Carbon Valley

Abstract

This project will house the next generation of technology and startups. The design will reflect what is held on the inside through a computational design strategy progressing nonstandard architecture. The site will first be analyzed in terms of people flow, (where people come from, where they are most likely to go, where they are most likely to stay, etc) solar, wind and climate analysis, along with the local, visual and physical connections. These inputs will be used to define the boundary of the building within the site. They will also be used to define certain parameters of the building itself, such as heights, views, certain directions of structure, etc. Once the boundary is created, the program is determined and placed on the site. The overall design and form will be derived from spatial analysis of the required program. This will start with the analysis of what functions are required in a multi use tech exhibition and startup center. Once the programs and functions are taken into account, the analysis of the spaces, functions and uses will be cross referenced and tagged in order to determine which spaces need to be close to each other and which ones can be farther away. This will be accomplished through a script that places the individual programmatic spaces within the boundary in close proximity to other spaces that are required to be close. Once these spaces are defined and the areas are set, swarm logic, people flow simulation and environmental factors will shape the form and connect the spaces. The swarm logic will start from specific areas on the site where people can enter and connect the ground to the building and interior spaces. The autonomous agents will create a trail that will define other architectural elements critical to the design of the center. These would include public/ semi public spaces that lead the visitor into the building. People flow analysis will be used to create the internal flows of people in the tech and exhibition center as well as the external to internal flows and vice versa. The wind analysis will help to streamline the form so that the wind will not create extra stresses across the building, rather flow along the structure. The environment, climate and other factors will be taken in to account in order to create a low impact building that concentrates on performance driven aspects, revolving around and showcasing the tech industry.

In the micro/meso scale, the buildings skin and construction components will be explored to derive a new way to use Carbon Fiber (or composites) in the construction field. This part will fall under the category of Design to Robotic Production. The goal for this portion is to explore and create a self supported or minimally supported carbon fiber structure (or composite structure) that would integrate the systems, structure and aesthetics into the building pieces. Through the use of programming and biomimicry, the composites would be designed in a way that is structurally sound, aesthetically pleasing and performance oriented. The design of the building will incorporate Robotic Building technologies, as the whole building would be designed and built through the use of robotic manufacturing practices.