This project delves into the computational design of “The Forest Shelter” by Yoann Saehr and Studiolada, a pavilion distinguished by its use of repeating timber boards. Using Grasshopper, a tailored script was developed to emulate the pavilion’s logic, showcasing the potential for a sophisticated design arising from a simple construction process. Furthermore, this project highlights the feasibility of realizing such a structure with a modest budget and minimal crew, emphasizing the practical implications of computational design in architecture.
Reference Pavilion
Approach
There are four primary elements of this pavilion design:
1) First, a base structure of timber beams that overlap to create arch-like supports. The most logical operation to reach the gradual increase of linear elements in a way that had them consistently spaced, was to find a rectangle similar to the dimensions of the design and then create a surface between the two particular edges that were then divided equally using the contour component.
2) The structure of the roof interlocks with the base elements. One section is oriented horizontally to the ground and one connects at the peak of the entire structure. The logic behind creating this element was the same as the logic for the base.
3) The horizontal spacers were created by dividing the line which made the total roof element and positioning a rectangle that could be extruded to the extent of the roof.
4) Finally, the roof material was created the same way the support elements were except rather than contouring the surface it was extruded on the Z axis.
Pseudocode & Design Process
1st: Creating a box that would contain the required pattern.
2nd: Brepping the edges of thas box.
3rd: Select two edges (corresponding to the desired form) and create a ruled surface between them.
4th: Mirroring this surface.
5th: Contouring the ruled surface to have the desired amount of components.
6th: Entwineing all contours and mirroring them to create the entire structure.
7th: Taking the “perp” of all lines and extruding rectangles along the center point, then extracting surfaces from these extrusions.
Elevations & Render
Process Animation
Final Animation
