Multi-Threaded: Parametric Exploration of Architectural Decision

This research stems from an interest in the building industry’s adoption of 21st century tools and processes. In my observation, despite many advances, ACE largely employs manual, or digitised manual processes and does not make full use of the modern practises made possible by design automation.

I believe this is a missed opportunity as it impacts the rate at which the industry can innovate and adapt. Concerns of material waste and energy consumption are prevalent in the industry, however I take frustration in the fact that we know how to address these concerns, it just takes design time and money to implement. In a climate where buildings are becoming ever more complex and expensive, I believe we cannot afford to spend time solving issues which we have previously solved.

In other industries, such as software development problems are, as a matter of efficiency, generally solved once - this differs from architecture where, while the same theory might apply to a problem, the modelling and documentation may be manually re-done for each individual project. I think this has huge implications on the way that the industry operates.

This research intends to explore a shift in the role of the architect to one which makes use of a more automated and knowledge-centric workflow. In order to increase the efficiency of building design, this research looks to use parametric design tools to excise or speed up the repetitive parts of the design process in a way which can be used from project to project.

As mainstream architectural design software makes moves toward simplifying building modelling and documentation: Packages such as Revit and Sketchup remove complexity from the process, each in their own way. While this works well 90% of the time, when you need to innovate and produce something new which doesn’t conform, you can end up fighting against your tools.

This research takes a slightly different approach in recognising and attempting to cater for the 90% of solutions, but also acknowledging the complexity of buildings and empowering the architect or designer to build on the work when necessary.