ARCH655 Final Project

ARCH655 Final Project of Turning Torso, Sweden

Bitong Yang 

1.     Practice Objectives

• We are expected to create more powerful model definition and better defined parametric designs, with the use of the two advanced methods.
• (1) Algorithms, such as those learned in class: Voronoi, L-System and fractals, Cellular Automata, and especially Genetic Algorithm, and/or other algorithms that we haven't; and/or (2) Scripting that can expend the capability of existing tools and help create algorithms.

2.     Expectation 

This project is based on the Project 1, "Parametric Modeling of Turning Torso". I am trying to apply a variety of building surfaces on the tower with different methods, which we have learnt during the past half semester, including paneling tools and algorithms (voronoi), to create and design creative  morphing of parametric patterns.

3.     Problems 

I first tried to bake the original model and join the surface to be used to attach the skins. However, since the surface is with shape angles, the model can't be modified as supposed to be. So I made a smooth surface without shape angles to test if it can be successful. The results shows that smooth surface can be better used than the faceted one.

4.    Skin Pattern 1_Box Morph

4.1  After the test, I simplify my model base map into a smooth curve shape and get the distorted model as the reference surface for further command. First, I create two cubic boxes in the rhino, one into a solid square cube, one into a solid square cube with a cylinder hole inside. I want set these two boxes as the reference.

4.2  Then I divide the model surface into equal segments, and create the twisted box on the surface to make it into 3D. And after I reference the geometries, and I dispatch the surface box into two item, and use the Bounding Box to represent the bounding area occupied as the box. 

4.3 Finally, I distribute each one into a different geometry bounding box, and morph the object to establish the skin surface by using the Box Morph.

5.    Skin Pattern 2_Paneling Tool_Morph3D 

5.1 Morph3D has the similar function as the Morphbox. While the Morph3D has more controller and reflects better results. First, I create the skin pattern for further reference. set the surface, and use the paneling tool to create grids on the surface domain by the numbers, which can be controlled by the slider. 

5.2 Then use the amplitude to control the thickness of the skin. And create a curve surrounding the model in the middle. It is used as the curve attractor which will control the distribution of points. Finally by using the Morph3D, I create the skin pattern on the model.

6.    Skin Pattern 3_Voronoi

6.1 By this method, I want use Voronoi to create a skin pattern and use the paneling tool to make the tower skin. First, I make a rectangular surface, and create the polygon cells inside the frame by using the Populate 2D and Voronoi. And offset the curves and rebuild them. After extruding the curves.

6.2 Following the previous steps in the Skin Pattern 2 to create the skin on the tower.

7.    Results

 

 

 

ARCH655 Project One by Bitong Yang

Parametric Modeling of Turning Torso, Sweden

1.     Case Study

The project name is Turning Torso. The vision of HSB Turning Torso is based on a sculpture called Twisting Torso, which is a white marble piece based on the form of a twisting human being, created by Santiago Calatrava.

Turning Torso
http://viajeteca.com/m/512

This is a solid immobile building constructed in nine segments of five-story pentagons that twist relative to each other as it rises; the topmost segment is twisted 90 degrees clockwise with respect to the ground floor. Each floor consists of an irregular pentagonal shape rotating around the vertical core, which is supported by an exterior steel framework. The two bottom segments are intended as office space. Segments three to nine house 147 apartments. The apartments were initially supposed to be sold, but insufficient interest resulted in the apartments being let. The owner has several times unsuccessfully tried to sell the building. The construction costs were almost double the estimate.

2.     Practice Objectives

• With the book “The New Mathematics of Architecture”, by Jane Burry and Mark Burry, use Rhino and Grasshopper NURBS curve, surface, solid, mesh etc. functions to practice and create the form and skin of the design.
• Create a parametric, physically-based model for part of the design form. Use Kangaroo and WeaverBird to create the physically-based model.
• Finally, Analyze selected curved surfaces in the project in terms of geometry (using the Analyze/Analysis functions of Rhino and Grasshopper) and physics (using Kangaroo's output data, forces, and color coding)to demonstrate the design intent.

3.     Create Parametric Form

3.1  Figure out the logic of the project. Draw the base plan in Rhino with curve lines and circle..

3.2  Define the outer base curve, and move the base along the Z-axis with give distance as the first series, which can be controlled by the number slider. 

3.3  Use the series as the basic component and move eight times. And merge the series together.

3.2  Define the central circle, and extrude the circle along Z-axis. Cap the central cylinder.

3.3  Rotate the series. The angle of each floor and the position of the twist part can be controlled by the number slider and the graphic function.

3.4  Create the planar surfaces from the curves and extrude them along the Z-axis. And create a lofted surface through the curves. Hide the merged data.

Without merging hidden

3.5  Create a twisted box on the first surface of the model. Use the slider to control the step and quantity (10 steps and 5 count).

4.     Create a Parametric,  Physically-based Model

4.1   Retrieve the first cap from the group, and make a mesh.

4.2   Bake the Grasshopper model into the Rhinos. Find the edges on mesh by Weaverbird and add a spring to it. Use Kangaroo component to simulate the surface.

5.     Analyze

Analyze the model with curvature analysis. The red and blue parts are the most twist part, which might hard to construct.

6.     Perspective

6.1   Give the materials and edit the reflection rate to the model. Render the model and export the image. 

6.1   Further render the model in Adobe Photoshop.. 

7.     Project Video