pCOLAD: online sharing of parameters for collaborative architectural design

Abstract

Simultaneous interdisciplinary architectural design from the very start of a project faces challenges in properly sharing information across disciplines. This research developed a method and related digital tool to improve collaborative design and aimed at making selected information to be shared faster and more transparently. The method consists of developing alternative parametric solutions for different parts of the design in such a way that crucial parameters form a link between these parts. The digital tool has been developed for Grasshopper and permits synchronic (real-time over the Internet) and a-synchronic sharing of these parameters. The design alternatives are evaluated with specific criteria, pros and cons in an Internet Forum and discussed via a video-conferencing tool. Decisions are then taken in a collaborative manner through voting. The paper describes the method based on a case study.