Algorithms-aided design: Case studies 1-3

Last time, we briefly scratched the surface of AAD. We know what it is, what software can be used and we know that it can create exciting results. And obviously we want our colleagues, peers, teachers and general public to be amazed by our designs.

How can AAD be used to create interesting and useful architecture reacting to the conditions around? Let’s take a look at first 3 case studies we prepared for our exhibition!

Scenario 1 – Topostructure

One of the tasks of an architect is to remind people that gravity exist. The weight of the structure needs to be held. There are many ways to achieve that, though. For the second scenario, we started with a solid slab of material on each side of the building. That is definitely a very robust construction, on the other hand, it would be nice to have some light inside as well.

Therefore we need to introduce some openings. Where to locate them? If we analyse the stresses in the material, we will discover interesting pattern, which is caused by the irregularity of the foundation placement. The pattern shows us, which segments of material are doing most of the work and which are just infill. The parts that are not used to its full potential can be removed and new analysis is performed. This is called topology optimization and its purpose is to find optimal shape in order to minimize the use of material in the structure.

After several iterations, we reach a critical point, when further removal of material would destabilize the whole structure. One step before, we are shown what amount of material can be safely removed and replaced by glazing.

Examination of the resulting form shows us where the foundations are located. The structural framework of the building is located outside, forming an exoskeleton on the perimeter. The resulting shape forms a visual representation of the transfer of the forces.

We can observe what is usually hidden. Construction elements are subject to many different forces acting on them, however walls, beams and columns are almost always made as solid primary shape. And as such, there are always some parts which are not used to its full potential. What could we achieve if we found an easy way to build only the parts that are crucial and make structures more efficient?

Scenario 2 – Insolation

Sun is both friend and enemy. Sometimes we could use more of it, sometimes a bit less. In the case of high-rise office buildings, the cost
for cooling tends to be higher than the cost for heating. Therefore, we want to minimize the exposure of the glazed surfaces on the facade. However, at the same time, we want to get as much daylight as possible. Hence, in this scenario, we aim to find the correct proportions of the high rise, in order for the sun rays not to hit the facade directly.

In the first scenario, there are certain parameters that are fixed. The height of the building and floor area, because developers want to maximize the usable space for renting. However, the plot allows rotation of the floors and a certain degree of freedom in the ratio between the width and length of the building. Therefore we have two flexible parameters that needs to be tested.

For testing we set our sun calculator to give us an assortment of values for the warmer part of the year. The surface of the tower is subdivided into segments. Each segment consist of four floors, which may rotate independently. Those segments were tested for occlusion by the surrounding buildings. Panels which are hit by the sun are counted and the numbers are added together. Evolutionary solver Galapagos tests the combinations and adjust its guessing by evaluating past iterations.

There are 360 degrees the segments can be rotated by and approximately 50 different ratios we can test. Combined there are 18 000 possibilities to test. If we had to do it manually, we would spend at least few days. The script in grasshopper took about an hour to test those possibilities for every segment.

We can observe that the segments of the tower rotate and change ratio in the lower part of the building which receives varying amount of shading from the buildings around. And once we reach approximately half of the height, the shading gets consistent and the tower retains the ideal ratio and rotation for the rest of its height.

Scenario 3 – Vista

Driving force behind the shape of the building could be the views. In the end, having a spectacular vista is what tenants are willing to pay substantial amount of money for. And in dense cities, it would be amazing to position the building so you can see mountain ranges, sea, or a local landmark from your window.

Hence, in the fifth scenario, we have set up a plot, to design 4 towers onto. They are meant to have fixed size of 1000 square meters per floor and have trapezoidal shape. This was chosen so each façade can position itself at different angle in order to have as much direct view as possible. The buildings are supposed to have a minimum distance of 15 meters in-between and they can rotate, stretch and change its angles freely.

In the surroundings, we imagined buildings of different sizes, to examine how the script will behave. South from the chosen site are lower, almost suburban buildings, whereas towards north, there are more high-rises which obstruct views. And finally, towards southeast there is an area with a preferred view. Scenic landscape worth taking extra time to remember. If the view rays hit this area, they will score bonus points.

Upon examination of the form, we can observe how the buildings positioned themselves with most of the façades aimed towards southeast as expected and they also spread evenly over the plot, in order not to block view to each other.

The first three case studies outline the possibilities of AAD, which one do you like the most? Let us know and get ready for the second round next week!

Cheers!