95 research outputs found
ROBOTIC FABRICATION OF CONCRETE BUILDING COMPONENTS FOR EFFICIENT HOUSING CONSTRUCTION IN SAUDI ARABIA
No full textTRANSFORMABLE SPATIAL-BAR STRUCTURES: An Algorithmic Design and Evaluation Framework to Develop Free-Form Transformable Structures (FFTS).
No full textThis research aims to develop an algorithmic framework to design and evaluate free-form transformable spatial-bar structures (FFTS). Such structures can alter their forms into variable free-form geometries. To develop this framework, the research examined the history, typologies, and characteristics of transformable spatial-bar structures besides their design strategies, considerations and methodologies, and additionally reviewed the precedents relevant to FFTS. Afterwards, the framework was developed and assessed by means of digital and physical prototyping.
Transformable spatial-bar structures are composed of reconfigurable linear elements (e.g. scissor pairs) assembled in three-dimensional configurations. They are commonly utilised in portable, deployable and transformable buildings. Their forms are mostly based on the modification of primitive geometries (e.g. sphere) through folding, sliding or rotation. Their movement commonly occurs within predefined series of states, for instance: from compacted to expanded (e.g. umbrellas).
Since 1994, diverse precedents have been suggested to develop novel spatial-bar transformation typologies that can deliver free-form geometries (i.e. FFTS) for many architectural applications such as controlling solar gain, providing interactive kinetic forms, and control the users’ movement within architectural/urban spaces. Unfortunately, these FFTS precedents were poorly documented and were not implemented in architectural scale. Moreover, the precedents study revealed a list of technical and design issues that should be considered in the design and evaluation processes of FFTS.
The available transformable design frameworks consider the evaluation of the structures in all their predictable movement states. These frameworks are not feasible in the case of FFTS, because the possible form variations of FFTS are infinite. This issue makes the evaluation process more complicated and require a unique approach that seamlessly generates and evaluates the forms of FFTS.
Therefore, this research developed an algorithmic framework to integrate the design, forms generation, evaluation and operation processes of FFTS within a parametric design environment (i.e. Grasshopper). The framework incorporated parametric modelling, kinematic analysis, finite element simulations, and genetic algorithms to perform stochastic investigation and evaluation of the mechanical behaviour and robustness of randomly generated FFTS form variations. Additionally, the framework was employed to extract the design requirements of the components (i.e. bars and joints), and generate the data required for actuation after fabrication and assembly.
The framework functionality was assessed by designing and evaluating an arbitrary 10x10m FFTS pavilion. Digital parametric and simulation models besides physical prototypes were utilised according to the requirements of each stage. The framework performed effectively, delivered the required outcomes and revealed some limitations and considerations that require further research work
AR (design+fabrication): AR-assisted Design and Robotic Fabrication Framework for Parametric Masonry Structures
No full textDigital technologies enable the digital continuum from design to production, yet there are still certain practical limitations. Under the trends of architectural digitalisation and the rapid development of immersive media device technology, augmented reality (AR) and its unique characteristics are expected to have the ability to integrate with parametric thinking to optimise conventional digital design and fabrication processes.
After combining the possibility of the above-emerging fields and analysing the corresponding research values, I proposed my practice-based research aim to explore AR technology for investigating and formulating a framework of digital architectural design and robotic fabrication in an immersive and interactive manner. This comprehensive framework encompasses various crucial aspects, including parametric design, design feedback, robotic fabrication, and human-robot collaboration, in the AR environment to provide optimised solutions for today's design and construction methods, closely following the trends of the times and current technological developments.
This study adopted an experimental research strategy and validated the proposed framework with parametric masonry structure experiments from design to fabrication phases. Not only did I validate this framework with masonry structures, but also my framework has the potential to be developed and promoted in-depth for other architectural materialities and proposals, which bridges the practical constraints between conventional design and construction in a novel way.
My research is significant as it contributes to knowledge in AR, parametric design, robotic fabrication, and their combinations in architectural aspects. The research findings illustrate how AR technology can be employed to build up a design-to-fabrication framework to enrich the current methods following the trends of digitalisation in architecture. These achieved findings are rooted in both theoretical underpinnings and practical experimentation, thus enhancing the understanding of AR-assisted design and robotic fabrication knowledge, and helping architectural practitioners in the practice of the AR-assisted design-to-fabrication framework. At the same time, my findings from the literature review and the practice-based experiments analysed the merits and limitations of this research and made a summary of the applicable to users with different scenarios. The unique contribution of my research not only lies in investigating and verifying the AR-assisted design-to-fabrication framework, but also in providing a list of recommendations and future direction suggestions for other people to take forward in the future, as well as the speculation of future horizons in architectural digitalisation
Developing a mass customisation framework for the design of affordable housing solutions in Saudi Arabia by utilising parametric modelling, digital simulation, and client interaction tools
No full textSaudi Arabia has established a tremendous program to develop the country called Saudi Vision 2030. One of the goals of this vision is for the Saudi government to take the initiative to modernise the country and address critical challenges, with a primary goal of reducing the housing deficit due to a rapidly growing population. The Saudi Housing Ministry aims to establish an initiative to facilitate novel construction technologies and has made agreements as part of its contribution to the National Transformation Plan 2030, aiming to increase citizens’ homeownership. However, one challenge in supplying houses is that potential inhabitants have declined to accept them due to designs that fail to meet their demands. Still, none of the housing providers have applied for client involvement. Furthermore, the government struggles to provide high-quality housing that aligns with people's needs because only a few enterprises can meet these needs, but only at the cost of lengthy planning and construction times, as well as increased expenses.
This research aims to propose a mass customisation framework for the design of affordable housing solutions in Saudi Arabia by utilising parametric modelling, digital simulation, and client interaction tools that target reduced construction time and costs while incorporating client involvement and environmental simulation. The research method includes conducting interviews with Saudi Arabian architecture firms to collect data about contemporary clients' needs, analysing and reviewing mass customisation tools and techniques, developing a bespoke algorithm capable of mass-customising housing, and evaluating the algorithm through design experiments.
Lastly, the findings present the advantages and challenges of the developed tools, and the algorithm's rules for mass-customised floor plan solutions. The results of this study system from a comprehensive investigation, examination, and analysis of the methodology's data, show that client engagement is the crucial factor in client satisfaction with the design. The proposed method allows clients to participate in the design of their homes with a certain level of involvement during the design phase. This study has developed a method that will reduce overall design time as a result of this approach. Additionally, the design has been developed on the interview data that has been collected. Finally, to address these issues, developing mass customisation with parametric algorithms could aim for affordable, context-friendly, and user-friendly housing solutions. Therefore, this research investigates, classifies, and compares mass customisation studies in construction, exploring courtyard houses that could be applied in the Saudi Arabian context with a unique design method that allows clients to engage in their dwelling design
Reinterpreting the Dougong: Developing a design-to-fabrication framework for utilising the Dougong in contemporary architecture
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