CHAPTER 3, PART 2: METHODOLOGY (SIMULATION RESEARCH)

SIMULATION RESEARCH

During the research process described in the previous chapter section, a model was compiled utilizing a combination of Autodesk’s Revit and Forma programs to demonstrate the existing conditions of the site.  A model of the existing site topography and buildings was generated by compiling information from various open-source mapping agencies in Forma.  The resulting model was then exported to Revit, and details such as sidewalks, roads, orientation and heights of buildings, and areas of landscaping were finetuned using photos and Google Street View as guides. 

Resulting model generated by combining topography and approximate building forms from Forma and further refined in Revit

It proved difficult to find any historical or current building drawings for this building that would be clear enough to guide the model creation, so a more creative approach was taken which utilized observations of the site and photographs (personal and borrowed with permission) in order to determine the scale of the building and its elements.  The title of this thesis, “Counting Bricks,” is an homage to the process of creating this model.  As bricks have known dimensions that have remained unchanged since the time of the Malt Kiln’s original construction, the dimensions of the building could be determined so that a reasonably accurate footprint could be created.  The assumed dimensions of a single brick are 7 5/8”W x 2 3/4”H x 3 5/8”D.  With mortar joints accounted for, it can be assumed that the length of four bricks including mortar is 24”, and the height of three bricks including mortar is 8”.  By utilizing this standard figure with round numbers, the process of calculating dimensions was simplified.  Wall types were created in Revit to mirror the existing wall thicknesses shown in photographs of the collapsed building, and allowed the existing walls to be modeled with consistency.  While the collapse event is unfortunate, it provided a unique insight into the specific makeup of this building’s walls and was a key in figuring out the available space inside.

Typical brick dimensions used to set the dimensions of the building

With the building footprint set, the site context could be developed.  The Lemp Brewery is comprised of buildings of various heights and sizes, making it necessary to explore the effect the rest of the complex would have on the Malt Kiln’s design.  With the surrounding buildings modeled, studies of sun angles, daylight hours, wind, and other microclimate factors could be simulated.  Autodesk’s Forma is a vehicle to perform such simulations by utilizing a simplified version of a specified Revit model.  The simulation results from Forma directed some aspects of the design such as interior lighting, exterior glazing type, and exterior materials at the new walls, but they did not inform the footprint or orientation of the building as a whole since the existing walls of the Malt Kiln cannot be changed.  The image below shows the existing walls of the Malt Kiln that will remain for this project, with the added site context of the adjacent buildings.  This image was rendered in Lumion.  

This image simulates the walls of the Malt Kiln that will remain for this project.  This model was created in Revit and rendered in Lumion.

The zoning ordinance leaves little room for major deviation from the existing building footprint, meaning that massing studies of various volumes and forms are unnecessary.  A few iterations of the vertical garden were simulated in Revit in order to visualize whether or not the desired outcome was achieved.  In this process, sketches were done on top of axonometric views produced in Revit (image below), and were then translated into Revit as modeled forms.  By moving directly from the initial sketches to modeling in Revit, the vertical garden “skin” could more easily be thought of in term of constructability, resulting in a reasonable solution to an unconventional design element. 

As the modeling process continued, Revit was used to design conceptual structural systems to coordinate with the existing layout and proposed space plan, as the structure is a key element of this design and creates its own constraints.  With the structure in place, typical walls could be modeled so that they work with the proposed structure.  With the spaces tentatively set in place, they were further fine-tuned by adding furniture and design elements in the form of Revit families either personally modeled or downloaded from manufacturer’s websites.  Placing items like furniture and lights helps establish the scale of the space which can evoke emotion in two- and three-dimensional deliverables, but more importantly ensures that the spaces would function as intended.  As the complete design began to become more developed, custom design elements were imagined to complement the building’s purpose and history.  These elements started as sketches and were brought to life as three-dimensional models. 

The final result of the simulation process is a collection of plans, elevations, sections, and three-dimensional renderings that effectively communicate the design intent and allow the viewer to imagine what it would truly be like to experience the space.