This last month has been a really busy time for me, as I have now entered my final (thesis) year at the Newschool of Architecture. As I mentioned in previous posts I am a graduate student pursuing a professional degree in architecture, so most of my time this month has been spent working on research for my thesis.  My thesis exploration will look at the idea of kinetic (dynamic) architecture that can adapt (as needed) to its environment as a way to possibly enhance user experience as well as building performance. The current conditions of finished built structures tend to be static in nature which can at times lead to limits or barriers of how people experience space as well as how buildings perform. This exploration will look at how to potentially integrate parametric and performance strategies as a way to develop high performing architecture that can maximize the experiential qualities of the built environment.

In the last few months my interests on the subject of parameter driven design has increased. Parameter driven design which is more commonly referred to as parametric design gives designers the opportunity to explore the process of creating form. In this type of process designers identify potential variables that could be used to lead the process of form finding. In my thesis exploration I will be looking to further explore the idea of parameter driven design by using social as well environmental conditions as driving factors of form. The use of parametric strategies in conjunction with performative analytical methods will help me develop an optimal approach towards the development of architecture.

While working on my thesis research for the development of high performance architecture, I came across a list of recommended readings posted on Studio Mode’s website. These books are a good source of information on the subject of parametrics, fabrication and performative architecture.

My thesis investigations will give me the opportunity to further explore my goals of adapting performative design strategies for the development of a better approached and more informative process of design. In upcoming posts I will look at simulation software such as Autodesk Ecotect, and Desktop Radiance. Autodesk Ecotect is a popular performance simulation tool can be used in conjunction with Desktop Radiance to create daylighting studies. I have worked with both of these tools in the past during previous employment and found them to be very useful during the design process. The pursuit continues!!

I have to admit being in architecture school is very time consuming and at times extremely stressful, but at the end of the day I can honestly say that it is all worth it. Its a lot of fun.