- DESIGN STUDIO C: THE DOME...AN INTERACTIVE PAVILION -
Cascade Pavilion
Domes are one of the most responsive architectural elements which are outstandingly adaptable to various geographical environments, due to the fact that they have simultaneously solved structural as well as architectural issues. Humans have discovered and grown familiar with numerous architectural and structural techniques for applying various materials in the construction of domes.
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This studio aims to develop the concept of domes through new materiality and fabrication techniques and technologies. Furthermore, the studio endeavors to increase interaction and responsiveness of the dome spaces and structures through discovering and designing new techniques and materials to achieve advanced dome geometry.
Traditionally, a dome is often considered to be constructed of a homogeneous element, a cell that gives characters to the dome. Materiality plays a vital role in dome construction, determining its texture, appearance, geometry and atmosphere.
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Gaining inspiration from natural precedents of stalactites/stalagmites and frozen waterfalls formations, which are results of the accumulation and hardening of phase-changing elements, materials that shares the same properties of fluidity, spontaneity, randomness, novelty and life are brought into dome construction in hope to break away from the traditional building techniques and static image of dome. The material wax is chosen for its beauty, poetic presence and handiness.
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The new material also allows the advancing of dome geometry. The traditional definition of dome as a single rounded vault forming the roof of a structure typically with a circular base is challenged by fusing couple domes together.
Interaction here is about people and the true expression of the natural properties of wax, about the intersecting and overlapping of different layers of domes, and about the chemistry between the new material, new technique and new geometry.
Material Experiment
Despite the fact that wax performs well for both experiments and is an exciting material to investigate, it is not suitable in its raw form and further processing is needed before it can be adopted in architectural use. For the moment, the next available material to realize the project in 1:1 scale would be concrete. This material will tackle the problem of durability and safety for bigger construction scale that the wax models encountered.
Final Model Fabrication
The final outcome is achieved using the same pouring technique as in the previous experiments. Series of models are produced to prove that ‘new’ definition of ‘dome’ can be realized. The models successfully demonstrate that the pavilion can be built by using only one material with the proposed geometry.
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Wax is a promising material for exploration and developmental architecture due to its flexibility both theoretically and physically. It exhibits the true essence of materiality through the textured surface as well as its translucency, enticing passersby to wander throughout the pavilion and creating an interactive dialogue. The recyclability of wax also adds potentials to the material to be used as future construction elements.
The Final Outcome
Geometric Exploration
The experiment proves that pouring is the most appropriate technique to work with wax. Pouring technique allows the building up of layers as it drips down, behaving in similar manner to the natural precedents analysed earlier. The product outcome manifests the wax’s unique characteristics and texture.
As the group has understood the behaviour of wax and mastered the pouring technique, pushing the limits of wax by manipulating the geometry is the next step to go, aiming at shifting away from the traditional definition of ‘dome’ that manifests its self as a spherical form to a self-supporting structure that allows for cantilevered archways. Through this exploration, it is discovered that each arch requires a minimum of three grounded points to become structurally stabilized to allow for cantilevered elements within the geometry.
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The different layers of dome are combined to from various configuration to achieve structural stabilization. The layers are also fashioned to filter sunlight and provide shelter from the wind.
To enhanced the experiential value of the pavilion. landscape manipulation is introduced. Varying heights of the dome archways coupled with undulating landscape helps evoke the sense of grandeur and creates a more immersive and engaging experience.