Modular Small/Medium Scale Architectural Shading Structures Based on Computational Design

Abstract

Traditional methods of designing small and medium architectural structures are significantly limited in the complexity and parameterization of the result. Computational design uses algorithms to automate the design steps under certain rules and parameters, thus significantly upgrading the design methods of architectural structures. This study presents an automatic design application for modular small/medium architecture shading structures. This system is a parametric mesh consisting of bars and connectors. The user defines an initial geometry based on which the architectural structure is automatically designed via the computational design principles. In addition, the user can fully parameterize the result requiring minimum time by changing the input parameters via a user-friendly environment. As a result, the application automatically generates all the 3D computer aided design (CAD) models, the 3D assembled models, assembly instructions for the technical personnel, the BOM (bill of material), photorealistic views, appropriate files for prototyping via 3D printing and all the appropriate technical drawings with the basic technical dimensions. The design application was tested on various input geometries without any problem during the automatic design procedure. Prototyping of the designed structures was performed by 3D printing. The prototype presented in this research was 3D printed at a scale of 1:20. Based on the assembly instructions automatically generated by the application, the assembly was successfully completed.