Author(s)

A. Prichard-Schmitzberger

Abstract

This paper documents the testing of various applications of hot-swapping and precision modelling with minimal programming input reflecting the limited resources of small-scale practices. Hot-swapping identifies the principle of replacing components of a building during active design processes without altering its general appearance. The methodologies were tested through a series of courses on Digitally Enhanced Construction and Fabrication with architecture students at Calpoly Pomona. The teaching methodology allows not only the investigation of the required modelling accuracy but also the creation of prototypes and various versions of assembly alternatives. The paper covers the procedures developed to derive architectural form in a process of reverse engineering of specific architectural case. Flexibility or limitation of nonuniform surfaces for rapid prototyping and file-to-factory construction are investigated. Using versioning, a centralized design methodology with one source object for controlling and tracking 3d NURBS surfaces are detailed to material properties and using current building material which allows the implementation of pre-fabrication as well as mass-customization. Resulting projects allow assessment of time-consumption in the design-process; deviation of the proposed result from the original; overall complexity of assembly method; customization amounts of individual parts and manual effort. The procedures outlined in this paper would enable small architectural offices to enter competition with larger offices through integrating positive aspects of hotswapping in conjunction with prototyping without the typically necessary technical and fiscal casts. Keywords: hot-swapping in architecture, reverse engineering, versioning, computer integrated construction and manufacturing, design processes.

Keywords

hot-swapping in architecture, reverse engineering, versioning, computer integrated construction and manufacturing, design processes.