Concepcion / Torres

The characteristics of the artichoke present a dynamic diagonal pattern that flows through a cone-like form. Our intent in the 50x ratio is to create a tower design which breaks away from the traditional form and aesthetic characteristics of a typical tower. We wanted to develop a form that described the most interesting characteristics of the analyzed object, as it was the artichoke, but also create interesting variations that adapted to our analysis. As we began to research on the typology of the proposed structure we came across Norman Foster's Swiss Re Tower in London. After studying this building, we found similarities among the organizational systems in both the artichoke and the tower. Some of these similarities are the cone like form of the exterior of both volumes. The diagonal panelized effect that occurs on the exterior surface is also another quality that the tower and the artichoke share. In our design for the 50x ratio we captured the idea of a cone like form that is composed of panels that are defined by a series of spiraling helixes. With this system of panels, we developed a continuous triangulated skin which its elasticity gives us the opportunity to explore its performance in areas such as high vs. low density as well as contraction and expansion critical points for our tower. Also, the entire system of panels vary in size at each level. In order to break away from the traditional symmetrical form found in the artichoke and in Foster's tower, we studied the organizational characteristics in the artichoke. Basically we start at the top and understand that the entire form almost culminates a single point, as we continue down the form it expands while increasing its panel size. At the midpoint down from the artichoke we find the area with the highest level of tension and width. From there everything begins to compress into what is the artichokes stem otherwise known as the densest part of this vegetable. From this point on is perhaps the most intricate part of the artichoke, which is it root structure. The stem becomes the transitional element from an organized symmetrical series of elements to an organic and abstract composition of ramifications. Our tower intends to capture all areas of interest found in the artichoke including the organic and intricate root system that engages the ground with its more symmetrically organized upper portion. We believe that the integration with the ground plane is one of the most important aspects of the development of the tower because of the variation in density and order. The lower levels and the ground turn into a highly formalized extension of the landscape that turns into the organizational system of our tower. As we analyzed the variations in density of the artichoke, we saw an opportunity to create shaded spaces on the tower's lower levels where the density of the paneling system was lower. Our tower is an abstract recreation of a dynamic irregular shape with critical points of pressure, contraction and expansion. Throughout the project there was an idea of maintaining a language of repetitive spiral expansion and contraction among its dense overlapping panelized periphery and supporting it with an abstract ramification of this rigid spiral expansive system. Furthermore, the artichoke presents a characteristic of the grouping of fibers that grow either to become a protective system, or the nucleus of the flower. In the same manner, we developed a system of fibers that expand vertically transforming and acting as the structure of our tower. Also, we tried to maintain a uniform and coordinated composition of the flawless geometry of the artichoke. The comprehensive analysis of the artichoke and the developmental process lead us to create a tower that would connect man and nature in an organic yet comprehensive and organized form. The organic design of the lower levels brings people into the tower to be lead into organized spaces. This analysis gave us the tools to create a strong structural system that performs and is aesthetically pleasing. As with our previous 1x ratio analysis it was very important for us to create an object that would maintain the same characteristics of shading and organic form but with a stronger sense of performance for a 50x ratio.