Parametric process for the geometric unit cost: an estimate of the construction budget

Abstract

This article is part of a research that aims to interpret the architect's role in a future where autonomous processes are constant collaborators in design activities. We intend to develop a parametric tool based on multiple performance criteria. Thus, the research intends to build, test, and validate a design process capable of estimating the construction cost in the initial design phase through the Geometric Unit Cost (CUG). The article also aims to validate and enable the method to be used as a data collection instrument in the early stages of the design process. For this, the theoretical body was studied and applied in visual programming to be able to automatically calculate the Geometric Unit Cost from a composition of simplified shapes. Afterward, the construction of the digital process underwent a sequence of tests involving geometric compositions and comparing its results with those of another commonly accepted method, the Basic Unit Cost (CUB). As a result, the values found with the CUG method were observed to present constant variation, not being directly linked to the analyzed area. Thus, it is concluded that it was possible to prove the use of CUG since the experimentation identified different costs for similar projected areas. The development of the process also discussed the use of the method and the process that can help professionals to enhance their interpretation of the project cost in the first compositions and the possibility of being used as a teaching tool, presenting the cost consequences of different shapes.