digital aptitudes - Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 2012 - 12:00PM - 1:30PM
Design Computation: Parametrics, Performance,
Pedagogy and Praxis
Karen Kensek, University of Southern California
Folded Sun-Shades: From Origami to Architecture
Nancy Yen-wen Cheng, University of Oregon
Abraham Rodriguez, University of Oregon
Ashley Koger, University of Oregon
This paper describes a hybrid digital+physical process for designing
decorative and functional sun-shading screens that flex to meet
changing diurnal and seasonal lighting requirements. A range of
techniques was used to optimize the visual effects created from a
single sheet. Experiments in cutting and folding were combined
with photography and solar testing using a heliodon and artificial
sky. Material characteristics discovered through physical manipulation
and direct observation shaped the geometric transformation
and parametric modeling of lasercut patterns. The paper illustrates
how each technique shaped the design development in a delicate
balance of directed study and serendipitous discovery.
Beyond demonstrating possibilities and limitations of cut and folded
contiguous sheets as lighting modulators, the project shows
how a material study can be targeted towards architectural applications.
Defining a specific architectural problem is crucial for
focusing the work towards building performance. The context
limits the design exploration and sharpens the defining questions.
For the digital+physical design process to trigger different modes
of thinking, design education and the studio environment need to
support agile shifts between design methods. Bringing together individuals
with complementary skills and backgrounds enriches how
a project can take advantage of these multiple modes.
Performance-Based Generative Design. An
Investigation of the Parametric Nature of
Architecture
Ming Tang, University of Cincinnati
This paper investigates a collaborative research and teaching project
between the University of Cincinnati, Perkins+Will’s Tech Lab
and nD group, and the University of North Carolina Greensboro. The
primary investigation focuses on the design and fabrication of building
components, derived from performance-based parameters. The
project examines various approaches including theoretical investigations
and proprietary software tools for parametric design.
The paper first gives a short historical and philosophical background
to performance-based design, then describes the technical and algorithmic
requirements, and concludes with the examples of implementation.
With two design courses taught in 2011, the authors discuss
the “shared body plan” as an essential element for applying
generative form-seeking methods in architectural design. Design
methodologies, such as use of building performance simulation
tools, genetic morphing, and fitness evaluations are discussed as
new paradigms in generative, performance-based design.
This paper also investigates how the large quantity of iterations can
be filtered and selected based on the feasibility of fabrication and
materialization processes. Using several student projects, the paper
demonstrates the methods of mass customization and parametric
iteration through physical prototyping.. The parameters related with
fabrication have been implemented to generate a large quantity of
creative solutions, whereas genetic algorithm functions are introduced
as optimizers.
As a conclusion, this paper summarizes the formation process that
nature permits in order to sustain a generative system. The paper analyzes
several design and prototyping procedures, and illustrates how
these performance-driven design approaches can be used for innovative
forms, utilizing benefits of performance-based influences in architecture
beyond formal assumption and aesthetic experimentation.
Material in Performance-driven Architectural
Geometry
Sevil Yazici, Istanbul Technical University
Leyla Tanacan, Istanbul Technical University
Advanced Computer Aided Design Techniques liberated non-Euclidian
geometries such as freeform surfaces. In today’s architectural
practice, there is a necessity to subdivide complex geometries
into smaller components for realization of buildings because of the
current limitations in Computer Aided Manufacturing Techniques.
Architectural geometry is an emerging field of research focusing
on rationalization of freeform surfaces. This field of research is investigated
with panelization tools. However, these tools are not
able to accommodate requirements related to the material properties
and building performance. Today, computational tools associated
with performance analysis, evaluation and optimization are
undertaken during a later stage of the design process, following
the form generation. This paper aims to discuss how material can
be integrated into a parametric model in which architectural geometry,
material and building performance are interdependent for
increasing efficiency in the design process. A parametrically defined
architectural surface is generated, analyzed and evaluated as
a case study where parametric modeling, panelization tools and
series of analysis tools including Finite Element Method Analysis
are used with the intent of mapping critical procedures towards
building a complex architectural surface. Different types of materials
are tested for the surface within imposed boundary conditions
to assess and compare their structural performance. Future lines of
research are indicated in the paper.
Signature Architecture Franchising: Improving
Average Architecture Using BIM
Ehsan Barekati, Texas A&M University
James Haliburton, Prairie View A&M University
Mark Clayton, Texas A&M University
Ozan Ozener, Texas A&M University
Building Information Modeling provides capabilities to aid architectural
design that are so revolutionary as to enable new forms
of practice. Signature architecture franchising is a design process
and workflow that makes use of a “seed” BIM that a designer can
modify rapidly to create a custom design. The design can be constrained
to conform to characteristics of a signature architectural
style through use of constraints, components and standard assemblies
or families. The design can also be subjected to rigorous analysis
for performance in domains such as energy consumption, construction
cost and construction schedule. Experiments that have
been conducted to explore and test the idea indicate that signature
architecture franchising appears feasible. It may enable designers
to expand market share and increase quality significantly, perhaps
enabling substantial reductions in energy consumption in average
buildings in the future.
Digital Apptitutes + Other Openings - Boston, MA - 5