Highly Commended | Investigating Existing Computational Design Methods and Applying Them in an Irish Location’s Context

Highly Commended

Investigating Existing Computational Design Methods and Applying Them in an Irish Location’s Context
Words by Gabor Villanyi, South East Technological University

The research focuses on exploring Computational Design (CD) methods and applying them through a specific workflow example. It begins with an examination of various aspects of CD, including its role in architectural design and comparisons with related methodologies such as Generative Design (GD) and Parametric Design (PD). The study employs a structured approach to evaluate an effective CD method and workflow, including a detailed exploration of a customized Dynamo script, which serves as a template for others interested in CD.

The research also investigates the integration of Dynamo with Forma, a tool for environmental design analysis, although these analyses were not deeply evaluated due to the researcher’s limited expertise in this area. The study concludes with a comparative analysis, reviews of the findings, and recommendations based on the research outcomes.

The purpose of this investigation is to develop a comprehensive and strong foundational understanding of the field of CD and to enhance prospects for success in future careers. After acquiring a certain level of knowledge, the researcher collected relevant information through observation and analysis. The study focuses on the initial establishment of a tool aimed at facilitating a specific aspect of design, serving as a foundational principle underpinning the broader spectrum of design elements.

This involved breaking down the procedure of an effective Computational Design method, from the initial setup, mass generation, and breakdown of the Dynamo script to an analysis aiding the conclusion. The initial setup of the primary research involved defining the problem, outlining the main factors or brief, and determining what the “design” or the product of the research needed to achieve. This included a sketch phase to help the designer understand the site context, constraints, and parameters influencing the mass shape, followed by the design steps detailing the order of modelling and how the Dynamo script would work effectively.

Next, an overview of the evaluation phase was provided, detailing the criteria that the generated mass needed to meet, including a predetermined set of rules for finding the final design. The generation phase took what was prepared earlier and applied it in the context of Dynamo. Creating the script required a basic understanding of node-based coding and the various types of nodes within Dynamo. Example scripts were used as a basis, analysed, and modified to fit the research needs. After several attempts and troubleshooting, the script incorporated various inputs from the previous step and was implemented with Autodesk Forma. This allowed for inserting geometry into Dynamo from Forma and generating new mass based on the parameters given in the input nodes.

First, the imported site perimeter offset by the given parameter, and the number of floors was created based on the offset boundary lines. These floors were given thickness through basic extrusion, and the floor perimeters were joined with a loft extrusion to form a façade. Once this process worked flawlessly, output nodes were completed, including an additional Forma node to send the mass back into Forma for further analysis. Other output nodes were added to show various calculations based on the areas of floors and the façade of the mass inside Dynamo.

Users can then set up the Forma workspace for different proposals for each building with varying footprints, run different simulations or analyses, and save or generate high-resolution screenshots. While this was beyond the scope of the research due to time limitations, it was noted as the next step in the analysis phase. The analysis phase evaluates all collected information, identifying patterns, trends, inconsistencies, or correlations that provide insight into the subject matter.

Judges' comments

While the focus of this work focused on an Irish context. Gabor has selected a subject relevant to both the mainstream Architectural Technologist and an important area for the broader built environment community. Well defined aims and objectives are followed by a clear methodology, the Judges agreed that the work was thought provoking and asked us to challenge what we thought we knew about computational design methods.

This is a very practical study. The Judges complimented the work for its systematic approach and natural flow from start to finish. It was clear Gabor had been on a personal learning journey that was important to him. Employing tools common in industry, Gabor has provided and tested an original template for others interested in the topic which includes a focus on environmental design. A remarkable and innovative piece of work with real world application. The operational dynamo script provides for a fluidity and ease of use in the template with the results of the study showing a multitude of information that is available to designers to enhance their work, with the organised interface which adds the opportunity to analyse the simulations.

Gabor has demonstrated a brilliant writing style. The work is clear, insightful and concise in its conclusions. The Judges found the report to be a fascinating and insightful piece of work that is of significance to everyone across the design disciplines.