(RE)GENERATIVE

The project explores the possibilities of generative design to improve the applicability of reused materials during digital design of large buildings. This is investigated along with the development of a new methodology that unites physical materials and digital modeling through parametric design, and applied on test scenarios as a proof of concept.

Based on findings reports for reuse projects and technical research, we developed a design methodology that enhances the interaction between human qualities related to creativity and intuition, and the sovereignty of the machine when it comes to processing and data storage. The overarching idea was to unite physical materials and digital models by using parametric design. This resulted in scripts relying on multi-objective evolutionary solving that could assist the architect in the design of façades involving reused windows. To prove the validity of the system we created two test scenarios for a residential and an office building, and we physically mapped windows from buildings in the region that were to be demolished. The methodology is divided into six steps forming a closed loop. Firstly the architect connects the script with a spreadsheet of mapped data and a BIM-model. Then comes the adjustment of parameters on technical, visual and geometric properties for a desired material selection, and the grid dimensions and size of placement fields for the façade. Next the evolutionary algorithm runs and iterates over proposals optimized for sunlight exposure, field coverability and the windows reusability in terms of demountability, condition and remaining lifetime. The purpose is not to achieve 100% reuse, but to find the best possible combination of old and new, based on intentions and inventory. After the simulation is done the architect is left with possible solutions that could be evaluated quantitatively through diamond charts for the fitness goals and qualitatively in a visual preview. Lastly after settling on a decision, the whole façade design gets exported to the BIM-model with detailed geometry and metadata for each window. This can later be reported to the contractor and further serve as the building's digital twin. The loop could be repeated at any time to account for changes in the inventory and the model, over a design period that could span over several years. This is what ultimately ensures feasibility up against the construction phase, and what we call the “Regenerative process”.