Vibrating Light

M Arch Semester Studio Project (Collaborator: Nuo Bu)
University of Pennsylvania

Keywords: Digital Fabrication, Physical Fabricatin, Material Study

Vibrating Light is a mixed-use project on a site next to the Highline in New York. The initial concept of the project is generated through a series study of light and air. The bio-machine, which focuses on manipulating light, was the essential physical reflection of the initial studies.

The bio-machine controls the penetration and reflection of the light by changing the geometry of its components.Extracted from the bio-machine, the components are transformed and aggregated to form the initial volume of the building. The combination of four scaled components make a proper volume scale for a building. The aggregation establishes the main volumetric and structural body of the building. The steel skeleton of the components, which forms a stable load-bearing structure, would take on the main load of the building. The surfaces between the skeletons are opaque. The office program is housed in this main body. The light wells and the tilting walls are transferring light through reflection and diffusion, providing sufficient light for the inner space. So for the people working there, there is enough light, but no views, thus keeping them focused on their work.

The glass curtain wall is partially covered with metal mesh. The coverage ratio and location are studied closely by the simulation of the light and wind in order to get a scientific design result. So it can be seen that the areas which are mostly exposed to the sunlight and wind are covered by the metal mesh, providing shadings for the interior, reducing the energy consumption, making the design greener.

The whole designing process is assisted with a great deal of environmental simulations in order to make the whole structure, mechanical system, façade system reasonable. It is a project with innovation of the form and configuration, while seeking for rationalization at the same time.