Generative tool to support architectural design decision of earthbag building domes

Abstract

The interest in earthbag dome construction (also known as sandbag, superadobe or superblock construction) is increasing as a world consciousness develops to achieve the planet's equilibrium for sustainable living. The main objective of this research is to develop a parametric tool to help architects modeling virtual earthbag domes from ideation to construction phase. This challenge has been addressed by adopting an experimental methodology that explores parametric generative design with the use of visual programming language (VPL). In this paper we present the development of a tool for the ideation level including features that allow for the calculation of material quantification. The usability of the tool was validated by earthbag constructors and architects.

A methodical approach for the design of thermal energy storage systems in buildings: An eight‐step methodology

“…In this study, 24 earthbag unit blocks were fabricated to construct an earthbag test wall while each unit has a mixture of 30% clay and 70% well-graded soil sand. 39 The soil and the microencapsulated PCM (iner-tek26) and PCM composited were mixed at 2.2% of the composition of the entire unit block mixture. Water was added to the mixture up to the point where 10% moisture was achieved.…”

“…Hence, this study reports the development, modeling, and optimization of earthbag units for such applications. In this study, 24 earthbag unit blocks were fabricated to construct an earthbag test wall while each unit has a mixture of 30% clay and 70% well‐graded soil sand 39 . The soil and the microencapsulated PCM (inertek26) and PCM composited were mixed at 2.2% of the composition of the entire unit block mixture.…”

Algorithm-Aided Design with Python: Analysis of Technological Competence of Subjects

“…In the development of architectural projects, the use of computer programming concepts for parametric modeling can improve and assist the architect by facilitating his or her work, allowing him or her to create complex models by changing numerical variables, in a quick and efficient way, as asserted by References [16] and [17]. The authors of [18] agree with this idea when they say: "focused on the architectural field, traditional forms of expression and communication such as the printed panel or the physical model are being complemented and even replaced by the use of all kinds of ICT tools: from advanced virtual simulations or visualization through augmented reality of superimposed models with both real and virtual information, up to the already classic photo montages in compositional panels, the multi-format visualization of CAD files (Computer Assisted Design) and more recently its evolution in the BIM (Building Information Modeling) formats" (Original quotation: Centrados en el ámbito arquitectónico, las formas de expresión y comunicación tradicionales como el panel impreso o la maqueta física se están viendo complementadas e incluso sustituidas por el uso de todo tipo de herramientas TIC: desde las avanzadas simulaciones virtuales o la visualización mediante realidad aumentada de modelos superpuestos con la información tanto real como virtual, hasta los ya incluso clásicos montajes fotográficos en paneles compositivos, la visualización multi-formato de ficheros CAD (Computer Assisted Design) y más recientemente su evolución en los formatos BIM (Building Information Modeling)") (p. 2).…”

Understanding the genesis of form in Brazilian informal settlements: modelling the environment as a preliminary approach to design

“…When associated with generative tools, it is possible to create a variety of solutions in a relatively short time. Researchers (Klerk & Beirão, 2017;Santos & Beirão, 2017) have explored the use of digital models to analyze, represent and even generate architecture and urban models and associated data.…”