Multidisciplinary design optimisation as strategy for building design

In this research project, an approach is proposed for applying multidisciplinary design optimisation on building design problems. The software used in the approach are Rhinoceros and Grasshopper for the parametric configuration of the geometry, the plug-in Octopus driving the optimisation process with its multi-objective genetic algorithm and a...

The design of a modular, amphibious structure for a flood and typhoon-prone municipality: Hagonoy, the Philippines

Introduction The daily life of inhabitants of Hagonoy, the Philippines, is affected by tidal and fluvial floods. Ground subsidence is the main cause of a worsening trend of these floods. Excessive uncontrolled groundwater subtraction creates a ground level decrease up to 5 cm per year. In combination with yearly six to nine typhoons raging over...

An economical prefabricated residence for Hagonoy, a typhoon prone municipality in the Philippines: Analysis, design and implementation

This thesis aims to improve housing quality in Hagonoy, a typhoon prone municipality of the Philippines, by designing an affordable typhoon resilient and prefabricated home with a floating foundation for the lower income class. This thesis was written in collaboration with the company, Finch Buildings. Three months of preliminary field research...

Steel Grid Shells Stress-Based Sizing Optimisation

The second half of the 20th century brought a revolution, when a computer-aided design (CAD) emerged. The new technologies were not only aiding with the existing designs, they begun to generate them too making the first examples of what is known today as a free-form design. Complicated 3D geometries could now be easily generated, viewed on the...

Highrise energy storage core: Feasibility study for a hydro-electrical pumped energy storage system in a tall building

To counter the effects of carbon dioxide emissions and to become less dependent on energy imports, the electrical energy production in Europe is likely to make a significant shift towards renewable energy sources in the coming years. One of the major challenges in this transition process is to match the unpredictable and fluctuating supply of...