Roof Materiality and Light Penetration Experiments

Utilizing the new design system for light penetration and protection, testing and modification can occur..

The images below show my initial lighting level results with the central spine of fins were opened and the light wells performing to allow light into the lower levels. So far so good.

Finalised Structure and Roof Skin Modelling

After alot of testing and modelling options, the final roof and structural items came together in the detailed model. The substructure requires custom profile steel sections and beams. ( an expensive build no doubt)

Roof Form and Structure experiments

The following series of renders focus on the sub structural components which hole the canopy in place. Various experiments which triangulated and simplified the structure took place.

Model Progress Shots

Design Influence & Design Response Diagrams

Integration of Current Public Transport Services and New infrastructure

Canberra City Action Plan 2010-2016

The Canberra City Action plan is an available document which outlines the future development plans and finding of research within the city civic area.

http://www.laps.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/161867/Canberra_City_Area_Action_Plan_2010-2016.pdf

The following maps have become an important resource in understanding the current infrastructure and pedestrian condition local to the chosen site.

the maps include A) cycle paths B) Public Parking C) pedestrian activity

Functions, Objectives and Responses

Transit Centre Functions

• Transportation Hub
• Public Space
• Connection to green space
• Provide rapid transport options to public
• Create flexible travel options - mov away from linear progression of travel from home to work
  

Proposed Objectives

• To create a new identity for Canberra on local, national and international scales
  
• To create a connection between the education nodes and the business districts
• To increase connectivity within Canberra therefore increasing the sustainability via the shift from a car dominated society to one that is based on public transport
• To increase public accessibility on a variety of scales
• To re-activate the forgotten areas of Canberra
• To respond to the needs of Canberra in the future i.e. growth

Architectural Response

• Integration of flexible facade systemsn - sun distribution and space definition
  
• Mixed use spaces that respond to the user needs - waiting areas etc
  
• To respond to Canberra's existing identity and respecting Griffin's original vision - a city as an open space that is accessible to all

Canberra Weather - Comfort & Prevailing Winds

A main concern with my design is the openess of the roof structure. Whilst letting in enough light, occupants need to be protected from the cold winds, rain etc.

The following analysis graphs were collected through Autodesk Weathertool software to understand the Prevailing wind systems which occur in canberra.

A design review of the intended operable roofing system is likely to ensue. A more practicle and encapsulating design, which still allows plenty of light penetration will need to be designed and tested.

Parametric Canopy Experimentation with Grasshopper and RHINO

The following experiments were conducted to effectively create a Parametric roofing model to respond to changes in lighting conditions and wind loads.

the triangulated surface created would allow for slits to open up and allow fresh air and sunlight in, and exhaust air out.

my inexperience with this program made things very difficult, however, i feel this opened up more ideas and opportunities in regards to alternate functions of the roofing structure, and even the structural construction of the roof element itself.

understanding how this (massive) structure could actually work with today's construction limitations is extremely important, and will need to be resolved.

Software used for these modelling experiments: Rhino + Grasshopper plugin

Detail of Roof Skin Experiments

Experiments: Flexible Roofing Skin

a. First step involves creating the NURBS curves which scribe the surface plane

b. Initial transformations using Polygon mesh editing.

C. Pushing the limitations of Polygon mesh editing to create unique surface deformation results

perfomative wall

http://prechteck.com/?p=1072

Massing Model Progress