Paul Poinet, PhD

Today, scattered design processes and manual interventions are almost inevitable within the AEC industry, especially for 3D modelling processes and data management during the post-tender phases of large-scale and geometrically complex architectural projects that involves the participation of many different trades, which have to communicate efficiently between themselves. This research paper presents a state of the art in managing modelling processes of geometrically complex architectural… Voir plus

Today, scattered design processes and manual interventions are almost inevitable within the AEC industry, especially for 3D modelling processes and data management during the post-tender phases of large-scale and geometrically complex architectural projects that involves the participation of many different trades, which have to communicate efficiently between themselves. This research paper presents a state of the art in managing modelling processes of geometrically complex architectural projects and proposes a theoretical framework aiming to simplify, improve and standardize those processes. This framework will be illustrated by practical experiments using schema-based workflows and inter-scalar search interfaces enabling the assembly, visualization and query of the produced data. Voir moins

This research project presents both innovative multi-scalar modelling methods and production processes aimed at facilitating the design and fabrication of free-form glue-laminated timber structures. The paper reports on a research effort that aims to elucidate and formalize the connection between material performance, multi-scalar modelling (Weinan 2011), and early-stage architectural design, in the context of free-form glue-laminated timber structures. This paper will examine how the concept… Voir plus

This research project presents both innovative multi-scalar modelling methods and production processes aimed at facilitating the design and fabrication of free-form glue-laminated timber structures. The paper reports on a research effort that aims to elucidate and formalize the connection between material performance, multi-scalar modelling (Weinan 2011), and early-stage architectural design, in the context of free-form glue-laminated timber structures. This paper will examine how the concept of multi-scalar modelling as found in other disciplines can also be used to embed low-level material performance of glue-laminated timber into early-stage architectural design processes, thus creating opportunities for feedback across the design chain and an increased flexibility in effecting changes. The research uses physical prototypes as a means to explore and evaluate the methods presented. Voir moins

This paper describes a new conceptual and computational framework that employs Multi-Scalar Modelling techniques in order to overcome the problem of big data management and to enable a more integrative digital workflow during the geometrical discretization of spatial structures. The research explores the design probe of free-form structures composed of glue-laminated timber beams and looks at the different types of data that need to be shared among each discipline and across multiple scales… Voir plus

This paper describes a new conceptual and computational framework that employs Multi-Scalar Modelling techniques in order to overcome the problem of big data management and to enable a more integrative digital workflow during the geometrical discretization of spatial structures. The research explores the design probe of free-form structures composed of glue-laminated timber beams and looks at the different types of data that need to be shared among each discipline and across multiple scales from which different levels of resolution can be defined. A particular focus lies in the segmentation strategy of glue-laminated timber structures that depend on structural requirements and the different types of constraints related to fabrication, transportation and assembly. Where current working practices decouple segmentation processes within a discrete digital workflow, this research aims to integrate and negotiate the different parameters that drive the same segmentation strategy within a continuous environment. The research is developed in close collaboration with two industry partners – Buro Happold and DesignToProduction – and focuses on the implementation of Multi-Scalar Modelling concepts and techniques as a means to work within a continuous design environment in which an abstract network of timber beams is iteratively updated through geometrical and structural optimizations at different levels of resolution. Voir moins

The paper presents the development of a design framework that aims to reduce the complexity of designing and fabricating free-form inflatables structures, which often results in the generation of very complex geometries. In previous research the form-finding potential of actuated and constrained inflatable membranes has already been investigated however without a focus on fabrication (Otto 1979). Consequently, in established design-to-fabrication approaches, complex geometry is typically… Voir plus

The paper presents the development of a design framework that aims to reduce the complexity of designing and fabricating free-form inflatables structures, which often results in the generation of very complex geometries. In previous research the form-finding potential of actuated and constrained inflatable membranes has already been investigated however without a focus on fabrication (Otto 1979). Consequently, in established design-to-fabrication approaches, complex geometry is typically post-rationalized into smaller parts and are finally fabricated through methods, which need to take into account cutting pattern strategies and material constraints. The design framework developed and presented in this paper aims to transform a complex design process (that always requires further post-rationalization) into a more integrated one that simultaneously unfolds in a physical and digital environment - hence the term cyber-physical. At a full scale, a flexible material (extensible membrane, e.g. latex) is actuated through inflation and modulated through additive stiffening processes, before being completely rigidified with glass fibers and working as a thin-shell under compression. Voir moins