Parametric design of a façade detailing

Abstract

Parametric design and digital fabrication are becoming an ubiquitous tool to contemporary architecture and implies a different method of detailing. With this new perception of the contemporary detail we have developed a façade sun shade using fractal geometry as a generative system. Fractals are complex shapes generated with simple rules, so is relatively easy to change the final geometry when we work with parameters. The design process made possible the creation of many solutions using parametric definitions. Those solutions were physically modeled using rapid prototyping which we consider as an essential tool to the design process. This method also involved analysis and testing of the design using software and the physical models. With this project it was possible to conclude that when working with digital fabrication architects need to incorporate a new set of skills, and that collaboration between professional is extremely important.