Reimagining Breeze Blocks: An Algorithmic Evolution for Hong Kong’s Modern Architectural Heritage
Description
In modern architecture of Hong Kong and other Southeast Asian regions, perforated blocks, known as breeze blocks, are extensively used as passive design features, which enhances semi-outdoor thermal comfort, visual pleasure, and privacy through visual enclosure. This project investigates the features and usage patterns of breeze blocks in Hong Kong modern architecture. It aims to analyse and assess these features as quantifiable performance metrics for thermal comfort, visual comfort, and privacy. The project seeks to reimagine the design of breeze blocks, inherited from modern architecture, in a performance-oriented manner by integrating contemporary computational technology.
The process involves collecting cases of breeze block designs in Hong Kong and extracting common characteristics such as size, shape, and perforation rate. These characteristics are synthesised into a typical prototype with modifiable parameters controlled by algorithms. A digital automation workflow adjusts these parameters, generating solutions and conducting simulations (radiation, wind flow, visibility) iteratively. Multi-objective optimisation (MOO) sorts solutions for optimal performance, determining the ultimate breeze block design. The optimised breeze block design will be used in designing a breeze block wall installation, composed of block walls, allowing audience to step in and experience the ambience by passive environmental control of optimised breeze block wall design.
Biography
The Craft Design Research Lab is a collaborative platform that focuses on craft-based design projects and explores the material and techniques used in local craft. The objective of the lab is to apply traditional craftsmen’s knowledge in contemporary spatial practice and architectural design. We engage with craft-materiality and craft-making to nurture its social meaning and cultural significance in contemporary design.
Materials
Item 1 – Breeze Block Wall (Original): aluminium extrusion, 3D-printed blocks, electric fans, electric LED light panels, steel wires, steel mesh face, sand bags
Item 2 – Breeze Block Wall (Optimized): Ibid.
Item 3 – Display Models: Concrete-cast block, 3D-printed mold
Organisation
School of Architecture, The Chinese University of Hong Kong