TOWARDS AN OPTIMISED FABRICATION ECONOMY OF COMPLEX FORMS : AN INVESTIGATION OF GEOMETRICAL FORM GENERATION METHODS

Abstract

Complex forms in architecture are forms defmed by curved surfaces. Such forms are either geometrically or non-geometrically generated. Complex form generated by geometric curves in architectural design, by following the parametric behavior of the curves, would be able to standardize some of their panel types in order for fabrication. This would lead to economical prefabrication of the form. Non-Geometric complex forms require high levels of customization for their components, and thus such forms are neither efficient nor economical to fabricate. Such forms have poor fabrication economy. The design flexibility of complex form is restricted by the inefficiency of their fabrication economy. By understanding the relationship between the geometric form generating curves and the forms they can create, this dissertation seeks to improve the design flexibility of complex forms and maintain an efficient fabrication economy