Simulation; Architectural Embodiment

Abstract

How is an idea processed to generate buildings? Archi-tectural process always requires us to figure out a concept based on the understanding of a complex urban texture, including urban rhythms, temporalities, history, and culture. However, through what medium do we transform those ideas to architecture in the physical world? I believe that one of the possible media, which enables ideas to embody the design, can be a simulation. As a for-mula of an architectural discourse, simulation enables us to mimic the reality, create an alternate condition through which we can test the input and output. As technologies develop, the boundary of architecture is becoming broader, yet more categorized. Various new technologies, not only regarding materials or construction technology, but more specific tools such as Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), coding, ro-botic technology, and Augmented Reality (AR) can provide us with a new way of processing architectural designs. Fur-thermore, these tools help to explore and enhance architec-tural design processes to create a positive synergy between the design and idea through testing and calculation. This book contains three different academic projects that explore the possibility of simulation as a tool for architectural design from Cornell AAP. First project explores the possibility of engagement between air pollution and architectural design through Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation. Second project attempts to reshape existing Olmsted Park in Buffalo through Augmented Reality, using 3D Max’s liquid surface simulation. Last project tries to understand the robotic algorithm and computational codes, and to observe how simulation can possibly be exploited to embody architectural ideas.