Alvar Aalto and the expression of discontinuity

We examine recurring patterns of discontinuity in the designs of the Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto (1898–1976). Discontinuity expresses an ambiguous duality of incompletion (growth) and ruination (decay). We take examples from architecture, painting, sculpture, glassware, furniture, landscape and urban planning. We suggest that the typically fragmented skylines, voids and irregularity of Aalto's architecture all rely on the repeated use of a relatively economical (but infinitely elaborated) set of form-making strategies. Further, we argue that these same strategies of discontinuity and incompletion extend over all branches of his design work. Discontinuity echoes the essential nature of the human condition and is a reason for the continuing appeal of Aalto's work.     

理性、浪漫与意境——阿尔托及其作品之解读

该文从理性、浪漫和意境三个方面分析了芬兰建筑大师阿尔瓦·阿尔托个性品质和设计思想的发展历程,并通过解读他的具体作品来理解他的这些思想在建筑中的反映.     

阿尔瓦·阿尔托的温情回归——阿尔托设计作品的探讨

阿尔托是芬兰本土的建筑大师,他形成的人情化建筑风格带给人们温暖的感受,对整个建筑设计行业,从建筑到室内,再到景观都起到重要的示范和引领作用。该文通过对阿尔托的作品从建筑、景观、室内家具三方面的认识与理解,阐述其设计理念,分析其对现代城市建设和生活的一些启示。人们期待阿尔托的回归,期待对人性关怀的回归,只有这样的建筑和家具产品,才可以深入人心,可以历久弥新,焕发活力而永不褪色。     

Estimation of rock mass deformation modulus using variations in transmissivity and RQD with depth

Discontinuity normal stiffness and deformation modulus of large scale rock masses are very difficult to determine. A method for estimation of discontinuity normal stiffness based on the decrease in transmissivity with depth has been proposed by the authors in a former paper. In the current study, the method is further developed by accounting for the changes in both discontinuity aperture and frequency with depth, which are key factors that cause the transmissivity to decrease with depth. The discontinuity frequency can be estimated from RQD measurements, which are readily available in most geotechnical investigations. The transmissivity data from packer tests are usually available in geotechnical investigations for hydropower plants. For a rock mass in a dam site mainly controlled by lithostatic stress, based on transmissivity and RQD data at different depths, the change in discontinuity aperture with depth can be linked to the change in aperture with stress, which defines the normal stiffness of discontinuities. In the case study, the discontinuity normal stiffness is successfully estimated by using transmissivity and RQD data, and the result shows that the normal stiffness increases with stress (depth) and the rate of normal stiffness versus stress (depth) decreases with stress (depth), which is consistent with experimental studies. The estimated normal stiffness has been utilized to calculate the rock mass deformation modulus using an equivalent model. The result of deformation modulus by the proposed method is close to that obtained by using in situ measurements, as well as by using empirical models relating RQD to deformation modulus.     

Measurement and analysis of rock mass discontinuity spacing and frequency in part of the Fimiston Open Pit operation in Kalgoorlie, Western Australia: a case study

The Fimiston Open Pit is located in the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia and is mining an area traditionally known as the Golden Mile. The geological succession in part consists of a 3000–4000 m thick sequence of ultramafic to mafic volcanic rocks and mafic sills, including the Golden Mile Dolerite and the Paringa Basalt into which 650 m high pit slopes will ultimately be excavated. A total of 349 m of scanline were mapped (770 discontinuity measurements), 1022 m of core logged (a further 1795 discontinuity measurements) and a detailed analysis of discontinuity spacing and frequency were undertaken.The total discontinuity spacing values for the study area clearly follow the shape of the exponential distribution, which is consistent with many previous workers’ results. Although not as clearly defined, the normal set spacing values also appear to follow the exponential distribution. The total average calculation for rock quality designation (RQD*) in this study is within 5% of the total average estimate for RQD. This confirms that the method proposed by Priest and Hudson (Int J Rock Mech Min Sci & Geomech Abstr 13 (1976) 135) provides a valuable tool that would be particularly beneficial for geotechnical investigations where diamond core is not readily available.Discontinuity spacing results are complicated by the influence of quartz veining and foliation planes. The veins appear to have influenced the scanline mapping data to a greater extent than the core logging data, while the foliation appears to have influenced the core logging data to a greater degree.     

Slope stability assessment of an open pit using lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach

Discontinuity waviness is one of the most important properties that influence shear strength of jointed rock masses, and it should be incorporated into numerical models for slope stability assessment. However, in most existing numerical modeling tools, discontinuities are often simplified into planar surfaces. Discrete fracture network modeling tools such as MoFrac allow the simulation of non-planar discontinuities which can be incorporated into lattice-spring-based geomechanical software such as Slope Model for slope stability assessment. In this study, the slope failure of the south wall at Cadia Hill open pit mine is simulated using the lattice-spring-based synthetic rock mass (LS-SRM) modeling approach. First, the slope model is calibrated using field displacement monitoring data, and then the influence of different discontinuity configurations on the stability of the slope is investigated. The modeling results show that the slope with non-planar discontinuities is comparatively more stable than the ones with planar discontinuities. In addition, the slope becomes increasingly unstable with the increases of discontinuity intensity and size. At greater pit depth with higher in situ stress, both the slope models with planar and non-planar discontinuities experience localized failures due to very high stress concentrations, and the slope model with planar discontinuities is more deformable and less stable than that with non-planar discontinuities.     

Logic of the image

In this the Centennial Year of Alvar Aalto's birth a plethora of events and writings have emanated from sources independent of his origins. Juhani Pallasmaa has lived and worked in the cultural ambience of a world figure in a small country. In reviewing the inheritance of any architect who in his early career prompted a semi-official meeting of the Finnish Architects' Association to 'stop the daredevil before he could cause irreparable harm to the reputation of the esteemed profession' and now is held in such awe that sober critical evaluation has become seriously compromised, he provides fresh insight into Aalto's 'synthetic and inclusive architecture' as landscape, as typology, as tactile experience, as rational structure, as episodic sequence, as 'haptic experience'.     

Discontinuity trace map construction using photographs of rock exposures

The collection of geomechanical data in the mining industry is often hindered by limited access to rock exposures. Consequently, there is a need for a tool that permits fast and safe acquisition of information that best characterizes a geological structural regime. This paper presents a digital face mapping methodology used to construct discontinuity trace maps from photographs of rock faces. The method is applicable under a range of ground conditions, while at the same time trying to keep user intervention to a minimum.The developed procedure uses a series of photographs of a rock face taken under symmetrical lighting orientations. All digitized pictures are then introduced into the developed software, where pre-processing optimizes subsequent analysis. Discontinuity traces are then extracted from the enhanced images using edge and line detection algorithms. This results in a binary image where black pixels correspond to the detected features. The nature of these features is identified using artificial neural networks, specifically trained for this application. As a result, it is possible to distinguish between segments in the image that are due to the presence of a discontinuity and those due to other phenomena. This classification process provides a series of binary images that represent discontinuity traces in the area of interest. These images are superposed and merged. All processes described above are fully automatic. In order to complete the process, the system operator ensures that incomplete discontinuity segments are reconstructed. Following this, a discontinuity trace map is constructed and the discontinuity network is characterized using geomechanical criteria.The methodology to construct discontinuity trace maps is illustrated using an example from a rock exposure in an underground mine. Subsequently the methodology is implemented in two case studies from underground mines and one in a quarry. These case studies represent different geological and lighting conditions. This information is then used to successfully characterize the investigated rock masses. Present limitations of the method are also identified.     

采用全空间块体搜索技术初步研究岩体完整性

 岩体完整性包括两方面含义：岩体切割程度和岩体块度。全面反映岩体完整性需要同时考虑结构面间距和长度,而不仅仅是间距。采用全空间块体搜索技术,可直观形象地对岩体切割程度及块度进行研究。结果表明,迹长间距比越大,岩体被切割程度越高,完整程度越低。当迹长间距比为3～4时,岩体被切割成较为离散的块体,对应于完整程度为较破碎即完整～破碎岩体的过渡阶段,结构类型为次块状。岩体块度不完全取决于结构面间距,还与切割程度有关,即要考虑到迹长间距比,当岩体被完全切割(迹长间距比大于3～4)时,块度才基本只受间距控制。这些结论可以作为岩体完整程度及岩体结构类型划分的补充条件。另外,以迹长服从对数正态分布为例,讨论不同迹长分布对所得结果的影响。最后,根据典型工程实例的结构面地质统计资料,分析岩体完整性及结构类型。研究途径和结论对于深入认识岩体完整性具有较大意义。     

Geotechnical and operational applications for 3-dimensional laser scanning in drill and blast tunnels

Three-dimensional laser scanning (Lidar) techniques have been applied to a range of industries while their application to the geological environment still requires development. Lidar is a range-based imaging technique which collects a very accurate, high resolution 3-dimensional image of its surroundings. While the use of Lidar in underground environments has been primarily limited to as-built design verification in the past, there is great value in the scan data collected as the excavation advances. The advantages of employing a static Lidar system for geotechnical and operational applications have been demonstrated at a drill and blast tunnel operation at the Sandvika–Asker Railway Project near Oslo, Norway as well as in two other test tunnels in Oslo. The increased scanning rate of newer systems makes it possible to remotely obtain detailed rockmass and excavation information without costly delays or disruption of the construction workflow with a simple tripod setup. Tunnels are non-traditional environments for laser scanners and add limitations to the scanning process as well as the in-office interpretation process; these are discussed. Operational applications of the data include: calculation of shotcrete thickness, as-built bolt spacing, and regions of potential leakage. The authors find that Lidar data, when correctly interpreted, can also provide detailed 3-dimensional characterization of the rockmass. Geometrical characterization of discontinuity surfaces including location, orientation, frequency and large-scale roughness can be obtained. Discontinuity information may be synthesized for a much more representative geomechanical understanding of the rockmass than was previously impossible with traditional hand mapping limited by face accessibility. The alignment of Lidar scans from successive exposed faces offers additional interpretation and recording advantages, particularly where shotcrete is subsequently applied behind the face. In aligning scans, larger scale features can be readily identified and rockmass trends over several rounds may be identified. Discontinuity geometries and characteristics may be input into kinematic and numerical models for further analysis.     

A probabilistic model for the assessment of uncertainties in the shear strength of rock discontinuities

Discontinuity shear strength plays a critical role in many problems encountered in rock engineering, especially in the design of rock slopes. Since its precise estimation is generally not possible, it is crucial that the errors and uncertainties associated with its estimate be quantified and reflected in the design procedure. In this study, the uncertainties underlying discontinuity shear strength are thoroughly examined and an uncertainty analysis model is developed for the estimation of in situ discontinuity shear strength with a special emphasis on rock slopes. An extensive literature survey on shear behavior of unfilled rock discontinuities has been carried out and the necessary data for the quantification of uncertainties are extracted from this survey. These uncertainties stem from the discrepancies between laboratory-measured and in situ discontinuity shear strength values, as well as from the inherent variability of shear strength within a rock medium. The main causes of discrepancies, namely, scale, anisotropy and water saturation are considered. For each source of discrepancy a correction factor, treated as a random variable, is assigned and guidelines for the quantification of the statistical parameters of these correction factors are presented within the framework of the proposed uncertainty analysis model. The proposed uncertainty model provides an analytical tool for the systematic treatment of uncertainties involved in the estimation of the in situ value of peak friction angle from the laboratory test results.     

Industrial architecture and negativity: the aesthetics of architecture in the works of Gordon Matta-Clark,Robert Smithson and Bernd and Hilla Becher

The modernist idea of monumentality derived its inspiration from the imagery of late-nineteenth century industrial structures. In the 1960s, this monumentality and modernist 'total design' was criticised by Robert Venturi and Denise Scott-Brown who proposed the 'ugly and ordinary' architecture and 'vital mess' of commercial populism instead. On the background of these two approaches, I will read the art works of Gordon-Matta Clark, Robert Smithson and Bernd and Hilla Bechers as giving voice to all that is forgotten, excluded or unacknowledged in architecture. The importance of these artists lies in their exploration of negativity in architecture. Their art works stage the contras, first, between the inevitable continuity of architecture as a process and its discontinuity when it is reduced to a set of objects, as well as the contrast, secondly, between the continuity of urban and architectural space and its discontinuity when our perceptions reduce it to its monumental and important parts. Negativity stands for the time 'before' and 'after' of what is commonly understood as an architecture, as well as for the 'invisible' materiality parts of urban space and buildings that are usually ignored. Today, it is in obsolete industrial architecture that negativity finds its purest expression: in the words of Walter Benjamin, the Modernists' imaginary monuments are recognised as ruins even before they have physically crumbled.     

Estimating the intensity of rock discontinuities

This paper presents an approach for estimating the intensity of discontinuities and formulating intensity and orientation as a fracture tensor. Specifically the size distribution and the number of discontinuities are estimated first, from which the fracture tensor is then derived. Discontinuity size distribution is inferred from the trace data sampled in circular windows by using a general stereological relationship between the true trace length distribution and the discontinuity diameter distribution assuming circular shaped discontinuities. Because the measured trace lengths are biased, a method is proposed to estimate the true trace length distribution for circular window sampling. Circular window sampling has the advantage of automatically eliminating the orientation bias when estimating the true trace lengths. A method is then presented with which the total number of discontinuities in an objective volume can be estimated from the number of discontinuities observed in normal-size boreholes and using the inferred discontinuity diameter from the circular window sampling on the rock surface. With the derived size distribution and number of discontinuities, the intensity of discontinuities, which is the total surface area of discontinuities per unit volume, can then be calculated and included in a new definition of a fracture tensor. An application of the approach to analyze simulated discontinuities produces satisfactory results.     

Fragments from the forest: Aalto's requisitioning of forest place and matter

Alvar Aalto requisitioned aspects of Finnish vernacular culture in the process of generating his work. This was neither the cataloguing nor the transference of vernacular details, but the personal and creative response to the forest context and the vernacular crafting therein. The discussion of Aalto's personal strife will demonstrate the congruence between his own situation and that to which he is drawn for creative inspiration - i.e., between his personal 'gap' and the socio-cultural 'lack'. His example of softening or 'humanising' Modernism will be shown to be rooted in this congruence. The 'lack' indigenous buildings of Karelia were revisited in the wake of National Romanticism, and found to offer some thing of a natural order that seemed, perhaps incongruously to modern minds, to be compatible with contemporary human conditions.     

Hunting the shadow - immaterial architecture

The phenomenon of expressing cultural identity in architecture is apparent in many parts of the world: this paper examines it in the context of Kuwait. It focuses on architects, and the strategies they use in expressing cultural identity. The aim is to understand their views and current efforts in this context. In Kuwait, architecture has passed through dramatic transformations during the second half of the twentieth century that were the result of economic, regional and global changes. A survey of the views of eighteen Kuwaiti architects was conducted using focused interviews and a standardised questionnaire. Examples of their projects were analysed to illustrate their views and ways of thinking. The study concluded that there were several strategies employed by Kuwaiti architects to express a Kuwaiti cultural identity in their work. A three- dimensional matrix was developed to illustrate the relationship between the ranges of these strategies and architecture in Kuwait. It is hoped that this matrix will be useful for practitioners and critics of contemporary architecture in Kuwait interested in understanding current trends in achieving a cultural identity in architecture.     

Architecture and the expression of cultural identity in Kuwait

The phenomenon of expressing cultural identity in architecture is apparent in many parts of the world: this paper examines it in the context of Kuwait. It focuses on architects, and the strategies they use in expressing cultural identity. The aim is to understand their views and current efforts in this context. In Kuwait, architecture has passed through dramatic transformations during the second half of the twentieth century that were the result of economic, regional and global changes. A survey of the views of eighteen Kuwaiti architects was conducted using focused interviews and a standardised questionnaire. Examples of their projects were analysed to illustrate their views and ways of thinking. The study concluded that there were several strategies employed by Kuwaiti architects to express a Kuwaiti cultural identity in their work. A three- dimensional matrix was developed to illustrate the relationship between the ranges of these strategies and architecture in Kuwait. It is hoped that this matrix will be useful for practitioners and critics of contemporary architecture in Kuwait interested in understanding current trends in achieving a cultural identity in architecture.     

解构主义叙事性博物馆/场的设计及潜力——基于丹尼尔·里勃斯金及彼得·埃森曼的建筑实例分析

叙事性是博物馆的内在特征。很大一部分现存博物馆中的叙事会被安排为线性模式,往往忽略了事实发展过程中的不连续性、片段性和模糊性。而本文用实例去说明解构主义博物馆因其自身固有的叙事性特质及非线性、不连续、片段化、模糊性及反清晰(并不是不清晰)的原则,可以创造出博物馆的空间叙事能力并让博物馆成为叙事行为的参与者而非旁观者,使其对展品叙事的依赖性降低,令没有展品的博物馆的存在成为可能。     

日本建筑事务所（SANAA）的设计策略解读及启示

对日本建筑事务所SANAA的几个代表作品进行了剖析,尝试找寻混沌或模糊表象后的设计策略,指出了在其作品的不确定性背后的许多理性的构化结构,以期对我国的建筑创作提供宝贵的经验。     

弦外之音——海杜克的诗学建构与空间建构

诗歌与建筑的联系可以是形似（相似的形式结构），也可以是神似（相似的概念或情感的表达）。文章将讨论约翰·海杜克的诗与他设计的建筑的关系，旨在证实海杜克运用了这两种媒介在表达了“弦外之音”的同时，事实上也运用了类似的手法。这些手法虽然表达神的原理是相同的，但不是严格意义上的形似。文章讨论海杜克的两首诗歌与一个建筑作品的关系。两首诗歌是：德松维夫人和奥斯陆室。建筑作品是墙宅之二。     

建筑·精神的通道

中国的建筑设计一直表现为一种断裂式的发展,中国的现代化进程越快,建筑的断裂感就越强.本土的中国的建筑更应该是一种精神上的感知,是一种时空转换的过程,关注的是思想和价值观的体现.