Project Description
For my final project, I have decided to generate and 3D print a set of skyscrapers. Rather than manually modeling the buildings, I will develop a program to algorithmically generate the designs. This approach will allow me to create unique skyscrapers with intricate architectural features driven by computational techniques. I would like to explore how computational elements and design can generate new and exciting models and real world structures.
I plan to read papers on architecture, civil engineering, and 3D building fabrication to inform my design choices. My goal is to produce skyscrapers that are not only visually interesting but also practical from a real world design perspective. I envision creating a collection of skyscrapers that could realistically be placed adjacent to each other on a city block, and I may even add roads and additional city infrastructure to place the skyscrapers within a larger urban context.
Each skyscraper will incorporate elements of mathematics and 3D modeling concepts covered in this class, as well as modern skyscraper design features. To meet the computational requirements of this project, I will focus on generating the designs programmatically, ensuring that each building has unique attributes and follows real world constraints such as structural stability. That being said, I would still like to push the boundaries and see what is possible to generate with this approach that differs from existing architecture.
For specific elements, I plan to use the Turtle Slicer for at least one skyscraper to experiment with more intricate slicing techniques. Additionally, I want to generate another skyscraper based on real world data, similar to the methods of using data we found for Project #3. Other skyscrapers will incorporate mathematical functions, such as sine waves, to create new and innovative structures. I want the buildings to be unique from one another and explore new computational design elements for each of them.
Teams
I will be working alone for this project.
Project Schedule
Nov 20th – Have at least 1 skyscraper modeled and printed
Nov 30th – Have 3+ skyscrapers modeled and printed
Early December – Have a city block layout along with all skyscrapers printed and post completed.
Related Work
Moslim, Abo, and Saad Allah Fathy. Evaluating skyscraper design and construction technologies on an international basis. Diss. University of British Columbia, 2017. https://open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0357978
This paper provides a framework for evaluating skyscraper design and construction systems, addressing the complexity of selecting effective solutions from a global array of practices and technologies. It identifies key categories, criteria, and perspectives that are critical for decision-making for high-rise building projects. This work will inform my project by guiding the selection of practical, real-world elements to incorporate into my skyscraper models, ensuring they reflect both architectural innovation and feasibility. This paper also has strong insights into the artistic design that goes into making certain skyscrapers appealing
Poulsgaard, Kåre Stokholm, and Lambros Malafouris. “Models, mathematics and materials in digital architecture.” Cognition Beyond the Brain: Computation, Interactivity and Human Artifice (2017): 283-304. https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-49115-8_14
This paper explores how digital tools and computation are transforming architectural design practices, especially regarding creativity and design thinking. The paper considers how digital environments enhance designers imaginative capacities while requiring a complex understanding of computation, materials, and affective interactions. This research will inform my project by highlighting how digital tools can expand creative possibilities in architectural modeling, encouraging innovative use of 3D design software in my skyscraper models. I think that I will be able to compare and contrast some methods I learned in this class to the paper as well as exploring new 3D design methods more focused on the architecture side.
Hey Wayne, I really like the idea of your project. I think the idea of modeling skyscrapers is really cool. Are you considering using different color filaments for different effects? Also I was wondering , are you going to be designing new sky scrapers or modeling some pre existing ones scaled down? Either will be super cool! Looking forward to your project man!
Ian
Hey Ian, thank you for the feedback! I think I’ll stick with a single-color filament, but I may try adding color to specific sections of the models. I’m planning to design new skyscrapers, drawing on elements from existing ones for both inspiration and structural integrity.
Hi Wayne, your project sounds neat. Like Ian, I wondered if you were planning to come up with new skyscraper designs? Additionally, are you planning to use your own printer or another method of fabricating? It could be interesting to explore the different effects you get creating a city block with different materials. Looking forward to seeing your work!
Hey Sachi! I’m working on creating new skyscraper designs that incorporate ideas from existing structures. I’ll be printing everything on my home printer, but if I get the chance, it would be amazing to try a different material, like concrete. I’ll focus on designing the skyscrapers first, and if I have extra time, I’ll create a setting for them all. Thanks for taking the time to give feedback!
I’m really excited to see how this turns out, I love visualizing larger spaces and I’m very intrigued to see your skyscrapers all together in one set. I am also curious what scale of your skyscrapers are, you mentioned having 5+ of these and I’m wondering about the practicality in transporting so many prints. I’m also interested in what you mean by practical design and how that is going to effect your selection process of skyscrapers. Overall very excited and can’t wait to see how it turns out.
Hey Christopher! Thank you for the feedback! I do plan to design a variety of skyscrapers to create a simulated city block. Transporting five of them at once could be a challenge, so I’m aiming to keep the scale manageable. I also want the designs to be practical and realistic structures that could feasibly be built as skyscrapers, not just plastic models that look interesting.
Wayne,
Sounds like a really cool and fun idea. You mentioned even modeling the road and city blocks alongside the skyscrapers you print, would this all be put together on a single surface? And do you already know which skyscrapers you’d like to recreate (assuming that they will be based off of real skyscrapers)? It would be a really cool idea if you used real dimensions but at a smaller scale! Looking forward to seeing the final outcome of your project!
Hey Desiree! Thanks for your feedback! I’d like to arrange all the models together in a simulated city block so they could sit on a table to represent a section of a downtown area. I plan to design my own skyscrapers, inspired by existing buildings. For example, I’d like to make one similar to the Space Needle. I’ll also try to keep the dimensions realistic, so these designs could potentially be built in real life based on the models.