A PROPOSAL FOR MORPHOLOGICAL OPERATORS TO ASSIST ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN J-P Wetzel , Pr J-C. Bignon, Dr S. Belblidia MAP-CRAI Team UMR-MAP CNRS-Culture N°694 Architecture School of Nancy, France Architecture School of Strasbourg, France 8th International Conference on Design & Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning / 4-7 July 2006

Introduction : the context of our work Morpho-semantic operators in architecture Morpho-semantic operators seen throughout a few examples Interpretation and definition of a model Conclusion Outline /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Introduction : the context of our work

Morpho-semantic operators in architecture

Morpho-semantic operators seen throughout a few examples

Interpretation and definition of a model

Conclusion

Since the early 80’s, CAD tools have provided new means for architectural representation. 2D replaced by 3D software. New tools for complex geometry. Introduction CAD 2D software (autodesk autocad) 3D modeler software (3dsmax discreet) /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Since the early 80’s, CAD tools have provided new means for architectural representation.

2D replaced by 3D software.

New tools for complex geometry.

For Ph. Boudon's postulation “ The process of conception is a diachronical one that implies a progressive transformation of what a project is” [5 ] Hypothesis : “ the shape production process can rely on the application of semantic operators on “seed” elements to transform them in “target” shapes. Introduction Picture, Thomas Mayer Representing the deformation by Frank O’ Gehry /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

For Ph. Boudon's postulation

“ The process of conception is a diachronical one that implies a progressive transformation of what a project is” [5 ]

Hypothesis :

“ the shape production process can rely on the application of semantic operators on “seed” elements to transform them in “target” shapes.

Study of a collection of drawings of a bungalow project by the architect Neimann, Classification of the elements Identification of the variations between each sketch. Identification of simple transformations : rotation, Translation, symmetry … Result : mainly based on geometric operators Array of transformations [6] page 10 The joining of all drawings appeared on a relation map. [10] page 6 Ellen Do et Al. Study : Morpho-semantic operators in architecture : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Study of a collection of drawings of a bungalow project by the architect Neimann,

Classification of the elements

Identification of the variations between each sketch.

Identification of simple transformations :

rotation,

Translation,

symmetry …

Result : mainly based on geometric operators

Study about architectural conception [8] An empirical analysis of a series of 162 architectural projects. Definition of 20 different schemes : contain, turn, go up, radiate, cover, go through, open, begin, cut, descend, wave , unite, enclose, go out, link, repeat, end, surround, diminish, cross, battle, grow up Dominique Raynaud Study : An example of representation of the undulation scheme on two projects [8] page 89 Morpho-semantic operators in architecture : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Study about architectural conception [8]

An empirical analysis of a series of 162 architectural projects.

Definition of 20 different schemes :

contain, turn, go up, radiate, cover, go through, open, begin, cut, descend, wave , unite, enclose, go out, link, repeat, end, surround, diminish, cross, battle, grow up

Development of a parametric model  allows to generate complex forms, Experimentation on a column of the side-nave of the Sagrada Familia (Antonio Gaudi), Definition of shape operators such as “twist" and "intersection“. Use of combinations of operators,  generate complex forms, Carlos Barrios study : An evolution [10] page 5 Parametric variations [10] page 6 Morpho-semantic operators in architecture : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Development of a parametric model

 allows to generate complex forms,

Experimentation on a column of the side-nave of the Sagrada Familia (Antonio Gaudi),

Definition of shape operators such as “twist" and "intersection“.

Use of combinations of operators,

 generate complex forms,

Morpho-semantic operators in architecture : These morpho-semantic operators ≠ geometric functions of a modeler  architectural sense. We define a morpho-semantic operator as : A morphological transformation of an object(s) with a symbolic representation. /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

These morpho-semantic operators ≠ geometric functions of a modeler

 architectural sense.

We define a morpho-semantic operator as :

A morphological transformation of an object(s) with a symbolic representation.

Precising the notion of morpho-semantic operators. Defining some parameters of these operations. Restricting the corpus to the « non standard ». architecture Working with archives of sketches or model pictures Sorting these documents in a chronological order Knowing the architect main ideas is not necessary. Morpho-semantic operators throughout a few examples : Objective : Method : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Precising the notion of morpho-semantic operators.

Defining some parameters of these operations.

Restricting the corpus to the « non standard ». architecture

Working with archives of sketches or model pictures

Sorting these documents in a chronological order

Knowing the architect main ideas is not necessary.

Frank Gehry : Nationale Nederlanden Building, Praha This building illustrates the use of new forms in architecture. The key concept in this project  to symbolise Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing. First spacialization  geometrical primitives  functional needs. Morpho-semantic operations used : blend, press, stretch, smooth, etc. Morpho-semantic operators throughout a few examples : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

This building illustrates the use of new forms in architecture.

The key concept in this project  to symbolise Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire dancing.

First spacialization  geometrical primitives  functional needs.

Morpho-semantic operations used :

blend, press, stretch, smooth, etc.

S. Calatrava often registers motion in his projects (Example : TGV station in Lyon) The morphology of this building  a turning torso. This idea has been translated by the « twist » operator. The « Bulge » operator used more locally. Santiago CALATRAVA : Turning torso building Morpho-semantic operators throughout a few examples : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

S. Calatrava often registers motion in his projects (Example : TGV station in Lyon)

The morphology of this building  a turning torso.

This idea has been translated by the « twist » operator.

The « Bulge » operator used more locally.

First strategy represented by a slug : Morphological transformation but not topological Example of operators such as twist, stretch or pinch. Transformation through metamorphosis Second strategy represented by a lobster : creating forms through adjustement and combination made of unitary forms that we are going to add, juxtapose, superimpose. transformation by composition Interpretation and definition of a model The lobster and the slug by Francis DK Ching Operators classes : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

First strategy represented by a slug :

Morphological transformation but not topological

Example of operators such as twist, stretch or pinch.

Transformation through metamorphosis

Second strategy represented by a lobster :

creating forms through adjustement and combination

made of unitary forms that we are going to add, juxtapose, superimpose.

transformation by composition

The unary operators : translation, rotation, symmetry, Scaling, all the similarities. Transformations at a higher level,  in modelers “deformations”, or “modifiers” Modify the morphology of the various objects, Carry a symbolical meaning. Unary operators : Unary operators Interpretation and definition of a model /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

The unary operators :

translation, rotation, symmetry,

Scaling,

all the similarities.

Transformations at a higher level,  in modelers “deformations”, or “modifiers”

Modify the morphology of the various objects,

Carry a symbolical meaning.

Binary operators link several objects Tranformations : superposition, juxtaposition other alignment operations The composition operators : Boolean operations (union, intersection, subtraction) fusion, a variant of union “ machining” effects by applying a movement to the subtracted object . Binary operators : Interpretation and definition of a model Machining effect example Fusion operator Subtraction operator /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Binary operators link several objects

Tranformations :

superposition,

juxtaposition

other alignment operations

The composition operators :

Boolean operations (union, intersection, subtraction)

fusion, a variant of union

“ machining” effects by applying a movement to the subtracted object .

The “fold” operator like an expression of an idea: T he origami uses folding to create any form Folding  an expression in a building, example Customs of Hohenhems by architect Drexel Interpretation and definition of a model Origami hippocampus Customs of Hohenhems (Austria) by R. Drexel Examples of relationship between idea and operator : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

The “fold” operator like an expression of an idea:

T he origami uses folding to create any form

Folding  an expression in a building,

example Customs of Hohenhems by architect Drexel

An example of parameter definition : The “fold” operator parameters: the solid to be folded the reference plan the folding angle the range defined as a distance to the reference plan Interpretation and definition of a model /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

The “fold” operator parameters:

the solid to be folded

the reference plan

the folding angle

the range defined as a distance to the reference plan

Simulation of the modeling process of Calatrava’s « Turning Torso » Example of morphological transformation process : Calatrava’s building « Turning Torso » Interpretation and definition of a model /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

Simulation of the modeling process of Calatrava’s « Turning Torso »

A comparative approach : First method :  polygonal modelling Second method :  use of operators Modeling of Calatrava’s building « Turning Torso » : First method Second method Interpretation and definition of a model /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

A comparative approach :

First method :  polygonal modelling

Second method :  use of operators

We have attempted to : Demonstrate the pertinence of morpho-semantic operators, Define their role of in the process of creating forms. Evaluate the impact of some operators and parameters on the resulting shapes. Future work : Identify and classify more operators, Enlarge the analysis corpus, Explore HCI to define the use of operators. Design an intuitive 3D modeling tool to explore new morphological expressions. Conclusion : /20 Introduction - Morpho-semantic operators - Examples in architecture - A model - Conclusion

We have attempted to :

Demonstrate the pertinence of morpho-semantic operators,

Define their role of in the process of creating forms.

Evaluate the impact of some operators and parameters on the resulting shapes.

Future work :

Identify and classify more operators,

Enlarge the analysis corpus,

Explore HCI to define the use of operators.

Design an intuitive 3D modeling tool to explore new morphological expressions.

Authors : J-P Wetzel , Pr J-C. Bignon, Dr S. Belblidia MAP-CRAI Team UMR-MAP CNRS-Culture N°694 Architecture School of Nancy, France Architecture School of Strasbourg, France Thank you very much for your attention www.crai.archi.fr [email_address] A PROPOSAL FOR MORPHOLOGICAL OPERATORS TO ASSIST ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN 8th International Conference on Design & Decision Support Systems in Architecture and Urban Planning / 4-7 July 2006