Author : Passaint M. Massoud

Designing a generative monolithic surfaces using a common construction materials like bricks have developed in design practice recently, especially with the widely use of parametric modeling by Architects. The real challenge here faced this development was how to construct these generative monolithic surfaces. However, CAD and BIM systems opened an opportunity for Architects to create parametric Monolithic surfaces using a traditional construction element like bricks, but there is still a challenge in how to develop or improve the construction methods to reach this generative walls. Now there are more developing construction methods used to produce the brick walls like digital templates, robotic assembly and 3d brick printed brick panels. The main goal of the paper is to relate the versatility of using bricks as a construction material with the parametric modeling of generative monolithic surfaces to verify the common methods of construction used to produce such kind of generative walls. The paper pointed out construction technologies that are compatible with the BIM systems to be integrated within to take it to a further step from virtual to reality. The paper concluded that new technologies of design and construction will influence the architectural definition of building components.

Keywords: Digital fabrication, brickworks, parametric modeling, monolithic surfaces, associative parametric design and building components.

Article published in International Journal of Current Engineering and Technology, Vol.8, No.5 (Sept/Oct 2018)