A list of the MPhil students I have supervised, along a link to download their thesis, can be found below.
Click the triangle next to the title to see their Abstract.
Interactive Structural Analysis and Form-Finding by Odysseas Georgiou
This thesis re-approaches structural engineering through an interactive perspective by introducing a series
of tools that concatenate parametric design with structural analysis, thus achieving interoperability between the
architectural shape and its structural performance. Furthermore, this research demonstrates how the design can be
realised into an efficient structural form by applying novel techniques of form-finding through the exploitation
of the created tools. Two new approaches are developed in this thesis. The first approach uses a 2D truss and a
free form surface and combines Parametric Design with Structural Analysis by using computer programming to establish
a common interactive framework. The second approach utilises the generated framework to apply techniques of
form-finding to structural shapes. The 2D truss is form-found to respond to parametric user defined constraints
and an efficient grid structure is applied on a free form surface by following the directions of the principal stresses
that occur from its structural analysis. The generated output is applied on a real design project and its structural
efficiency is compared with structures created using conventional techniques.
Interactive Design of Curved-Crease-Folding by Shajay Bhooshan
Building on the historic work of Huffman, there has been increasing recent interest in the digital design
and architectural application of curved-crease folded (CCF) geometries. This is particularly timely,
given the new possibilities of producing curved surfaces from flat sheet material afforded by developments in robotic technology.
However there are difficulties in interactively modelling such geometries, which stem from the lack of both
appropriate geometric descriptions and constructive tools available in commercial CAD software.
The author's initial survey of methods included both the iterative optimization-based methods and simple
constructive methods. Most methods presented difficulties for incorporation within an intuitive, real-time,
edit-and-observe exploratory method. This research overcomes attempts to overcome these difficulties through
the use of Dynamic Relaxation (DR) for the interactive modelling of CCF geometries. It applies discrete
differential operators and their gradients, within a DR framework, to perturb meshes to satisfy the geometric
criteria of CCF geometries outlined in Kilian et al. This research also outlines procedural strategies for
generating appropriate topologies of an initial mesh, and a novel method for applying boundary conditions.
The dissertation also includes a broad overview of existing methods to model developable surfaces, simulate
elasto-plastic behaviour of thin (inextensible) shells and 2D parameterization of 3D meshes.
Harmonic Form-finding for the Design of Curvature-Stiffened Shells by Cecilie Brandt-Olsen
The last decade of technological advancements have set architects free to explore a vast variety of shapes,
which in effect has given rise to a trend of complex freeform buildings in contemporary architecture.
These shapes are generally based on pure aesthetics which often results in awkward and over-dimensioned structures
or very costly construction. As a consequence, engineers have developed methods to inform the shape design such
that form follows force. While these structures are highly effective, they lack considerations of practical
constraints and reduce the need for interaction between the architect and engineer.
This research offers a novel free-form modelling technique with inherent shapes suitable for stiffening of shells
through curvature. The methodology has been implemented in a software tool to help guide the design at the
conceptual stage by providing upfront feedback to changes of form, thus integrating architectural vision with
structural logic. The modelling approach is based on harmonics, which makes it possible to parametrise a given
mesh by a few variables and simultaneously perform advantageous analysis of the geometry. The generated shapes
are subsequently evaluated in terms of their buckling capacity, where it is evident that the inherent double
curvature provides geometrical stiffness to better resist sudden failure due to high compressive forces.
Case studies of the British Museum Great Court Roof and other smaller examples, combined with a continuous
dialogue with people from the industry, have been used to assess and enhance the applicability of the design tool
in practice.
Multi-Objective Optimisation of Building Geometry for Energy Consumption and View Quality by Zack Xuereb Conti
Property developers, strict monetary-yielding objectives are pressuring architects to only prioritise the design variables
that directly affect these objectives. The conflicting consequences of their design decisions are being ignored as a result
of the shift in priorities and rigid time budgets.
This dissertation tackles the conflict between the design of large glazed facades for maximised vistas, hence increased property
value and the consequences of energy consumption. The conflicting objectives are treated as a multi-objective optimisation problem
in search for solutions of optimal energy consumption and view quality. This is achieved in the form of an interactive software
tool allowing users to modify and constrain the building geometry, simulate the cooling load and assign view values.
A view-scoring method is developed in order to quantify and score a view according to the quality of its contents.
An interactive evolutionary optimisation tool was implemented within the same software to search for building geometries
of reduced cooling loads and high view values.
Structuring Free-Form Building Envelopes by Daniel Gebreiter
In contemporary architectural design, the definition of envelope geometry often precedes consideration of its
material build-up. The geometries created in such a top-down manner require subsequent rationalisation for
construction.
This thesis addresses methods for the aesthetic and efficient structuring of arbitrary surfaces while respecting
distinct architectural considerations. Digital design tools have been developed to approximate surfaces using
isotropic triangular or quadrangular elements. Various methods for the creation of simplified base complexes
are shown. Such complexes expose a simplified topological build-up of surfaces and are used to create global
parameterisations of surfaces of arbitrary genus. For quadrangular discretisation, the restructuring can be
aligned to a user-defined vector field on the surface. The generated geometries are then optimised with regard
to architectural considerations by means of dynamic relaxation.
Particular attention is given to the compatibility of the methods with existing design workflows. Suitability
and performance of the tools are assessed when used for the design of a real glass roof designed with Schlaich
Bergermann and Partner in Luwan, China.
Interactive Formfinding For Optimised Fabric-Cast Concrete by Andreas Bak
Producing organic shapes in concrete has been a challenging problem since complex freeform buildings
became a major trend in contemporary architecture. Many different techniques for casting doubly curved shapes have
been proposed. Most of them produce elements which exactly match a preconceived design, but at a high cost in
manufacture. Fabric formwork techniques (such as those pioneered at the Centre of Architectural Structures and
Technology at the University of Manitoba (CAST)) are relatively economical, but require a form-finding approach
which takes into account the physics of casting, as well as structural and functional requirements of the finished
element.
This thesis presents a specialised methodology for the design and manufacture of optimized concrete elements
cast in fabric formwork. Using a novel software tool, the approach proposed in this thesis lies in between
the largely intuitive methods reported by CAST and the precise but expensive manufacturing methods normally
used in practice. Combining topological optimisation with computational formfinding, the software guides the
designer towards a shape that is economical in both material and manufacturability.
By combining knowledge of computational structural analysis, optimisation algorithms, fabric simulation and
the practical casting techniques of fabric formwork; this thesis bridges the gap between structurally optimized
forms, and those developed intuitively by fabric casting.
A prototype software tool (FabricCast) specialized for the design of centrally supported slabs is presented
in detail, with a few design studies realised using plaster scale models.
Traversing digital matter states to fill irregular volumes by Harri Lewis
This thesis explores the challenges faced by engineers when presented with a highly complex and fixed
volume to support and fill with structure. This situation may arise in the design of free-form architecture, around
existing buildings or within large-scale sculptures.
An interactive software application based on a particle simulation moving between matter states from gas to
liquid to solid was developed. Combinations of simulated Brownian motion, inter-particle and environmental
forces were used to imitate each state. Various algorithms, including a real-time adapted Delaunay
tetrahedralisation and a recursive bounce routine, were implemented and used to create stable space frames that
fit within any imported volume.
A novel technique called freeze-thaw optimisation is introduced and initial tests that produced a reduction
in deflection for a range of space frame support conditions are presented.
The technology was successfully implemented as a case study to design a roof structure for the upcoming Tallinn
Town Hall project by BIG architects and Ramboll UK.
This research has significance beyond structural space frame design, including finite-element meshing,
optimised cellular or foam metals, bespoke furniture design and computer animation.
From Dance Movement to Architectural Form by Dimitra Stathopoulou
Architecture and dance, two apparently diverse subjects, are explored, analysed and
interrelated in this research, through parametric modelling. The thesis is divided into five basic chapters.
Firstly, it is examined the prior research regarding architecture and dance, which also justifies
the innovation of the current research. Secondly, there are explored the visualisation techniques
that have been used so far in order to record, file, compose, animate, transform or combine dance movements.
Afterwards, it is explained how dance movement be expressed and transformed within the frame of
parametric modelling. The tools created are then applied into two case-studies, and transformed
according to the functional and spatial restrictions of each project. Finally, the outcomes of this
research are summarised indicating the achievements and the difficulties of whole proccess,
while recommendations for further research are suggested.
Interactive Structural Analysis and Form-Finding