Folding empowers the user to change the form and function of a sheet of paper through a sequence of manipulations. Unfolding the once folded artefact produces a diagram that describes its own making that can be replicated at different scales using a new material. Architecturally, folding can be employed a morphogenetic solution to design a system that can be fabricated from a sheet material, that like paper, can be folded into a inhabitable structure. The ease and cost efficiency of fabrication based on folding can be used to design a system that executed using low cost materials can be used as a shelter that accommodates programmatic and aesthetic evolution. Thus, the system lends itself to being a transitional shelter for communities that have been displaced due to a natural disaster or other form of crisis. Technological advances in design and structural analysis can give the designer the power to define the complex process folding parametrically allowing the input a real-time feedback based design based on an a folding inspired algorithm.

This thesis addresses the need for flexible parametric design tools. It focuses on the implementation of a particular tool, Bentley Systems' Generative Components, by exploring features, strengths and weaknesses, and how features can be implemented in design. An exposition of Generative Components is introduced to bridge the gap between the potential and existing power of parametric tools. Through a case study of the Bahá'í Temple for South America this thesis explores the implementation of Generative Components. The exposition argues for the validity of parametric research, specifically its ability to streamline and enhance an architectural design process. <br /><br /> The topic of parametric design is further documented in a survey submitted to researchers and developers in the field of parametric research and design. The purpose of this documentation is to place the progression of parametric tools within the context of current development, initiating an open-ended discussion focusing on future research. <br /><br /> This thesis adds to the current development of parametric technology by making particular contributions to tools within the realm of parametric research. Primary contributions include array seeking scripts that search for and replace or duplicate objects, routines for nesting functions within scripts, ideological workflow development and conceptual training through practical application.

This thesis addresses the need for flexible parametric design tools. It focuses on the implementation of a particular tool, Bentley Systems' Generative Components, by exploring features, strengths and weaknesses, and how features can be implemented in design. An exposition of Generative Components is introduced to bridge the gap between the potential and existing power of parametric tools. Through a case study of the Bahá'í Temple for South America this thesis explores the implementation of Generative Components. The exposition argues for the validity of parametric research, specifically its ability to streamline and enhance an architectural design process. <br /><br /> The topic of parametric design is further documented in a survey submitted to researchers and developers in the field of parametric research and design. The purpose of this documentation is to place the progression of parametric tools within the context of current development, initiating an open-ended discussion focusing on future research. <br /><br /> This thesis adds to the current development of parametric technology by making particular contributions to tools within the realm of parametric research. Primary contributions include array seeking scripts that search for and replace or duplicate objects, routines for nesting functions within scripts, ideological workflow development and conceptual training through practical application.

Form-finding in Architecture looks at processes in nature to discover a more correct way in which to organize building. It is a study into the capability of discovering optimum form, dynamic adaptability, and exposes a set of unique relationships not relevant to Architecture previously. The beauty of these objects does not have to be designed. It is an emergent property of natural form. However, the wonder lies not in aesthetics, but in the manner in which natural forms come into being seemingly without a plan, at a multitude of scales, and in a vast array of materials. Alone, pattern in nature opens a vast array of potentialities for the study into new methods of architectural design. It is important to note that this inquiry will not be into the aesthetics of self-organized pattern, but the mathematical and procedural processes of formation itself. This study forms a set of principles, methodologies and tools for structuring a full-scale form-finding inquiry through the self-organization of pattern in nature. Following this inquiry one should be able to apply the organizational principles of patterning in nature, specifically breakdown patterns, to inform the programmatic design and layout of shopping malls. The rules set forth outline the formation of breakdown patterns, and the ordering of shopping malls. Through the use of parametric modeling software and computer programming language, sets of digital models efficiently explore of the vast number of potential pattern organizations by mimicking their formation in digital space. Through computational scripting, digital models also reveal formation changes due to the adaptation to site, circulatory loads, and spatial distribution, while still maintaining the laws of pattern formation.

Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. This thesis represents an investigation into biomimicry and includes the development of a design method based on biomimetic principles that is applied to the design of curved building surfaces whose derived integral structure lends itself to ease of manufacture and construction. <br /><br /> Three design concepts are produced that utilize a selection of natural principles of design outlined in the initial biomimetic investigation. The first design visualizes the human genome as a template on which the process of architectural design and construction can be paralleled. This approach utilizes an organizational structure for design instructions, the adherence to an economy of means, and a holistic linking of all aspects of a design characteristic of the genetic parallel. The advancement of the first design concept is illustrated through the use of a particular form of parametric design software known as GenerativeComponents. The second design concept applies the biomimetic design approach outlined in concept one to the development of ruled surfaces with an integral structure in the form of developable flat sheets. The final concept documents the creation of arbitrary curved surfaces consisting of an integral reinforcing structure in the form of folded sheet chevrons.

Biomimicry is an applied science that derives inspiration for solutions to human problems through the study of natural designs, systems and processes. This thesis represents an investigation into biomimicry and includes the development of a design method based on biomimetic principles that is applied to the design of curved building surfaces whose derived integral structure lends itself to ease of manufacture and construction. <br /><br /> Three design concepts are produced that utilize a selection of natural principles of design outlined in the initial biomimetic investigation. The first design visualizes the human genome as a template on which the process of architectural design and construction can be paralleled. This approach utilizes an organizational structure for design instructions, the adherence to an economy of means, and a holistic linking of all aspects of a design characteristic of the genetic parallel. The advancement of the first design concept is illustrated through the use of a particular form of parametric design software known as GenerativeComponents. The second design concept applies the biomimetic design approach outlined in concept one to the development of ruled surfaces with an integral structure in the form of developable flat sheets. The final concept documents the creation of arbitrary curved surfaces consisting of an integral reinforcing structure in the form of folded sheet chevrons.