Topology Optimisation

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Interaction Between Parametric…

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Conference Paper: Peer Reviewed

Interaction Between Parametric Modelling and Product Development – A pre-rationalisation approach in non-standard architectural practice

by Wang S. and Crolla K.

ABSTRACT | This paper questions the ideal digital paradigm of its applicability for non-standard architectural practice in China. Streamlined multi-disciplinary cooperation may constrain when facing a challenging construction context which notorious for its high speed, lack of craftsmanship, low budgets, and poor detailing. Living with this, however, a group of digital practitioners has successfully been able to complete several non-standard architectural projects with a complex form. An argument raises suggesting an essential part of their success lies in their alternative use of typical parametric models, which are adapted to create tolerance space between design, development, and implementation process in response to local challenges. Here, we study two non-standard cases from Chinese architectural practice HHDFUN. By analyzing the project delivery processes, this paper ambitious to extract higher-level knowledge that will contribute to the professional practice and facilitate the extension of an expanded, yet purely digital design solution space into the challenging material world of local construction.

KEYWORDS |HHDFUN; Parametric Model; Solution Space; Product Development; China’s Context

DOWNLOAD |  http://papers.cumincad.org/cgi-bin/works/paper/acadia19_150

CITATION | Wang, Sining, and Kristof Crolla. “Interaction Between Parametric Modelling and Product Development – A pre-rationalisation approach in non-standard architectural practice”. in Kepczynska-Walczak, A, Bialkowski, S (eds.), Computing for a better tomorrow – Proceedings of the 36th eCAADe Conference – Volume 2, Lodz University of Technology, Lodz, Poland, 19-21 September 2018, pp. 345-354

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SmartNodes: ‘Light-weight’…

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Conference Paper: Peer Reviewed

SmartNodes: ‘Light-weight’ Parametric Structural Design Process with BESO

by Prohasky D., Williams N., Crolla K. and Burry J.

ABSTRACT | This paper includes the documentation of research to overcome the challenges of coordinating architectural and structural initiatives for complex structures in the research project SmartNodes. The technique documented here utilises parametric finite element analysis (FEA), which updates in real-time with qualitative and quantitative structural feedback relayed to the designer. The system is documented with reference to a case study pavilion design, which exemplifies its ability to accommodate freeform flexibility in structures while incorporating complex design tasks such as applying the bidirectional evolutionary structural optimisation (BESO) process to uniquely loaded and hence uniquely shaped nodes. This novel approach was demonstrated through the fabrication of a 1:5 scale prototype of the pavilion. The prototype is composed of 207 standard rectangular section timber beams and 144 3D printed structurally optimised nodes or ‘SmartNodes’. To mass produce the structurally optimised nodes, the multidimensional coordination of structural data such as spatial, force and restraint variables needed careful manipulation through two scales, at the level of the beam network and within each ‘smart node’.

KEYWORDS | BESO; Structural Optimisation; Smartnodes; Parametric Structure; Engineering Design; Empirical Studies; Architectural Design

DOWNLOAD | https://researchrepository.rmit.edu.au/esploro/outputs/conferenceProceeding/SmartNodes-Light-weight-parametric-structural-design-process/9921862616901341?institution=61RMIT_INST

CITATION | Prohasky, Daniel, Williams Nicholas, Crolla Kristof, and Burry Jane. “SmartNodes: ‘Light-weight’ Parametric Structural Design Process with BESO”. Paper presented in the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2015, organized by International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) , 12 pgs. Amsterdam, Netherlands

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Shells Matter

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Journal Paper

Shells Matter

by Crolla K.

ABSTRACT | No innovation has prompted greater expectations within the architectural profession than the digital design revolution. Only recently, with virtually every single architectural practice accommodating personal computing one way or another, have firms started to use computers beyond a mere replacement or automation tool for old drawing traditions. Although not developed for that particular purpose, procedural design tools like Bentley’s Generative Components or Grasshopper, a plug-in for McNeel’s 3D NURBS modelling software Rhinoceros, allow for an easy production of highly graphical output. The ease by which these instant graphics can be playfully manipulated makes the tools popular weapons of choice for designers looking to creatively tackle problems presented by a primarily image-driven commercial development market. With no clear remaining architecture style or all-encompassing design paradigm to answer today’s building challenge, and with little or no convincingly remaining motivation for form, the general focus of architectural design thus shifts more and more towards pure graphics and form. Consequently, a wide, yet extremely shallow proliferation of parametric modelling techniques is currently taken place. As problematic as this uncritical tool implementation may be, it succeeded in pushing many across the first hurdles of computer programming based design methodologies, which has now widely permeated the scene.

KEYWORDS | Performance Integrated Design; Shells; Integrated Tectonics; BESO

DOWNLOAD | http://d.wanfangdata.com.cn/periodical/zhuq201205016

CITATION | Crolla, Kristof. “Shells Matter”, Community Design, Tsinghua University Magazine, Oct. 2012