Description

​

The studio project, which was carried out in collaboration with Zoe Basiouri , focuses on the design of a small pavilion in the Campus of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki using parametric methods and form generating software. My role in the process was that of a computational designer and a 3d modelist. My contribution to the project concerns the conception of the design proposal, graphic editing and final renderings although I actively participated in all phases of the project (iniciation, design proposal, form finding, algorithmic design, 2d drawings, 3d modeling, presentation). 
For the generation of the form was used the tessellation technique, namely the tiling of a surface using the voronoi diagram. The plane was partitioned into regions based on distance to points in a specific subset of the plane. The inicial surface was deformed in order to create spacial qualities in the interior and generate a self supporting structure that emerges from the ground, bends to house different uses and finally immerses again back into it.

​

Our aim was to create a flowing form that intergrates into its surroundings and offers a space of rest, dialog, stasis, orientation and every other kind of activities. There is not a definite dinstiction between the interior and the exterior while the orientation of the pavillion is based on the fluxes of the students in that certain area of the campurs as well as on climate factors. 

Using parametric tools and algorithmic software to design the paviion gave us the chance to control and optimise the structure, the segmentation and the subdivision of the surface : the stronger the curvature of the surface, the more concentrated the subdivisions and the more load bearing the segment, the thicker the intersections.

​

The location of the pavilion is on the node of the Centra Library, the Polytecnic School and the  Astronomical Observatory of the campus and is usually used from the students for their study breaks.  The selection of the pavilions location is crucial for the evolution of its form, although similar structures could be positioned in other parts of the campus in order to accomodate other student needs. 
A siimilar system of voronoi-based wooden panels is surrounding the main pavilion creating small itineraries in the area. The same type of structure is used around the pavilion in different scales to provide other types of services, for example a bicycling parking rack on the west of the main structure and a stasis area for the students to sit and relax on the north-east.

​

The materials used are metal  for the main structure as it is load bearing and mat of bamboo or rattan for the filling of the openings wherw and when it is necessary.  The fillings of the openings vary depending on the topology of the pavilion. The parameterization of the weaving makes plausible the control of the thhickness, the type of the material, and the density. The parts covering the information desk/bar, , the stasis area or the seats are of a thicker mat in order to protect the users from weather factors, creating a sequence of open and partially open spaces. 

The final physical model was produced combining lazer cut and 3D printing methods. That offered us the opportunity to use, experiment  and familiarise with CNC and Digital Fabrications Technologies as well as the file-to-factory production.

​