frame

This space frame was generated by a double looped script. After defining the coordinates for connection point another series of loops were run to connect the points and form the space frame geometry. If you look closely you can see that the spacing of the members varies according to their own various geometric parameters. This variation in density is best noticed in plan view where you can see the overall pattern start to emerge. Scripting with space frames provides an infinite opportunity to explore different density patterns and the ability to map them on dynamic surface geometries.

We here at a r c h i t e c t u r e 2 . 0 don't know much about engineering structures but we like to think that these denser areas could serves as girders or beams within the space frame. These lines could assume loads and direct them toward supports. But hey what do we know, our school only teaches us theory...

Showcase

View the a r c h i t e c t u r e 2.0 PDF displaying all of our hard work during last quarter's independent study. This file shows all of the exercises completed throughout the term plus some insights into the development of the Crosley project.

http://sites.google.com/site/architecturetwopointzero/home/Arch2-0.pdf?attredirects=

Crosley Constrictor

CINCINNATI - It's been an age, but after a long hiatus this summer the rapturous duo of architecture 2.0 is back. As many of you may recall this blog was originally set up as a way to document exercises in generative design for an independent study taken through our beloved college of DAAP . The result of this course was a project done with a building on campus, everybody's favorite: Crosley tower. Le Corbusier once described architecture using these words: “Space and light and order. Those are the things that men need just as much as they need bread or a place to sleep.”

We're not sure if Crosley is exactly what he had in mind. Anyway, what we've produced probably would not fall into that description either, but we've decided to try and add to the discussion (and maybe the irony) anyway.

Enjoy.