Informed Tectonics

Abstract

- Informed Tectonics - the case-study of a transferium for Almere center, the Netherlands. A network and swarm based research and design for non-standard architecture The discussion posed is an research investigation and design proposal of an large urban-architectural insert, in relationship within the immediate local surroundings with the inner-city of Almere. Two keys items of development were concerned; 1. a 'connecter' of multi-modality transfer and their respective infrastructure 2. a immediate area to establish a public sphere and place. A specific standpoint of perspective has been investigated of network- and swarm theory, and applied as a design strategy by targeting specific issues. The problem definition which has been deducted from an regional to local scale is concerned with various dimensions of ecological, economic-political and social-cultural nature; Seen from an network perspective, it is crucial for cities and regions to enhance a their degree of linkages, being part and player in network circuits. Almere is in need to enhance their concurrent nodal position within the Randstad region, in order to increase their network circuits on infrastructural, economic and ecological dimensions. As well to profile a distinct and socio-cultural identity. Therefore, the main research question being posed is; How to develop a local spatial intervention of a multi-modal transferium, being a place of circuit connectivity, enhancement and establishment of a distinct identity of the central-station area? A Hypothesis is developed in which local spatial design of the transferium and immediate surroundings, has a potential of targeting qualities on transfer, infrastructure and ecological connections, in which affects a distinct identity and place of the central station area of Almere. The specific decision methodology is using a bottom-up and top-down approach, for the practice of design, by departing from a combined network- and swarm theory. This theory, is explored and applied by use of developing a computer-based real-time design simulation-applet or design instrument, targeting at three specific related sub research topics. 1. program : concerning programmatic function distribution of program requirements in relation to hybrid relationships 2. paths : establishing path-infrastructure among the program and surrounding contextual infrastructural connections of external and internal circulations. 3. structure : embody stable structure of the basic building blocks, the aggregation. By these three separate however related procedures, as well allowing parametric control and being informed by environmental analysis and data-sets, it enables to produce a concrete specific non-standard architectural design proposal. In network-thinking and their respective components of nodes, organisation and relationships, the real-time design instrument generates pointcloud, lines of connections which represent a probable 'fit' solution suitable for further architectural development. The use of swarm principles applied in the multi-agent simulation enable mobility or dynamic swarming behavior of such a pointcloud, in relating to their predetermined encoded design of architectural conditions of program, structure and paths. Catalogs of the three sub themes are investigated by genotypic alterations, whereby a candidate is chosen which in its phenotypic expression or embodiment, has unique qualities of tectonic-structure and urban-architectural features of building and landscape. The area built from an urban polder-model structure is contradicted by the proposal of an building complex of a global porous pattern, or clusters of individual buildings, by which it allows to connect with the green belt-parks in the immediate surroudings. By the underground placement of the train- and bus perrons, their is minimization of infrastructural barriers and reduction environmental pollution such as noise and views. Also it enables the opportunity to use the ground level as a landscape of public place. Triangles are key, being used as drivers to meet local demands and requirements concerning structure, construction and of architecture exterior and interior qualities. The global building pattern is faceted, and fragmented in nature. Perforation of tectonic patterns are related to the amount of required light, views, or solid surfaces, in respect to the program. Further procedures from embodiment to materialization are closely related by applying state-of-the-art Robotic CNC production techniques, and by deploying scripting techniques for the realization from digital to physical models.