Asterios Agkathidis

modular structures
in design and architecture

BIS PUBLISHERS 2010 - english language edition

 content

001 // introduction //
003 particle cloud
009 hexagon
015 sponge structure
023 loop the bow
029 cubic shpere
035 fractal cube
041 penrose 3d
047 // modular constructs //
051 // processes for performative geometry //
055 thunder sweep
061 algorithmic (sur)faces
075 dazndruff
083 flowerZ
091 heaven ´n earth
097 moiré surface
103 dedecahedron
109 reflections
115 // the liberation of space //
121 // servo mesh //
126 // public demonstration architecture //
131 // credits //
introduction
This book examines morphogenetic processes based on a
combination of digital and analogue modelling and manufactur-
ing techniques. The introduction of the module, as the main
instrument of geometric and structural determination, becomes
crucial. The module as a pre-architectural unit is not read as a
multiplying identical object, but as a variable set of rules, which
due to emerging CAD / CAM technologies is able to adapt, grow
and transform into surfaces and complex geometries. Fractals,
algorithms and systems in nature are taken as a starting point
for the planed experiment.

Traditional physical modelling techniques are being combined

with digital 3d modelling and manufacturing technologies, in-
forming the developing constructs with additional components
and qualities. The constructs shown in this book could in many
cases easily be translated into architecture or design objects. In
fact, in some of the studies shown the step of translation into an
object has been taken.

That is by far not the most optimistic possible evolution. Fur-

thermore, they could operate as design and architectural ar-
chetypes, precursors of an architecture to come. They may be
interpreted in different logics and scales, opening new perspec-
tives to architectural geometry and form.

The studies shown here have been produced in the academic

context of the Technische Univesität Darmstadt, Faculty of Ar-
chitecture*, in classes and workshops held by Asterios Agkath-
idis during 2007-2008. The output produced proves not only
to be an exciting new way in educational motivation and sys-
tematic architectural approach but is also an important step of
introducing (future) architects, into understanding and handling
of complex geometries and novel CAD / CAM technologies.

Additional essays of teaching and practising architects and de-

signers enrich the discussion, based on the thematic fields of
the different studies shown here. Asterios Agkathidis, Frankfurt
am Main.

*in the chair of EKON, Prof. Moritz Hauschild

001 002
modular constructs
Asterios Agkathidis, www.a3lab.org
Modular constructs appeared in architecture many centuries ago. They ful-
fil the necessity to subdivide structural elements in order to achieve easier,
faster and cheaper fabrication, transportation and assembly of build enti-
ties.
The first structural elements of the early monolithic, non-modular construc-
tions were build with single massive pieces of stone. Just a few centuries
later, ancient builders and craftsmen started considering subdivision of
structural parts in smaller, easier to manage units. Thus the first hand-
made mass manufacturing units emerged, producing „quasi identical“
mud-bricks and stone building blocks (figure 01) to be used for sophisti-
cated Mesopotamian, Egyptian and Greek houses and temples.
1 based on structural elements rapidly produced “by stencil”,
Vitruv introduces the notion of the module (modulus) while analyzing the
Doric rhythm in the Parthenon. He defines the module as the smallest pos-
sible unit in which each element of the temple can be analyzed in. It’s a
measurement, a rhythm, which allows the whole building to be explained.
(01) Nuraghe Losa, Sar-
dinia: in transition from
the monolithic to the mod-
ular. Image by the author
047
(02) 5-axis cnc mill
Modular constructions are further developed to perfection
during the industrial era. Conrad Wachsmann‘s General Panel
2
System allows mass production of houses. Modular con-
structions are standardised, enabling them to be manufac-
tured in the millions. The homogeneous, identical module,
easily reproduced by the existing technology, still revolu-
tionizes architectural construction today. An architecture
defines our understanding of modular constructions till today.
Today, in the digital era, emerging CAD/CAM design and man-
ufacturing technologies allow a different perception of modu-
larity. For more than 20 years, CAD (Computer Aided Design)
has been replacing traditional drawing, designing and form
finding techniques. Advanced 3d- modelling software allows
creation and handling of complex geometries.
CNC (Computer Numerical Control) manufacturing mills (fig-
ure 02) appearing already in the 50s, are today being used
in building construction, as never before. CAM (Computer-
Aided Manufacturing), allows direct data transmission from
the computer to the manufacturing device. Planning software
3
and producing hardware merge into architectural firmware .
The combination of rising raw material prices and falling CAM
production cost are pushing this development even faster
ahead. Individuality of form and its serial mass production are
becoming a reality within a more and more affordable frame-
work. Is that the end of modular constructions, or the begin-
ning of a universal “new modular“ standardization?
048
The studies shown in this book are
directed to trying to find an answer
to that question. They help us to
redefine the limits of modularity in
relation to the upcoming tools and
techniques. In any case, the unit as
a parametric entity becomes despite
(or because of) the atomized CAM
processes, a necessity for manag-
ing complex geometries. After trans-
forming and redefining itself, the
module is present as never before.
The module of the digital era, seems
to evolve away from its analogue
identity. Nevertheless, never has the
call for normation and standardiza-
tion in a globalized world, been so
urgent as today. Dimensions, quali-
ties and construction costs and their
reduction in the architectural industry
are getting increasing in importance.
Emerging products and materials
demand different parameters of pro-
cessing. Size limitations defined by
transportation and digital production
media, still need to be observed.
The information framework based
on these different parameters, regu-
lations and criteria, is able to set
up a new generation of digital as-
sociative units. At the same time,
the struggle for production time and
cost minimisation urges us to search
for new ways to reduce human ef-
fort, also in the fields of architectural
design and planning. The architect
is entering more and more the field
of software programming, able to
create his own CAD tooling based
on scripting and algorithmic applica-
tions. These upcoming architectural
049
(03) Plaza Business Center canopy in
Frankfurt, by Just.Burgeff & Agkathidis
(04) script based manufacturing
automazation
techniques are reducing complex repetitive planning routines into a mouse
click, capable also to adapt materiality, manufacturing, transportation and
montage parameters. In addition they prove to be a great designing tool
opening new relations between form definition and geometry.
The example of the canopy for the Plaza Business Centre in Frankfurt
(figure 3) being planned at the moment, makes these relations clear: The
canopy structural geometry is put together from individual elements form-
ing a Voronoi. The early structural optimization makes that inevitable, thus
the minimum material consumption (steel beams) and also cost reduction
can be achieved. The costs of digital manufacturing, is not being affected
by the amount of the individual elements. The size of the individual mod-
ules is being defined by transportation and zinc bath dimensioning norms.
The individual static calculation of every single foil cushion, which is sup-
posed to cover parts of the upper named structure, raises the amount of
the expected planning effort and so the construction cost. That could have
been avoided by either applying a calculation automatization algorithm, or
simplifying the initial geometry, by abandoning the optimum geometry in
the cushion covered area. In that case the last option was chosen. Plan-
ning atomization becomes a parameter for modular definition.
Slightly different is the approach on another similar occurring problem in
the example of the chair shown on pages 063-076 (figure 04). The asso-
ciative modification of the chair module is made possible via several dif-
ferent, 3d modelling software. Each individual chair variation can be frozen
according to the users needs and so produced via CAM (mass customiza-
tion). The geometric – structural manufacturing preparation of the chair is in
any way possible, but huge planning effort. This problem was eliminated
with the help of a script (page 067) which allows a real time simulation and
geometrical solution. The profiles of the chair can be prepared in minutes.
A mass customized low cost production product has been born.
Modular constructs of the digital age are liberated from physical mass ho-
mogenization borderlines. Their digital identity allows them to differentiate
their form and dimension without loosing parametric customized determi-
nation. The modification of systems structural units modifies the system it
belongs to, and thus the construct, and architecture of the city entails.
FOOTNOTES
1. “Book IV”, Marcus V (d.i. Vitruv) Pollio,1987
2. “Mobile Architektur”, Matthias Ludwig, 1998
3. “Hybrid Space“: New Forms in Digital Architecture, Peter Zellner, 1999
050
credits PROJECT CREDITS
003 particle cloud Egon Hedrich, Rainer Schmidt
009 hexagon Bernhard Bangert, Lars Michael
015 sponge structure Marianna Moschella; Kristina Klenner
023 loop the bow Fatma Esmer, Ulrike Hellenthal
029 cubic sphere Eva Diehl
EDITOR 035 fractal cube Thomas Dellmann, Silvia Nowozin
Asterios Agkathidis 041 penrose 3d Mareike Ahl, Bettina Dobschal,
Miao-Miao Ma
AUTHORS
055 linear sweep Jan Kern, Michael Schenk
Asterios Agkathidis
Gabi Schillig 061 algorithmic (sur)faces Asterios Agkathidis,
Kostas Terzidis Kyriakos Chatziparaskevas
Oliver Tessmann Matthias Knöpfel, Andreas Schmatz;
Claudio Veckstein Jakob Reising
075 dandruff Simon Keßler, Wajtek Panek
PHOTOGRAPHY Jan Wimmenauer
Asterios Agkathidis 083 flowerZ Olivia Haym, Constanze Joppen
Eva Diehl 091 heaven n earth Eke Rukiye, Turan Serpil
Marianna Moschella
097 moiré surface Lina Linde, Jochen Vollmer
Bechir Nouri Lahouar
103 dodecahedron Sunjoo Yang, Jinha Son
ARTWORK 109 light reflections Karen Eppler, Michael Reus
Asterios Agkathidis
SPECIAL THANKS TO
PRINTED AND BOUND The fg_ekon, Criss Yetzios & FormZ, Pit Maier & the wood shop in the
in China Technische Universität Darmstadt, Jan Dittgen, Sophia Vyzoviti and the
many others contributed to this book.
ISBN
978-90-6369-206-3 INFORMATION
www.a3lab.org / mail@a3lab.org
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