Design Projects Research
Architecture 2023 -2024
“God is in the details.”
Mies Van der Rohe
Master’s final project
Summer 2024
Final Project of Digital Fabrication
Summer 2024
Wavuy Serpentine
Design of a wall based on CNC engraving and interior bathroom design.
Prototype house design based on climatic region.
Final Project of Digital Fabrication
The Trevol Pavilion, located at Collserola Primary School in Sant Cugat, Barcelona, Spain, is an innovative project developed by the Master’s in Parametric Design in Architecture (MPDA) at UPC. This pavilion aims to create an educational environment that fosters outdoor learning, allowing children to enjoy classes in a space designed for their well-being and comfort.
Aware of the importance of sun exposure in outdoor activities, the pavilion’s design includes elements that protect students from direct light and solar radiation, ensuring a pleasant and healthy environment. Additionally, special attention is given to natural ventilation, providing a cool and welcoming space during warm days.
A fundamental aspect of the project is its long-term sustainability. The structure has been conceived to last a minimum of 10 years, which entails a careful approach to the selection of durable, low-maintenance materials. Advanced structural strategies have been integrated, and a thorough analysis of the form has been conducted, optimizing the pavilion’s strength and functionality. Furthermore, coatings have been chosen that not only meet aesthetic criteria but also contribute to energy efficiency and environmental protection.
Geometry Generation
Geometry Generation Dynamic Relaxation
Mesh Corrugation
Creation of steel platles and panels Design of the foundations
The pavilion is constructed with wooden panels, cut and engraved using CNC, making each one unique and justifying the use of this method. The metal connections were optimized to achieve the appropriate angle of corrugation and maximize the number of similar connections. For the foundations, a wooden base was used, anchored with Spirafix connections.
The Trevol Pavilion is a project that required a month of planning and two weeks of construction, involving the entire master’s program team. This project exemplifies how effective planning and management of parametric architecture can lead to successful outcomes. The best strategies were employed, focusing on material optimization and the search for appropriate forms to achieve this type of structure, while also ensuring the best insulation for the comfort of the occupants.
The pavilion serves not only as a functional space but also aims to foster a learning environment in contact with nature, becoming a meeting point for students and teachers. The experience of working as a team on this project not only enriched our skills as designers but also strengthened the bonds among team members, highlighting the importance of collaboration in the field of architecture.
The objective of this project is to analyze the materialization of a given shape using “planar quads,” which are two-dimensional surfaces formed by four sides that can be efficiently planarized in space. These elements allow for the representation of complex structures, optimizing resources and ensuring constructability.
Planar quads are easy to manufacture, versatile in design, and help reduce waste. The project will explore their geometric properties and their impact on the stability and aesthetics of the design. Additionally, computational tools will be used to simulate configurations and evaluate their performance under real conditions, providing a practical guide for future architectural and design projects.
Coarse Mesh
Dynamic Relaxition
Result of the coarse mesh
Size (mm2) and number of the faces/ Distance from the average area
A specific a simple the main different the number composition of different original The metrics cepts in the the focus identical and the terialization. of these considered, were to tion of
Aspect Ratio (mm) / Deviationn between diagonals of unit square and face
Deviation from the Original Mesh
specific approach known as mesh structure was used, which begins with simple mesh called a “coarse mesh.” This mesh serves as a guide for main mesh, allowing the creation of the same shape but with a different structure. The variations between both meshes include number of elements, the location of singularities, and the composition of the mesh. This method enables the exploration different structural configurations while maintaining the original shape.
metrics are the evaluation of different conused to analyze the mesh and planar quads materialization of the shape. In this case, focus was on optimizing the number of identical meshes, their degree of planarity, the potential problems in their materialization. Additionally, the similarity these meshes to a square was considered, as well as how close we to achieving the materializaof the initial shape.
The desired mesh was obtained, but it had to be divided into three parts because the shape prevented it from having a complete closure. This division also improved the structure’s adhesion, as without cutting the protruding meshes, the shape was at risk of buckling more easily and developing more vulnerable breaking points.
In this process, the decomposition of the mesh into strips is observed for the materialization of the shape. An effective approach was to interlace the strips, which improved the adhesion of the mesh structure while also reducing buckling and deformations.
Leaf is an innovative parasol prototype made from plastic tubes and 3D-printed connections. The main objective of this project is to create seating areas, in the form of benches, where people can sit and shelter from the sun while harmoniously blending with their surroundings.
The design of Leaf is inspired by the shape of a plant leaf, giving it an organic and natural aesthetic, evoking a deep connection between the community and nature. This structure not only provides shade and comfort but also fosters greater social interaction in an environment that invites relaxation and well-being, all in tune with the natural landscape.
The outline of the project is based on the shape of a leaf, which gives it an organic and natural character. For its internal structure, the pattern known as Voronoi was used, allowing for an efficient distribution of spaces and materials. At each junction of this pattern, an approach called SubD was implemented, optimizing the connection between the tubes and providing a smooth transition between the different parts of the structure.
This design process was not only aesthetically appealing but also allowed for a thorough evaluation of the resulting structure. Simulations and analyses were conducted, showing excellent results in terms of strength and stability. The lightness of the design, combined with the efficiency of the connections, contributed to a significant reduction in material usage, resulting in a more sustainable approach.
Design of connections and construction plans
Quantities and dimensions of piping
The main objective of the project was to design an innovative wall based on a specific pattern that would be engraved using CNC technology. This approach aimed not only for functionality but also for the creation of an aesthetic and welcoming environment. To achieve this, an interior design was developed to harmoniously integrate the wall into the space.
The process began with the simulation and design of curves within a square, which represented the exact dimensions of the wall. This stage was crucial as it allowed for the exploration of various configurations and shapes. Upon completing the simulation, several curved forms were generated. Depending on the curvature of these forms, an additional curve was created underneath, allowing for the development of projections in the CNC engraving, adding a three-dimensional texture to the wall.
With the wall design established, work proceeded on creating a sample of interior design inspired by a Nordic style. This style is characterized by its minimalism, use of neutral colors, and natural materials, creating a serene and functional atmosphere. The proposal for the bathroom included the incorporation of elements such as light wood and soft tones, complemented by appropriate lighting to highlight the features of the wall.
Initial Curve
Points for the CNC pass
Completed simulation of the curves
The aim of this research was to optimize solar radiation, energy consumption, and thermal comfort in a typical house. To achieve this, a randomly selected house model was used as a starting point, and various key variables were defined, such as volume, height, spatial distribution, area, window placement, and roof design modifications. These variables were carefully selected to evaluate how they impacted the building’s energy performance and comfort under different climatic conditions.
The optimization process was conducted using an algorithmic analysis across three contrasting climate zones: warm, cold, and temperate. Based on the results obtained for each zone, a more detailed optimization was carried out using the Honeybee tool from Grasshopper, which allowed for precise simulations of the building’s energy and thermal behavior. This methodology enabled the fine-tuning of critical parameters such as annual energy consumption, thermal comfort, interior temperature throughout the year, and the amount of direct sunlight the house received.
Additionally, the effects of orientation, thermal envelope efficiency, and passive design strategies—such as shading and natural ventilation—were considered to further enhance the building’s overall performance. Detailed analysis and simulations helped identify customized design solutions for each climate type, achieving an optimal balance between energy efficiency, comfort, and sustainability.
This comprehensive approach not only improved the performance of the house but also served as a foundation for future research in bioclimatic design, demonstrating that with the right tools and rigorous analysis, it is possible to design homes suited to any climate context without sacrificing comfort or efficiency.
The diagram above illustrates the entire process carried out in this research, from the initial selection of variables to the final simulations. The graphs below detail the energy consumption of each evaluated house, along with their key characteristics, such as thermal performance, natural light distribution, and envelope efficiency. These characteristics are essential as they provide a clear understanding of the critical variables that were modified to optimize the design of the house for each climate zone.
Through a comparative analysis of this data, patterns and trends were identified, revealing which design strategies were most efficient for each climate. For instance, in warm climates, window orientation and size were decisive factors in reducing heat gain, while in cold climates, thermal insulation and envelope efficiency played a critical role in reducing energy consumption.
Furthermore, the combination of simulation and optimization tools allowed for the refinement of each house design, adjusting both passive and active elements to achieve a balance between comfort, energy efficiency, and sustainability. This research process not only provided immediate solutions for each climate type but also laid the groundwork for future strategies in bioclimatic design and sustainable architecture.
The graphs on the left show the annual, monthly, and daily energy consumption of the house, breaking down the specific elements that contribute to energy use, such as lighting, HVAC, and appliances. Two key scenarios are compared: the initial house and the one that achieved the best results after the optimization process. These improvements are based on the data visualized in the graph on the right, which analyzed various design variables.
A total of seven different results were obtained, representing the most efficient solutions identified for this climatic context. These optimizations not only reduced energy consumption but also enhanced thermal comfort and overall efficiency by adjusting factors such as insulation, orientation, and the use of passive strategies to maximize performance in low-temperature conditions.
The following graphs present the evaluation of all the optimized houses across different climates. The results tial to highlight a specific focus: the most notable optimization is observed in the houses designed for temperate in terms of energy efficiency and comfort. This trend suggests that the temperate climate provides a favorable
results indicate that the best optimizations, according to the algorithms used, are effective; however, it is essentemperate climates. This is because these homes require fewer design differences and have been better assessed favorable context for implementing design strategies that maximize energy performance and occupant well-being.
