World Writing Museum - A Journey in Computational Design A Collaborative Endeavor Across Continents Our journey in computational design was an inspiring collaboration that transcended borders. A diverse team, scattered across different continents, came together digitally to create the National Museum of World Writing in Songdo, South Korea. Geographical distances and time zone variations couldn't deter us. We harnessed the power of digital tools such as WhatsApp, Teams, Messenger, and Drive, transforming them into virtual bridges that brought our ideas to life. It was as if we were all in the same room, discussing, brainstorming, and shaping our vision. Designing a Vision for Tomorrow The competition brief was our compass, guiding us to envision a 15,650m2 landmark museum within Songdo's visionary urban landscape. This unique institution would blend the roles of a library, an archive, and a museum into what we called a 'Larchivium.' Our mission was clear: to craft a space that offered diverse social, cultural, and educational experiences. Creating an Organic Envelope Before diving into the finer details, we recognized the importance of an organic envelope that would encase our creative vision. This led to the creation of the Blob Envelope Tool, a tool that allowed our designers to work with the familiarity of rectangles while ensuring an organic, visually captivating enclosing envelope. This innovation became invaluable for form-finding and played a key role in creating an engaging visitor experience. Urban Contextual Integration To set the stage for our design, we began by importing the urban context as Open Street Map (OSM) data. This data, meticulously interpreted, enabled us to extract relevant information and extrude structures based on height data. Google Earth images provided additional context where needed. This urban backdrop became the foundation for our project, guiding decisions related to placement, orientation, and circulation. It also served as a crucial element in our renders, forming a 3D mesh background. Flexibility of Spatial Expansion Our vision went beyond traditional design; it was about creating a dynamic, evolving space. We introduced the concept of spatial expansion, allowing the museum to adapt and grow over time. At its core was the idea of circulation, a dynamic feature that flexed with changing needs, transforming the museum into a new symphonic multifunctionality. Crafting with Precision As we delved into the project's execution, we didn't rely solely on distance-spanning software like WhatsApp and Teams; we also harnessed the processing power of V-Ray on our computers in different countries to execute the heavy renders. This allowed us to bring intricate details to life, ensuring the project's realism and accuracy. Mastering the Play of Light Our journey led us to master the play of light within the museum. It began with the exposure of 3 interlacing organically shaped roof panels to a sun study using Ladybug. This analysis helped us understand the effects of penetrating light in the interior areas. Based on this insight, we crafted perforated Brep and translated it into a proper Mesh for rendering, creating an atmosphere that added depth and meaning to our exhibits. Achieving a Harmonious Whole While navigating the complexities of rule sets for national law compliance, we explored various systems. Balancing design contrast with continuity, we created connecting platforms and extruded handrails. Geometry seamlessly integrated to form a harmonious whole, ensuring that every element of the museum served its purpose within the broader vision. Join Our Journey Our journey spanned continents, proving that when creativity knows no bounds, incredible things happen. We are honored to have contributed to the creation of an institution that will attract visitors from around the world, fostering cultural exchange and community unity in Songdo.