I've been working to get a bit deeper in the radiolarian principles.. Via this link you can find a report of my work done. This report is my way to archive my findings for my own process. And its also a way to share it with my colleagues Michela and Peter and all others who are interested in the subject.
you can download the radiolaria report via THIS link
Monday, July 13, 2009
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Abstract 2009 ACSA Conference
STRUCTURAL DNA: Genetic Exploration of Biological Micro Structures for Architectural Applications
Abstract:
Complex biological structures, designed by forces of nature, frequently serve as inspiration for new developments in the field of building technology and architecture. Well know examples in the work of Gaudi, Paxton, Otto, le Ricolais and others demonstrate the inspiration of natural morphology and patterns for structural design. The use of digital technologies to investigate the translation of natural micro structures into architectural macrostructures offers a valuable exploration tool for both designers and engineers working in the field of architecture.
The approach demonstrated in this paper uses Evolutionary Computation (EC) to enhance and modify structural form based on biological micro structures. The forms are modified to conform to new boundary conditions associated with architectural structures. The process is based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) which uncovers for the designer a range of good performing solutions within the design space. The application of the GA is combined with parametric software, in this case Generative Components (GC), to allow the designer to navigate through a range of solutions which follow morphological patterns taken from the biological form. The method, referred to in this paper as a GC-GA, uses a finite element analysis to determine the structural performance of the forms. This allows the designer to manipulate and optimize a parametrically defined model based on predefined criteria and parameters.
The opportunities and limitations of this design process are explored and evaluated based on an experimental case study using the forms of radiolarian skeletons. Radiolarians are a group of marine protozoa found in the open ocean which have ornate siliceous skeletons. The Radiolarians are analyzed in relation to their environment and special qualities. Based on these findings, a parametric model of an architectural, space enclosing structure is defined and used in the GC-GA exploration loop, taking into consideration new boundary conditions and load cases. The paper demonstrates how the GC-GA cycle of selection, recombination, and evaluation is used to optimize and explore a large range of solutions. Finally, there is a discussion of the quality of solutions found based on both structural and architectural performance. In conclusion, comments are made regarding the general application of design exploration methods like the GC-GA as design tools both in the context of practice and studio.
Keywords: radiolarians, nature, structure, genetic optimization, structural analysis, morphology.
Abstract:
Complex biological structures, designed by forces of nature, frequently serve as inspiration for new developments in the field of building technology and architecture. Well know examples in the work of Gaudi, Paxton, Otto, le Ricolais and others demonstrate the inspiration of natural morphology and patterns for structural design. The use of digital technologies to investigate the translation of natural micro structures into architectural macrostructures offers a valuable exploration tool for both designers and engineers working in the field of architecture.
The approach demonstrated in this paper uses Evolutionary Computation (EC) to enhance and modify structural form based on biological micro structures. The forms are modified to conform to new boundary conditions associated with architectural structures. The process is based on a Genetic Algorithm (GA) which uncovers for the designer a range of good performing solutions within the design space. The application of the GA is combined with parametric software, in this case Generative Components (GC), to allow the designer to navigate through a range of solutions which follow morphological patterns taken from the biological form. The method, referred to in this paper as a GC-GA, uses a finite element analysis to determine the structural performance of the forms. This allows the designer to manipulate and optimize a parametrically defined model based on predefined criteria and parameters.
The opportunities and limitations of this design process are explored and evaluated based on an experimental case study using the forms of radiolarian skeletons. Radiolarians are a group of marine protozoa found in the open ocean which have ornate siliceous skeletons. The Radiolarians are analyzed in relation to their environment and special qualities. Based on these findings, a parametric model of an architectural, space enclosing structure is defined and used in the GC-GA exploration loop, taking into consideration new boundary conditions and load cases. The paper demonstrates how the GC-GA cycle of selection, recombination, and evaluation is used to optimize and explore a large range of solutions. Finally, there is a discussion of the quality of solutions found based on both structural and architectural performance. In conclusion, comments are made regarding the general application of design exploration methods like the GC-GA as design tools both in the context of practice and studio.
Keywords: radiolarians, nature, structure, genetic optimization, structural analysis, morphology.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
First test in STAAD
To explore the set up of the new process, we tested a basic hexagon dome structure, parametrically built in GC, on structural performance in STAAD. The results are clear.
the tension is obvious caused by the horizontal thrust, which would be most efficiently translated into vertical forces bij tension ring(s) in regular dome structures.. So the hexagonal grid automatically divides these forces among its members on the spot where its needed.
blue: compression
red: tension
supprt/load conditions: simple pinned supports and a 1 N/m2 load
the deflection is very clearly demonstrated in this movie:
next steps:
the tension is obvious caused by the horizontal thrust, which would be most efficiently translated into vertical forces bij tension ring(s) in regular dome structures.. So the hexagonal grid automatically divides these forces among its members on the spot where its needed.
blue: compression
red: tension
supprt/load conditions: simple pinned supports and a 1 N/m2 load
the deflection is very clearly demonstrated in this movie:
next steps:
- exploring radiolarian skeletons (relation between their shape and forces acting on them)
- defining approach
- modelling a new parametric model according to approach
- testing, analysing different configurations
- genetic optimization loop
Thursday, April 16, 2009
One step back. Research Approach
I looked back into the radiolarians in order to decide on a renewed approach for the dome project. Please check the image below for some key observations.
Radiolarian dome shape principles
If we want to use the dome shape for architectural purposes, it could be of interest to integrate some features in the parametric model as seen in radiolarians as well. Taking in consideration, the dead load, the gravity, and the supports,we already know that a combination of radial vertical beams in combination with rings and diagonal beams for stability will work in architecture (Geodesic dome Buckminster Fuller). what seems interesting to me, learning from radiolarians, is: In which ways would some of their basis principles work for architectural purposes? The first option is, to take one homogenic grid and manipulate the density and the overall shape. The second option focusses on dividing the dome in horizontal strokes, devided by rings while manipulating the different grids in between.
objective: achieve a structure which is as light as possible and at the same time stiff enough to stand the load cases.
Approach option 1:
use a fixed grid structure for example the combined hexagonal en pentagonal grid. (this principle based on the buckyball/c60 molecule is considered as an optimal manner to devide a sphere into planars or straight beams). What the interesting part could be in this case, is that while optimizing the overall shape of the dome, its environment can be taken into consideration. That could be the support of the structure (straight ground, inclined ground) and the load case, focussing on wind from one main direction. An homogenic structure has a high potential of being able to be fabricated out of a limited range of prefab elements.
parameters: shape of dome, density of homogenic grid
fixed: material, grid type, constraints and load cases
criteria: lightness of structure
results: different dome shapes with certain density of grid. Optimized for a specific situation. (i.e. an inclined site at the sea side).
Approach option 2:
Taking the applications of rings in the dome as a starting point, we could divide the grid into multiple horizontal strokes, as seen in radiolarian skeletons (see image 6th example). Generate separate grids structures in between the rings. In this case its an option to design the grid based on some well known mechanical behaviours of architectural shells and domes. (i.e. small density in top, mainly vertical beams in base, etc. )
parameters: density of each grid stroke, type of grid per stroke (! GC might could exchange grid types)
fixed: material, overall shape of dome, constraints and load cases.
criteria: lightness of structure
results: Different combinations of grid configurations within one dome shape.
I will do some more research of dome structures and discuss it with my tutors Peter and Michela, in order to decide.
Radiolarian dome shape principles
If we want to use the dome shape for architectural purposes, it could be of interest to integrate some features in the parametric model as seen in radiolarians as well. Taking in consideration, the dead load, the gravity, and the supports,we already know that a combination of radial vertical beams in combination with rings and diagonal beams for stability will work in architecture (Geodesic dome Buckminster Fuller). what seems interesting to me, learning from radiolarians, is: In which ways would some of their basis principles work for architectural purposes? The first option is, to take one homogenic grid and manipulate the density and the overall shape. The second option focusses on dividing the dome in horizontal strokes, devided by rings while manipulating the different grids in between.
objective: achieve a structure which is as light as possible and at the same time stiff enough to stand the load cases.
Approach option 1:
use a fixed grid structure for example the combined hexagonal en pentagonal grid. (this principle based on the buckyball/c60 molecule is considered as an optimal manner to devide a sphere into planars or straight beams). What the interesting part could be in this case, is that while optimizing the overall shape of the dome, its environment can be taken into consideration. That could be the support of the structure (straight ground, inclined ground) and the load case, focussing on wind from one main direction. An homogenic structure has a high potential of being able to be fabricated out of a limited range of prefab elements.
parameters: shape of dome, density of homogenic grid
fixed: material, grid type, constraints and load cases
criteria: lightness of structure
results: different dome shapes with certain density of grid. Optimized for a specific situation. (i.e. an inclined site at the sea side).
Approach option 2:
Taking the applications of rings in the dome as a starting point, we could divide the grid into multiple horizontal strokes, as seen in radiolarian skeletons (see image 6th example). Generate separate grids structures in between the rings. In this case its an option to design the grid based on some well known mechanical behaviours of architectural shells and domes. (i.e. small density in top, mainly vertical beams in base, etc. )
parameters: density of each grid stroke, type of grid per stroke (! GC might could exchange grid types)
fixed: material, overall shape of dome, constraints and load cases.
criteria: lightness of structure
results: Different combinations of grid configurations within one dome shape.
I will do some more research of dome structures and discuss it with my tutors Peter and Michela, in order to decide.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
To be continued..
After the completion of the course Stand-up Architecture, I will continue the project in co-operation with Peter von Buelow and Michela Turrin. Based on the conclusions of my paper (posted in previous message), we will adjust the concept model into a dome structure and adjust the optimization loop. I hope to publicate and present the results on a conference in the end of the summer this year.
Set-up of dome structure in GC
Set-up of dome structure in GC
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Friday, April 3, 2009
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