Nexus of Assembly

Navn
Ngai Lam Ellen Lau
Uddannelsesgrad
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Arkitektur
Institut
Bygningskunst og Teknologi
Program
Computation in Architecture
År
2023

This project aims to establish a link between architectural design and assembly. Things are built with components - having clear spatial relationships between them optimizes assembly sequences, thus minimizing design iterations in production stages.

 

By leveraging computational network models, the project ultimately envisions design automation and information preservation for future generations.

Introduction

Previous studies have shown that modeling timber structures would only require centerlines, relationships between elements, and sequence of assembly.

 

Workflow

This project proposes that the workflow of computational modeling should prioritize defining the sequence, and the rest of the modeling process could be automated.

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A hypothetical relationship between Representation, Sequence, Geometry, and Simulation.
A Comparison between traditional Workflow, and the Proposed Workflow

Research Question 1: Assembly-aware Design

What makes a design assembly-aware? How does the assembly sequence affect the geometry?

 

Research Question 2: Data Representation

How do we set up a system to represent data about assembly and constructions? How can we encode assembly information for future use?

A graph is effective in representing assembly information because it shows the connectivity, direction, and order of elements. 

A graph is effective in representing assembly information because it shows the connectivity, direction, and order of elements. With an Assembly Graph established, algorithms could also be used to query about a structure, such as shortest path and connectivity

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Automated Joinery Generation

With digital tools, we could analysis the direction of elements, therefore define an assembly sequence. The sequence allows categorization of elements (such as top, bottom, vertical, diagonals), which derives the modeling sequence automatically

It also becomes an interactive tool for designing freely, rather than modeling back and forth upon design changes.

Embedding generated information into a Graph for future reference

To streamline an Assembly process, labeling is key for design-to-fabrication processes. The project proposes that the sequence could be embedded into the labels, showing the interconnectivity and relationship between elements.

 

The research continues by building up an infrastructure for embedding generated information automatically.

 

Conclusion: Design for Assembly (DfA)

Projects go through multiple design changes because little focus has been put into production or assembly during early phases. 

Sequencing & Automated Joinery Generation

This project argues that architecture is composed of parts — using the relationship between which, designers could work from design to production seamlessly, using direction-based sequence definition and graph descriptors.

Assembly Information Visualization

Furthermore, the information about assembly is often lost once a project is built. The information of assembly could also be conserved with an Assembly-model, which shows the sequence, relationship, and information of Material usage, that could be useful for our future generations.

 

 

 

 

Det Kongelige Akademi understøtter FN’s verdensmål

Siden 2017 har Det Kongelige Akademi arbejdet med FN’s verdensmål. Det afspejler sig i forskning, undervisning og afgangsprojekter. Dette projekt har forholdt sig til følgende FN-mål
CV
Computational and Architectural Designer --- With a strong interest in using digital tools to realize Architectural Design, I wish to utilize computer skills to streamline design-to-fabrication processes. I have previous experience as a Junior Architect, with responsibilities for Concept Design, Schematic Coordination, and Detail Documentation. Despite engaging a lot with Concept Designing and Massing Development, my skillset shines through the rationalization of Conceptual Designs. The projects I have worked with often have non-standardization in geometry, thus the need to leverage digital tools. These complex architectural projects, ranging from low-rise exhibition centers to urban-scale retail projects, have trained me to design not only from the aesthetic perspective but with the goal of realizing them.
Konkurrencer, publikationer og priser
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Qianhai Guiwan Park Design Competition, Hong Kong Institute of Architects

Champion Student Team, 2020
Uddannelse og relevante kurser
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Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design - University of Hong Kong

Erhvervserfaring
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Junior Architect - Woods Bagot, Hong Kong Studio

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Student Model Maker - Schmidt Hammer Lassen Architects, Copenhagen

IT-kompetencer
3D Modelling - Rhinoceros 3D, Grasshopper 3D
2D Drafting - AutoCAD, Revit
Programming - Python, C#
Sprog
English
Chinese (Mandarin)
Chinese (Cantonese)