Project Details
- Project Name
- Versatile Bracketry
- Location
-
232 Gongneung-ro
Nowon-gu
Seoul ,SOUTH KOREA
- Architect
- Yong Ju Lee Architecture
- Project Types
- Other
- Year Completed
- 2021
- Project Status
- Built
Project Description
Versatile Bracketry is an architectural experiment through algorithmic design technology and 3D printing, manipulating Gong-po, one of wooden bracket elements in Korean traditional architecture. Throughout modernization after Korea’s 1945 liberation from Japan, it had been no chance for independent development in traditional architecture. Although there has been recognition and reflection on the succession of tradition and modernization, the main stream in Korean architecture has been Western oriented. Since the late 1960s, cultural diversity in social needs has resulted in the contemporary reflection and adaptation. With the advent of the computer aided design, these attempts in Korean traditional architecture has led the standardization and modulation of elements. Now advanced computation technology provides a new perspective and approach in this field, more than higher productivity and efficiency. This experiment suggests modern construction methodology studying Gong-po, symbolic element in structural and ornament aspects.
Gong-po distributes or concentrates the weight of the roof to serve as a structure-buffering function. Not only does it expand the interior space and elevate the building for grand appearance, but the composition and craftmanship are delicate and splendid, which eventually creates an important aesthetic character. Therefore, in traditional architecture, Gong-po is the most important decorative expression of the building, and it has its own uniqueness based on each historic era. For this project, Ju-sim-po, one of Gong-po type from Buseoksa, a Buddhist temple built in 1562, is precisely examined and modeled in 3D software. Using triangle as a base unit for stability and applying Gong-po to it in algorithm, transformed shape with various types is generated.
A systematic tool in the algorithm can give variability to the size of Gong-po, the angle of Chum-cha (diagonal supporter and connector in Gong-po), and the composition of Chum-cha and transform elements to suit the needs of the designer. Through Grasshopper, graphic algorithm add-on for Rhinoceros, a system is set by utilizing a triangular shape from the nodes of original composition of Gong-po. This provides a manipulating tool of relationship between nodes, adjusting size, angle and overall form. Each component keeps its independent identity in its 3D network. In this design methodology, Gong-po elements are accumulated in four different types in continuous spectrum and finalized human-scale architecture.
To deal with sophisticated and solid fabrication, stereolithography (SLA: photocuring resin 3D printing) is employed. Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing process that works by focusing an ultraviolet (UV) laser on to a vat of photopolymer resin. The machine for this project has 0.05mm layer thickness with 0.01mm accuracy. Computer generated form is divided into 7 floors in 14 parts to fit in 1700mm x 800mm x 600mm bed size. Parts are assembled on site with pre-designed and printed connector, also inspired by Korean traditional joint system without any metal piece or adhesive.
Historically this structural and decorative system has been developed only in planar direction, applied only to one-story residence or temple; even there were some higher unoccupiable structures with this system as a religious symbol. However, as various technologies have been developed recently, there are more opportunities to apply this traditional system into complex structure to meet contemporary purposes and programs. A series of experiments can maximize the versatility of traditional architecture to overcome the limitations of shape and material. Moreover, this can open a new chapter of possibility to bring this hundreds-year-old tradition to present day with high-resolution intelligence and beauty.