Adding Matter

Adding matter

Roles

Architectural Designer

Material Fabricator (1 of 3)

Technology

Grasshopper, Ameba

Woodshop (planer, bandsaw, table saw, sander)

Laser cutter, CNC machine

Context

15 week architecture research project

Links

Featured in book: Matter Aggregation ↗

Precedent

We looked to understand traditional Japanese joinery in its traditional, unmodified form first.

Before applying computational design, a basic understanding of various typologies of joints was needed, with research focusing on how 4 different joints were built.

Exploded isometric drawing of a rectangular lock housing with internal components separated.

Wireframe drawing of two intersecting rectangular prisms forming a three-dimensional X shape.

Isometric line drawing of an interlocking joinery wooden structure with overlapping rectangular beams.

Transparent isometric diagram of a tenon and mortise joint with two rectangular wooden pieces showing interlocking parts.

Joints were rebuilt in Grasshopper, a node-based plugin allowed for greater manipulation and experimentation.

These joints were then recreated and prepped for stochastic aggregation in Grasshopper, a plugin for Rhino 3D

Screenshot of a Grasshopper visual programming script displaying interconnected component blocks with labels like 'PART_NAME', 'Wasp_Basic Part', and 'Wasp_Stochastic Aggregation' on a grey grid background.

Creating generative structures

Algorithmically creating stochastic structures starts to push the boundaries of how a structure can be assembled.

Taking the basic traditional Japanese joinery, iterations on foundational aggregations could be generated to give a sense of how these joints can come together.

Abstract 3D geometric structure composed of interconnected white cubic shapes with open spaces and shadows.

Abstract 3D digital rendering of interconnected hollow white cubes and rectangular shapes arranged vertically on a white background.

A 3D isometric pattern of connected white cubic frames arranged diagonally on a white background.

Abstract 3D molecular structure model consisting of interconnected hexagonal and triangular shapes in a light gray color on a white background.

White geometric structure composed of interconnected hexagonal and triangular shapes on a white background.

White wooden Kumiki puzzle pieces interlocked to form a three-dimensional geometric structure.

Three-dimensional abstract geometric structure composed of interconnected white blocks forming a complex lattice.

Repeated pattern of light gray 3D geometric shapes resembling abstract locks or keys on a white background.

A repeating pattern of interlocking white 3D rectangular blocks arranged diagonally on a white background.

Complex 3D arrangement of interconnected white rectangular and cylindrical blocks forming an abstract geometric structure.

Complex three-dimensional abstract sculpture with interlocking rectangular and beam-like shapes in a light gray tone.

Abstract 3D structure made of interlocking white rectangular beams with holes.

Three-dimensional arrangement of interconnected gray pipes forming a complex lattice structure.

Complex three-dimensional abstract structure composed of interconnected gray rectangular bars forming a geometric lattice.

Isometric view of an interconnected white modular grid structure with repeating T-shaped elements.

Abstract geometric pattern of interlocking white 3D beams forming a complex lattice structure.

Grounding stochastic algorithms in a Japanese joint of choice starts to mesh theoretical and practical.

After testing and iterating, the process of refining traditional joinery began, simplifying traditional joints for smoother computation

Technical drawings showing top and isometric views of two rectangular interlocking pieces with detailed dimensions.

Isometric line drawings of twelve interlocking corner joint pieces arranged in two columns on a white background.

Twelve isometric illustrations of different wooden box corner joints with interlocking finger designs.

Isometric illustration of six rectangular interlocking panels forming a 3D grid structure.

Isometric line drawing of four interlocking rectangular panels with notched edges assembled in a cross formation.

Isometric diagram of four interlocking rectangular wooden panels with notches for assembly.

Isometric line drawing of a rectangular interlocking box design with notched tabs on edges.

Isometric line drawing of an interlocking grid structure made of flat panels with notched edges.

Black and white isometric illustration of an interlocking complex puzzle cube with multiple notched flat panels.

Applying learnings to a test site

Molding abstract shapes to an actual environment further pushes the envelope in practical application.

Diagramming and understanding Shanghai Art Park

Isometric architectural drawing showing several buildings with red pathway lines and black arrows indicating movement directions.

Isometric architectural line drawing of a multi-layered central structure with curved supports between three rectangular blocks.

Transparent architectural line drawing showing a multi-level rectangular structure with black and red outlines indicating different sections and an extended rectangular block.

Diagram with four black-outlined rectangles and overlaid red and light red polygonal lines.

Floor plan with several rectangular rooms outlined in black and a red path line showing a route through the rooms.

Taking the base geometry of the building, generated through site analysis, and applying aggregation through the Ameba Plugin.

3D wireframe model of terrain with red rectangular overlays marking specific sections.

3D wireframe box with a curved path and a red quadrilateral on one inner wall.

3D wireframe diagram with two overlapping red rectangular planes angled inside a transparent cube and two curved black lines on the bottom plane.

3D transparent rectangular box with two red wireframe rectangular shapes intersecting inside and curved lines on the base.

3D architectural model of a multi-level building structure showing floors, stairs, and vertical supports.

3D architectural model of a multi-level building structure with stairs and exposed framework.

3D architectural model showing a cross-section of a multi-level building with detailed structural elements.

3D grayscale architectural model showing a cutaway view of a multi-level building with detailed internal structural and mechanical elements.

3D architectural model showing a layered structural design with detailed internal framework and multiple levels.

3D architectural model of a modern multi-level building with detailed interior structural elements and open framework sections.

Making it real

Creating high fidelity renderings and fabricating wooden joint models to scale brings it to life, making theory a reality.

Architectural renderings of the actual building, as well as prototyped at two different scales.

Modern building with wooden lattice facade and glass section, people walking and standing in front under a blue sky.

Modern wooden interior with block-like structures, sculptures, and a family exploring the space near large windows.

Modern glass building with an intricate, layered wooden structure on the roof and people walking and jogging nearby.

Close-up of interlocking wooden blocks forming a complex geometric structure.

Intricate wooden abstract sculpture made with interlocking rectangular pieces assembled on a plywood table.

Close-up of a complex wooden interlocking block sculpture in an indoor setting.

Close-up view inside a complex interlocking wooden structure made of repeated flat pieces.

Large, interlocking wooden structure made of light-colored planks with notched edges, standing indoors on a polished concrete floor.

Close-up of interlocking unfinished wooden panels with puzzle-like edges inside a light-colored room.

Reflection

Natural materials are unpredictable, and of course computational design can only solve so much. However, the history behind Japanese joinery and the intersection between joinery and modern computation offered a new framework for a flexible system that could begin to look at how we can more efficiently use and build with limited resources and materials.

As a look into a completely new type of architectural thinking, it was a breath of fresh air to examine building practices beyond traditional BIM systems. While a lot of the proposed designs are probably unrealistic, it's a valuable thought starter nonetheless.