| id |
ecaade2024_395 |
| authors |
Efthimiou, Eftihis; Vaitsos, Alexandros |
| year |
2024 |
| title |
Kaleidoscopic Pragmatism: Generative illumination of an historical Athens office building |
| source |
Kontovourkis, O, Phocas, MC and Wurzer, G (eds.), Data-Driven Intelligence - Proceedings of the 42nd Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2024), Nicosia, 11-13 September 2024, Volume 2, pp. 271–280 |
| doi |
https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2024.2.271
|
| summary |
This paper explores the dynamic interplay between computational design, digital simulation and physical modeling in the creation of an innovative architectural intervention within a historical office building in Athens. Spanning several decades of construction (1930s-1980s), the building's illumination waned amidst the encroachment of contemporary structures. Our solution involves a meticulously designed 2.60*2.60m light well, carving through the building's core and housing a nine-storey generative sculpture. This colossal kaleidoscopic prism, working in tandem with a heliostat, serves both as a striking aesthetic statement and an efficient lighting apparatus, ensuring stable natural lighting conditions in the surrounding office space. During the form-finding phase, rigorous computational processes guided the placement of reflective and refractive triangles within the sculpture, achieving specific degrees of porosity and performativity. Simultaneously addressing a demanding architectural program while enhancing spatial qualities, the apparatus showcases its multifaceted nature. Physical modeling played a pivotal role, with a precise model constructed from true-to-scale materials. Employing photometry, we validated lighting performance, bridging the gap between computational simulations and real-world applicability. The confluence of computational design and physical computation not only shapes the aesthetic and functional aspects of the generative sculpture but also fortifies the credibility of its lighting performance. As the work undergoes construction in Athens, this paper offers a comprehensive exploration of the innovative synergy between computational and physical methodologies, providing valuable insights into the seamless integration of cutting-edge technologies with traditional architectural practices. Within the paper, we present the intricacies of the computational apparatus, showcasing conceptual and user-friendly implementations for accessibility by non-specialist end users. We delve into digital simulation steps, integrating their findings and cross-referencing them with their physical computation counterparts, offering a holistic understanding of the project, from the standpoint of the computational designer. |
| keywords |
generative design, performance based design, light simulation, physical modeling |
| series |
eCAADe |
| email |
|
| full text |
 file.pdf (1,869,302 bytes) |
| references |
Content-type: text/plain
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| last changed |
2024/11/17 22:05 |
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