Probe 11| Adaptation

Probe 11 saw the creation of a curtain wall system and the addition of a cafe and museum to the tattoo parlour.

Versioning| SHoP

Versioning: Evolutionary Techniques in Architecture by SHoP

In this reading we look at SHoP’s opinion on technology and how architecture is evolving, specifically looking at Versioning. It is defined as:

“Versioning: an operative term meant to describe a recent significant shift in the way architects and designers are using technology to expand in time as well as in territory the potential effects of design on our world”

As architects move towards versioning, there becomes an emphasis on using technology not for the creation of images but open practice promoting technique as well as trying to turn architectural practice away from consumption and towards better production. An interesting statement made by SHoP states: “Versioning implies the shifting of design away from a system of horizontal integration [designers as simply the generators of representational form] towards a system of vertical integration [designers driving how space is conceived and constructed and what its effects are culturally]”

Furthermore with versioning no original form or model exists to expand variations of, but instead uses characteristics and conditions as parameters governing the design. “Vector-based information allows immediate results to be transformed and refined as the previous tests feed additional data through the framework of intentionality. Both the desired design objectives and methodology thereby become simultaneously accelerated and adaptive.”

Probe 10| Canstruction

Following you will find construction documents for a sculpture whose structure is built completely of canned food, hence the title "Canstruction". These documents are products of myself and Michelle Bennett.

Probing Questions

This course has been an exploration of BIM and it's influence on architecture. Following you will find some of my views on BIM:

1. Exploration and understanding of the role of visual communication:

• BIM allows for the creation of much more intricate models and complex drawings. There is a level of detail made possible that otherwise might not be reached earlier on in design work. BIM also allows through parametrics to instantly see in multiple views the project wide effects of a change made to a drawing or part of the model with ease.

2. Re-prioritizaton of ways of thinking and designing:

•  With quicker access to sections, plans, elevations and 3D views, the process of design and thinking changes. We never design solely in plan or section, but many times there is a progression in moving from one form of design to another. With BIM however the lines between when one works in plan or section becomes blurred and when adding modeling in 3D a much more complete and comprehensive model emerges.

3. Visualization, documentation, and coordination of space:

• BIM allows you to virtually create a 3D model as you design. This allows for a more comprehensive view and documentation about the moments of space you are creating as you create them. As such you can proceed to see how elements of design relate spatially and quickly modify to obtain the results and view you wish to create.

4.Investigating design opportunities:

• As previously mentioned, BIM allows for a deeper exploration of spatial connections and how elements relate in space this is one design opportunity. Another important design opportunity lies in the level of detail that can be explored, be it joints, walls etc. From the macro scale [site] to the micro [structural joints] to the conceptual [mass families] revit allows you to design it.

5.Issues of  design specificity, ambiguities, and liabilities of digital modeling:

• Digital modeling allows for many opportunities in design, but these opportunities can become a liability when modeling. One such example is how quickly one can begin to model fine details in a model. Becoming caught in these details without having taken the time to model ambiguously often harms the project. Without first modeling a concept or ordering principle the model often becomes cluttered. Revit allows for ambiguous and detail oriented modeling, but the trick to properly using this tool is moderation and a proper order of work phases in the project.

6. Investigating skills that contemporary practice must employ:

• Contemporary practice has turned to BIM as its new digital practice. As such there are skills that must be employed that this class has explored. BIM can bring the architect back to the idea of the master builder with access to structure and detail. The access to libraries and multiple options and versions of components ideas can be tested quickly and more efficiently.

The Perspective Hinge

Perez-Gomez begins the reading with his opinion and observation that architectural drawings, models and various representations are considered transcripts and necessary documents of built work, yet  "an invisible
perspectival hinge is always at work between these common forms of representation and the world to which they refer." He continues to state that many professional architects seem to view architectural drawing as images that must be clear and unambiguous so as to not provide confusion during the construction phase. While it is important for drawings to be legible and outline the proper construction of a building, it is my opinion that certain levels of understanding of the meaning behind the architecture is lost when drawings must simply be broken down into various scale representations of what will exist and how it is to be built.

Probe 9| Spatial Joint

Probe 7| Representation

Here is my attempt at a walkthrough of my building, its archive, and areas of public access.

Next you will find Part 2 of Probe 5 the finished version of the tattoo parlour.

Probe 6| Brickality

Probe 5| Tattoo Parlour SD

In the process of working on this project I looked at the connections of program relationships, and how it in turn effects the massing models. One of the more interesting aspects, looking at these relationships, is what occurs when splitting program between levels. When it came to the room schedule, I was unable to attend the demonstration on how to properly create it. As such you will see included my best attempt at understanding how a room schedule in revit works. I plan to revise this room schedule once I have more information.