Bojan Tepavčević

Architectural Scale Models in the Digital Age: design, representation and manufacturing

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Analysis of shape grammar application as a tool for urban design

In the past decade a certain number of studies have suggested that shape grammars and their capability for producing alternative solutions represent an adequate tool for overcoming complexities regarding urban design. In this paper we present a critical analysis of various approaches to shape grammar application in urban design. The aim of this research is to provide an insight into the current state-of-the-art developments and give a critical evaluation on the basis of the criteria of interactivity and flexibility in the approach. We identify two main concepts of grammar application in urban design and outline their characteristics. We conclude that a generic or context-independent approach to shape grammars can provide high levels of flexibility and interaction with the user. This, coupled with their ability to encode different layers of information, facilitates their use for design exploration and problem solving in an urban context.

Design and fabrication with industrial robot as brick-laying tool and with custom script utilization

This paper presents methodology and implementation of parametric architectural design of bricklaying walls fabricated by industrial robotic arm. As a design tool Grasshopper is used, a visual programming editor that runs within the Rhinoceros 3D CAD application. Grasshopper offers a range of objects for creating parametric models including bricklaying walls. However it lacks the ability of integration with fabrication tools. To overcome this problem, a custom C# script has been developed. As the fabrication tool, the ABB-IRB 140 robotic arm is used. Thus the C# script is written in such a way to obtain the RAPID code for controlling ABB industrial robots. The C# script enabled automated generation of RAPID code in accordance to the Grasshopper generated geometries of walls. The RAPID code is firstly tested in simulation environment, afterwards is used to control the robot to fabricate various types of walls.

An application of the shark skin denticle geometry for windbreak fence design and fabrication

Windbreak fences in open and urban areas can be used to effectively reduce the wind velocity. In this paper we examine how the geometrical shape of the windbreak fence can optimally mitigate wind velocity. We propose an approach for windbreak fence design based on a bionic parametric model of the shark skin denticle geometry, which improves the reduction of the wind velocity around and behind the windbreak fences. The generative model was used to estimate improvements by variations in the parameters of the fence panel’s geometrical shape, inspired by shark skin denticles. The results of the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis indicates that the fence surface inspired by shark skin performs much better than both flat and corrugated surfaces. Taking into account the complex geometry of the surface inspired by shark skin denticles, we propose a fabrication process using an expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) material, created using an industrial robot arm with a hot-wire tool. Creating EPS moulds for the shark skin denticle panels allows for a richer variety material to be used in the final design, leading both to higher efficiency and a more attractive design.

Fabrication of Digital Anamorphic Sculptures with Industrial Robot

The fabrication process of complex architectural designs in the real world requires precise and complex movements in the workspace. The robotic arms can fulfil this requirement, which makes them an excellent choice for a set of digital fabrication tasks. This paper presents a design methodology for the generation of anamorphic sculptures based on input grayscale image. To represent pixels in real world, wooden sticks are used. The colour of a grayscale image is represented by setting the appropriate orientation of the wooden sticks with respect to the initial vertical position. To achieve good results a large number of sticks is required to be placed and oriented precisely. In order to do this, the holes are drilled at a specified angle in a wooden base. Drilling is carried out with a driller mounted on a ABB IRB140 robot arm. After the drilling is finished, wooden sticks are manually placed in each hole.

Visualization of the Centre of Projection Geometrical Locus in a Single Image

Single view reconstruction (SVR) is an important approach for 3D shape recovery since many non‐existing buildings and scenes are captured in a single image. Historical photographs are often the most precise source for virtual reconstruction of a damaged cultural heritage. In semi‐automated techniques, that are mainly used under practical situations, the user is the one who recognizes and selects constraints to be used. Hence, the veridicality and the accuracy of the final model partially rely on man‐based decisions. We noticed that users, especially non‐expert users such as cultural heritage professionals, usually do not fully understand the SVR process, which is why they have trouble in decision making while modelling. That often fundamentally affects the quality of the final 3D models. Considering the importance of human performance in SVR approaches, in this paper we offer a solution that can be used to reduce the amount of user errors. Specifically, we address the problem of locating the centre of projection (CP). We introduce a tool set for 3D visualization of the CPs geometrical loci that provides the user with a clear idea of how the CPs location is determined. Thanks to this type of visualization, the user becomes aware of the following: (1) the constraint relevant for CP location, (2) the image suitable for SVR, (3) more constraints for CP location required, (4) which constraints should be used for the best match, (5) will additional constraints create a useful redundancy. In order to test our approach and the assumptions it relies on, we compared the amount of user made errors in the standard approaches with the one in which additional visualization is provided.

Manufacturing Scale Models & Scale Model Components: Methods And Processes

The geometric structures used in architectural design nowadays are far more complex than those before digital techniques were introduced. Consequently, an architect using elements of complex geometry in his or her designs has to have good knowledge of manufacturing methods which make design realisation possible. Making scale models for the needs of such designs is a key step in the process of design development; it is an early stage of the process during which structural connections may be tested in a physical environment during assembly, allowing the preclusion of any problems or deficiencies that may arise later in the process.

Modelling Tools and Materials

The art and practice of scale modelling have changed significantly with digital technology. The application of laser cutters and CNC milling machines has made the cutting stage considerably easier; 3D printers are now used to realise architectural and other scale models, which has facilitated the process of fabrication. This has influenced both the speed and precision of model building. At the same time, digital techniques and 3D CAD software have made the geometry of designs increasingly complex. Scale models are thus built to inspect or test the individual elements of designs; on the other hand, they have likewise become more complex and challenging to manufacture. Despite all the digital possibilities at hand, manual tools are still used in the traditional way. Hence, this chapter provides an overview of both the digital and traditional modelling tools and materials.

The Use of Scale Models in Architecture

Scale models have been used throughout almost the entire history of architecture. Today, scale modelling is used in architecture for different reasons: from the exploration of the form, to the presentation or display of architectural details and correlations. Therefore, there are several possible objectives when building scale models: to explore the form, the level of detail and properties of an object, to decide on an appropriate planning strategy, and many others that go beyond the scope of architectural design. An object can be presented by a scale model in different ways and at different stages of its creation. Their purpose changes with the different spatial display tasks: from the display of internal spaces/interiors to city models. This chapter discusses the purpose of scale modelling, types of scale models in architecture and city planning, and their scales in greater length.

Digital Technology Software Used for Architectural Modelling

Practically all stages of architectural design and construction have been revolutionised by digital technology, including scale modelling. One aspect which is particularly relevant for model building is the possibility of manufacturing entire models or parts of models using information generated from digital 3D models. Digital fabrication allows the building of geometrically complex objects which are impossible or very difficult to realise using traditional model building techniques. At the same time, it has opened up possibilities for exploring new geometric shapes whose aesthetic quality and functional properties may be inspected and verified not only with computer-generated 3D models, but also with digitally fabricated physical models. The size and geometric properties of a model and the material used for its fabrication are the key factors to be considered when opting for a software application and a digital fabrication method. This chapter offers more detailed instructions on how to use model-generating software and digital fabrication techniques.