Doe, Robert (2017) Integration of computational design tools in the design and production of prefabricated homes. PhD thesis, University of Sydney, Australia.
Abstract
This research makes the case that integrated computational design tools, combined with better strategies for prefabrication, can exploit synergies to improve the quality of homes in Australia. This should be of significant interest to educators and architects progressively challenged by implementation of these new tools, and by the desire to take concepts to realisation seamlessly. These complex uncertainties prompt an additional aim of this study - to orient architectural discourse, in education and practice, towards demands for better, more effective design tools focussed on the integrated making of projects through a streamlined process that links all participants. The case for integration is reinforced by a methodology directed towards: • Exposing the complementarity of computational design tools integrated with prefabricated home assembly through literature review and case study precedents, in Australia and internationally. • Demonstrating, through the implementation of three live projects aligned to funded research streams, that computational design tools are synergetic with prefabrication utilising modular design methods. The design research methodology is guided by Herbert Simon's (1996, p. 111) 'science of design' and Donald Schön's (2008, p. 85) 'reflection-in-action'. • Proposing an Integrated Modelling approach to assist with identification of the intensity of integration of computational design and production methods and tools, to provide a brief for the toolmakers, and to support improvements to integration of the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector's operations and systems. This research aims to make an original contribution to better understanding of the symbiosis between computational design tools and the design and making of prefabricated homes. It is a relationship which promotes credible and realisable outcomes because it embraces the constraints imposed by the logic of design and production processes as they exist today.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | integration; computational design; prefabrication; modular design |
| Index terms: | methodology, integration, stream, production process, science, literature review, strategy, synergy, prefabrication, modelling, implementation, architect, research methodology, modular design, reflection, Australia, case study |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, design methods, profession, data collection methods, research design and methodology, organizational analysis, partnership management, water management, professional development, management, contractual arrangements, analytical methods, specialized education, building construction, Geography, manufacturing engineering, research methods |
| Topics: | Information Management, Research Practice, Business Strategy, Construction Technology, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Engineering Principles, Geographical Context, Sustainability, Procurement, Education |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here