Rationalization of Freeform Space-Frame Structures for Fabrication:Reducing variability in the joints

In recent years, the application of space-frame structures on large-scale freeform designs has significantly increased, due to their lightweight configuration and the freedom of design they offer. However, this has introduced a level of complexity into their construction, as doubly-curved designs require non-uniform configurations. This paper proposes a novel computational workflow that reduces the construction complexity of freeform space-frame structures, by minimizing variability in its joints. Space-frame joints are evaluated according to their geometry, and clustered for production in compliance with the tolerance requirements of the selected fabrication process. This provides a direct insight into the level of customization required and the associated construction complexity. A subsequent geometry optimization of the space-frame’s depth then minimizes the number of different joint groups required. The variables of the optimization are defined in relation to the structure’s curvature, providing a direct link between the structure’s geometry and the optimization process. Through the application of a control surface, the dimensionality of the design space is drastically reduced, rendering this method applicable to large-scale projects. A case study of an existing structure of complex geometry is presented, and this method achieves a significant reduction in the construction complexity in a robust and computationally efficient way

Layout Optimization of Space Frame Structures

Despite the evident advantages of double layered grid structures to produce freeform and aesthetically pleasing designs, the challenge in their application lies in the computational cost associated with the optimization of their layout and limitations in their fabrication. Conway operators are an efficient tool for the manipulation of such structures, producing complex yet aesthetically pleasing topological layouts. This paper presents a computational workflow for the evaluation of double layered grid structures generated using Conway operators. After defining the operators applied, the structure is optimized in compliance with structural design criteria. The inherent modularity of such layouts significantly reduces the computational resources required, while at the same time facilitates the fabrication process. The tool is applied on an existing structure available in literature on which different topologies are evaluated. As a result, a decrease in the overall mass of the structure is achieved, while insightful information for the structural behaviour of the different operators is obtained. The potentials for future evolution of this approach are hence highlighted

Curved-crease origami face shields for infection control

The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Face shields are an important component of PPE for front-line workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing protection of the face from splashes and sprays of virus-containing fluids. Existing face shield designs and manufacturing procedures may not allow for production and distribution of face shields in sufficient volume to meet global demand, particularly in Low and Middle-Income countries. This paper presents a simple, fast, and cost-effective curved-crease origami technique for transforming flat sheets of flexible plastic material into face shields for infection control. It is further shown that the design could be produced using a variety of manufacturing methods, ranging from manual techniques to high-volume die-cutting and creasing. This demonstrates the potential for the design to be applied in a variety of contexts depending on available materials, manufacturing capabilities and labour. An easily implemented and flexible physical-digital parametric design methodology for rapidly exploring and refining variations on the design is presented, potentially allowing others to adapt the design to accommodate a wide range of ergonomic and protection requirements

Curved-crease origami face shields for infection control

The COVID-19 pandemic has created enormous global demand for personal protective equipment (PPE). Face shields are an important component of PPE for front-line workers in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing protection of the face from splashes and sprays of virus-containing fluids. Existing face shield designs and manufacturing procedures may not allow for production and distribution of face shields in sufficient volume to meet global demand, particularly in Low and Middle-Income countries. This paper presents a simple, fast, and cost-effective curved-crease origami technique for transforming flat sheets of flexible plastic material into face shields for infection control. It is further shown that the design could be produced using a variety of manufacturing methods, ranging from manual techniques to high-volume die-cutting and creasing. This demonstrates the potential for the design to be applied in a variety of contexts depending on available materials, manufacturing capabilities and labour. An easily implemented and flexible physical-digital parametric design methodology for rapidly exploring and refining variations on the design is presented, potentially allowing others to adapt the design to accommodate a wide range of ergonomic and protection requirements

Polykatoikia is dead(?)long live polykatoikia!

Η παρούσα διπλωματική εργασία αποτελεί μια έρευνα που πραγματοποιήθηκε με εφαλτήριο τα προβλήματα που αντιμετωπίζει το σύγχρονο αθηναϊκό τοπίο . Πιο συγκεκριμένα, λόγω του καθοριστικού ρόλου της πολυκατοικίας στη διαμόρφωση του σύγχρονου αστικού τοπίου της Αθήνας και των προβλημάτων που αυτό περιλαμβάνει, επιλέγεται μια όμαδα πολυκατοικιών (οι κατασκευασμένες την περίοδο 1955-1983) προς ανάλυση. Εντοπίζοντια τα κοινά προβλήματα που παρουσιάζει ο κτιριακός αυτός τύπος και οι τρόποι με τους οποίους μπορεί κανείς να επέμβει σε υφιστάμενα κελύφη. Τίθεται, έτσι, στη συνέχεια το ερώτημα της έρευνας: αν μπορεί, δηλαδή, να σχεδιαστεί ένας κοινός τρόπος επέμβασης στα κτίρια αυτά, ο οποίος προσαρμοζόμενος στα ιδιαίτερα χαρακτηριστικά του εκάστοτε, να επιλύει τα κοινά προβλήματα. Προτείνεται, λοιπόν, μια μέθοδος επεμβάσεων, η οποία στη συνέχεια εξετάζεται και μέσω της εφαρμογής της σε ένα κτίριο. Κατά την εφαρμογή εξετάζονται ζητήματα όπως το πράσινο στο κτίριο, διάδραση μεταξύ μονάδων και εξωτερικού περιβάλλοντος/πόλης, καθώς επίσης και η σχέση καμπύλης γεωμετρίας με ένα αυστηρό ορθοκανονικό σύστημα. Παρουσιάζονται αναλυτικά σχέδια, καθώς επίσης και οικοδομικές πεπτομέρειες της επέμβασης σε κλίμακα 1:20.Τέλος, η έρευνα καταλήγει στην αξιολόγηση της προτεινόμενης μεθόδου επέμβασης με κριτήρια την αξιοπιστία, εγκυρότητα, αλλά και αναπαραγωγικότητά της.The current diploma projects constitues a research held on the problems the city of Athens is dealing with. Given the vital role the building type of polykatoikia has played on the formation of the urban space in contemporary Athens, including its drawbacks, a group of these buildings is chosen to be analyzed (the ones constructed in the period between 1955-1983). The common problems this building tye presents, as well as methods of intervening on existing structures are being outlined. Thus, the researh hypothesis is being stated: is it feasible to design a gene-type method of intervention on these buildings, who, adjusted to the specific characteristic of each, can provide a solution to these problems? An intervention is, therefore, being suggested, which is afterwards being practiced on an existing building. During its implementation, issues such as the green in a structure, interaction between habitable units and their adjuscent environment (city), as well as the combination of curved geometry with a strict, rectangular system are being examined. Drawings and sketches of the intervention are presented, as well as structural details in scale 1:20. Finally, the research ends with the evaluation of this gene-type method of intervention, having as criteria its validity, reliability and replicability.Αντιόπη Γ. Κορωνάκ

Fabrication-Aware Joint Clustering in Freeform Space-Frames

The geometrical variability in the joints of large-scale, doubly-curved space-frame structures can have a substantial impact on the time and cost of their construction. This paper proposes a novel framework to assess the construction complexity of space-frame structures as a factor of the geometrical variability and fabrication of their joints, to promote the informed design of the fabrication process. The k-means algorithm was used to cluster space-frame joints into fabrication batches, providing an overview of the variability distribution. A novel initialisation method was developed that allows the algorithm to adapt to project-specific inputs, substantially improving cluster compactness. Overlaying the clustering results with the properties of different fabrication processes provides an accurate estimation of the construction complexity of alternative fabrication options. The method was applied to a large-scale case study to demonstrate the benefits in practice. Alternative fabrication scenarios were assessed in the early stages of the design development, leading to the informed design of the fabrication process and hence to the efficient construction of large-scale, complex structures

Fabrication-Aware Joint Clustering in Freeform Space-Frames

The geometrical variability in the joints of large-scale, doubly-curved space-frame structures can have a substantial impact on the time and cost of their construction. This paper proposes a novel framework to assess the construction complexity of space-frame structures as a factor of the geometrical variability and fabrication of their joints, to promote the informed design of the fabrication process. The k-means algorithm was used to cluster space-frame joints into fabrication batches, providing an overview of the variability distribution. A novel initialisation method was developed that allows the algorithm to adapt to project-specific inputs, substantially improving cluster compactness. Overlaying the clustering results with the properties of different fabrication processes provides an accurate estimation of the construction complexity of alternative fabrication options. The method was applied to a large-scale case study to demonstrate the benefits in practice. Alternative fabrication scenarios were assessed in the early stages of the design development, leading to the informed design of the fabrication process and hence to the efficient construction of large-scale, complex structures.This study was supported by the EPSRC Centre for Decarbonisation of the Built Environment (dCarb) [Grant Ref: EP/L016869/1]