ArchWeek - Mass Customization

[Kevin Matthews]

This forum thread is for discussion of the ArchitectureWeek article:

[P.C.]

"During the design process, an image displays a photorealistic rendering of the specific configuration. A quote for the custom skylight is instantly available online based on the 3D model in the AutoCAD-based environment.

This same model is eventually used to generate machine instructions for fabrication; it is also used to derive the bill of quantities, specifications, and all 2D drawings. Users can download the specifications, overview drawings, and construction details — all representing the specific version chosen during the online design session.

Once the desired skylight is ordered, the glass dimensions are automatically generated from the 3D model and electronically sent as text and drawing files to the glass fabricator. The desired glass type and coating are also included in this order, again derived from the bill of materials generated by the 3D model"

Now this describe a highly flexible mass production technike. Nomatter what size, form or function , there will be a 3D model exact projecting details, even N.C. codes and just any documentation for each individual window.
If you know how windows was and is fabricated this come as no surprise , these are standard profile put together in a 3D inviroment where it is easy to say X plus Y , place the X as the variable length for a cirtain profile ,a 3D entity being a profile it's length being the length of profile measured while it travel thru a cutting mashin ------ everything reflected from the 3D drawing --------- one 3D drawing with variable measures , quite smart but realy, for a carpenter it don't seem so tech. advanced realy .
What would be advanced , would be when the waal or roof where the window are placed, is projectected with some of the same features ; when the designer place a window the roof framework "melt" around and offer exact measures for a pre-fabricated window to adabt . But this mean that the house waal , the roof framework likewise are manufactored with as flexible projecting --- when the 3D drawing allow you to place stairway's pre-fabricated and make them "melt" into the house structure ,make sure they are locked into the house structure, when the building parts to build the house, are automatic dimensioned for a N.C. controlled mashin to produce the building parts around and working with these windows and other individual building elements.
To do that it is not bricks and timbers that come in mind, it is the building structure but not what come with the tradisional steel profiles and standard panels ; to expand and realy use the flexible idea that allow you to project windows in whatever form and size, you are not supposed to follow a standard matrix with equal size panels and a matrix of equaly distribuated frames deciding in fact, the measures for all equal size windows no. These technikes only will show their potential when you find it easy to chose variable forms and size windows to "melt" into the projected building mass, only when it is same cost whatever size window only when it don't matter if the walls are round or flat ,when the structure forming the house structure offering whatever type of window are your choice and the cost are the same, then architecture can evolve.