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COLLABORATIVE WORKFLOW | HYPER A | STRUCTURE

This project was developed as part of the Collaborative Workflows course, which ran in parallel to our main Studio project. In the Studio, we worked in teams to design a Hyper Building—a complex, multi-neighborhood architectural system. As the Structural Team, our responsibility was to design and coordinate the structural system supporting the building. The Collaborative … Read more

Hyperbuilding B: A Structural Evolution

Introduction Welcome to an exploration of Hyperbuilding B’s structural innovations, brought to life by our dedicated structural team—Erva, Renuka, and Ernesto. Our journey was guided by Japanese design philosophies, advanced structural strategies, and meticulous collaboration with the design teams. This blog delves into our approach, workflow, and key performance metrics that shaped the Hyperbuilding B’s … Read more

HyperBuilding A – Data Team Collaborative SlackBot

Project Statement For our Collaborative assignment, we created a Slackbot that sends teams weekly or daily updates on their metric health and an abbreviated summary of the project.  Project Context The Data Team was responsible for the management of data flow and organization throughout the process, ensuring other teams could navigate through the dashboard and … Read more

Data Handling and Collaborative Workflows: Hyperbuilding-B Data Team

Our BIMSC studio project centers on designing a ‘hyperbuilding’ in Tokyo’s Minato Ward—a self-sustaining development that integrates closed-loop ecological systems like on-site food production, photovoltaic energy generation, and industrial modules. The building includes mixed-use zones for amenities, services, and commerce, all anchored by a transit hub built into a podium above Shinagawa Station, supporting the … Read more

Redefining BIM Boundaries: Creativity and Flexibility in Conceptual Design with Dr. Tahir Akkoyunlu

Redefining BIM Boundaries: Creativity and Flexibility in Conceptual Design In the latest episode of the MaCAD BIMSC Theory Podcast Series, part of the BIM and Smart Construction module at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC), host Aleyna Kırcalı sat down with Dr. Tahir Akkoyunlu, an esteemed BIM expert and academic, to discuss the … Read more

HBIM and AI, a perspective on new technologies for Heritage architecture

Brief Heritage Building Information Modeling (HBIM) is a process for managing and conserving historical structures. Despite its potential and the European Directive 2014/24/EU, HBIM remains underutilized due to complex processes. AI-based technology can streamline HBIM processes at reduced costs, making heritage conservation more feasible. Technologies like LIDAR, TLS, photogrammetry (including UAVs), and SLAM, initially tested … Read more

The Power of a good BIM Execution Plan

Abstract The BIM scope of a project still has many ambiguities, challenges, and known difficulties related to internal and external politics and other human factors. Project stakeholders usually have overlapping but in most cases different interests, e.g. tendering consultants and contractors want clearer definitions to be able to minimize their risk when submitting an offer, … Read more

Integration of Digital Twin Technology in Building Renovation and Restoration

Exploring Digital Twins with Quinn Evans The integration of Digital Twin Technology in building renovation and restoration is transforming the industry, enhancing data accuracy, workflow efficiency, and long-term asset management. By creating precise digital replicas of structures, digital twins enable real-time updates, predictive maintenance, and seamless coordination across project teams. A leading example of this … Read more

Design Automation for Architectural Design in Small Steps

BRIEF PROBLEM: Architectural design is a complex process that often involves repetitive tasks, human errors, and inefficiencies that can slow down workflows. While Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools like Autodesk Revit have significantly improved design and documentation processes, the absence of structured automation continues to limit optimization, particularly for architectural design firms. Many firms struggle … Read more

Integrative Modeling: HyperA’s Neighborhood Approach

Welcome to HyperA!As we navigate the complexities of urban living, our design strives to create spaces that not only cater to functional needs but also enrich community connections. Through integrative modeling, we aim to challenge conventional architectural norms and present a bold vision for the future. Concept of Neighborhoods HyperA is centered around the concept … Read more

Integrating Residential Modeling for Hyper-B

Hyper-B Residential team went through design concept, technical analyses, and integrated modeling process to create a detailed architectural documentation of four residential towers. In addition, the project covers various aspects including energy consumption, occupancy, and modular unit types. We approached this project with a goal that incorporates sustainable energy practices and efficient space planning with … Read more

Form follows Data

Introduction Facades are vital architectural elements, functioning as the interface between a building’s interior and exterior while reflecting broader design strategies. Vitruvius emphasized the concept of Venustas, the aesthetic appeal achieved through harmonious proportions and calculated symmetries, as central to the role of facades in conveying beauty and balance. In modern architecture, facades transcend their … Read more

Digital tools for Integrative Modelling – Hyper A Facade

The Facade Team Team Vision Group Topic Kinetic Component  Envelope Development Hyper Building A is a self-sustaining, energy-efficient project designed to seamlessly integrate into Japanese culture. The design follows the 15-minute walk theory, organizing the building into distinct neighborhoods to promote accessibility and community interaction. The vision for this project is centered around energy efficiency, … Read more

HYPERBUILDING_A Data Team Integrative Modeling

Introduction The Data team’s role in the Hyper A project is to calculate the performance metrics of each Design Team.  Each Design Team provides the Data Team the component values for needed to calculate their metrics.  These component values are cumulative for their entirety of their design. For example, the Industrial Team’s Primary Metric is … Read more