FS14 Documentatrion hq2 PDF

Documentation of the teaching results from the spring semester 2014
New Methods in Urban

Analysis and Simulation
Reinhard König, Estefania Tapias, and Gerhard Schmitt
iA Chair of
Information
Architecture
Chair of Information Architecture
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation

Documentation of teaching results
iA
Teaching
Syllabi
http://www.ia.arch.ethz.ch/category/teaching/archive/fs2014-new-methods-in-urban-analysis-and-simulation/
Seminar
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation
Students
Guillaume Stark, Jain Neel, Jing Xi, Lewis Williams, Li Li, Rini Singhvi, Stanislas Chaillou
Published by
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETHZ)
Department of Architecture
Wolfgang-Pauli-Strasse 27, HIT H 31.6
8093 Zurich
Switzerland
Zurich, December 2014
Layout
Gava Alessandra
Contact
reinhard.koenig@arch.ethz.ch | http://www.ia.arch.ethz.ch/koenig/
Cover picture:
Front and back side: Guillaume Stark, Isovist and shadow analysis for Max Bill Platz, Zurich
Course Description and Program
Information Architecture
Mondays 14:00 – 18:00

063-1357-13 G | 4 ECTS*
New Methods in
Urban Analysis and Simulation 17.02.2014 Introduction to the course
E1 - Rhino/Grasshopper tutorial
A solid knowledge of computational methods is an increasingly 24.02.2014 Generative systems workshop

important key competence for future architects or urban planners. E2 - Generative techniques
In this course you will learn how to analyze and generate spatial
configurations with advanced computational methods. 03.03.2014 Space syntax I
E3 - Convex Map, Axial Map of a small area
In a series of theory lectures we explore how designing and planning
of cities could become evidence based by using scientific methods. 10.03.2014 Space syntax II
Various exercises will provide training for your skills in working with E4 - Depthmap & GIS: Prepare Data -> Import Data –> Analysis
state-of-the-art yet office proven design tools (Depthmap, Ecotect, methods
and Rhino/Grasshopper). In an integral project work, you will deepen
your knowledge in spatial analysis and simulation methods such as 17.03.2014 Seminar week (no lecture)
Space Syntax using Depthmap software and environmental analysis
with the program Ecotect. In addition you will acquire skills for using 24.03.2014 Space syntax III
analysis methods for generative design processes. Therefore we E5 - Rhino/Grasshopper
introduce you into the parametric design software Grasshopper for
Rhino 3D. 31.03.2014 Empirical studies
E6 - Collect data (evaluate existing materials)
Based on the methods introduced during the semester, you will learn
07.04.2014 Microclimate analysis I
and understand different effects of planning and design interventions
E7 - Ecotect Tutorial I. Analysis of a small urban area.
on urban life. At the end of the course you will be able to interpret
analysis and simulation results, and to apply correspondent 14.04.2014 Microclimate analysis II
computational methods for your own planning projects. E8 - Rhino/Grasshopper
Where: 05.05.2014 Best practice examples - Guest lecture

Lecture, HIT F22 - Value Lab
Exercise, HIT H12 12.05.2014 Final consultation
When: 16.05.2014 Final iA critique
Mondays 14:00 to 18:00
Combined critique with the other iA courses
Supervision:
Dr. Reinhard König reinhard.koenig@arch.ethz.ch * Total 120 h = 4 ECTS
Estefania Tapias tapias@arch.ethz.ch Exercises 25% (documentations)
Matthias Standfest standfest@arch.ethz.ch Presentation 25% (project at the end)
Written documentation 50% (project)
The most recent outline will be found on www.ia.arch.ethz.ch
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schmitt

iA Chair of
Information
Architecture
Content
Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz (Zürich-Oerlikon)
Student: Guillaume Stark p.9
Pedestrian Network: Old City of Ahmedabad

Student: Jain Neel p.15
Kasernenareal: Park oder City?

Student: Jing Xi p.23
Knoxville, Tennessee
Student: Lewis Williams p.35
Design with the Invisible

Student: Li Li p.43
Extension of Gandhi Ashram

Student: Rini Singhvi p.49
A Refuge on Stromboli Island

Student: Stanislas Chaillou p.55
Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz (Zürich-Oerlikon)
Student: Guillaume Stark
Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz [Oerlikon ZH]
Final Examination
Stark Guillaume
Summary. Max-Bill Platz in Oerlikon has a strange status. It’s a triangular square, sur-
Summary. Max-Bill Platz in Oerlikon has a strange status. It’s a triangular square, Motivation. As future architects/urban planners, we might very well be confronted
rounded by big-scale housing buildings. Although its urban environnment, the Platz
surrounded by big-scale housing buildings. Although its urban environnment, to such issues. The idea is to make use of the tools learned in the course in order
the Platz hasn’t a dynamic. Why? and what could be done in the aim of galvani- to suggest an option that would improve Max-Bill Platz dynamic and, if possible,
zing this space are the question that this analysis tries to answer. point out the factors that take on the most influence.
hasn’t a dynamic. Why? and what could be done in the aim of galvanizing this space are
the question that this analysis tries to answer.
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz
Motivation. As future architects/urban planners, we might very well be confronted to
such issues. The idea is to make use of the tools learned in the course in order to sug-
gest an option that would improve Max-Bill Platz dynamic and, if possible, point out the
factors that take on the most inﬂuence.
Shadow analysis
[grasshopper, time 21 September] shows that
the square is provided with enough light during
the day, it also defines the area where an inter-
vention would make sense, considering that
people would spend more time in the sunlight.
dow analysis [grasshopper, time 21 September] shows that the square

rovided with enough light during the day, it also defines the area where an
vention would make sense, considering that people would spend more time
e sunlight.
ds in Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz
Integration [depthmap, axial map analysis] as it

is today, the triangular shape which defines Max-
Bill Platz is also defined as a non-integrated area.
iA
gration [depthmap, axial map analysis] as it is today, the triangular shape
h defines Max-Bill Platz is also defined as a non-integrated area.The goal is

10 New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation
Chair of
activate the square. Information
Architecture
ds in Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Integration considering the road as a non-walk-
able space [depthmap, axial map analysis] the
road bordering Max-Bill Platz is an important axis
for the city and therefore subject to high trafic.
As the analysis is based on a pedestrian scale, it
makes sens to consider the road the same way
as a building. We can see that the square is even
less integrated than it was in the previous analy-
sis, although the crosswalks are considered as
«gates» through the road.
ion considering the road as a non-walkable space [depthmap, axial
alysis] the road bordering Max-Bill Platz is an important axis for the city
refore subject to high trafic. As the analysis is based on a pedestrian
makes sens to consider the road the same way as a building. We can
the square is even less integrated than it was in the previous analysis,
h the crosswalks are considered as «gates» through the road.
n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz
Choice [depthmap, axial map analysis]

shows that Max-Bill Platz is not offering a large
range of choices, increasing this factor could be
a way to galvanize the square.
on [depthmap, axial map analysis] as it is today, the triangular shape

efines Max-Bill Platz is also defined as a non-integrated area.The goal is
vate the square.
Connectivity
[depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid]
shows that Max-Bill Platz suffers from a lack of
connections, the crossroads nearby seems to
act as a pole of connectivity. Shifting this pole
or dissolving it could be a way to connect the
square to its surroundings.
ctivity [depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] shows that Max-Bill Platz

from a lack of connections, the crossroads nearby seems to act as a pole
ectivity. Shifting this pole or dissolving it could be a way to connect the
to its surroundings.
Isovist [depthmap, visibility analysis]

what can be seen from the square is mostly the
road, which makes it un-attractive for the pedes-
trians. This analysis reveals that the view factors
are also to be taken into account.
epthmap, visibility analysis] what can be seen from the square is

road, which makes it un-attractive for the pedestrians. This analysis

at the view factors are also to be taken into account.
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 11
Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz
Comparison of the options shows that option 4
has the more potential regarding integration and
choice. The several objects give a dynamic to
the square, where the other options were help-
mization option 4
ante 2 less.
arison of the options shows that option 4 has the more potential regar-
ntegration and choice. The several objects give a dynamic to the square,
the other options were helpless.
Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz
Integration [depthmap, axial map analysis] this

variante shows the best potential, the inclined
shape of the five objects provide the square with
a heart, which is an important feature for an ur-
timization option 4 ban square. It also drives the fluxes and dialog
iante 2
ation [depthmap, axial map analysis] this variante shows the best po-
the inclined shape of the five objects provide the square with a heart,
is an important feature for an urban square. It also drives the fluxes and
with the direct and remoted surroundings.
Choice [depthmap, axial map analysis]

reveals that now Max-Bill Platz offers
ante 2
more choice, this intervention would create a
more vibrating and dynamic space .
ce [depthmap, axial map analysis] reveals that now Max-Bill Platz offers
choice, this intervention would create a more vibrating and dynamic space .
Comparison of the options shows that option 4

has the more potential regarding integration and
choice. The several objects give a dynamic to
the square, where the other options were help-
less.
[depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] here, the square seems to

s own identity by creating views inside the space. This also means that
ments that compose the intervention need a minimum height in order to
iA
the isovist graph.

Chair of
Information
Architecture

iante 2
Shadow analysis
[grasshopper, time 21 September] the new
space created would still benefit from a good
iante 2
sun exposition, another advantage of this multi-
pleobjects intervention.
ow analysis [grasshopper, time 21 September] the new space created

d still benefit from a good sun exposition, another advantage of this multiple-
ts intervention.
Connectivity
[depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] com-
pared to the last connectivity graph, the square
is now less connected to the trafic. The cross-
raod nearby seems to loose its importance,
which is good, as it could not be used by the
pedestrians.
nectivity [depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] compared to the last

ectivity graph, the square is now less connected to the trafic. The crossraod
by seems to loose its importance, which is good, as it could not be used by
edestrians.
Conclusion. At the beginning of the analysis, the first design idea was very far
from the variante chosen at the end of the process. The analysis reveals what’s
underneath the surface, and actaually open new perspectives for design.
The project proposed here could be more refined, by testing more design options,
but the basis of the concept are now solid, and this step is hard to aquire.
Such analysis could be applied to any project that has an environnment, and it
shall now be part of my design process.
Conclusion. At the beginning of the analysis, the first design idea was very far from the variante chosen
atMethods
New the endin Urbanof theandprocess.
Analysis The Max-Bill
Simulation - Galvanizing analysis
Platz reveals what’s underneath the surface, and actaually open new
perspectives for design. The project proposed here could be more refined, by testing more design op-
tions, but the basis of the concept are now solid, and this step is hard to aquire. Such analysis could
be applied to any project that has an environnment, and it shall now be part of my design process.

Pedestrian Network: Old City of Ahmedabad
Student: Jain Neel
Ahmedabad City
Located on the western part of India, Ahmedabad City has its roots more than 600 years old. Formed
and developed by Mughals then, it has been lived in ever after. Hosting more than 6.5 million people it is
the seventh largest city in India. It is also a place holding various architectural works by very well known
Architects, both nationally and internationally.
AHMEDABAD CITY !
LOCATED ON THE WESTERN PART OF INDIA, AHMEDABAD CITY HAS ITS ROOTS MORE TOP LEFT : LOCATION
THAN 600 YEARS OLD. FORMED AND DEVELOPED BY MUGHALS THEN, ITS BEEN LIVED TOP CENTER: I.I.M.A. BY LOUIS KAHN
IN EVER AFTER. HOSTING MORE THAN 6.5 MILLION PEOPLE ITS THE SEVENTH LARGEST TOP RIGHT : JAMI MASJID
CITY IN INDIA. ITS ALSO A PLACE HOLDING VARIOUS ARCHITECTURAL WORKS BY VERY CENTER : SHODHAN HOUSE BY LE CORBUSIER
WELL KNOWN ARCHITECTS NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY. BOTTOM : AHMEDABAD CITY SKYLINE WITH SABARMATI RIVER
AHMEDABAD CITY
LOCATED ON THE WESTERN PART OF INDIA, AHMEDABAD CITY HAS IT
THAN 600 YEARS OLD. FORMED AND DEVELOPED BY MUGHALS THEN
IN EVER AFTER. HOSTING MORE THAN 6.5 MILLION PEOPLE ITS THE S
CITY IN INDIA. ITS ALSO A PLACE HOLDING VARIOUS ARCHITECTURAL
WELL KNOWN ARCHITECTS NATIONALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.
AHMEDABAD
AHMEDABAD CITY: CITY:
STREETSTREET NETWORK
NETWORK
TOP LEFT TOP LEFT : SATELLITE
: SATELLITE IMAGERY,IMAGERY,
GOOGLEGOOGLE
MAPS MAPS
TOP RIGHTTOP RIGHT
: STREET: STREET
IMAGERY,IMAGERY, APPLE MAPS
APPLE MAPS
BOTTOMBOTTOM LEFT: ABSTRACTION,
LEFT: ABSTRACTION, BY AASHNA
BY AASHNA AGRAWALAGRAWAL
! !
STREET STREET
NETWORK NETWORK OF AHMEDABAD
OF AHMEDABAD AS SEENASINSEEN IN THIS SEQUENCE
THIS SEQUENCE OF IMAGES
OF IMAGES IS IS
AHMEDABAD
QUITE SIMPLE
CITY:
QUITE SIMPLE TOSTREET
UNDERSTAND
TO UNDERSTAND
NETWORK
AND COMPREHEND.
AND COMPREHEND.
TOPITLEFT : SATELLITE
IT IS
IS A SERIES A OF
SERIES IMAGERY,
OF
CIRCULAR GOOGLE
CIRCULAR
ROADS, MAPS
ROADS,
HAVING HAVING
THE OLDTHE OLD
CITY AT CITY AT ITS CORE
ITS CORE
TOPCONNECTED
RIGHT CONNECTED
: STREET IMAGERY,
BY SEVERAL
BY SEVERAL APPLE
RADIAL MAPSROADS.
RADIAL
ROADS.
BOTTOM LEFT: ABSTRACTION, BY AASHNA AGRAWAL
!
STREET NETWORK OF AHMEDABAD AS SEEN IN THIS SEQUENCE OF IMAGES IS
QUITE SIMPLE TO UNDERSTAND AND COMPREHEND.
IT IS A SERIES OF CIRCULAR ROADS, HAVING THE OLD CITY AT ITS CORE
CONNECTED BY SEVERAL RADIAL ROADS.

16 New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation iA Chair of
Information
Architecture
AHMEDABAD CITY: CITY:
AHMEDABAD STREET NETWORK
STREET NETWORK
TOP LEFT : TRAFFIC,
TOP LEFT LOW DENSITY
: TRAFFIC, LOW DENSITY
TOP RIGHT : TRAFFIC,
TOP RIGHT USUAL USUAL
: TRAFFIC,
BOTTOM LEFT: TRAFFIC,
BOTTOM HIGH HIGH
LEFT: TRAFFIC,
! !
TRAFFICTRAFFIC
AS SEENASINSEEN
AHMEDABAD, IS USUALLY
IN AHMEDABAD, MUCH MORE
IS USUALLY MUCHTHAN
MORETHE
THAN THE
STANDARD ACCEPTABLE
STANDARD VALUESVALUES
ACCEPTABLE SET FORSET
NEW DEVELOPING
FOR CITIES. SERVING
NEW DEVELOPING CITIES. SERVING
MORE THAN
MORE6.5 MILLION
THAN PEOPLEPEOPLE
6.5 MILLION EVERY DAY THESE
EVERY DAY ROADS ARE NOW
THESE ROADS AREBEING
NOW BEING
USED MUCH
USEDMORE
MUCHTHANMORETHEIR
THANFULL POTENTIAL
THEIR CAPACITY.
FULL POTENTIAL CAPACITY.
AHMEDABAD CITY MAP

REH HATCH IN CENTER SHOWING EXTENDS OF OLD FORTIFIED CITY
RED LINE SHOWING BOUNDARY OF AHMEDABAD MUNICIPAL CORPORATION (AMC)
AREA UNDER AHMEDABAD URBAN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (AUDA) BEING ALMOST 9 TIMES BIGGER

AHMEDABAD CITY
SEGMENT ANALYSIS, INTEGRATION
TOP LEFT : R = 1000M
TOP RIGHT : R = 5000M
BOTTOM LEFT: R = N
AHMEDABAD CITY AHMEDABAD CITY

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, INTEGRATION SEGMENT ANALYSIS, INTEGRATION
TOP LEFT : R = 1000M TOP LEFT : R = 1000M
TOP RIGHT : R = 5000M TOP RIGHT : R = 5000M
BOTTOM LEFT: R = N BOTTOM LEFT: R = N
AHMEDA
SEGMEN
TOP LEFT
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LEF
!
REMOVING T
LARGER NET
VEHICULAR T
THIS WOULD
VEHICLES AN
ON THE OTH
NETWORK O
AHMEDABAD CITY, WITHOUT FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, WITHOUT FORTIFIED CITY
SEGMENT ANALYSIS, INTEGRATION
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT INTEGRATION
: R = 1000M
TOP LEFT TOP: R RIGHT
= 1000M: R = 5000M
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: R = 5000M
LEFT: R = N
BOTTOM LEFT:
! R=N
! REMOVING THE STREETS OF THE OLD FORTIFIED CITY FROM THE WHOLE AHMEDA
REMOVING THE STREETS
LARGER
LARGER NETWORK
OF THE
NETWORK
OF STREETS
OFOLD FORTIFIED
STREETS
CONSIDERING
CITY FROM
CONSIDERING THEMTHEUNUSABLE
WHOLE BY
OPTIONS
VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DURING 9 AM TOTHEM
6 PM.UNUSABLE BY
TOP LEFT
VEHICULAR THIS
TRAFFIC DURING
WOULD ALLOW9 AMTHETOOLD
6 PM.
CITY BE LESS NOISY AND LESS CROWDED BY
TOP RIGHT
THIS WOULDVEHICLES
ALLOW THE ANDOLD
MUCH MORE
CITY ACCESSIBLE
BE LESS NOISY AND ANDLESS
ENJOYABLE.
CROWDED BY
BOTTOM LEF
ON MUCH
VEHICLES AND THE OTHER
MOREHAND, THERE ISAND
ACCESSIBLE A HUGE IMPACT DIE TO IT IN THE LARGE
ENJOYABLE.
!
NETWORK
ON THE OTHER HAND, OF STREET
THERE IS ACREATED BY IT. DIE TO IT IN THE LARGE
HUGE IMPACT
DIFFERENT O
NETWORK OF STREET CREATED BY IT.
WITHIN THE
NETWORK H
BECAUSE AS
HAVING LAR
VALUES OF T
AHMEDABAD CITY: OPTION A

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY
OPTIONS
OPTIONSTOP LEFT : OPTION A
TOP LEFT TOP : OPTION
RIGHT A : OPTION B
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION B OPTION C
LEFT:
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
! DIFFERENT OPTIONS TYRING TO RETAIN AS LESS STREETS AS POSSIBLE
DIFFERENT OPTIONS
WITHIN THETYRING TO RETAIN
OLD CITY, ASTHE
SO THAT LESS STREETS
TRAFFIC AS POSSIBLE
SIMULATION IN THE ENTIRE AHMEDA
WITHIN THE NETWORK
OLD CITY, HAS
SO THAT THE TRAFFIC
THE MINIMUM SIMULATION IN THE ENTIRE
IMPACT.
NETWORK HAS THE MINIMUM
BECAUSE IMPACT.
AS OF NOW, STREETS BEING USED MUCH MORE THAN CAPACITY, SEGMEN
HAVING LARGE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE OLDER AND
BECAUSE AS OF NOW, STREETS BEING USED MUCH MORE THAN CAPACITY, THE NEWER TOP LEFT
VALUES
HAVING LARGE OF TRAFFIC
DIFFERENCES WOULD CREATE
BETWEEN A HAVOC.
THE OLDER AND THE NEWER TOP RIGHT
VALUES OF TRAFFIC WOULD CREATE A HAVOC. BOTTOM LEF
!
CONSIDERIN
NEGLIGIBLE
PRESENT ST


SEGMENT ANALYSIS, INTEGRATION, R = 1000M
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT INTEGRATION,
: OPTION A R = 1000M
TOP LEFT TOP: OPTION
RIGHT A : OPTION B
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION B OPTION C
LEFT:
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
! CONSIDERING THE WALKABLE DISTANCE, ALL THREE OPTIONS SHOWS
CONSIDERING THE WALKABLE DISTANCE,
NEGLIGIBLE DIFFERENCES, ALL
ALSO INTHREE OPTIONS
COMPARISON TOSHOWS
THE ORIGINAL AHMEDA
NEGLIGIBLEPRESENT
DIFFERENCES,
STATE.ALSO IN COMPARISON TO THE ORIGINAL
PRESENT STATE. SEGMEN
TOP LEFT
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LE
!
CONSIDERIN
OPTION A, T
MOVING TO
EXISTING ON
CENTRE STI

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, INTEGRATION, R = 5000M
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT INTEGRATION,
: OPTION A R = 5000M
iA
TOP LEFT TOP : OPTION
RIGHT A : OPTION B
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION B OPTION C

LEFT: Chair of
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
Information
Architecture
! CONSIDERING GENERAL HOME TO WORK DISTANCE IN AHMEDABAD AS 500M.
CONSIDERING GENERAL
OPTION A, THE HOME TO WORK
TRAFFIC DISTANCE
IS ALL SPREAD IN AHMEDABAD
AROUND AS 500M.
THE OLD PART, WHEREAS
OPTION A, THE TRAFFIC
MOVING IS ALL SPREAD
TO OPTION AROUND
B, IT STARTS THE OLD
TO CREATE PART,CENTRE
A NEW WHEREAS
CLOSE TO THE
MOVING TO EXISTING
OPTION B, IT STARTS
ONE TO CREATE
BUT SLIGHTLY A NEW
ON THE CENTRE
NORTH. CLOSE
OPTION TO THE
C BRINGS THAT
AHMEDA
SEGMEN
TOP LEFT
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LE
!
CONSIDERI
NEGLIGIBLE
AHMEDABAD
AHMEDABAD
CITY, OPTIONS
CITY, OPTIONS
FOR FORTIFIED
FOR FORTIFIED
CITY CITY
SEGMENT
SEGMENT
ANALYSIS,
ANALYSIS,
INTEGRATION,
INTEGRATION,
R=N R=N
TOP LEFT TOP: OPTION
LEFT A: OPTION A
TOP RIGHTTOP: OPTION
RIGHT B: OPTION B
BOTTOM LEFT:
BOTTOM
OPTION
LEFT:
C OPTION C
! !
CONSIDERING
CONSIDERING
THE ENTIRETHE
DISTANCE,
ENTIRE DISTANCE,
ALL THREEALL
OPTIONS
THREESHOWS
OPTIONS SHOWS AHMEDA
NEGLIGIBLE
NEGLIGIBLE
DIFFERENCES.
DIFFERENCES. SEGMEN
TOP LEFT
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LEF
!
CONSIDERIN
DIFFERENCE
PRESENT ST

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, CHOICE, R = 1000M
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT CHOICE,
: PRESENT R = 1000M
SITUATION
TOP LEFT TOP: PRESENT
RIGHT SITUATION
: OPTION A
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION A OPTION C
LEFT:
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
! CONSIDERING THE WALKABLE DISTANCE, THERE IS NEGLIGIBLE AHMEDA
CONSIDERING THE WALKABLE
DIFFERENCES
DIFFERENCES IN BOTH
DISTANCE,
IN BOTH THEREINISCOMPARISON
THE OPTIONS NEGLIGIBLE TO THE ORIGINAL
THE OPTIONS IN COMPARISON TO THE ORIGINAL
SEGMEN
PRESENT STATE.
TOP LEFT
PRESENT STATE.
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LEF
!
HERE IN, TH
COMPARISO
NEXT TO THE

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, CHOICE, R = 5000M
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT CHOICE,
: PRESENT R = 5000M
SITUATION
TOP LEFT TOP : PRESENT
RIGHT SITUATION
: OPTION A
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION A OPTION C
LEFT:
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
! HERE IN, THE OPTION C HAS HIGHER VALUES OF CHOICE AT ITS CORE IN
HERE IN, THE OPTION C HAS
COMPARISON HIGHEROPTIONS
TO OTHER VALUES MAKING
OF CHOICE
IT AAT ITS CORE
CLOSER IN
ASSUMPTION AHMEDA
COMPARISON TO TO
NEXT OTHER OPTIONS SITUATION.
THE PRESENT MAKING IT A CLOSER ASSUMPTION
NEXT TO THE PRESENT SITUATION. SEGMEN
TOP LEFT
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LEF
!
THE OVERAL
DOWN OF PE

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, CHOICE, R = N
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT CHOICE,
: PRESENT R=N
SITUATION
TOP LEFT TOP
: PRESENT
RIGHT SITUATION
: OPTION A
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION A OPTION C
LEFT:
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
! THE OVERALL CHOICE SEEMS ALMOST UNAFFECTED, EXCEPT IN A DROP
THE OVERALL CHOICE
DOWN SEEMS
OF PEAK ALMOST
VALUES FORUNAFFECTED, EXCEPT
THE HIGHLIGHTED IN A DROP
STREETS. AHMEDA
DOWN OF PEAK VALUES FOR THE HIGHLIGHTED STREETS.
SEGMEN
TOP LEFT
TOP RIGHT
BOTTOM LEF
!
CONNECTIVI
REMOTE CH

SEGMENT ANALYSIS, CONNECTIVITY
SEGMENT
TOPANALYSIS,
LEFT CONNECTIVITY
: PRESENT SITUATION
TOP LEFT TOP
: PRESENT
RIGHT SITUATION
: OPTION A
TOP RIGHT BOTTOM
: OPTION A OPTION C
LEFT:
BOTTOM LEFT:
! OPTION C
! CONNECTIVITY BEING A LOCAL FUNCTION, IS NOT ALL AFFECTED BY
CONNECTIVITY BEINGCHANGES.
REMOTE A LOCAL FUNCTION, IS NOT ALL AFFECTED BY
REMOTE CHANGES.
AHMEDABAD CITY MAP
REPRESENTING INTERNAL NETWORK (ALL ROADS INCLUDING PEDESTRIAN) WITHIN THE OLD FORTIFIED CITY

Information
Architecture
AHMEDABAD CITY AHMEDABAD CITY
SEGMENT LINE ANALYSIS: CHOICE SEGMENT LINE ANALYSIS: INTEGRATION
OVERLAID ON PROPOSED STREET NETWORK TO KEEP AS PER OPTION C OVERLAID ON PROPOSED STREET NETWORK TO KEEP AS PER OPTION C
DELHI GATE RELIEF ROAD
NEHRU BRIDGE SARANGPUR GATE GATE
AHMEDABAD CITY
CRITICAL JUNCTIONS
DERIVED BY INTERSECTION OF PROPOSED OPTION C AND HEAVY TRAFFIC SHOWN BY THE VARIOUS ANALYSIS

AHMEDABAD CITY HAVING NOW FOUND CERTAIN PLACES OF UTMOST NEED FOR REFORMATION, THEY COULD BE
NEW VISIONS, SKETCH BY VIJAY MOPARTHI REDESIGNED TO INCORPORATE THE EXPECTED ANALYTICAL AMOUNT OF TRAFFIC.
“All models are false, but some are useful.” - George Box
Precise selection of models based on,!

Abstraction and Awareness
"Learning only makes us aware how less we know about the whole.”
LEARNINGS
Kasernenareal: Park oder City?
Student: Jing Xi
Name: Jingxi Zhang
Date: 16 May 2014 In the city of Zürich, attention
has been enthralled on City
Kasernenareal, a multi-
purpose square near the
In the
Zürich
In thecenter.
city
city of Zürich,
Due
of Zürich, to the attention has
high
attention
land
been been
has values
enthralled in Zürich,
enthralled the
on Kasernenareal,
on a
public forum
Kasernenareal, has scrutinized
multi-purpose square near the Züricha multi-
the purposesquare
purpose of this park-slash-
Kasernenareal center. Due
Kanton-Police-head-quarter
to thenear high theland values in
Zürich center. Due to the high
Zürich,Multiple
space.
land values
the public
inproposals
forum
Zürich, had the
has scruti-
nized
been
publicmade the
forum purpose
andhas rejected of this
to re-
scrutinized park-slash-
purpose
the purpose this ofspace.
Kanton-Police-head-quarter this The two
park-slash- space.
Kasernenareal
categories of proposals are to
Kanton-Police-head-quarter
either
space. letMultiple
it remain a park, orhad
proposals to
Multiple
build
proposals hadonbeen made
beenmore madeurban structure
and rejected to re-
Sihl river Hauptbahnhof it.and rejectedof this
The purpose to study re-purpose
is this
purpose this space. The two
tospace. The
try and answer
categories two
of proposals categories
the question are to of propos-
ofalswhich
either arelet of
to the twoa let
either
it remain proposals
park, it or
remain
to a park,
isbuild
better;more is it park
urban or city?
structure
or to build more urban structure on Theon
Existing Kasernenareal park.
Hauptbahnhof park
it. scenario uses the existing
Sihl river
it. The
The purpose
purpose of thisof thisstudystudyis is to try
layout
to try and of theanswer park,theassumingquestion
andthe
that answer
future the question of the of which of
of which of the design
two proposals
the
park two
will have
is better; proposals
very or
is it park little is better;
The is it park
added
city?
footprint
or city?
park to The
scenario the uses
site.
park In
the contrast,
scenario
existing uses the
the city
existing
layout scenario
of layout
the park, is produced
of assuming
the park, assuming Above:
by a the
visionary
that
that the futureand
future design
design callsofoffor
the the park will park pl
large
park invasion
will have on
very the site.
little added bounda
have very little added footprint to the
footprint to the site. In contrast,
site. study
This
the city scenario evaluates
is produced the Above
In contrast,
Kasernenareal the
by a visionary and calls for as citypart scenario
of is pro- park p
Zürich,
duced
large then it
by aonvisionary
invasion evaluates
the site. and calls for bound
the
largelocal invasion site onimmediate
the site.
toThis Kasernenareal.
study evaluates The the
Top: Existing Kasernenareal park. Bottom: Kasernenareal replaced by evaluation
Kasernenareal on Kasernenareal
as part of
cityscape. This study
between
Zürich, the then
evaluates
two proposals
it evaluates
the
willKasernena-
bereal
the on as partsite
pedestrian
local of movements,
Zürich,
immediate then it evalu-
visibility,
to environmental
ates Kasernenareal.
the local site The immediate to
impacts and connections of the whole city.
Top: Existing Kasernenareal park. Bottom: Kasernenareal replaced by evaluation on Kasernenareal
Kasernenareal replaced by cityscape.
cityscape. between the two proposals will
Kasernenareal is not evaluated independently. A few blocks around Kasernenareal be on is included
pedestrian in the analysis.
movements,
These are natural barriers
Kasernenareal. around the site
The evaluation in question. The perimeter
on Kasernenareal between around Kasernenareal
the visibility,
two proposals is bordered
environmentalbe on pedestrian
will
by Lagerstrasse,
impacts and which
connections runs
of parallel
the whole to the
city. Zürich Hauptbahnhof,
movements, visibility, environmental impacts and connections of the whole city.then turns 90 degree towards South.
Badenerstrasse boarders the South and the Kreis 4 boundary line boarders the East and include the river
Sihl into the study.
Kasernenareal These
is not boundaries
evaluated are not chosen
independently. so randomly.
A few blocks Langstrasse is is
around Kasernenareal anincluded
important street
in the in the
analysis.
city Kasernenareal
of Zürich. is not evaluated independently. A few blocks around
These are natural barriers around the site in question. The perimeter around Kasernenareal is bordered
Kasernenareal is included in the
by analysis.
Lagerstrasse, These are runs
which natural barriers
parallel to thearound
Zürich the site in question.
Hauptbahnhof, The 90
then turns perimeter
degree towards around South. Kasernenareal is
bordered by Lagerstrasse, which runs parallel to the Zürich Hauptbahnhof,
Badenerstrasse boarders the South and the Kreis 4 boundary line boarders the East and include the river then turns 90 degree to-
Sihlwards
into the study. These
South. boundaries are
Badenerstrasse not chosen
boarders the so randomly.
South Langstrasse
and the is an important
Kreis 4 boundary street in the
line boarders the East and
cityinclude
of Zürich. the river Sihl into the study. These boundaries are not chosen so randomly. Langstrasse is an
important street in the city of Zürich.

Information
Architecture
City plans
Above: Park plan, within its local boundary. Above: City plan. This city plan is a replica, as pro-
TheAbove: Park
park plan plan,inwithin
used its local
this study boundary.
assumes The
no fences or Above:
posed byCity
theplan. This city
visionary’s plan is a replica,
perspective model as pro- on
shown
park plan used in this study
boundaries around Kasernenareal. assumes no fences or posed
the by thepage.
previous visionary’s perspective model shown
boundaries around Kasernenareal. on page 1.

Zürich Axial
Zürich
Zürich
Axialconnections
connections
Axial connections
Iso
Iso
Kasernenareal is a part of a whole city. The analysis began with a study of the movements of the movement The
Kasernenareal is a part
ofKasernenareal
people throughout
of
is a part awhole
the of
whole
a whole city.
city.city.
The analysis
The analysis
An axial map was
began
began withwith
conducted,
a study
a study of the
of thePark
comparing movements movements of the
of the movement
or City design over the Th
othe
movementof people
site. Itof
was throughout
people thatthe
thewhole
evidentthroughout city.whole
the
new paths An
thataxial mapAn
arecity.
added was conducted,
toaxial
the map
site comparing
did was
not Parkanalysis
conducted,
change the or comparing
City maps
designofover theor City
Park
Zürich oth
leas
site. It wasand
evident that the new to
paths that are added to the site did not change the analysis maps of Zürich lea
design over the site. It was evident that the new paths that are added to the site did not change the
as a whole, that the changes the paths affect the movement of people more locally. In the connectivity mas
as a whole,
maps below, and
one that
cantheseechanges to thethe
paths affect the movement of people more
thatlocally. In the connectivity ma
analysis maps
maps of Zürich
below, one can asseeathat
that
adding
whole,
adding
additional
andthethat
additional
footpaths
the changes
footpaths
does
to thenot
does not
mean
paths
mean affect
that
thethe
the
roads around
movement
roads around
were
of people
were
the
the
more linked to others. The analysis shifted to a smaller scale from this point. spa
more locally. In the
more linked to connectivity mapsshifted
others. The analysis below, to aone canscale
smaller seefrom
thatthis
adding
point. the additional footpaths does spa
mak
not mean that the roads around were more linked to others. The analysis shifted to a smaller scale ismaon
from this point. toistho
to
dep
de
1km
1km
1km
1km
1km
1km
Top: Zürich axial map _ park, connectivity. Top: Zürich axial map _ city, connectivity. Bottom:
Top: Zürich Area
Bottom: axial connectivity
map _ park, map,
connectivity.
zoom. Top: Zürich axial map _ city,
Area connectivity.
connectivity map, Bottom:
zoom.
Bottom: Area connectivity map, zoom. Area connectivity map, zoom.
Top: Zürich axial map _ park, connectivity. Top: Zürich axial map _ city, connectivity.

Information
Architecture
Zürich Axial connections
The visibility map below displays the extent to which any point in the spatial network is visible from
any other point. The red spots show the most visible of the overall site considered, where the dark
blues are the least visible. Four separate points were selected to further understand the changes in
Isovist study
view between Isovist
the two study
master plans. They show that the view site around the city become more scat-
he
nt movement The visibilityThemap visibility
below map
displays
below thedisplays
extent to thewhich
extentany to point
whichinany thepoint
spatialin the
network
spatial
is network
visible from is visible
any from any
sign overtered
he the and
other more sharp
point.other
The red due
point.
spots toredthe
Theshow theedges
spots most
show of the
visible
the most buildings,
of thevisible
overall thewhere
of site overall the
considered, park
wherehas
site considered, larger
the dark
where blues view
the are
darktheranges.
blues are This
the
ch offers
aps of Zürich privacy to the
least visible.least people
Fourvisible.
separate Four using
points
separate the space,
werepoints
selected were instead
to selected of having
further understand an
to further understand open
the changesthe field.
in changes The
view between greenery
in view two in the
thebetween city
the two
etyconnectivity master plans.
master
They plans.
show They
that the
showviewthat
site
thearound
view site
the around
city become
the
master plan also reduces the view ranges and makes the views more scattered. The park plan is eas- city
morebecome
scattered
more and
scattered
more sharp
and more
due to
sharp due to
re
around were the edges ofthe theedges
buildings,
of thewhere
buildings,
the park
where hasthe larger
parkviewhas larger
ranges. view
Thisranges.
offers privacy
This offers
to the
privacy
people to using
the peoplethe using the
ier to navigate through
space, insteadspace,
of having
than
instead
the
anofopen
having
city
field.
plan.
anThe
This analysis
opengreenery
field. The in greenery
isinonly
the city master the city
a two
planmaster
dimensional
also reduces
plan alsothereduces
study
view ranges
of
the view
the space,
and ranges and
however, assuming
makes the views
makesmorethat the
the views towers
scattered.
moreThe are
scattered. quite
park planTheisparktall
easierin
plancomparison
to is
navigate
easier to through to
navigatethe
than surrounding,
through
the citythan
plan.the
This it plan. Thisplay
would
cityanalysis a role
analysis
is only a two is dimensional
only a two dimensional
study of the study
space, of however,
the space,
in what people see above eye level. The park plan reduces people’s depth of view. assuming
however, that
assuming
the towers
that are
the quite
towers tall
are
in quite
comparison
tall in comparison
to the surrounding,
to the surrounding,
it would play
it would
a role in
play
what
a role
people
in what
see people
above eye
see level.
aboveThe
eyepark
level.plan
Thereduces
park plan
people’s
reduces people’s
depth of view.
depth of view.
1km 1km
onnectivity.
Bottom: Bottom: Top: Local visibility
Top: Local map
visibility
of park.map of park. Top: Local visibility
Top: Local map
visibility
of city.map of city.
p,
ectivity
zoom.map, zoom. Bottom: Selected
Bottom:points
Selected
of interest.
points of interest. Bottom: Selected
Bottom:
points
Selected
of interest.
points of interest.
Top: Local visibility map of park. Top: Local visibility map of city.

Solar studies
Park solar studies. Viewing from North. Park solar studies. Viewing from South.
8am
12pm
4pm
9am
12pm
4pm

Information
Architecture
City solar studies. Viewing from North. City solar studies. Viewing from South.
Summer Solstice
Winter Solstice

Summer
During the summer solstice, there are long days. The sun is already very high at 8am, and the site
receive a lot of radiation, especially on the East and North-East facing façades. The park master plan
is very exposed due to the lack of shading, which could make it less inhabitable during the summer
months. However, Swiss people likes sun and the park is supposed to be open. With these assump-
tion, this space does not need further shading, unless for special events.
The city plan shows some shading from the buildings itself. The sky-facing surfaces of the buildings,
as well as the ground that is exposed in both park and city plans have high exposure to the sun. In
the city plan, the ground level is more shaded than the park plan, which is good for occupancy for the
hotter months.
Design considerations for summer

If the park plan is to go ahead, the designers need to think about shading (and sometimes also for
rain) for the summer time to make it more inhabitable. In the park plan, at 4pm, the West facing fa-
çades receive high radiation, thus, shading is required in the summer.
Winter
The sun rises very late during winter. At 9am, the tall buildings in the city plan casts a lot of shadow
in the surrounding, which is not desirable, given that solar radiation helps to heat buildings passively.
Also, the shadows of the building masses also cast on themselves. The building will be requiring a
lot of active heating during winter due to the lack of sun. However, The roofs receive the most solar
radiation during the winter months under the city plans, one can harvest some solar energy from the
roofs.
The park plan is open, with a few structures that fits into the surrounding suburb. Studying the shad-
ows, one can see that the park plan has quite low impact on the surrounding compared to the taller
buildings in the city plan.

Information
Architecture
Axial Map
The Integration graphs below shows the least isolated paths that pedestrians tend to take. In the park
Axial map
Integration graph, one can see that the paths indicated A on the map is the least isolated and serves
an important pathway for pedestrian travel. Similarly, this path is not isolated either in the city integra-
tionThe
map.Integration graphs below shows the least isolated paths that pedestrians tend to take. In the park
We can also see that there is a lot of movement on the roads around Kasernenareal. The
Integration graph, one can see that the paths indicated A on the map is the least isolated and serves an
difference between
important pathwaythe for park and city
pedestrian integration
travel. Similarly,maps areisthat
this path not in the park
isolated axial
either map,
in the citythe main traffic
integration map.
is directed through a few very clearly identified lines. However, in the vAxial map
We can also see that there is a lot of movement on the roads around Kasernenareal. The difference of the city, thebetween
red
linesthe parktoand
start city integration
disperse maps are
and go away fromthat in the
each parkwhich
other, axial map,
indicatesthe main
more traffic is directed
weaving betweenthrough a few
struc-
very clearly identified lines. However, in the vAxial map of the city, the red lines
tures instead of being streamlined to walk on the pavements. The city map shows better use of the start to disperse and go away
from each other, which indicates more weaving between structures instead of being streamlined to walk on
space and more pedestrian traffic control.
the pavements. The city map shows better use of the space and more pedestrian traffic control.
Top: Local Axial/Segment map _ park, Top: Local Axial/Segment map _ city, Integration.
Top: Local Axial/Segment map _ park, Integration.
Integration. Top: Local Axial/Segment map _ city, Integration.

In the attempt to answer the question of whether Kasernenareal should be a park or city, the construct of city
connections,
In the attempt views, solar impact
to answer and pedestrian
the question of whethermovements were studied.
Kasernenareal Theapark
should be parkplan is not
or city, thevery
con-much
different to the current situation, but the city plan proposes a different configuration
struct of city connections, views, solar impact and pedestrian movements were studied. to the space, which has
yield different results in the constructs that are identified.
The park plan is not very much different to the current situation, but the city plan proposes a different
configuration to the space, which has yield different results in the constructs that are identified.
From the evidence, one can conclude that the city master play for the site does not impact much on the traffic
From the evidence, one can conclude that the city master play for the site does not impact much on
flows on the rest of Zürich, since it is a relatively small intervention within Zürich. The impact on Zürich is much
the traffic flows on the rest of Zürich, since it is a relatively small intervention within Zürich. The impact
more local. Within the pre-defined scope of the project, we were able to understand that how pedestrians
on Zürich
view is much
the space and more
feel inlocal.
the space will change significantly from the park to the city. The park proposal is
Within the pre-defined
much less invasive on the scope of the project,
surrounding suburb.we were able
It shows more toopen
understand that how
views around the pedestrians view it
site, which makes
the space
much easierand feel in the
to navigate thanspace will master
the city changeplan,
significantly
which is from
more the parkand
closed to obstructive.
the city. TheSince
park theproposal
buildings
is much
are less in
is so high invasive
the cityon the surrounding
master plan proposal, suburb. It shows
it not only blocksmore openviews
people’s views uparound thebut
to the sky, site, which
also casts a
significant
makes it much amount of shadows
easier to thethan
to navigate surrounding. This could
the city master plan,bewhich
problematic
is moreduring
closedtheand
winter months when
obstructive.
sun
Since is scarce in Switzerland,
the buildings are is soandhighit could
in the increase
city master heating
plan costs. The size
proposal, it notofonly
the buildings is also aviews
blocks people’s problem
up
in
tosummer,
the sky, since
but also the casts
city master plan proposes
a significant amount to of
build much more
shadows surfaces
to the to cool during
surrounding. the hotter
This could summer
be problem-
months.
atic during Thethe citywinter
plan navigation
months when also sun
changes the way
is scarce that people move
in Switzerland, and itincould
the space. Theheating
increase city plancosts.
shows
that
The size of the buildings is also a problem in summer, since the city master plan proposes to buildtraffic
pedestrians deviate from their usual paths on the pavements next to the streets, and increases
flows between the proposed buildings.
much more surfaces to cool during the hotter summer months. The city plan navigation also changes
the way that people move in the space. The city plan shows that pedestrians deviate from their usual
The city plan is the less optimal option compared to the park. However, there could be a mixture of park and
paths
city andontothe pavements
reprogram next toforthe
this space notstreets, and increases
only a park, or not onlytraffic
a city, flows between Ithe
but mixed-use. proposed
would build- to
also suggest
ings. planners to really think about the following points when designing:
future
• Keeping a sustainable footprint of the buildings
• Making the site easy to walk and navigate around
• Keeping the buildings at the level of the surrounding buildings as not to disturb the heating and cooling of
the surrounding buildings
• Think about capturing the solar resource on the open grounds
• The program should be social and encourage circulation to the site
“Park

32 and City”New
answers the question
Methods in Urban “Park oder
Analysis City?”
and Simulation | Final project documentation iA Chair of
Information
Architecture
The city plan is the less optimal option compared to the park. However, there could be a mixture
of park and city and to reprogram this space for not only a park, or not only a city, but mixed-use. I
would also suggest to future planners to really think about the following points when designing:
• Keeping a sustainable footprint of the buildings

• Making the site easy to walk and navigate around
• Keeping the buildings at the level of the surrounding buildings as not to disturb the heating and
cooling of the surrounding buildings
• Think about capturing the solar resource on the open grounds
• The program should be social and encourage circulation to the site
“Park and City” answers the question “Park oder City?”

Knoxville Tennessee
Student: Lewis Williams
Knoxville Tennessee
New Methods In Urban Analysis and Simulation FS 2014

Information
Architecture
Market Square
Market Square
Centre point of the downtown
area
area
Lies on main city axis
Pedestrian only
Pedestrianspace
Mixed-use only consisting of
restaurants and retail on ground
Mixed-use
level space consisting
and apartments of
and offices
onrestaurants and retail on ground
upper floors
level and
Primary apartments
location andevents
of city offices
on festivals
and upper floors
Emphasis on local shops and
Primary location
restaurants. of city events
No franchise stores
creates a more unique location
and festivals
Farmers Markets
restaurants. No franchise stores
Concerts

Market Street
area
Vehicle and Pedestrian
Market Square
No shops on ground level and
buildings only on one side of
Centre
street point of the downtown
area
Lies on utilized
Rarely main city axis traffic
/ minimal
Pedestrian only
Mixed-use
Landscape space consisting
of existing of
park is not
restaurants and retail on ground
accessible. People walk through
level and apartments and offices
park to get from one place to an-
on upper floors
other butlocation
Primary almost never
of cityremain.
events
and festivals
restaurants. No franchise stores
Krutch Park Market Street

Information
Architecture
Visibility Analysis of Downtown Knoxville Axial Analysis of Downtown Knoxville
Visibility Analysis of Market Area Axial Analysis of Market Area

Visibility Analysis of Market Area Visibility Analysis of Proposal
Axial Analysis of Market Area Axial Analysis of Proposal

Information
Architecture
Analysis of Potential Market Scenarios

Design with the invisible
Student: Li Li
Design with the invisible
3D sight Analysis toolkit for grasshopper
e Motivation
name:
Date:
li li
15/05/2014
Sight analysis is very popular in the early stage of the architecture design. It can be used to determine
what can be seen fromMotivation:
a particular location in the landscape. Conversely, also what can’t be seen.
Usually, such kind of analysis will be
sight analysis done
is very on the
popular building
in the section or plan. Most of the time, the analy-
early stage
sis on 2D drawing is enough for architects
of the architecture to get
design. it cancertain
be usedunderstanding
to of the environment.
However, in some extreme condition, such as crowded urban environment, a precise 3D sight analy-
determine what can be seen from a particular
sis is needed to help the architects to deal with the extreme requirements.
location in the landscape. Conversely, also
what can’t be seen. Usually, such kind of
e analysis will be done on the building section

or plan. Most of the time, the analysis on
2D drawing is enough for architects to get
certain understanding of the environment.
however, in some extreme condition, such
as crowded urban environment, a precise 3D
sight analysis is needed to help the architects
to deal with the extreme requirements.
sight an
background:
in this case, a new commercialsight
sight analysis on site plan building
analysiswill
on section
be built in front of a famous ancient Chinese
garden. the developers want the maxim
Background building volume to meet the costs in buying
this piece of land. while the government
In this case, a new commercial
want the heightbuilding
of thewill
newbebuilding
built inasfront
low asof a
famous ancient Chinese garden.
possible, The developers
without disturbing thewant
sightthe maxim
inside
building volume to meet the costs in buying this piece of
the garden. Five critical viewpoints are given, land.
While the government where
want thethenewheight of the
building newbebuilding
should invisible. as
to low
as possible, without disturbing the sight inside
research a balance between the two sides,
the garden. Five criticalthe
viewpoints are given,
limit of the volume shouldwhere the new build-
be calculated.
sight analysis on site plan sight analysis on section
ing should be invisible. To research a balance between the two
sides, the limit of the volume should be calculated.
site plan bird's-e
new Methods in Urban Analysis and simulation | 3D sight Analysis toolkit for grasshopper
bird's-eye view
bird's-eye view

Information
Architecture
Algorithm
h the invisible
The Shadow Volume algorithm was originally developed to calculate the shadows in 3d virtual en-
oolkit for grasshopper
vironment. The objects inside the shadow volume are invisible from the point of the light source. It
is not difficult to adapt this algorithm to the sight analysis. The algorithm first find the outline of the
objects according to the light source, then project the outline on to a plan behind the object. With the
outline and projected line, a volume can be formed.
iginally
in 3d
de the
oint of
pt this
orithm
ording
line on
outline
med.
h the invisible
oolkit for grasshopper
shadow volume Algorithm
thm, a
loped.
ginally
nerate
in 3d
uilding
de the
, multi
oint of
create
pt this
mes
eorithm
of
area
Implementation
ording
s. the
eineuser
on Based on the Shadow Volume algorithm, a component for Grasshopper is developed. With this com-
outline
agging ponent User can easily generate the shadow volume right behind the building or in distance, volume
med.
.
of one point, multi points or multi points along a path, and create the intersection of the shadow vol-
umes
solution inof different viewpoints which means the area
grasshopper where
intersections isvolumes
of invisible invisible to all viewpoints. The calculation
is done in runtime. So the user can easily compare the results by dragging and placing the objects
ation | 3D sight Analysis toolkit for grasshopper
and
shadowviewpoints.
volume Algorithm
hm, a
oped.
nerate
uilding
multi
create
mes of
e area
. the
e user
agging
solution in grasshopper intersections of invisible volumes
ation | 3D sight Analysis toolkit for grasshopper

the invisible area of all the five viewpoints, the
the invisible maxim volume of the new building, can be

created.
t for grasshopper
Application:
With this tool, The invisible 3d volume of each viewpoint can be generated automatically. By calculat-
ing the intersection of these volume, the invisible area of all the five viewpoints, the maxim volume of
the new building, can be created.
invisible volume of five viewpionts boo
new Methods in Urban Analysis and simulation | 3D sight Analysis toolkit for grasshopper
f five viewpionts boolean intersection of viewpionts
3D sight Analysis toolkit for grasshopper
boolean intersection of viewpionts

Information
Architecture
Conclusion
According to the storeyheight, the estimation of building area, floor area ratio and the arrangement
of building functions can be calculated. Developers can estimate their profits based on these data.
Comparing with 2D sight analysis, the 3D approach, can provide more precise and intuitive results.
By Integrating this algorithm into Rhino and Grasshopper, which are getting more and more popular
among designers, the tool can be easily accessed without additional learning curve and the results
are provide in real time when condition is changed.
Future Work
For now, this tool can generate the invisible area, but it is also possible to assign different levels for
different invisible areas. So designer can have more choices in decision making.
The intersection of the invisible volumes needs heavy computational power that
slows down the calculation speed. So more efficient algorithm should be developed.
invisible
grasshopper
Model based on the volume
nalysis toolkit for grasshopper

Extension of Ghandi Ashram
Student: Rini Singhvi
Extension of Gandhi Ashram
Interior view of museum
Aim / Project Brief:

Sabarmati
The Gandhi Ashram is a museum in the RIver
city of Ahm
designed by the architect Charles Correa. The existing
shaped columns which forms different exhibit spaces a
Hence the aim of the project is to use the same grid an
campus to make a space for additional room for books
Ground Floor plan
As the brief demanded, the simple rule for building a ne
existing 3 blocks and adding 6 new blocks to the grid.
Interior view of museum But this kind of extension was to be made such that the
spaces remains similar to the existing campus.
Hence here the analysis run ( isovist and axial maps) b

New methods in Urban Simulation I FS-2014 I Final
AimAim
/ Project
/ Project
Brief:
Brief:
working out various options for this kind of extension an
Sabarmati one to the existing.
Project
TheThe GandhiGandhi
Ashram
Ashram is a is
RIver
museum
a museum in the
in the
city city
of Ahmedabad,
of Ahmedabad, India India
designed
designed by theby the
architect
architectCharles
Charles Correa.
Correa.
TheThe existing
existing
planplan
is a is
grida grid
of H-of H-
Rini Singhvi
shaped
shaped columns
columns whichwhich
forms formsdifferent
Due to the existing physical conditions on site, like exis
different
exhibit
exhibit
spaces spaces
andand
courts.
courts.
boundary, the possible available space for extension w
HenceHence the theaim aim
of the
of the
project
project
is toisuse to use
the the
same samegridgrid
andand
extend
extend
the the
existing
existing
upper right corner in the plan and hence two options as
campus
campus to make
to makea space
a space for additional
for additional room room
for bookshop
for bookshopandand
cd-shop.
cd-shop.
derived for further analysis
Ground Floor plan Existing plan Layout
As the
As thebriefbrief
demanded,
demanded, the the
simple simplerulerule
for building
for building a newa new
space
spaceis using
is using
Aim - Project Brief
existing
existing3 blocks
3 blocks
and and
addingadding6 new6 new
blocks
blocks
to the
to the
grid.grid.
um But But
this this
kindkindof extension
of extension waswas to be tomade
be made suchsuch thatthat
the the
over-all
over-all
integration
integrationof of
spaces
The Gandhi Ashram spaces
is aremainsremains
museum similar
in similar
theto citythe
toofthe
existing
existing
Ahmedabad, campus.
campus.
India designed by the architect Charles
Correa. The existing plan is a grid of Hshaped columns which forms different exhibit spaces and
Hence
courts. Hence the Hence
aim here
of thehere
the the
analysis
project analysis
is torunuserun
( the
isovist
(same
isovist
and and
axial
grid axial
and maps) maps)
extend become
thebecome
veryvery
existing useful
campususeful
into in
make
working
working out out
various
various
options
options
for this
for this
kind kind
of extension
of extension
a space for additional room for bookshop and cd-shop. As the brief demanded, the simple rule for and and
selecting
selectingthe the
closest
closest
Sabarmati
Sabarmati
building oneone
a new space to isthe
to the
existing.
using existing.3 blocks and adding 6 new blocks to the grid.
existing
RIver
RIver
But this kind of extension was to be made such that the over-all integration of spaces remains similar
DueDue
to the existing campus.to the to the
existing
Hence existing
herephysical
thephysical conditions
analysis conditions on site,
run ( isovist onandsite,
like like
existence
axial existence
maps) of river
become of river
andand
very site sitein
useful
boundary,
working out various boundary,
options theforthe
possible
possible
this kindavailable
of available
extension spacespace
andforselecting
extension
for extension
thewas was
derived
closest derived
one to to betoin
the be the
in the
existing.
upperupperright right
corner
corner
in the
in the
plan plan
and and
hence hence
two two
options
options
as shown
Due to the existing physical conditions on site, like existence of river and site boundary, the possibleas shown
below below
were were
available spacederived
for derived for further
extension forwas
further
analysis
analysis
derived to be in the upper right corner in the plan and hence two
an Existing plan Layout
options as shown below were derived for further analysis Option 1
Layout
out Option 1 1
Option Option
Option
2 2

Information
Architecture
Existing Option 1 Option 2 Iso
Resu
As sh
left,
The 3
as Co
Occlu
the re
regard
Compactness map
For co
option
most
simila
While
the ex
For Ar
again
centra
maxim
Area map retain
For oc
option
to the
Hence
kinds
taken
and m
neces
Occlusivity map
Isovist analysis
Result of isovist Analysis:
As shown in the graphs on the left, The 3 graphs run respectively as Compactness , Area and Occlu-
sivity helped to compare the results of both the options in regard to the existing plan. For compact-
ness, the second option has two spaces that are most compact which is not similar to the existing
plan map. While option 1 is more similar to the existing one. For Area map, option 1 was again a bet-
ter choice as the central space having the maximum area value as still retained as the original map.
For occlusivity map, again the
option 1 shows similar character to the exisitng map. Hence after comparing all three kinds of map,
Option 1 was taken further for axial analysis and making further changes if necessary.

Axial Graph analysis Further An
AxialAxial
Graph analysis
Graph analysis Further A
Note, in the
Note,
the in th
integrat
created,(on
the integr
created,(o
that the inte
similar
that the to int
th
central spac
similar to t
central spa
Hence we fu
Hence we
configuratio
integration
configuratio
integration
Looking at o
the integrati
Looking at
Exisitng Plan: Extension Plan (option 1): extended
the integra as
Exisitng Plan: Extension Plan (option weextended
see newa
Exisitng
The above Plan:integration map shows that Extension Plan (Option 1): 1): lower
we see right
ner
On running integration analysis map on
The
The
the above
above
central integration
integration
area map
with themap shows
pool showsthat
court the
that
and OnOnrunning
running integration
integrationanalysis map
analysis on on
the
oflower right
this spac
the option 1 shortlisted earlier, wemap
get to
central
the area
theentrance with the
areawith
central area pool court
are the most and the en-
integrated
pool court and option
know 1 shortlisted
that the earlier, we
central poolearlier,get to know
and entrance of this spa
the option 1 shortlisted we get to
trance
spaces. area
the entrance
This arequality
the most
area are integrated
the
needed most spaces.
to beintegrated that the central pool and entrance continue
know that
continue thethe
to be central
mostpool and entrance
integrated
This quality
retained. needed to be retained.
spaces. This quality needed to be to be theasmost
spaces in beintegrated
the existing spaces as in the Hence, furth
continue to the most plan.
integrated
retained. existing plan. were made
Hence, fur
spaces as in the existing plan.
were
the made
opening
extended sp
the openin
extended s
Here in Opt
weHere
were in de
Op
First, the ce
we were d
are most
First, theintc
are most th
Secondly, in
extension
Secondly, o
extension
similar inter
ofsimilar
the roominte
space.
of the room
Option 2 Option 3 space.
Option 2: Option 3:
Option 2 Option 3
Further Analyzing option 1 and option 2
Note, in the option 1, the integration in the new room thus created,(on the top right corner),
we realize that the integration in this room is not similar to that of others attached to the
central space.
Hence we further make changes in the configuration of the blocks to match the integration
of this room with those of others. Looking at option 2, we manage to achieve the integration
of the internal room thus extended as desired, but again notice that we see new additional
orange lines in the lower right room indicating more integration of this space which is what
we don’t desire.

Information
Architecture
Hence, further on, to correct this, Changes were made in the option 2, as in changing the opening
and entrance of the new extended space, to get option 3. Here in Option 3, we have achieved what
we were desiring: First, the central pool and entrance lobby are most integrated as in the existing lan,
Secondly, the new room thus created due to extension of the exisiting museum, has similar internal
integration values as the rest of the rooms attached by the main central space.

A Refuge on Stromboli Island
Student: Stanislas Chaillou
“A refuge on Stromboli Island”
Final Examination
Name: Stanislas Chaillou
Date: 15.05.2014
This study is related to my studio project. I had to design an hotel on the Stromboli Island. As an answer, I
realised a refuge at the top of the volcano. Because of the height (500 m) the building suffers of a to high
sunlight exposure. Furthermore, as this rough context implies difficult building conditions, the building has to be
rational, compact, but still has to allow for dissociated atmospheres (public spaces, rooms, restaurant etc...).
In a nutshell, this project raises two challenges:
Finding a convenient threshold between private and public spaces

This study is related to my studio project. I had to design a hotel on the Stromboli Island. As an an-
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | A refuge on Stromboli Island 1/6
swer, I realised a refuge Being able at the to topprecisely
of theset solutions
volcano. to dealof
Because with
thethe sunlight
height (500exposure
m) the building suers of
a to high sunlight exposure. Furthermore, as this rough context implies dicult building conditions, the
building has to be rational, compact, but still has to allow for dissociated atmospheres (public spaces,
rooms, restaurant etc...).
In a nutshell, this project raises two challenges:
Finding a convenient threshold between private and public spaces

Being able to precisely set solutions to deal with the sunlight exposure
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | A refuge on Stromboli Island

Information
Architecture
1/1/Dening
Definingthe
thethreshold Public/Private
threshold Public/Private
To1/set
Defining theboundary
thresholdbetween
Public/Private
To set an efficient boundary between the rooms and the central patio, I used Depthmap. By
to be an ecient the rooms and the central patio, I used Depthmap. By analysing
analysing the section of the building with the “vision layer”, I was able to analyse the degree of
To set
the section an efficient
of the boundary
buildingbywith between the rooms and
the “vision the central patio, I used Depthmap. By
to be intimimacy generated my design steps.layer”,
Here areI was
the 4able
steps.to analyse the degree of intimimacy gen-
eratedanalysing
by my the section
design of the
steps. building
Here with4the
are the “vision layer”, I was able to analyse the degree of
steps.
intimimacy generated by my design steps. Here are the 4 steps.
ROOM CENTRAL PATIO ROOM

ROOM CENTRAL PATIO ROOM
In the last step, the red area is nearly out of the room, meaning that the rooms are protected from the pub-
In the
licslast step,
sight. Thethe
room redpicture
area isbelow
nearlyconfirms
out of the
theroom, meaning that the rooms are protected from the publics
analysis.
In the last step, the red area is nearly out
sight. The room picture below conrms the analysis. of the room, meaning that the rooms are protected from the pub-
lics sight. The room picture below confirms the analysis.
2/6
2/6

2/ Light exposure
A/ The
Thepatio
patiocondition
is a crucial point of the porject: each room has a win-
dow on it, and the circulation runs around it. By dening a clear
limit
2/ Light
The to the
exposure
patio is aroof we point
crucial can provide for: each room has a window
of the porject:
A/ Theonpatio condition
it, and the circulation runs around it. By defining a clear limit to
- a roof
the shaded
we can circulation
provide for:
--aprotected rooms windows
shaded circulation
The patio is a crucial point of the porject: each room has a window
--protected
dierent kindsroomsofwindows
light conditions in the patio
on it, and the circulation runs around it. By defining a clear limit to
- different kinds of light conditions in the patio
the roof we can provide for:
- a shaded circulation
- protected rooms windows
- different kinds of light conditions in the patio
Daily shadow study

on a
21st of June
Daily shadow study

on a
21st of June
Daily shadow study

on a
21st of December
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | A refuge on Stromboli Island

Daily shadow study

58 New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation iAChair of
Information
on a
Architecture
After modication of the roof limit,
we obtain
dierent conditions of light around
After modification the limit,
of the roof pool, and a
sucients shading to protect wethe rooms and the circulation.
obtain
different conditions
The picture belowof light
conrmsaround
our the pool, and a
analysis.
sufficients shading to protect the rooms and the circulation.
The picture below confirms our analysis.
New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 3/6
59
Moreover, the facade is the rst surface to be heated all year long by the sun. It’s here a necessity to
2/ Light exposure Moreover, thedesign a proper
facade is the first system
surface to be heated to by
all year long allow
the sun. for shading.
It’s here a necessity to design a proper
A/ The facade condition
Based on the data onBased the sunpath given by the Geco component,
system to allow for shading.
I designed a system of automatic
on the data on the sunpath given by the Geco component, I designed a system of automatic sunblinds. They
sunblinds. They insure a sucient protection, and adapt their opening to everydays light.
insure a sufficient protection, and adapt their opening to everydays light.
8H00
18H00
The picture below conrms our analysis: the wall of the room gets shaded, and the sunblinds prevent
The picture below confirms our analysis: the wall of the room gets shaded, and the sunblinds prevent the light from going too deep
the light from going into too deep into the room.
the room.
Light condition in a room a 21st of

December at 17H00
Detail of the facade

Information
Architecture
CONCLUSION
I managed here to solve issues at different scales (views, light, shading etc...) thanks to Geco and Depthmap.
I appreciated how Geco helps setting with precision dimensions, and giving relevance to my planing. On the downside, the analysis could be pushed futher. I would have liked being able to embed the energy concern. The sunblinds
could then open and close not only to provide shading but also to regulate and master the heat that the building receives and stores during the day.
Also depthmap has been a great tool, and the fact of using it to analyse a section has been a revealing experience. On the other hand, the section analysis reduces the number of relevant layers: for instance the layer “integration”
makes less sense than in a plan analysis. Can’t we also push depthmap to the axonometry analysis? It could be a way to start dealing with the 3 dimensions at the same time, without running to heavy calculus...
Conclusion
I managed here to solve issues at dierent scales (views, light, shading etc...) thanks to Geco and
Depthmap. I appreciated how Geco helps setting with precision dimensions, and giving relevance to
my planing. On the downside, the analysis could be pushed futher. I would have liked being able to
embed the energy concern. The sunblinds could then open and close not only to provide shading but
also to regulate and master the heat that the building receives and stores during the day. Also depth-
map has been a great tool, and the fact of using it to analyse a section has been a revealing experi-
ence. On the other hand, the section analysis reduces the number of relevant layers: for instance the
layer “integration” makes less sense than in a plan analysis. Can’t we also push depthmap to the axo-
nometry analysis? It could be a way to start dealing with the 3 dimensions at the same time, without
running to heavy calculus...

iA Chair of
Information
Architecture

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Documentation of the teaching results from the spring semester 2014

New Methods in Urban

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation

Zurich, December 2014

Mondays 14:00 – 18:00

A solid knowledge of computational methods is an increasingly 24.02.2014 Generative systems workshop

Where: 05.05.2014 Best practice examples - Guest lecture

The most recent outline will be found on www.ia.arch.ethz.ch

Prof. Dr. Gerhard Schmitt

Pedestrian Network: Old City of Ahmedabad

Kasernenareal: Park oder City?

Design with the Invisible

Extension of Gandhi Ashram

A Refuge on Stromboli Island

dow analysis [grasshopper, time 21 September] shows that the square

ds in Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Integration [depthmap, axial map analysis] as it

ds in Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Choice [depthmap, axial map analysis]

on [depthmap, axial map analysis] as it is today, the triangular shape

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

ctivity [depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] shows that Max-Bill Platz

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Isovist [depthmap, visibility analysis]

epthmap, visibility analysis] what can be seen from the square is

Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Integration [depthmap, axial map analysis] this

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Choice [depthmap, axial map analysis]

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

Comparison of the options shows that option 4

[depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] here, the square seems to

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

ow analysis [grasshopper, time 21 September] the new space created

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

nectivity [depthmap, visibility analysis, 3m grid] compared to the last

n Urban Analysis and Simulation - Galvanizing Max-Bill Platz

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 13

AHMEDABAD CITY MAP

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 17

AHMEDABAD CITY AHMEDABAD CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, WITHOUT FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY: OPTION A

AHMEDABAD CITY: OPTION A

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY

AHMEDABAD CITY, OPTIONS FOR FORTIFIED CITY

DELHI GATE RELIEF ROAD

NEHRU BRIDGE SARANGPUR GATE GATE

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 21

Precise selection of models based on,!

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 25

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 27

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 29

Design considerations for summer

New Methods in Urban Analysis and Simulation | Final project documentation 31

• Keeping a sustainable footprint of the buildings

“Park and City” answers the question “Park oder City?”