User-friendly conceptual design of standardized glass complex shaped façades

Abstract

This research study aims to design, apply and optimize a new mechanism that improves curved façades design and construction processes. In this sense, this investigation has the objective of designing an optimization algorithm that: a) is capable of optimizing complex geometric curtain wall paneling so that resulting panels are standardized; b) has a responsive feedback system that visualizes the standardization process and enables users to intervene in this process, permitting an intuitive conceptual design; c) permits the introduction of BIM to the panels and d) is based on broad application strategies so that is a tool applicable as a general working strategy. The new algorithm has been designed combining physics simulations that act on a conventional CAD system with a polygonal comparative mathematical algorithm. Then it has been applied to Mias Architects’ honorable mention proposal for the contest designed for the future Passenger Service Centre at the Kinmen Port in Taiwan. Finally, this application has been compared to the application of two similar existing software tools analyzing numerous parameters such as mesh density, previous programming time, mesh definition and optimization time, panels’ standardization time, maximum deviation, molds savings and standardization error margin among others. The new algorithm stands out because is based on glass production and construction information modeling, permits users to standardize paneling if extra time is dedicated to do so and allows users a detailed edition of the mesh. This research project concludes that the investigation has accomplished the initial objectives and the new algorithm is a useful mechanism for conceptual design processes because of their user-friendly environment and their capacity to incorporate glass construction technical knowledge, which overcomes the existing tools.