The assessment of a new relationship between from and structure in digital architectural design affter 1990's

Abstract

From the beginning of 1960’s, architects are using computers in architectural design processes. Initially, architects used them as design tools for representation and modelling purposes. However from the beginning of 1990’s, architects started to use computers as design mediums where the whole design process evolves starting from design ideation to construction. Digital technologies enabled architects to design wide range of forms in digital design environments and therefore, form-based design processes appeared. Architects mostly focused on form generation concerns. However, this form based approach brought forth problems in relation to constructability. Complex irregular forms challenged engineers to find optimal structural solutions. Architects and engineers started to work on a unified architectural and structural design process and offered new structural system solutions with the help of digital technologies for overcoming the constructability problem. This process and solutions presented different form-structure relationships. The main aim of this thesis is to reveal the form-structure relationships in digital design processes focusing on constructability of digitally designed forms. Constructability is related to structural system design. Therefore, this thesis examines design, manufacturing and construction processes of structural systems to understand how architectural designs/forms are realized and constructed. It examines the whole process of design to construction of structural systems including models, tools, structural system solutions, and fabrication and construction methods. The examination is done over case studies which are digitally designed and constructed building examples. Each case study exemplifies a different model, tool, structural system and design process which also defines a different type of form-structure relationship. Key words: digital architectural design, structural design, form, structure, construction