Computers in architecture- Mercedes-Benz Museum in Germany - Assignment Example

? Supervisor] Computers in architecture Introduction: Over the past few years computers have become a necessary tool in the field of architecture. Architects all around the globe are using digital tools to make their creative thoughts into a reality (Bermudez). Digital technology allows architects to form models and create prototypes without having to use or waste any physical material. Moreover, latest architectural digital tools allow architects to view these models in three dimensions and from all sides. With the help of these tools architects have been able to create buildings that comprise of a complex structure (Bermudez). One such building is the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart. The building was designed by a number of architects from UNStudio. In their book Ben Van Berkel and Caroline Bos, founders of UNStudio, stated that the creation of the building made use of a number of expertise and that it was a joint effort by architects of the entire studio (Berkel and Bos). UNStudio was founded in 1988 in Amsterdam and specializes in the fields of architecture infrastructural programs and urban development. UNStudio stands for United Network Studio (UNStudio). (Arcspace) Innovation of the design: The museum makes use of two ramps with which visitors take to view the entire museum and its collection. The two ramps are intertwined with each other depicting the shape of the DNA of an organism. The links between the two ramps allow visitors to change their trajectory with ease and at will (Arcspace). Designing the two ramps in double helix shape provides signs of how the architects have made use of software tool such as 3ds max to place such a structure within the heart of the building(Arcspace). The graphic representations of the two ramps allowed architects of the building to view how the design affected the overall structure of the building. Moreover, the graphic representation also provided architects at UNStudio with the opportunity to amend the structure in any way they saw fit (Arcspace). Architectural software allowed architects to be as creative with their design as possible. 3d modeling software allowed architects from UNStudio to integrate creativity with the design of their building. (Arcspace) Exterior: The creativity of this building, designed by UN Studio, is a remarkable depiction of geometry. It is based on the geometrical shape of a clover in which spaces are connected through two ascending ramps. The exterior design of Mercedes Benz Museum sets up a completely novel and astonishing typology by the acquisition of spatial principles. This novelty is solely attributed to the digital design of this building in which the perfect infusion of ratios between space and design has been considered (Szalapaj). This building was designed in a three dimensional data which was revised numerous times during its realization in Stuttgart. The utilization of three dimensional digital designs and its effectiveness is also represented in the use of glass in the exterior design of this building. A special kind of glass has been utilized in this building which is clear, transparent and does not gets affected by the sunlight regarding heat (Noden). These glasses are divided and placed in several panels which, in combination, present the impression of the building as a double dimensional facade. This feature is also based on the scientific principles of light and geometry which is sufficiently presented in the design of this building, increasing its creativity and aesthetics (Glasner and Schmidt). The whole exterior design of Mercedes Benz Museum is a correspondence to the modern technology in which digital art, especially of three dimensions, in a remarkable manner. From the color of the building to the shape and from the utility of glass to the connections of spaces, this building is a complete representation of digital design into practical form (Turnbull). Interior: As far as the interior design of Mercedes Benz Museum is concerned, the ramps bridging spaces from the outside of the building around the central atrium. These ramps are sophisticatedly designed in such manner by which visitors becomes fascinated during their multidimensional tour to the museum. As the exterior design of the building is entirely curved, the interior in the surrounding of the building is curved and shaped as a drifting slide towards the center of the building. Another significant part in the interior design is the lift in which visitors are initially transported to the top floor of the museum (Szalapaj). The beginning of the visit from the top floor to ground is an unorthodox and innovative design which is a representation of digital creativity and modern technology. The pathways to the halls in which cars are placed for exhibition are empty with glass on one side from which visitors can see a pleasant view of Stuttgart (Noden). The interior of this building itself represents the use of digital technology in its design. The color of interior along with the use of chrome metal in railings depicts the modern world of technological advancements which are primarily designed in a three dimensional digital architectural design. The ambiance of the building which is largely attributed to the design of glass panels indulges the visitors as they are present in a novel high-tech world. The interior design of this building is highly dependent upon its exterior which in combination depicts the capacity of innovation in the modern digital designing and architecture (Glasner and Schmidt). Conclusion: There is no doubt that the impact of architectural software on the field of architecture has been great. Prior to the use of these software architects used to have to carry out complex calculations and design structures on paper that would take days to complete. Furthermore alterations within the designs would take another week or so to complete. With the introduction of digital tools processes such as modeling, designing and alterations became extremely easy and consumed much less of the architect’s time. The role of these tools is now no longer limited to that of an architect’s aid but have become their necessity. UNStudio is one of the most popular architectural firms in Europe and Asia. The company has been accredited with designing innovative structures such as the Star Place Luxury Shopping Plaza, Erasmus Bridge and The Burnham Pavillions. In the completion of these structures computers and digital tools have played a major role. The same can be said about Mercedes Benz Museum. Every aspect of the building’s structure sheds light on how digital tools were used to design the building as a whole. Works Cited Arcspace. Mercedes Benz Museum. 12 June 2006. Web. 22 October 2013. . Berkel, Ben Van and C. Bos. Buy Me a Mercedes-Benz: The Book of the Museum. Amsterdam: UNStudio, 2006. Print. Bermudez, J. Digital Technology & Architecture— White Paper Submitted to the NAAB by ACADIA. Research. Wolfville: ACADIA, 2003. Print. Glasner, Barbara and Petra Schmidt. Chroma: Design, Architecture & Art in Color. Berlin: Springer, 2010. Print. Noden, Jay. Contemporary Digital Architecture: Design and Techniques. Barcelona: Links International, 2010. Print. Szalapaj, Peter. Contemporary Architecture and the Digital Design Process. Burlington: Elsevier, 2005. Print. Turnbull, David. Digital Tectonics. London: John Wiley & Sons, 2004. Print. UNStudio. Organization. 30 June 2004. Web. 22 October 2013. . Read More