SHAPING EARTHWORKS
Lecturer: Dr. Philipp Urech
This course builds on the introduction of digital design methods in landscape architecture, and encompasses data acquisition and modelling to simulation and visualization. The final semester of the Digital Design Methods series focuses on consolidating the techniques previously learned. Essential large-scale design tools will be applied to individual design tasks. By the end of the semester the students have mastered the landscape modelling tools as well as simulation and visualization techniques. They are able to use those methods independently in the following semesters and in practice. The Wolfbach stream in Zurich is taken as a case study, for which the students will propose new topographies tested with heavy rainfall events, and will be able to transpose this knowledge on their design for the Terril Winterslag in the Belgian province of Limburg.
CONTENT
This course will explore applications of digital models in landscape design. Scale models are closely associated with Architecture as fundamental tools for analysis and prospection. The word ‘model’ derives from the Latin ‘modulus’, meaning ‘measure’, and as such refers to a method for scaling and 3D representation of a spatial reality. Scale models in particular are qualitative mock-ups that can be used to test projects, investigate its real-world counterpart, communicate with technicians and stakeholders, or interact with the shape of the physical environment. New digital techniques based on LiDAR technology make a leap forward, considerably improving complexity, magnitude and definition in the use of scale models, and enabling cross-scale questions related to the physical form of urban and landscape environments to be addressed.
METHODS
Prior to any design assignment, the formal and dynamic properties of a site must be studied to gain a better understanding about existing conditions. In this course, students learn to use LiDAR data to virtualize and model artifacts of the existing environments. The data can be used to create three-dimensional point cloud models that lend themselves to visual representation, spatial analysis, calculations, or integration of design projects into their surroundings. By the end of the semester the students will be acquainted with the introduced survey methods, landscape modelling tools as well as simulation and visualization techniques. They are able to use those methods independently in the following semesters and in practice.
SCHEDULE
| Feb 19 | Remote Site Analysis I | Scientific representation of digital models | Plan with Aerial LiDAR dataCreate DTM from LiDAR “DTM_now.tif” |
| Feb 26 | Remote Site Analysis II | Segmentation, mapping sections | Point cloud model with rotated sections (.LAZ)Sections with Aerial LiDAR data |
| Mar 4 | Topographic Modeling I | Micro-Macro topographic slicing | Existing Macro topography “DTM_now-macro.tif”Existing Micro topography “DTM_now-micro.tif” |
| Mar 11 | Topographic Modeling II | Form-finding with photogrammetry | Edited Micro topography “DTM_new-micro.tif” |
| Mar 18 | No course | Seminar Week | |
| Mar 25 | Topographic Modeling III | Micro topographic transformations | Reassembled topography “DTM_new.tif” |
| Apr 1 | No course | Easter holidays | |
| Apr 8 | Simulation I | Testing pluvial flood scenario | Simulation result with 1h rainfall RP50 |
| Apr 15 | No course | Sechseläuten | |
| Apr 22 | Simulation II | Correcting and testing DTM | Simulation result with 1h rainfall RP50 |
| Apr 29 | Visualization I | Visualizing flood | LAZ model |
| May 6 | Visualization II | Overlay | Layout |
| May 13 | Review | Final presentations with guests | 1 A1: Site Analysis1 A1: designed topographyOptional: project from course Topology |
The difference mapping (2014-2004) of the Terril Winterslag on the Kempen Plateau reveals earth movement, as the material of the slag heap was moved.
Proposed pipeline in Meshroom to develop a topography from a digitized scale model.
Edited topography using Relative Elevation Models (REM) designed through photogrammetry.