martes, 3 de marzo de 2009
1st structural approach
Context for the structure
For the second configuration, a semi open shape is taken into consideration. This shape enables the shops and the caffes to have a protection and shade, while keeping the rest of the square completely open to the environment.
The third configuration would be when this two portions of structure that are coming from different sides connect in the middle of the square giving a different quality of space and light by completely covering the square, but letting diverse quality of light to come into the place.
So finally, the three stages are show in the following image. 1. Completely deployed structure. 2. semi open structure covering just shops and caffes area. 3. Completely open and contracted structure. Note that the representation of this images not necessarily corresponds to the final shape of the structure.
miércoles, 18 de febrero de 2009
1st guideline for research
A kinetic structure can be design to control sunlight and rain water in an open public space at the same time it reconfigures itself to provide a duality of open and closed space.
Applicable uses:
- Public squares
- Gardens
- Arenas
- Stations
Is it possible to create a 3D structure that can be stable in 3 different configurations* and that at the same time deals with sunlight and rain water control?
*These configurations are: closed, semi open and completely open (hidden).
Subquestions:
About main structure:
- Which kind of structure is more stable for this type of project?
- What is the most efficient way to reconfigure an entire structure?
- What is the exact position for the new configurations?
- What are the mechanical possibilities to achieve a reconfiguration?
- What kind of material is more suitable for this task?
- How can a structure move in order to control light income?
- How can a structure deal with combined needs? (e.i. sun control+ventilation; rain+need of light; rain+ventilation, etc.)
- What kind of materials are available to create this features?
- What kind of material is more suitable to adapt into the structure?
- What are the machanical posibilities to achieve this movement?
Methodology:
- Study the context and the site of the design.
- Search for the reconfigurable structures available
- Select the reconfiguration positions of the structure
- Select the mechanical systems
- Search for materials for main structure
- Modeling of the structure
- Structural analysis in different configurations
- Search for daylight parameters and sun trajectory
- Analysis of combined environmental factors (rain+light+ventilation)
- Search for mechanism to control environmental factors
- Search for materials for secondary structure
- Modeling of the secondary structure
- Light analisys (flux)
Software to be used:
- Structural analisys: Diana
- Daylight income: Ecotect
- Geometry creation: Generative Components
Aim of the kinetic structure
The answer was found during the analysis of the site (context). I was thinking of a public square, where the need of shading and a temporary shelter should be needed in order to hold some public events, or purely to protect the people that gather in this place from sun and rain. Yesterday, Michela kindly offered a site to develop the structure: a public square in Bologna, Italy. This site enhace in some way the aim of the reseach. From my country background (Mexico) and from what I saw in Italy during a few months I was there, public squares are used to gather, people go to these places to meet other people and to socialize. So protecting this space to give a comfortable stay is one of the reasons.
In the other hand, people is familiarized with these spaces as open. So a big impact would be produced if a static structure is design. It can even make people to stop coming and enjoying the space.
Taking the above into account, the main objective of introducing a kinetic structure in a public square is to manage sunlight and rain water in order to bring a comfortable space to stay. This structure should be clever enough to keep the sence of outdoor space. Therefore two different movements where identifyied for the structure:
1. Small movement to control in an accurate way the light income, which entirely depends of the sun trajectory and the season; and to control rain water.
2. Big movement to completely open the structure and keep the sence of outdoor space. This movement can be achieved as Michela suggested by two means: Small accumulative movements or a single big scale movement. I think I still have to explore both possibilities.
jueves, 12 de febrero de 2009
Clearifying research question
Is it possible to create a 3D structure such that it can be stable in three different configurations without changing its elements?
1.The structure should open at least for 50% the span
2.Avoid disconnection of originally attached elements
3.Change from one shape to another (floor plan)
jueves, 5 de febrero de 2009
Interests in architectural field
Hopefully at the end of this period I will find a solution for any of these matters.