Bitong Yang: November 2014

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.