Resolution of complex composite envelopes through generative computation and digital fabrication

This paper documents and critically reflects upon the design, development, fabrication, and implementation of an experimental pavilion project developed during 2013-2014 for a site in Sydney, Australia. The core investigation embodied by this work is the refinement of techniques to computationally design and fabricate integrated structure and skin envelopes through a file-to-fabrication process, culminating in the production of doubly curved project geometry via panelized construction. The principal activity of the research is aimed at refining methods for software-based exploration of formal complexities and the subsequent need to control variability and efficiency in fabrication output, using Grasshopper for Rhino to develop customized definitions. The project attempts to address multiple concerns (gravity, bracing, affect, etc) with a minimum of assembly. This work is invested in extending the possibilities of architectural practice, extrapolating the workflow from this project to the speculative impact of the work upon emerging practice techniques.