Deceptive Landscape Algorithmic patterning strategies for a pavilion installation

This paper reflects a collaborative, research led design project, aiming to explore the potentials offered by incorporating parametric / generative tools and performative lighting simulation software in order to design and fabricate a small pavilion for the School of Architecture. The Deceptive Landscape pavilion was designed in the framework of a masters level, research led, and collaborative design studio. During its intense 12 weeks schedule, student teams were asked to explore and apply generative / parametric tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper, in order to design and later construct a small pavilion, with a theme of their choice. In addition, each team was asked to optimise their design proposal by embedding environmental software plug-ins (e.g. DIVA for Rhino) in their design process, thereby aiming to re-inform their parametric models and set performance targets. Finally each team was expected to propose a file to factory fabrication technique, following all constrains of a limited, predetermined budget. The most convincing and consistent proposal, was then chosen for fabrication. The finalised project serves as verification of the effectiveness of the design system and teaching methods used

Parametrising Historical Chinese Courtyard-Dwellings: An algorithmic design framework for the digital representation of Beijing Siheyuan iterations based on Fengshui and Gongcheng Zuofa Zeli

Many Beijing Siheyuan, a type of Chinese vernacular housing with significant cultural value, have been lost in recent years. Preserving the few remaining has become a necessity, but many contemporary architects lack an understanding of their design principles. Based on a historical analysis deriving from Fengshui theory, the Gongcheng Zuofa Zeli ancient construction manual, and craftsmen’s experience, this paper describes a parametric algorithm capable of producing Siheyuan variants within a 4D CAD environment which by transforming the original design principles into an algorithm contributes to an understanding of Siheyuan typology and their preservation. This algorithm was implemented in a virtual scripting environment to generate accurate virtual counterparts of historical or extant Siheyuan houses revealing the tacit computational rules underlying traditional Chinese architecture

Assessing the effectivity of additive manufacturing techniques for the production of building components: Innovation for housing construction in Saudi Arabia

This paper examines the suitability of existing robotic technologies and large-scale 3D printing techniques for the fabrication of three-dimensional printed building components to be applied in the Saudi housing construction industry. The paper assesses a series of cases based on the applications for 3D-printing cement-based materials in construction. In particular, we investigate five different additive manufacturing techniques and evaluate their performance in terms of their flexibility/mechanism, control/navigation, calibration/operation system, fabrication suitability (in-situ or off-site), size of printed components, printing speed. The findings include in a matrix chart, where the advantages and disadvantages of each technique become evident. The paper further evaluates the suitability of each technique in relation to the particular climatical and sociopolitical context of Saudi Arabia, applicable to other construction industries with similar condition

Augmented Masonry Design: A design method using Augmented Reality (AR) for customized bricklaying design algorithms

The Augmented Masonry Design project presents experimental research about developing and applying Augmented Reality (AR) technology for customized design algorithms, exploring a real-time, interactive, and spatial-free design method for the early architectural design stage. We aim to resolve the current 2D-based design limitations and provide architects with a 3D-4D immersive perception in AR for a practical and easy-to-use design method. Furthermore, with reference to the Covid-19 pandemic, we propose that this method could break through site accessibility and constraints by breaking the barriers of physical space. Towards this aim, we apply the Augmented Masonry Design into two prototypes: a) user interface (UI) immersive design, in which interactive inputs will communicate with design algorithms in AR through the inputs from the screen-based UI on mobile devices (e.g., smartphones and tablets); b) intuitive interaction immersive design, in which interactive inputs will be translated to design algorithms directly in AR through hand gestures on head-mounted devices (HMD) (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens). Our Findings highlight the advantages of immersive design in the initial stage of architectural drafts, which gives designers better spatial understanding and design creativity, as well as the challenges arising from the limitations of current AR devices and the lack of real physical simulation in the design system