Geometría, CAD 3D y aprendizaje: precauciones conceptuales

This paper is presented under the assumption that 3D CAD systems are nowadays powerful tools, not only in advanced geometry but also as learning environments for elementary levels in university undergraduate courses. Their use at these levels is continuously increasing; however, they may be applied without taken into account both the repercussions of recent advances in the fundamentals of architectural geometry and potential risks which may generate certain lacks of necessary knowledge for the current professional practice. This research is intended to warn about this situation by providing some reflections on fundamentals on architectural geometry. Basic contents and competences are addressed from a contemporary point of view as well as certain caution in dealing with the features of present 3D CAD systems for the teaching and learning process. This reasoning is illustrated with a graphical example of a specific lesson: basic concepts of perspective

Interactive design exploration for constrained meshes

In architectural design, surface shapes are commonly subject to geometric constraints imposed by material, fabrication or assembly. Rationalization algorithms can convert a freeform design into a form feasible for production, but often require design modifications that might not comply with the design intent. In addition, they only offer limited support for exploring alternative feasible shapes, due to the high complexity of the optimization algorithm. We address these shortcomings and present a computational framework for interactive shape exploration of discrete geometric structures in the context of freeform architectural design. Our method is formulated as a mesh optimization subject to shape constraints. Our formulation can enforce soft constraints and hard constraints at the same time, and handles equality constraints and inequality constraints in a unified way. We propose a novel numerical solver that splits the optimization into a sequence of simple subproblems that can be solved efficiently and accurately. Based on this algorithm, we develop a system that allows the user to explore designs satisfying geometric constraints. Our system offers full control over the exploration process, by providing direct access to the specification of the design space. At the same time, the complexity of the underlying optimization is hidden from the user, who communicates with the system through intuitive interfaces

Free-form, form finding and anisotropic grid shell

p. 966-876The new geometrical developments open new perspectives for free-form design, making it possible to escape from planar triangular or quadrilateral discretizations. Recent advances in theory algorithms allow for the discretization of any surface using only single curvature panels thus allowing the realisation of smooth double curvature glazed envelops of any form. Grid shell structures usually present a nearly in plane uniform behaviour, but previous realisations have shown that grid shells can be designed also according to an anisotropic inplane arrangement. The control of principal direction and the fine tuning of the stiffness of the different structural elements (arcs, cables etc.) is a tool for adjusting the form-finding thus controlling the resulting geometry. Moreover, the form-finding can also be performed without researching a constant stress (self weight); in this case an even wider range of forms become possible. These new geometrical and structural approaches have been coupled together and tested in re-designing, as a case study, the glazed roof of the Neumunster Abbey in Luxembourg. Such approach allowed for the conception of an efficient structure supporting a smooth double curvature glass skin, made out of only single curvature panels, perfectly coherent with the perimeter of the courtyard i.e. matching all the edges without any gaps.Baldassini, N.; Raynaud, J. (2010). Free-form, form finding and anisotropic grid shell. Editorial Universitat Politècnica de València. http://hdl.handle.net/10251/696

Perception of Motion and Architectural Form: Computational Relationships between Optical Flow and Perspective

Perceptual geometry refers to the interdisciplinary research whose objectives focuses on study of geometry from the perspective of visual perception, and in turn, applies such geometric findings to the ecological study of vision. Perceptual geometry attempts to answer fundamental questions in perception of form and representation of space through synthesis of cognitive and biological theories of visual perception with geometric theories of the physical world. Perception of form, space and motion are among fundamental problems in vision science. In cognitive and computational models of human perception, the theories for modeling motion are treated separately from models for perception of form.Comment: 10 pages, 13 figures, submitted and accepted in DoCEIS'2012 Conference: http://www.uninova.pt/doceis/doceis12/home/home.ph

Rethinking Ephemeral Architecture. Advanced Geometry for Citizen-Managed Spaces

In recent years there have been a high amount of citizen initiatives that address the complex problems of the contemporary city. There are empty or disused spaces that have been reused for urban gardens, for social use, to encourage integration and civic activities activation, etc. Traditional architectural processes do not provide realistic solutions to these initiatives that, along with limited financial resources, have led to the emergence of architectures and self-constructed facilities, almost as an emergency mode, without necessary planning, media and constructive knowledge. The democratization of technology, thanks to laboratories of digital production, combined with knowledge of the properties of different surfaces through the CAD-CAM tools, offers new opportunities for the development of a lightweight, flexible and low impact architecture, very according to the needs of citizens' initiatives that naturally arise in our cities. The new existing scenario contemplates the figure of the architect, or engineer, not only as an agent of the market, but as a professional able to propose efficient solutions to problems from within, bringing their specific knowledge and serving as bridges between the new technological solutions and the challenges of society

The Caterpillar Gallery: Quadric Surface Theorems, Parametric Design and Digital Fabrication

The use of certain quadratic surface theorems has mainly been associated in architecture with the design of classical vaults, domes and piping. The work presented by the authors is intended to explore the potential of these theorems to be used in the generation law for more complex shapes in contemporary architecture. The paper shows the case study of a built full-scale prototype, The Caterpillar gallery, a project stemming from the combination of geometric research and teaching innovation. Formal and structural experimentation take place in this project where, by starting from geometrical considerations, an efficient way of generating longitudinal spaces is proposed. One of the mentioned theorems applied to rotational cones provides the starting point for the generation of a set of concatenated surfaces that, once assembled, constitute a very stable self-supporting structure with a variety of possible applications

Graphic Thinking and Digital Processes: Three Built Case Studies of Digital Materiality

Think strategic link between computer programming; digital modeling; the data; matter and CNC manufacturing in the various stages of the architectural project is key to update our discipline with new technologies. Our proposal to articulate and digital graphic thought processes; developable folded geometries and compositions is rooted in an expanded graphic thinking through multiple conceptual tools that are already part of the operational structure of our discipline

Integration of virtual reality within the built environment curriculum

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is still perceived by many as being inaccessible and cost prohibitive with VR applications considered expensive to develop as well as challenging to operate. This paper reflects on current developments in VR technologies and describes an approach adopted for its phased integration into the academic curriculum of built environment students. The process and end results of implementing the integration are discussed and the paper illustrates the challenges of introducing VR, including the acceptance of the technology by academic staff and students, interest from industry, and issues pertaining to model development. It sets out to show that fairly sophisticated VR models can now be created by non-VR specialists using commercially available software and advocates that the implementation of VR will increase alongside industryis adoption of these tools and the emergence of a new generation of students with VR skills. The study shows that current VR technologies, if integrated appropriately within built environment academic programmes, demonstrate clear promise to provide a foundation for more widespread collaborative working environments