SSIGU Makeup
The proposed triple-glazed, structural IGU is comprised of a slumped outer lite with an opacity zone on the number 2 surface, an intermediate float glass lite, and a structural laminated fully tempered inner lite with ionoplast interlayer.
The Parametric Analysis Setup
Implementing emerging computational tools and collaborative workflows, the design team directed a feedback loop that linked form, material and environmental performance for a specific site. Within a reasonable computer runtime, the parametric modeling tool Grasshopper, its integrated optimization plug-in Galapagos, and the environmental analysis plug-in Diva were combined to generate closely calibrated solutions that address desired daylight and solar performance.
To model the complexity of the proposed design, the proposed slump panel was set up with seven variables: slump amplitude, slump frequency, slump height, shading density, an opacity value and attractor splines to control programmatic influence. Each of these variables is controlled by a simulated annealing algorithm in Grasshopper’s optimization tool Galapagos with the goal to find an optimized combination between Useful Daylight Index (UDI) and solar radiation to balance the need for shading in the summer, heating in the winter, and day lighting.
Based on the results of this optimization, appropriate designs were adopted. The attractor splines are controlled by the designer to define glazing areas in need for particular transparency, and fed into the optimization procedure.
Fabrication
In a constantly advancing fabrication landscape, our proposal aims at reaching new limits with glass slumping technology. Today, few methods exist for creating a slumped panel with slump depths necessary to create a highly varied curvature. To challenge potential fabrication limits, we conceived of a slumping method that utilizes an adaptable ceramic bed and a set of coils whose activation and temperature outputs can be digitally controlled to accommodate an infinite set of slump profiles.
