Algorithmic Toolmaking: Parameter Thinking in Landscape Architecture

<p>This thesis interrogates the contentious integration of digital technologies into the field of landscape architecture. Identifying that an application of computational technique is largely unknown, the research delves into the scripting of geometry relationships with the use of the tool ‘Grasshopper’ in the context of landscape architecture. The discourse surrounding the appropriation of digital technology in assistance to landscape architecture is seemingly controversial with an apparent resistance in favour of traditional methodologies of site design. It is commonly stated that, digital software tends to be ‘too architectural’ and therefore less tailored to the open systems that landscape architects contend with. The tendency of contemporary software is to mimic the analogue process and while useful in representation and drawing production - these programs are scale-less and detached from reality. It is affirmed by academics such as Bradley Cantrell and Caroline Westort that landscape architecture needs more algorithmic attention. Stressing the construction of relationships between design-move and site condition. Parameter thinking infers a method of rule setting and dedication to the settling of boundaries in which the potentials of site intervention has room to shift. Geometries, points, curves and planes provide such palette. Abstraction is a primary conceptual driver of any drawing convention yet Grasshopper offers a more dynamic and animated process of conceptual development. The abstraction of site into such geometries grants a dynamic, shifting and generative paradigm to design and toolmaking. This thesis is to unfold the paradigm of operating within such a toolset adopting the use of Grasshopper almost exclusively as a way of engaging with conceptual development. Such an interface allows this thesis to note the performance of an algorithmic toolset and adopt an algorithmic mind set.</p>

Algorithmic Toolmaking: Parameter Thinking in Landscape Architecture

<p>This thesis interrogates the contentious integration of digital technologies into the field of landscape architecture. Identifying that an application of computational technique is largely unknown, the research delves into the scripting of geometry relationships with the use of the tool ‘Grasshopper’ in the context of landscape architecture. The discourse surrounding the appropriation of digital technology in assistance to landscape architecture is seemingly controversial with an apparent resistance in favour of traditional methodologies of site design. It is commonly stated that, digital software tends to be ‘too architectural’ and therefore less tailored to the open systems that landscape architects contend with. The tendency of contemporary software is to mimic the analogue process and while useful in representation and drawing production - these programs are scale-less and detached from reality. It is affirmed by academics such as Bradley Cantrell and Caroline Westort that landscape architecture needs more algorithmic attention. Stressing the construction of relationships between design-move and site condition. Parameter thinking infers a method of rule setting and dedication to the settling of boundaries in which the potentials of site intervention has room to shift. Geometries, points, curves and planes provide such palette. Abstraction is a primary conceptual driver of any drawing convention yet Grasshopper offers a more dynamic and animated process of conceptual development. The abstraction of site into such geometries grants a dynamic, shifting and generative paradigm to design and toolmaking. This thesis is to unfold the paradigm of operating within such a toolset adopting the use of Grasshopper almost exclusively as a way of engaging with conceptual development. Such an interface allows this thesis to note the performance of an algorithmic toolset and adopt an algorithmic mind set.</p>

Transcendent Site: The Resurrection of Denniston

<p>This thesis is a design-led investigation into how the proposed ‘Escarpment Mine Project’ could commemorate the history of the Denniston Plateau while at the same time, moving into the 21st century. The isolated ghost town, Denniston, is used as a means for building upon historic innovation, creating new opportunities for architecture. The resurrected township is based upon three design themes: resisting Dystopia, a call for eccentric creation, and repurposing the past. Each theme emerged as a response to macro and micro site analysis. The project investigates the fate of our cities in the future, and questions the role of architectural design in this setting. Inspired by Ecotopias, the new township is completely self-sufficient, and sustainable economic opportunities are created in anticipation of the inevitable decline of the ‘Escarpment Mine’. The project pushes the boundaries, constraints and perceptions of architectural fantasy. The resurrected township goes beyond accepted building norms, establishing itself as a township rich in identity and imaginative spirit. The proposal repurposes the past to create an evolutionary architecture specific to Denniston. The new township adds another layer of history to the currently stalled site condition. The development enables future generations to experience the history of site through its architectural evolution. The Denniston township is a positive contribution to the West Coast. The new township mediates with the past towards future ideals, manifesting itself in imaginative, unconventional architecture</p>

Transcendent Site: The Resurrection of Denniston

<p>This thesis is a design-led investigation into how the proposed ‘Escarpment Mine Project’ could commemorate the history of the Denniston Plateau while at the same time, moving into the 21st century. The isolated ghost town, Denniston, is used as a means for building upon historic innovation, creating new opportunities for architecture. The resurrected township is based upon three design themes: resisting Dystopia, a call for eccentric creation, and repurposing the past. Each theme emerged as a response to macro and micro site analysis. The project investigates the fate of our cities in the future, and questions the role of architectural design in this setting. Inspired by Ecotopias, the new township is completely self-sufficient, and sustainable economic opportunities are created in anticipation of the inevitable decline of the ‘Escarpment Mine’. The project pushes the boundaries, constraints and perceptions of architectural fantasy. The resurrected township goes beyond accepted building norms, establishing itself as a township rich in identity and imaginative spirit. The proposal repurposes the past to create an evolutionary architecture specific to Denniston. The new township adds another layer of history to the currently stalled site condition. The development enables future generations to experience the history of site through its architectural evolution. The Denniston township is a positive contribution to the West Coast. The new township mediates with the past towards future ideals, manifesting itself in imaginative, unconventional architecture</p>

Seismic Analysis of Isolated Continuous Bridge considering Influence of Seawater and Site Condition

The effects of seawater and site conditions on the seismic response of the isolated continuous girder bridge are evaluated in this study. The seawater-muddy soil-isolated bridge coupling model is built in the dynamic analysis software ADINA, and the external seismic wave input is realized by the seismic wave motion analysis program. The influences of seawater and muddy soil on the seismic response of isolated continuous girder bridges are determined by comparing different offshore site models. The results indicated that the seawater and the muddy soil magnify the displacement of the seabed. The existence of seawater increases the longitudinal relative displacement of piers by 20%–40% but has limited influence on the bending moment and shear force of piers. The muddy soil can increase the longitudinal relative displacement and internal force of the piers remarkably. Moreover, the displacement of bridge bearings increases significantly under the combined influence of muddy soil and seawater. In the seawater-muddy soil-isolated bridge coupling model, the seawater and site condition can influence the seismic performance of sea-crossing bridges obviously.

A Methodology for the Development of 1D Reference VS Profiles Compatible with Ground-Motion Prediction Equations: Application to NGA-West2 GMPEs

ABSTRACT Site response in ground-motion prediction equations (GMPEs) is primarily characterized as a function of the time-averaged shear-wave velocity over the top 30 m of the site profile (VS30). Although the use of VS30 as a main site-response predictor parameter is practical, GMPE site adjustments to different target regions or target site conditions require characterization of the GMPE’s rock-site response in terms of host VS profile and host kappa. Regional VS profiles and kappa values have been traditionally used to characterize GMPEs host site conditions. These regional site properties may not reflect the average site response in GMPEs. We present a methodology, based on the quarter-wavelength principles, that allows the derivation of GMPE-compatible host 1D VS profiles and kappa values. This methodology is applied to the Next Generation Attenuation-West2 (NGA-West2) GMPEs to derive GMPE-specific host VS profiles and kappa for western United States (WUS) site conditions with VS30 of 360, 490, 620, 760, and 1100 m/s. This application uses, for input, the GMPEs’ site response in Fourier amplitude spectra domain relative to a reference VS30 of 1000 m/s and requires an assigned VS profile for the reference site condition. The impact of the choice of reference VS profile on the results is not large. Comparisons of the derived GMPE-specific VS profiles for VS30 of 760 m/s show differences in the host VS profiles among the NGA-West2 GMPEs for the same site condition in WUS. Differences are also observed when comparing the derived GMPE-compatible VS profiles with the commonly used profiles for WUS for VS30 of 760 m/s. These differences highlight the importance of using GMPE-compatible VS profiles and kappa in GMPE adjustments and in site-response analyses. Limitations of this approach for soft site conditions are discussed.

Site-Response Analysis Using the Shear-Wave Velocity Profile Correction Approach

ABSTRACT The traditional approach used to incorporate site response into the ground-motion hazard analysis is to compute a design spectrum for a rock-site condition and then propagate the rock motion from the base of the soil model to the surface. The main limitation with this approach is that it can be inconsistent with the ground-motion models (GMMs) used to develop the input rock motion. The VS profile implicit in the GMMs is unlikely to match the site-specific VS profile (value and gradient), because the GMMs were developed for ground motions from different VS profiles over large regions and are unlikely to match the profile of any one site well. This article presents the VS profile correction method for developing surface ground motions as an alternative to the soil-over-rock approach routinely used in earthquake engineering practice. This approach is similar to the standard soil-over-rock analysis, but uses different input motions and involves performing two site response analyses—one for the generic profile associated with the GMM(s) and one for the site-specific profile—then applying the ratio of the two site response analysis results to correct the design spectrum for the reference site condition developed using the GMMs. Two example applications are included to illustrate the VS profile correction methodology as well as some of the challenges that may arise when doing so.