Algorithmic Emergence // Microstructure Growth

Brief

In architecture, the role of recursivity has been translated often into a merely aesthetical exploration rather than for solving complex problems with simple rules. The aim of the assignment was to investigate applications and implications of looping and recursive strategies to reframe the generation of architectural spaces. The goal of the assignment was to intervene a part of the Mies van der Rohe pavilion and propose an architectural installation applying recursive systems which resembles how would nature proliferate in a contained environment (take over the space).

Concept

Cloud Pergola: The Croatian Pavilion at the 2018 Venice Biennale

In the diagram by Paul Rudoplh the compressed space, the liberated space, the movement of space diagonally, vertically, and curved space modify the rectangular plan in a very clear and surprising fashion. The space is revealed but also hidden. The density of space is greater as it approaches the defining planes that form the Pavilion. The inward pull to the defining planes is offset by the reflective surfaces, so that most of the surfaces vibrate.

Barcelona Pavilion Study Drawings and an Interview by Paul Rudolph

The idea is to realize an installation of a vernacular structure combining handmade and natural elements in order to provide physical and non-physical boundaries. The installation is a N-dimensional microstructure generated by linear growth that follows the main circulation diagram of people accessing the pavilion from the stairs. The pavilion combines natural forces and human intervention and it creates porosity, light filtering and shadow casting. It wants to make the visitor think about new ways of creating structural and spatial solution with the use of 3D printers.

Perspective view of Mies van der Rohe Pavilion and the microstructure installation

Pseudo Code

Script

Code Development

Configuration Iterations

Animation

Credits

Algorithmic Emergence // Microstructure Growth  is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master of Advanced Architecture 2020/21 by Student:  Tullio Polisi and Faculty: Rodrigo Aguirre and Faculty Assistant: Ashkan Foroughi Dehnavi