ADA

MODELLING

Here you can find some of the work we develop on algorithmic modelling of complex geometries

Parametric Modelling

In the past years, there has been an increased use of programming tools in architectural design, because they allow architects not only to achieve nouvelle shapes, but also to rapidly experiment and vary their designs. ADA has developed textual algorithmic design tools, which allow scaling of architectural designs in a more rapid and efficient way.

Absolute World Towers | Original Project by MAD Architects

Library of Birmingham
Original Project by Mecanoo

Sheun Wan Hotel
Original Project by Thomas Heatherwick

Nolan Building in Melbourne
Original Project by Alexander Knox

Complex geometries

Using algorithmic processes as agents for form generation, a wide range of complex geometries can be explored and manipulated, including shapes which would have been difficult to explore using traditional manual means.

Image: Markthal Rotterdam | Original Project by MVRDV

Modelling tools

Never before have there been so many, or so diverse tools, techniques and methods for architectural design. The current design process makes use of different paradigms, such as Computer-Aided Drafting (CAD) and Building Information Modelling (BIM), and many other tools. At ADA we strive to merge some of the most relevant paradigms and tools in a seamless workable process. Hence, our design tools allow for an effective communication with both CAD and BIM tool, as well as analysis and visualization tools for other purposes.

Parametric Design

Project: Parametric Façade Design and Development | Lisbon 2016

Project developed in collaboration with Atelier dos Remédios and FORA architectural studios for a design competition of a residential building in Lisbon. The ADA team was responsible for the design and development of three contemporary facades for the building.
The project was developed using Rosetta with both CAD and BIM software, allowing the team to rapidly explore several geometric variations of the facade's pattern and, in the end, produce an information model of the three parametric facades, from which we were able to extract material quantities and construction performance tests.
The design of the developed facades was based on the concepts of permeability-opacity and complexity-randomness. The facades use bricks of two sizes, that could be protruded from the facade's surface or not. The permeability is obtained through the absence of the smaller bricks. The decision between placing a bigger brick or four small bricks was randomly controlled, as also was the creation of protruded bricks and bricks absences.

The building’s physical model with the developed facades highlighted in red

Study of the pattern with different void and protrusion percentages

The four brick typologies for fabrication: by rotating the blocks, each typology can produce different brick variations

Render view from the main street, where two of the developed facades are visible

Render view of the building’s inside courtyard, where the inside facade is visible

Scheme illustrating the placement and fixation of the bricks to the building's wall

MODELLING

Parametric Modelling

Complex geometries

Modelling tools

Parametric Design

Visualization

Analysis

Optimization