Radiation Bubble

Genetic Optimisation

Evolutionary Computation  is a framework for solving generic problems in the design process, which offers interesting capacities for the design process where we are usually the ones iterating over a design decision in order to evaluate its effectiveness. 

The Site

This project forms a part of a solution for the Poble Nou district – to provide an educaton facility, that helps eliviate the accomodation demanads on the city, as well as open up and and invigorate a unpopulated and dead site.

Optimisation

Moreover, the final structure is heavily based on passive and self sufficient methods of energy use.  In order to reduce the need for electricity, I have optimised the project for natural cooling and ventilation, as well as solar radiation for solar panels and natural lighting.  By maximising the amount of natural energy used to control internal environmental conditions, the energy consumption for the building is reduced.

Repetition + Iterations

Furthermore, by Grasshopper and Galapagos to run the computations in iterations, I am able to generate the optimum geometric form and location for my project.

The image below shows the multitude of different geometries for the primary ‘pod’.  The worst forms are indicated in red, and the best in green.  While the optimum geometry is shown in the blue bubble.

For this calculation, the height of the “bubble” as well as the free access to sunlight are maximised to get the best result.

Final Geometry

Finally, the final geometry consists of four optimised pod structures.  I have run each pod separately for solar radiation, in order to get the best result. However, when calculating wind flow, I have combined the pods, to enable a relationship between each when calculating wind flow.

A project by Kathleen Bainbridge
For Computational Design
With tutors Aldo Sollazzo + Rodrigo Aguirre

For previous computational works, please refer links below: