Introductory Studio: G01 » energy

Natures Trancendence of Light

shwetadas — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 17:55:56 +0000

“Architecture is the masterly, correct and magnificent play of masses brought together in light.” Our eyes are made to see forms in light; light and shade reveal these forms; cubes, cones, spheres, cylinders or pyramids are the great primary forms which light reveals to advantage; the image of these is distinct and tangible within us without ambiguity. It is for this reason that these are beautiful forms, the most beautiful forms. Everybody is agreed to that, the child, the savage and the metaphysician.-Le Corbusier (Vers une architecture, Towards a new Architecture, 1923) Nature’s transcendence of light Where is the beginning of nature’s transcendence of light? Nature’s passion are mainly reflected into light within the darkness, although unknown to exactly where it creates great amount of light, its light seems rare and magical, yet there are thousands of other living things that respond to darkness. There are micro organisms that are immersed in these magical environments and revel in the beauty of this remarkable natural phenomenon, The role of architecture is to use this phenomenon to create an environment that would be one in natures transcendence of light, a cold light that would passionately inflame a space in between architecture and nature, a space that enkindles that darkness is not a closed, numb or end environment but rather an environment that seeks natures magical beauty to create passion within the darkness, an open environment, a space to move passionately, to direct, to see, and to experience the fact that darkness is lightness. An introduction to micro creature-Bioluminescence Algae Bioluminescence is a biological phenomenon of emission of light, involving a bio-chemical reaction by a living organism. This process is widely found in terrestrial as well as aquatic organisms, viz -firefly, glow worms, mushrooms etc and jellyfish, few marine fishes, algae, bacteria etc. respectively. The organisms capture energy through photosynthesis and convert inorganic substances into simple sugars releasing the energy in the form of light. Dinoflagellates are unicellular protists and are usually planktonic- ninety percent are marine plankton. They are small; many are microscopic, although the largest, Noctiluca. Dinoflagellates are motile and swim by two flagella, which are movable protein strands. The longitudinal flagella extends from the sulcal groove at the posterior part of the cell and is responsible for the cells forward movement. The flattened flagella extends from the cingulum groove around the equator of the cell and provides the dinoflagellate with the ability to maneuver. Because of these two flagella, the dinoflagellate spirals when it moves. The Research The research investigates the process of generation and release of photons in the algae, Dinoflagellates. The Dinoflagellates emit light on stimulation, motion and movement. The light discharged is of low intensity and within blue-green spectrum of the wavelength. The major challenges are to: a. Amplify and reflect the low intensity light produce by these micro-organism b. Generation of kinetics through motion to stimulate the micro-organism Aiming at creating a light structure that reflects and amplifies the low intensity light produced by the bioluminiscent algae. A study for amplification of light wave This involves creation of a geometric volume that diverges the light thus widening the angle and extent of the aura. Also, the geometry of the form needs to cater to the multiple reflection factors for dispersing and brightening the light rays. A multi faceted wrap with reflective surface inclined to the illumination direction is envisioned to enhance the light produced. An environment and system for Micro-organisms The basic elements for the growth of algae are passive sunlight for photosynthesis. The optimum temperature required is 21°-26°C. The motion stimulates the algae leading it to a biochemical reaction that produces light energy. The nutrients keep them alive and help them multiply. The continuous reproduction assisted by the nutrients is the reason for regular light production, on movement. Architecture’s approach to Natures transcendence The overall composition is an inflorescence of algae encapsulated in a double layered structure that insulates it from the extremes of nature. The external layer has mirrored surface that reflects and bounces the light emitted. Each unit is connected to each other through elastic rubber tube that transfers the kinetic energy to subsequent units stimulating motion and thus, light. The evolution The design is an evolution from a triangle, which multiplies to generate a hexagonal surface. This geometry allows light transmission as well as multiple reflection when reflective surfaces are arranged appropriately. The prototype is a truncated hexagonal cylinder with an off-centered axis which on repetition with rotation generates dynamism to the whole composition. Mechanism The mechanical system of the bioluminescent algae prototype works with the tension and compression as well as buckling in order to achieve motion and movement for the algae to respond to its capability, at the same time interacting with the people around it. The system has a mechanical spring 50mm in diameter, #14 tie wire and approximately with a length 120mm, It is then attached with the same diameter of pipe, the pipe allows the mechanical system to be lighter enough to withdraw a compression and tension for the system and give support to the spring itself, the length of the pipe varies and depends on how much compression and tension will be created. The spring and pipe are then sealed with an MDF stopper at both sides together with the wall, exactly 52mm in diameter with threaded rod, knot and bolt. The rod’s length depends on how far would be the prototype from the intruded surface of the wall. Circular Pad with an exact diameter same to the pipe are then attached to depress the clicking sound when tension occurred. Finally, a female rod plug is inserted to the front tip of the threaded rod to make a connection between the prototype and its mechanical motion system. Lighting mechanism The research exercise is to produce energy without the consumption any external mechanical power. The dino-flagellates emit light on motion stimulation. A spring is introduced for the kinetics in the organism. The spring with its oscillating motion on soft push agitates the algae which in turn undergoes a bio-chemical reaction to generate light energy. Design composition The bio-lamp is a project that commenced with the research on algae with bio-luminescence trait and progressed with a creation of a light structure that is stimulated by human interaction. The whole process evolves, beginning with the study & culture of algae, Dinoflagellates and convolutes into several forms with common character of double skinned component. This skin protects and insulates the algae. The end result is a surface tessellation composed of hexagonal units engulfing the algae container and its feeding mechanism supported by a spring. The spring ensures the kinetics in the algae on a soft push, producing light. This simple technique when amalgamated with the outer shell process renewable light, though low intensity, and amplifies the same through multiple reflection. The cluster of these prototypes form an installation that can be stationed at parks, street signage etc. The bio-lamp is a step ahead in future, where living organisms form an energy source. Wood Prototype

Final Prototype in Valdaura Labs

Mycotecture GR2: Building from Mushrooms

gokhancatikkas — Sat, 09 Nov 2013 15:37:38 +0000

The goal is researching a new technology of biologic building material production. Mycelium is the growing root like structure of mushrooms and it has been found out in a closed container with cellulose based input mycelium grows and takes the form of the container.

Our first goal is to achieve this production of mycelium, important are

-type of cellulose based input
-sterilization proccess
-type of mushrooms
-growing time of mushrooms

Second goal is while we are creating the materials, to find a possible use in architecture. This will be based on the quality and type of the material we will produce in this time.

The final goal is to fabricate this possible use, it can be:

-a module of a system
-a building block to construct
-a smaller scale object (furniture)

Resarch group:
Gökhan Catikkas
Hristo Ivanov Kovachev
Renata de Castro Lotto
Giombattista Areddia

MYCELIUM GROWING / SUPPLYING v1.0

Mycelium
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a mass of branching, thread-like hyphae. The mass of hyphae is sometimes called shiro, especially within the fairy ring fungi. Fungal colonies composed of mycelium are found in soil and on or within many other substrates. A typical single spore germinates into a homokaryotic mycelium, which cannot reproduce sexually; when two compatible homokaryotic mycelia join and form a dikaryotic mycelium, that mycelium may form fruiting bodies such as mushrooms. A mycelium may be minute, forming a colony that is too small to see, or it may be extensive.

In 2013, a company called Ecovative Design announced that they were developing an alternative to polystyrene and plastic packaging by growing mycelium in agricultural waste. The two ingredients would be mixed together and placed into a mold for 3–5 days to grow into a durable material. Depending on the strain of mycelium used, they could make different varieties of the material including water absorbant, flame retardant, and dielectric.

http://www.ecovativedesign.com/mushroom-materials/

Phil ross (artist biologist) tries to research the potential of mycelium materials

http://philross.org/projects/mycotecture/#projects/mycotecture/

Our purpose is mainly trying to do it with the mushrooms we found around the property of Valdaura so that what we design in the end would be fitting to the concept of local materials better.

As we walked around we found a lot of mushrooms growing on tree roots, but not so many growing freely on the soil we collected them all to start experimenting. After we started our research and found out that the mushrooms growing on tree branches or roots were very hard growing ones so we started searching for fast growin, mycelium forming mushrooms and ideal conditions to do the proccess.

We found a simple method on youtube to form mycelium. This method uses cardboard and warm water to sterilize the cardboard for 20 minutes.

After this they put little pieces of mushroom tissue in the container and wait.

We continued trying different methods to sterilize sawdust and different types of mushroom to grow mycelium.

We found a mycelium supplier and got some already grown mycelium. He told us that to grow more from that bag needed very precise conditions like humidity and temperature. We will try to shape our final product with this already started growing mycelium.

We mycroscoped our own grown mycelium tissues and saw the web like structure.

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT v1.0

The purpose is to crate different functions with the similar modules wich can be created as “building” bricks

Our inspiration comes from already existing installation and from the existing patterns in nature. By research and try & error principle we struggle to find harmony and function mixed with a spice of innovation. With the help of our digital tools we are convinced of a positive conclusion.

The fully grown installation provides many options to be used. Being a part from existing landscape it allows us to shape and create space into space. Suddenly new paths emerge. Interesting variety of view points allows the travelers to experience new surroundings. Small and well hidden rooms appear under the beautiful sky where two souls can communicate in private.

Further more our installation provides comfortable sitting options. Interesting playground for children and anyone who dears to test it. Climbing on top of it allows the curious an elevated point of view. The installation by itself is totally environmental friendly and produces 0 waste material or pollution even left by itself neglected.

MODULE DESIGN v1.0

Instead of using pipes and form cylinders we thought about using more organic geometric modules to make combinations of objects.

One idea was putting led lights around the block and connect the cables insida to generate electricity from tree roots for a little glow in the dark.

The modules could be completed with completed with different caps for different purposes like a little table, shading or seating elements.

PROTOTYPING V1.0

We constructed our container prototype with simple material and because we could not grow mycelium, just to see the module in scale we started building our prototype from gypsum

The bag of mycelium we ordered has arrived so that now we could start playing with the real material

The gypsum model had the imperfect texture like mycelium and gave us the idea of the final product

We also tried pressed newspaper pieces to produce a material strenght close to mycelium. Because mycelium we had was limited, to play with the joints we were searching for the substitute materials.

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT V2.0

Using only Modules grown from myicellium we insist on creating a multifunctional Installation. The combination of a children playground, resting place, defined event space mixed with aviculture, agriculture and fencing properties will provide Valldaura with a unique structure.

An Installation that has imaginable and unimaginable properties at the same time. Creating interesting view points, constantly changing spectacle of lights and shadows, may be even a nesting place for birds or shelter for wild animals.

We reshape our modules over and over in order to make them fit and interlock together without any joints but in the same time to be able to fulfill all other functions. Like a shape that interlocks but is still comfortable for a person to sit on

ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT – APPLICATION V1.0

We are working on two possible positions for out Installation. The first is as a secret place deep in the Valldaura forest near the campus. It will act as a surprise and unexpected opportunities for the people exploring the forest paths. The second is an Installation as a renovation are. The location is the entrance of the campus. Installation which will provide a curious entrance experience for the arrivers and in the same time provides an upgrade for the already existing functions on that spot.

The next logical step after locating our possible position was the separation and position of the different functions in the Installation according to the surroundings. Using grasshopper we put our gradient, functions and the various way of positions that our modules can acheave in the software and use it to emerge with a new more functional pattern

PROTOTYPE PRODUCTION V2.0

The containers were made to test different mycelium growth proccess in different joints with different conditions. Various types of vertical and horizontal joints were researched.

To fix the mycelium we tried to dehumidfiy and bake the myceilum shell baking resulted in a harder mycelium piece and after leaving to dry under the sun for couple of days the pieces were getting harder.

It is undersandable that without contct with air or humidty mycelium does not grow inside the piece after 2 cm and creates a shell around the brick piece.

Sample 8A is the most succesfull and strong block produced, so the research contiunes on the method 8A and about the quailties of the material generated.

MYCELIUM GROWING / SUPPLYING v2.0

Block Production

Filling

Growth

Unboxing

Blocks