AA VISITING SCHOOL ROME – FORM AS (DYNAMIC) UNKNOWN

The design process started by an analog-speculative phase about behaviour of certain materials, which has allowed us to define the morphological properties of the latter; stresses of various kinds have been applied on the analog model in lycra to quantify the deformations, to study their effects and their propagation within the model.

The digital tool made it possible to quantify precisely the behavioural model and having geometric control, allowing formal speculation about the distributions of stresses and drilling the material. The continuous feedback between analog model and digital model has allowed the definition of a two-dimensional pattern that can effectively make the ideas of continuity, flow and field.

Central in the research is the definition of an architectural component whose dynamic recurrence allowing for the definition of a complex geometry, the parametric design methodology and tools related to it have allowed us to define a strategy of intervention and the development of the parametric model, able to have control by the local element to the entire global system. The shift from two-dimensional to three-dimensional model plays a key role in defining and foreshadowing of a hypothetical architectural environment.

The curves of stress defined by the static conditions of the material thus become the network  structural architectural component, fueling the idea of ​​geometric continuity and eliminating the traditional distinction between the vertical and horizontal element. ETFE pneumatic modules are inserted as a dynamic element capable of changing their air content and, consequently, their geometry as a function of the presence of man, creating an adaptive and ever changing space.

Diagram showing the elements used to build the dynamic prototype of the ETFE inflating system (made with Fritzing)

Elements: 1x Arduino UNO, 2x Servos, 1x Photoresistor, 2 x 10 k resistences, 1 LED (test), 1x Power Connector

The parametric nature of the definition process of the project and the ability of the latter to be defined as a function of external parameters, related to the environment, has allowed us to hypothesize a coherent architectural scenario in two antithetical sites for configuration and meaning as the Contemporary Art Museum MAXXI  and the Imperial Forums in Rome.

Dynamic study of the paths based on the positioning of attractors and repulsor points (Hair System).

Imperial Forums hypothesis (simplified geometries)

Contemporary Art Museum MAXXI hypothesis (simplified geometries)

Credits: Federico Borello, Massimiliano Manno, Federico Biancullo

Tutors: Arturo Tedeschi (A-T), Lorenzo Vianello (Foster + Partners), Josef Musil (Foster + Partners), Lawrence Friesen (Buro Happold)