TECH-5 JOURNAL

Environmental diagrams - Construction sequence - Wind harvesting

1:5 Pod to ramp detail on A3 format.

1:5 Chainmail attachment detail on A3 format

1:15 Sectional perspective on A1 format

1:5 Shell to Pods connection detail

1:20 Column to Shell detail on A1 format.

1:50 section on A1 format. Detail references are marked with dotted line boxes. 

Idea of using stairs and walkways as structural stability members are investigated further in sketches. Axonometric and section sketches show where walkway beams and pin joint members meet. Bottom right sketch is a preparation sketch for an upcoming chainmail demo model.

Sketch development for chainmail attachment. Pivotal pin joints and tension member addition is investigated further.

Sectional detail of pod to shell connection is introduced in this perspective render. Amount of detail is not enough. Exterior panel arrangement is not comprehendible. Steel attachment member has to be embedded into the concrete. Possible  camera change to an axonometric will benefit the drawing.

Shell to column assembly detailed further. Strategy is more clear now, with detail becoming a ball joint rather than a clamp and there no need for an upper member. Ball joint allows for building to stay flexible on strong winds and waves. Elevated walkways are attached to columns with steel rings. Coherence in architectural language is achieved like the Pompidou Centre example.

Daylighting sketch study. Although open ended shells should have enough sunlight, some deeper parts could stay dark. Hence top lit spaces are imagined in this sketch. Also, the idea of using walkways and stairs as structural stability members are initiated in this sketch. Note the criss-crossing gangway balustrades.

Missing servicing elements were pointed at the intercrit. Sketch on the left shows servicing elements get carried on the pods, and hidden once inside the pod with hanging ceilings. The sketch on the right is another investigation on how the wind turbines should be placed.

The idea of wind harvesting using wind turbines was first introduced in this intercrit. Two options are shown above. Bottom sketch shows them incorporated in between the columns, very abstract! Top sketch on the other hand show them incorporated in pods and placed on the shell. However it was realised after the crit, a more thorough investigation of wind forces and design decision had to be made. 

This sketch sheet presented a more detailed drawing of the chainmail attachment member. This was found successful. Using spun concrete columns was decided as ‘sticks’. Previously sticks were proposed as wood, trying to stick to the initial concept. But considering the close proximity with an aqueous environment, concrete was found to be more durable. Incorporating shown steel anchorage plates will help with connecting the ball joint and any other attachments that is needed in the future. The sketch at the bottom proposes an initial steel case get piled in to hold the concrete column. This was found to be unnecessary. Instead the concrete columns will be directly piled into the seabed.

Provisional drawings for the pod construction include a sequential axonometric for assembly and a sectional perspective showing a detailed section. Decision was made to remove the corner glazing to provide for maximum stability. The servicing issue was brought up. Servicing will be placed on the inside of the pods and provided with galvanized steel tubes, providing a raw look and adding to the industrial look of the concept. Introduction of brass panel cladding was made due to an aqueous context and was found to be very useful.

The updated version of the clamp now incorporates a ball joint. The working principle of a ball joint is very similar to a pin joint. While providing stability, it also provides flexibility, which is much needed when considering the heavy weather conditions around the site. In terms of assembly and reliability it is preferable to a friction based clamp connection. However top piece was found unnecessary as it reminded of a clamp joint still. Make a decision; is it a clamp or a ball joint connection? And note the chainmail attachment that has now become tension member and incorporated into the connection member.