Smary Geometries 2012 Troy: Cluster Update

Smart Geometries just finished this weekend. I will upload some images and videos of the cluster I helped run, Form Follows Flow.Until then here is the video we showed as our cluster update during the confrence. Since the video was played while our cluster champion talked there is not much text in it. It shows some of the digital simulations we did in Vasari then the model testing in the subsonic wind tunnel at RPI. We were very lucky to be able to use the tunnel. There are strict regulations on the type and strength of models that can be tested. Usually you cannot see the wind flows with the naked eye, so helium bubbles are dropped into the flow. That is what creates the white streaking around the model. The models were powered by a cam and axle system connected to one high torque servo each. For data collection they have an accelerometer on the top and multiple tubes connected for pressure measurements. The models and sensors are controlled via an arduino microprocessor (except for the pressure senors).

 

SMART GEOMETRIES 2012: Troy

Form Follows Flow Cluster

Subsonic Wind Tunnel Testing

Interesting Videos of Robotic Fabrication (not mine)

Studio Fall 2011:Bioclimatic Skyscraper Frankfurt

 

 

Summer ventilation capitalizing on primary wind axis

 

Winter solar radiation heat gain and atrium stack effect

Smart Geometries

A quick video I produced for the Smart Geometries 2012 conference at RPI. I used CamStudio to capture the program footage. All the video editing was done in Adobe After Effects and Premiere. No fancy fades or effects since this is simply a schedule. Some of the technology featured includes: Vasari, Ecotect, Rhino, Grasshopper (firefly) and the arduino microprocessor.

I was assigned to the team, Form Follows Flow. The team consists of RPI professors and students, in collaboration with workshop participants. We will look at dynamically testing building geometries and use an artificial neural network to create calculations for every given depth (of a certain configuration). This project will catalog the effects of certain geometry change to wind loading for tall towers. Less load on a building means that less material is needed for structural support (structure presumably being more expensive than the addition of the surface boxes). The surface geometries could then become balconies (although they may be to windy) or other architectural features.

Click for more on SG2012!

Skywater (not mine)

Skywater

Atlelier CMJN

Interesting project done by a team of architects and engineers across the pond. Aesthetically combined rainwater capture and wind turbine power generation. Take a look at their other projects, great stuff.