Digital Translation of Traditional Structure:A Case Study Based on Parametric Design and the Construction of Mortise and Tenon Timber Pavilions
The design and construction process of traditional Chinese timber architecture involves abundant cultural heritage,with the structural modes and construction techniques based on collective wisdom passed down through countless generations of craftsmen.However,these modes and techniques require rejuvenation through modern reinterpretation.The development of digital architecture technology offers a new possibility for the translation of traditional structures.In this context,this study explored a design strategy based on the translation of traditional structures.The close integration of design and manufacturing was achieved through digital technological means,and the digital translation and contemporary reproduction of traditional architectural culture was realized.A design strategy based on traditional structural translation and digital technology was applied as the research method.The design strategy based on traditional structural translation focused on the translation of the construction mode and construction technology with the maintenance of traditional construction culture.This strategy not only explored the method,form,and technology used as the structure's core intrinsic characteristics,rather than focusing on the surface-level or signifying characteristics,but also allowed positive exploration activities.Digital technological means included parameter design based on the Rhino platform and Grasshopper visual programming,topological optimization form searching based on bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization of multiple volume constraints,modern processing and manufacturing methods,etc.In this study,a case study of a mortise and tenon timber pavilion was carried out through four key stages:overall design of the shape of the structure;identification of the forms of independent timber units;structural adjustment of local structural components;detailed node design based on the mechanical properties.During the overall design of the shape of the structure,a standardized angle system under a variable central symmetric column network was designed through the parametric method by imitating structural forms and construction modes reflected during the evolution process of the caisson,combined with the characteristics of corner column components.During the identification of the form of independent timber units,topological optimization form-finding calculations were carried out according to the overall structural form using MV-BESO.Further,the processing of rod components was assisted by learning"Dingceyang"from traditional building techniques,and side views and site maps of independent timber units were built.During the structural adjustment of local structural components,the structures of similar components,like the"Leigong Pillar"and"Chuihua Pillar"in traditional timber buildings,were translated based on the calculation results of topological optimization form-finding.An adjustment strategy that meets the structural and aesthetic needs was proposed.During detailed node design based on the mechanical properties,with reference to the construction mode and mortise and tenon structural technology,four types of mortise and tenon joints(double-shoulder straight tenon,circular shoulder straight tenon,swallowtail tenon,and biscuit tenon)were chosen and improved based on the material characteristics and mechanical suitability for mortise and tenon structures.Finally,a new design and construction process that combines traditional construction culture and digital construction technology was preliminarily explored as structures were successfully assembled at several sites.Through the evaluation of four key stages,a timber architectural design and building method that pays high attention to structural rationality and poetic expression was proposed.This method responds to the current social demands for communication between traditional and modern methods.Since the chosen aspects are only a small part of traditional architectural culture,future research should explore other valuable contents to facilitate the innovation and development of timber architecture through advanced technological means.
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