Optimizing Processes: Exploring the role of algorithms in optimizing the architectural design praxis which in turn optimizes the socio-economic and environmental processes.

Abstract

In a world where technology is challenging our perception of reality and blurring the distinction between what is and what could be, architecture too, is breaking all barriers of discipline. Integration of technology, science and art etc. are shifting the perspective from 'what is architecture' towards 'what can architecture be and what can it do?' Technology in design, product development, and architecture, among other fields, is being actively explored and integrated in technologically advanced nations. Pakistan, however, does not currently feature among these nations. If we look around us, we will find ourselves surrounded with objects embedded with technology - take our phones for example - or the computers we work on. The technology sector is advancing exponentially as we have entered the fourth industrial revolution. It has now become a major driver capable of building and strengthening economies. Despite being such an essential part of our lives, we are falling behind in integrating technology into design, architecture, and product development and are unable to produce such tech-based devices or products in Pakistan due to a lack of infrastructure facilities. Hence, the conversion of innovative ideas into finished products through the process of research, innovation, development, prototyping, testing and production is hindered due to a lack of spaces which cater to the entire process as a whole. Consequently, the ideas that take root, are unable to grow further. It is essential to bridge this gap between ideation and fabrication with a pressing need to optimize this process so that it can feed back into Pakistan's economy. This is aimed to be done through architecture by providing a platform which can adapt to these processes. In order for the architecture to optimize the aforementioned processes, the architecture itself must be optimized. The architectural design process will be optimized through the use of computational and generative design and intelligent softwares such as grasshopper. These tools will not only be used to optimise the design process, but they will also be used to optimize the building as well by allowing it to adapt to the external stimuli both, environmental and human making it sustainable. This thesis focuses on such high-tech architecture, which will also explore the role of intelligent materials to achieve adaptability. Through this, kinetic and dynamic architectural elements will be designed and assembled resulting in an interactive spatial experience in which, spaces will morph according to the requirements. Hence, the otherwise static nature of architecture will be challenged. Such a facility will encourage the avant-garde thinkers to fearlessly innovate and eventually develop ingenious technologies and products to put Pakistan up on the global technology market.