Description:

The absence of ornamentation in contemporary architecture has resulted in cities dominated by repetitive glass high-rises, lacking cultural identity and emotional engagement. Historically, ornamentation has served as a medium to symbolize values and narrate the stories of various cultures. Its removal not only erases these narratives but also diminishes the human connection to the built environment. This project proposes reintroducing ornamentation with a universal theme inspired by nature, appealing to diverse audiences. By abstracting the movement and growth of natural forms, the designs can create stimulating architectural experiences and provoke curiosity about their meaning.

This project utilised two main forms of nature, water and flora. Imagery of water created flowy organic geometries that curve around the structure, adjusting their shape and size to that of the structure, without the need for any human intervention. The code, helped along by the designer, reads each current or reflection found in the river, and merges these to where they interact and intertwine with each other on the structure. The more geometric structures of bark and vines created a similarly intricate design, yet highly different in form.

To achieve this, computational and procedural design tools are employed to generate intricate patterns and structures efficiently, eliminating the need for manual modeling of each surface. This can draw the viewer into the work, and drives a continuous search for finding new and interesting interpretations of the designs. Efficient processes allow for the transformation of mundane architecture, designed to be ignored or passed through, to something that desires attention. These designs are then physically realized through 3D printing techniques. The resulting printed forms can function as moulds for casting structural members or as casings to envelop existing structures.