Computational design is a preliminary method of producing richer, visually appealing and ground-breaking ideas to life, through the power of technology and innovation. With sustainability emerging as a critical area of focus for several designers, computational design-driven sustainability is a natural evolution of the field. Using the latest algorithms, pattern recognition techniques, and data representation strategies, architects, can deeply infuse sustainability during the design stage itself.
The integration of computational design also solves many of the planning challenges early on. Capturing design knowledge, automating manual processes, and improving efficiency of design development has transformed how firms think about sustainability. The adoption of BIM at 65-70% is another vital sign of how architects will have to structure their processes, to integrate technology into sustainability strategies.
Innovating sustainable structural designs
A key reason behind the adoption of computational design, is its strategic approach to waste minimization. With all specifications, geometric shapes, and technical details listed within the design, there is limited ambiguity with regards to actualization. Site work can be performed based on adherence to highly detailed outlines prepared via computational design solutions. This reduces construction waste, optimizes workflows, and ensures the sustainable use of materials and equipment.
Architects are also focusing on lightweight solutions to complex structural challenges, through computational design and integrated technologies. This reduces the number of materials required to complete projects, which reduces a developer’s carbon footprint significantly. Top studios, including Prasoon Design, are using computational tools to optimize construction processes and lower overall cost of embedding sustainability into novel structures.
Another benefit of adopting computational design for improving sustainability is the regular updating of models, tools, and layouts. The digitization of planning is enabling architects to innovate seamlessly, acquiring data from multiple sources to maximize the opportunity that sustainability presents. The most impactful conservation strategies, the best materials, and the most beneficial energy management tactics can be introduced easily.
Incorporating the right strategies through technology
Architects can perform wind simulations, environmental mapping, health & wellness factoring, and other critical sustainability-related processes using technology. Compliance with regulations, such as LEED, BREEM, and PEARL, is also streamlined when using computational design tools to map out actionable ideas. Designs can be further refined to match sustainability, cost, and requirements related goals with greater efficiency.
The right sustainability features can also be designed strategically using computational design. Rainwater harvesting, active conservation, solar panels, and intelligent air flow pathways can be designed more efficiently when using the right computational design tools. By leveraging the right algorithms, a complete picture of sustainable buildings can be developed from a cost and timeline perspective.
Overcoming traditional architectural limits
Architects are also able to overcome traditional limits set within the domain, especially as projects evolve from one stage to another. The more complex a structural plan is, the more difficult it is to introduce sustainability measures. By using computational design, the top architects can go beyond limitations and prepare multiple iterations of designs that solve sustainability problems for that project.
Computational design tools also help in structuring sustainability measures and incorporating more experimental strategies through a data-driven approach. New energy conservation techniques, biomimetic architectural styles, and modern energy-saving technologies can be tested within a controlled environment. This helps architects focus on advanced techniques to ensure an ecological balance for all projects.
Integrating sustainability monitoring into plans
The integration of energy monitoring, conservation performance, and carbon footprint measurement can be accomplished using computational methods. By analyzing the lifecycle processes involved into completing projects, optimization strategies can be implemented to drive better energy conservation performance. This streamlines approvals, as all compliance and sustainability-related elements can be analyzed dynamically.
Projects designed using computational methods are also more locally adaptable. With critical regional elements embedded into the design, there is greater quality data available to architects when planning layouts. A structural blueprint is easier to prepare when all elements pertinent to sustainability can be added with a monitoring solution. There is also greater long-term cost savings associated when buildings are sustainable by design.
