Digital and Parametric Design in Residential and Urban Architecture
In recent years Tony Owen Partners has realised a large number of residential projects exploring the potential of digital and parametric design. In pioneering this approach to commercial design, a frame of practice has emerged that is both experimental and practical. Using modelling to open up new frontiers and explore new solutions to old problems, this series will bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Designing for a new and unprecedented set of realities and responding to a new set of imperatives has called on imperatives to address increasing population and densities, limited resources and space, changing climate and the new realities of the globalisation. At the same time, technology has delivered new digital tools and capabilities which are impacting the means which architecture is realised. This includes new software, new thinking about network strategies and new means of fabrication.
Tony Owen Partners find that when designing high rise buildings in urban areas, the design parameters change at different levels and in different directions. By using digital models at the early stages of multi-unit and urban projects we can explore the impact of changing variables in real time. This includes different solar conditions, outlook and view sharing, wind, acoustics, ventilation, energy use, structural loads, reflected light, unit mix and size and price point. These changing variables result in different plan forms, building shapes, orientation, façade and envelope treatment, shading etc. The supple digital modelling process throws up new solutions and the potential for exciting, efficient, affordable and beautiful design. Green Digital Design and apartment living and fabrication tools will be discussed.
