Implementing Manufacturing Computer Technologies in Practice:
The current position of Computer-A... more Implementing Manufacturing Computer Technologies in Practice:
The current position of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology presents an opportunity for architects to explore new design relationships with the added possibility of producing physical outputs. It is proposed that these technologies support existing design processes, rather than supplanting them. The recently completed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum establishes a precedent for the utilisation of CAD/CAM in design practice. Architects are utilising advanced computer technologies from the manufacturing industry as a means to facilitate design evaluation, and designers are able to control manufacturing equipment directly from computer models. Techniques used for the execution of the Bilbao museum suggest that the production of customised building components that suit a unique product, may be increasingly feasible, thereby recalling the concept of a ‘Kit of Parts’ in architecture. The close integration of manufacturing digital technologies with architectural processes has the potential to improve design analysis and reduce design practice overheads thereby supporting craft, management and fabrication. Conclusion The proposition of craft within technology represents a paradox, yet in contemporary architectural practice, technology can be complementary to, rather than being in opposition with traditional design thinking. By inserting CAD/CAM techniques seamlessly into the traditional design and construction process, the technology can be interpreted as a contemporary medium for the craft process. The co-ordination of assembly processes leads to the possibility of a virtual design office that utilises CAD/CAM to control the fabrication of building components, monitor deliveries to site and erection in place. This research provides a basis for further research to be conducted into the implementation of CAD/CAM in design education and practice.
Implementing Manufacturing Computer Technologies in Practice:
The current position of Computer-A... more Implementing Manufacturing Computer Technologies in Practice:
The current position of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology presents an opportunity for architects to explore new design relationships with the added possibility of producing physical outputs. It is proposed that these technologies support existing design processes, rather than supplanting them. The recently completed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum establishes a precedent for the utilisation of CAD/CAM in design practice. Architects are utilising advanced computer technologies from the manufacturing industry as a means to facilitate design evaluation, and designers are able to control manufacturing equipment directly from computer models. Techniques used for the execution of the Bilbao museum suggest that the production of customised building components that suit a unique product, may be increasingly feasible, thereby recalling the concept of a ‘Kit of Parts’ in architecture. The close integration of manufacturing digital technologies with architectural processes has the potential to improve design analysis and reduce design practice overheads thereby supporting craft, management and fabrication. Conclusion The proposition of craft within technology represents a paradox, yet in contemporary architectural practice, technology can be complementary to, rather than being in opposition with traditional design thinking. By inserting CAD/CAM techniques seamlessly into the traditional design and construction process, the technology can be interpreted as a contemporary medium for the craft process. The co-ordination of assembly processes leads to the possibility of a virtual design office that utilises CAD/CAM to control the fabrication of building components, monitor deliveries to site and erection in place. This research provides a basis for further research to be conducted into the implementation of CAD/CAM in design education and practice.
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Papers by Andrew Field
The current position of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology presents an opportunity for architects to explore new design relationships with the added possibility of producing physical outputs. It is proposed that these technologies support existing design processes, rather than supplanting them.
The recently completed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum establishes a precedent for the utilisation of CAD/CAM in design practice. Architects are utilising advanced computer technologies from the manufacturing industry as a means to facilitate design evaluation, and designers are able to control manufacturing equipment directly from computer models. Techniques used for the execution of the Bilbao museum suggest that the production of customised building components that suit a unique product, may be increasingly feasible, thereby recalling the concept of a ‘Kit of Parts’ in architecture. The close integration of manufacturing digital technologies with architectural processes has the potential to improve design analysis and reduce design practice overheads thereby supporting craft, management and fabrication.
Conclusion
The proposition of craft within technology represents a paradox, yet in contemporary architectural practice, technology can be complementary to, rather than being in opposition with traditional design thinking. By inserting CAD/CAM techniques seamlessly into the traditional design and construction process, the technology can be interpreted as a contemporary medium for the craft process.
The co-ordination of assembly processes leads to the possibility of a virtual design office that utilises CAD/CAM to control the fabrication of building components, monitor deliveries to site and erection in place. This research provides a basis for further research to be conducted into the implementation of CAD/CAM in design education and practice.
The current position of Computer-Aided Design and Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAD/CAM) technology presents an opportunity for architects to explore new design relationships with the added possibility of producing physical outputs. It is proposed that these technologies support existing design processes, rather than supplanting them.
The recently completed Bilbao Guggenheim Museum establishes a precedent for the utilisation of CAD/CAM in design practice. Architects are utilising advanced computer technologies from the manufacturing industry as a means to facilitate design evaluation, and designers are able to control manufacturing equipment directly from computer models. Techniques used for the execution of the Bilbao museum suggest that the production of customised building components that suit a unique product, may be increasingly feasible, thereby recalling the concept of a ‘Kit of Parts’ in architecture. The close integration of manufacturing digital technologies with architectural processes has the potential to improve design analysis and reduce design practice overheads thereby supporting craft, management and fabrication.
Conclusion
The proposition of craft within technology represents a paradox, yet in contemporary architectural practice, technology can be complementary to, rather than being in opposition with traditional design thinking. By inserting CAD/CAM techniques seamlessly into the traditional design and construction process, the technology can be interpreted as a contemporary medium for the craft process.
The co-ordination of assembly processes leads to the possibility of a virtual design office that utilises CAD/CAM to control the fabrication of building components, monitor deliveries to site and erection in place. This research provides a basis for further research to be conducted into the implementation of CAD/CAM in design education and practice.