Yasha Jacob Grobman

Non-Linear Architectural Design Process

The introduction of the computer to the architectural design process have facilitated the possibility to examine a large number of design alternatives by allowing continuous variation between pre defined constraints. However, for the most part, evaluation and comparison of the alternatives is still handled manually in a linear fashion by the designer. This paper introduces a different approach to the architectural design process, which calls for a multithreaded or a non-linear design process. In a non-linear design process design directions and alternatives are generated, presented and evaluated simultaneously, and in real time. As an example for a non-linear design process the Generative Performance Oriented Design model and software tool (GenPOD) are presented and discussed. Moving towards non-linear modes of design arguably increases design creativity by allowing generating and evaluating a greater number and variation of design alternatives.

Affective response to architecture – investigating human reaction to spaces with different geometry

ABSTRACT A multidisciplinary research was carried out to reach an improved understanding of the connection between the geometry of space and human emotions. The research develops a framework and methodology to empirically examine and measure human reaction to various types of architectural space geometries. It involves two stages of investigations in which participants experience four spaces characterized by different geometries. Their reaction to the spaces was investigated by means of both qualitative and quantitative methods, which involved questionnaires in the first experiment and advanced sensors and data analysis in a second experiment. The experiments, which employ new virtual reality, electroencephalogram and data analysis methods, confirm the developed methodology. In the first stage of the investigation, participants showed different types of responses and preferences towards spaces. Results of the second stage’s experiment showed a difference in our mental reaction to different geometries of space.

Microclimate on building envelopes: testing geometry manipulations as an approach for increasing building envelopes' thermal performance

The paper presents a theoretical framework for employing complex geometry on the buildings envelope for increasing thermal performance. It argues that by manipulating the geometry of the façades exterior surface, it is possible to achieve a microclimate that will act as a thermal barrier. The argument is tested via computational fluid dynamic simulations that examined the relationship between various airflows and geometry in different sections of the building envelope. It presents the air velocity and thickness of the outer boundary layer that is created on the suggested geometries. The paper concludes with an analysis of the results and a discussion on the potential of each section to create the best-performing microclimate.

Computer-Based Form Generation in Architectural Design - a Critical Review

The idea of using computers for form generation and evaluation in the architectural design process has been put forward already in the early days of computers. However, as opposed to computer aided drafting, the generation of form, its optimization and manufacturing has not been widely accepted and implemented by practitioners. The paper critically reviews the research and state of the practice experiments that has been done in this field and develops an argument regarding the possibilities and limitations of computer-based form generation in the architectural design process.

External shading in buildings: comparative analysis of daylighting performance in static and kinetic operation scenarios

ABSTRACT The paper presents a new enumerative method and tool to quantify and compare the potential contribution of kinetic and static external shading elements in buildings, in terms of dynamic measurement of daylighting. The suggested method and tool may help designers to examine the impact of various louver design and operation alternatives in the early stages of the design process. It also allows comparing the potential contribution of different dynamic louver movement scenarios to internal illuminance. This can help designers to better evaluate and compare different dynamic systems, which can be more cost effective. The method and tool are tested on a case study of an office building in a Mediterranean climate, by calculating and comparing the values of useful daylight internal illuminances in static, seasonally adjusted and dynamic louver setup scenarios in comparison to those without louvers. The results of the case study illustrate the contribution of the suggested method and tool to designing for high useful daylight levels. The case study’s illuminance evaluation shows an increase of −1.82% to 7.99%, −1.4% to 11.67% and 10.86% to 33.6% in level of the adapted useful daylight illuminances in static, seasonally adjusted and dynamic external shadings scenarios correspondingly in comparison to the no external shading scenario.

Design and fabrication with fibre-reinforced polymers in architecture: a case for complex geometry

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are a family of strong and lightweight composite materials combining fibres and polymers. FRPs are widely used in the aviation, naval and automotive industries for components that require a high ratio of strength to weight and durability. Despite some pioneering experimental architectural applications in the 1960s, it is only in recent years that a growing interest in FRP elements is evident in the architectural field. The following paper critically reviews the current use of FRP in architecture and proposes a framework and a method to design and fabricate freeform architectural elements and structures from FRP without the need for using moulds. The proposed method is examined in a case study design and fabrication of a shading structure for beach areas. The case study results are discussed and conclusions are presented for future developments of the proposed method for the use of composite materials in architecture.

The blue garden: coastal infrastructure as ecologically enhanced wave-scapes

Abstract Hard coastal infrastructure such as breakwaters and seawalls are built according to engineering parameters of structural performance and cost efficiency. Especially in urban settings, they conflict with the diverse needs and values of other users and stakeholders, such as sustaining coastal ecosystem biodiversity and providing the public with open, accessible spaces for socialisation and recreation. The presented research explores how the discipline of landscape design can contribute to their evolution. Building on recent precedents in developing multi-functional, ecologically enhanced seawalls, it proposes the concept of the blue garden, and explores two of its key features: bio-engineering the form and materiality of seawalls to enhance their performance as ecosystem service providers; and utilising computational fluid dynamics to poetically shape sea waves as a visual, aural and tactile landscape material to enhance its social and experiential value. It concludes with a pilot study that implements these principles for a specific urban site.

Cellular Building Envelopes

The paper argues that the digital revolution in architectural design and manufacturing, particularly the new possibilities offered for the design and manufacture of complex geometry, calls for a re-examination of the traditional concept of the layer-based building envelope which serves only as a barrier. The paper presents a framework for developing building envelopes based on a complex cellular or sponge-like geometry and preliminary design experiments that examine various tectonic approaches to cellular envelopes. The new envelope types, inspired by both cellular/spongy envelopes in nature and monocoque structures in the aviation, automotive and naval industries, are based on simple materials that can be manipulated to generate a complex geometry. The complex geometry of the cellular grid and the cells is developed using parametric digital modeling.

Autonomous Movement of Kinetic Cladding Components in Building Facades

Movement of building facade cladding is used to control buildings’ exposure to environmental conditions such as direct sunlight, noise and wind. Until recently, technology and cost constraints allowed for limited instances of movement of facade cladding. One of the main restrictions had to do with the limitations that architects face in designing and controlling movement scenarios in which each facade or cladding element moves autonomously. The introduction of parametric design tools for architectural design, combined with advent of inexpensive sensor/actuator microcontrollers, made it possible to explore ways to overcome this limitation. The paper presents an ongoing research that examines the potential of autonomous movement of facade cladding elements. It defines types of autonomous movement strategies and compares the advantages of these strategies over those of traditional methods of centrally controlled movement. Finally, it presents and discusses several case studies systems in which autonomous movement for building cladding elements is implemented.

Topological interlocking in architecture: A new design method and computational tool for designing building floors

This article presents a framework for the design process of structural systems based on the notion of topological interlocking. A new design method and a computational tool for generating valid architectural topological interlocking geometries are discussed. In the heart of the method are an algorithm for automatically generating valid two-dimensional patterns and a set of procedures for creating several types of volumetric blocks based on the two-dimensional patterns. Additionally, the computational tool can convert custom sets of closed planar curves into structural elements based on the topological interlocking principle. The method is examined in a case study of a building floor. The article concludes with discussions on the potential advantages of using the method for architectural design, as well as on challenging aspects of further development of this method toward implementation in practice.