WHITE: AA SUMMER DLAB 2014 Review
by Elif Erdine and Alexandros KallegiasImage credit: Elif Erdine[/caption] As the outcome of an investigation which has explored earth scaffolding, fabric formwork, and concrete materiality, CALLIPOD is a 2.1 meters tall and 4.4 meters wide pavilion, realised over a period of one week The means of exposing the structural behaviour of concrete across its fluid nature were the starting point of the research agenda. Throughout the design explorations, the integration of structural and material properties of concrete with various architectural parameters which are essential in generating diverse spatial qualities have remained a major focus. The algorithmic setup for design explorations reflects the characteristics of self-organisation which are observed across a range of scales in biological systems. Initially, real-time generative form-finding methods based on branching and bundling systems in nature have been developed and simulated in the open-source programming environment Processing. A key influence in working with branching systems has been the motivation to contextualise the design outcome in the natural environment of Hooke Park. The digital simulations present a progression from the analog-optimised path experiments of Frei Otto, due to additional design constraints relating to gravity, UV mapping, and the ability to follow free form three-dimensional shapes. The outcomes at this stage have then been evaluated via FEA analysis, in Scan&Solve for Rhino and Karamba for Grasshopper respectively. Various iterations in order to meet optimum structural results have been generated before finalising the overall design. The final geometry has been marked on fabric via CNC router and then stitched together, thereby creating the fabric formwork for concrete casting. The scaffolding for the pavilion was assembled from earth, which forms a second point of integration with the environment of Hooke Park. After the process of concrete casting within the fabric formwork, the earth scaffolding has been removed and reunited with the surroundings.
Image credit: Max Winter[/caption] The structure is made of a special concrete mix that enabled it to be cast, dried and held firmly in place, over a period of several hours without being limited by the constraints of applying conventional reinforcing systems such as rebar. For the realisation of the pavilion, the entire team of participants and tutors was divided into sub-teams and given a certain task. Each sub-team had their responsibilities and the site was converted into a construction site, following health and safety regulations. From a pedagogical point of view, this part has always been an essential component of Summer DLAB as it allows for a hands-on understanding of the demands involved in the construction of a 1-to-1 scale model.
Image credit: Alexandros Kallegias[/caption] Throughout the duration of the programme, there have been numerous architectural discoveries that enabled us to move beyond the conventional methods of design and fabrication. Among its various achievements, Summer DLAB continues to inspire the avant-garde of young architects and architectural students. For more information: CALLIPOD will be exhibited at the AA London, in the Graduate Gallery, from January till March 2015. AA Summer DLAB microsite AA Summer DLAB Visiting School Prospectus AA Summer DLAB 2013 on AA Conversations AA Summer DLAB 2012 on AA Conversations Apply for Summer DLAB 2015