Integr8.AEC: Facades - Algorithmic Data Management

Computational Design is not confined to complex projects in forms. It principally is related to managing data flows from a range of variant factors/disciplines where each parameter impacts the functions and aesthetics of a project in each A, E, and/or C in the building industry. While most relevant sources are currently dedicated to research projects, the professional utilization of automotive algorithms, open-source toolkits, and datasets are pivotal for computational designers to consider.

In the context of Integr8.AEC, we develop course materials deducted straight from what we experience and synced with real-world applications of computational Design. Therefore, this course guarantees attendees’ insight and growth through workflows, respecting how to become professionals in this field. The engaging double-sided perspectives from what is on screen would become something on a real scale, helping the participants to learn to read parametric relations and then write specific functions implementing informed decisions based on data structure and optimized solutions. This course is built upon the following modules:

• Parametric Modeling from 2D Plans to 3D Models
• Facade Surface Optimized Design + Statistic Analysis
• Algorithmic Constructability Check
• Facade Elements’ Parametric 3D-Modeling
  
  

This workshop tries to define a well-organized stage that allows participants to learn more about different workflows for designing a geometrical yet functional facade. While the building codes are one of the objectives to consider, which might seem like a constraint, using parametric modeling in a proper context and respecting these limitations is the key. Therefore, every individual or group participant will find the challenge of using the right tool in the appropriate framework, comprising an authentic experience. The instructors and the guest speakers will walk the participants through the whole process, informed by what they faced as issues, errors, and complications supported by the solutions.

This approach, which Ardaena uses in workshops as a legacy, assurances the students’ understanding to be conceived well-structured for parametric AEC, representing a considerable part of the gap between the academic and professional world in the computational design field.

Once the workflows and experiences are shared, all participants will be divided into groups and start applying what they have learned on a modular façade system, a separate part of a whole project. Each group’s endeavors will be shared, and an entire project will be completed as pieces of a facade. During the workshop, the common language will be Grasshopper3D, and the Python Codes developed by Ardaena will also be shared among the groups so they can find themselves in their next steps.