Enhancing parametric design through non-manifold topology

Lannon, Simon; Jabi, Wassim; Soe, Shwe; Theobald, Peter; Aish, Robert

Abstract

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd This paper aims to build a theoretical foundation for parametric design thinking by exploring its cognitive roots, unfolding its basic tenets, expanding its definition through new concepts, and exemplifying its potential through a use-case scenario. The paper focuses on a specific type of topological parameter, called non-manifold topology as a novel approach to thinking about designing cellular spaces and voids. The approach is illustrated within the context of additive manufacturing of non-conformal cellular structures. The paper concludes that parametric design thinking that omits a definition of topological relationships risks brittleness and failure in later design stages while a consideration of topology can create enhanced and smarter solutions as it can modify parameters based on an accommodation of the design context.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 6, 2017
• Online Publication Date: May 15, 2017
• Publication Date: Sep 1, 2017
• Deposit Date: Aug 22, 2019
• Journal: Design Studies
• Print ISSN: 0142-694X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 52
• Pages: 96-114
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.destud.2017.04.003
• Keywords: digital design, parametric design, computational models, modelling, non-manifold topology
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/2368105
• Publisher URL: http://orca.cf.ac.uk/100593/
• Related Public URLs: http://orca.cf.ac.uk/100593/