News

Developing Lumilyhty

Published: 5.1.2024

After the selection of the Lumilyhty design, we set about finding the essence of the proposal and developing it into a buildable project.

Image of various wooden scale models showing snowflake-like structures and fractal geometries — Process models at scale 1:50

Lumilyhty requires much work before it will be a buildable design. We started the process by identifying the pros and cons to determine what to prioritise, using a SWOT analysis:

Strengths:

light, playful design
adaptability of concept
few points of ground contact

Opportunities:

modularity (effient prefabrication)
flexibility of use
maximise use of local timber

Weaknesses:

exposed timber due to no roof
excessive non-structural elements
limitations in stage functionality

Threats:

safety and security
complexity of structure/build time
maintaining design intentions

A hand holds up a model of the Lumilyhty proposal, made of wooden sticks showing snowflake like shapes

The main findings of the analysis were that priority was to develop a roof for weather protection of both the structure and the users. Simultaneously studying which parts of the proposal we wanted to keep and which ones should be changed, students individually and in groups developed design solutions and proposals at various scales.

Digital model screenshot showing fractal geometry and snowflake like structures

Sketch of stage with figure holding up hands and intricate timber structure

line drawing of a tree-like structure that starts with one line at bottom that splits into four lines every time we go up

Drawing of joinery solution for snowflake

Elevation of Lumilyhty design showed in correct orientation and upside down to conceptualise a roof design

The 'Kide-joint', where four pieces of wood are diagonally put against all sides of one square vertical member

Sketch illustrating the concept of structure densifying towards the top

Sketch of timber structure where the ends of each wooden piece light up

Elevation drawing of stage option which consists only of snowflake shaped modules

Sketch image of snowflake shaped structure

3D model of large structure consisting of individual snowflake modules

Sketch of wide and low structure made of hexagonal units

Table of different roof concept options, varying in degrees of complexity, shape and amount of structure covered

Structure consisting of branching out tree shapes that form a roof at the top

After this initial exploration we developed some more developed ideas, where the contours of Kide started to be visible. It became clear that the main components of Lumilyhty we wanted to conserve, were the angled linear timber pieces, the 'snowflake' joint, and the general lightness and transparency of the timber structure.

Aspects that were studied included:

Effectiveness of roof
Robustness and structural logic of design
Clarity of concept and design intention
Scale and relation to site
Possibility to prefabricate and optimise for short assembly time.

Elevation view of more developed Lumilyhty with fractal geometry

Image of 3D models based on standard wooden pieces of 90x90 and 200x200

line drawing of wooden structure with stage and person standing inside

Star shaped joint made of round timber pieces

Computer rendered image of wooden structure where the ends of timber pieces have lights incorporated, and a translucent roof

Rendered image of wooden structure covered in translucent membrane like roof

Plan drawing of proposal with 4x4 grid and a stage in the centre squares.

After a month of development, which included intermediate presentations to the client, we settled on the shape that basically is Kide now. It features a square plan with a diagonal roof ridge. This arrangement allows us to align all structure and other components with the 30° angled facades. The strong roof line and pointed elevation are a distinctive addition to the square and the open front and back sides allow the rich timber structure to be visible from outside.