Jacky Tian’s Looking Outwards – 03

Computational Design + Architecture

— The Moving Curtain

I grew up in Shanghai, China, a city with plenty of modern architecture and technology. Computational design never lacks in a city like Shanghai. A new mixed-use complex called the Bund Finance Center has just finished its last construction phase. Designed by Norman Foster’s Architecture Firm and collabrated with Thomas Heatherwick’s design studio, The Bund Finance Center becomes a new landmark of The Bund in Shanghai.

Besides the functional spaces for banking services, the building also includes a traditional chinese theatre and combined with the most advanced curtain wall technology controlled by computer calculated programs. The facade of this three-story-height building is composed of curtain like wall of bronze tubes. These bamboo shaped bronze tubes are constructed in three layers, creating semi-transparent screen for the building. The architect in charge described the facade as a “moving veil”, which can adapt and transform based on the current use of the space. 

As a fourth year student in architecture, I was inspired by the connection between architecture and computational fabricated technology. I personally utilized digital fabrication tools like laser cutting machine a lot for my projects. With the help from these tools, a lot of complicated and organic form can be achieved in a much easier manner.