Rationalising Complexity

As interest in large-scale, freeform structures increases, a level of complexity is introduced in their construction, due to the variability in their members. Even though advances in fabrication processes enable the production of intricate and bespoke elements, when large quantities are required, a high level of customization can significantly increase the cost, time and carbon footprint associated with the construction process. A novel computational workflow will be presented, which allows designers to gain a direct insight into the construction complexity of their structures at early stages of the design and rationalize their geometry, in compliance with fabrication requirements.  This approach promotes better engineered structures, suggesting a shift of the complexity from the construction to the design process, where it can be dealt with by the application of advanced computational tools.

Antiopi Koronaki is an architect engineer, currently pursuing her PhD on the rationalization of freeform structures at the University of Bath. She has been a tutor at the AA since 2014 and has presented her work at international conferences and workshops. Her research interests lie in complex geometries and material systems, with the associated computational tools and fabrication techniques. 

Image: The image was developed by Antiopi Koronaki. This work was supported by the EPSRC Centre for Decarbonisation of the Built Environment (dCarb) [Grant Ref:EP/L016869/1].