Facade automations generate a pattern across a whole building in seconds.
◦ What does the automation know, and what does it not know?
Automation knows how to create a fixed model and place it onto something. It understands that if it recognizes a certain structure or parameter, it will then carry out a function. It does not know the user’s personal preferences or opinions about certain stylistic choices (unless this information can somehow be stated).
◦ Where did the generated pattern need overriding, and why?
It kept creating windows on wall dividers between units. You cannot have a window that runs into a wall; that physically does not work, especially for two separate units.
◦ If the automation produces something that analyses well but looks wrong, which wins?
I think the opinion of the designer comes into play, as automation is a tool for assistance but should not be the end-all, be-all for a process. There is still a need for a human eye; unless the analysis being given is critical (such as structural recommendations), there is usually wiggle room that does not have to be as rigid as an automation.
Total carbon can now be estimated before materials are specified.
◦ How much confidence should a team place in that number at this stage?
Not much confidence, as there are internal factors that will change with the continuation of this design. For example, the ateraisl being used for the site, and additonal color schemes and outdoor infastrcuture (such as public parks) have not been finalzied yet. There are still electrical, plumbing, and structural elements that need to be put into the design. This will significantly impact the energy efficiency and total carbon of the site.
◦ Which decision made this week has the largest effect on it?
The windows, as this is increasing the amount of heat and energy that is being radiated into the space. When considering energy efficiency, circulation, and heat transfer, the extent of windows here (which is a lot within my design), will be very different from the building block in week 2 (that has zero windows and was just a giant chunk of mass).
◦ How would you present it to a client without overstating its precision?
I would present it as a slight suggestion for being more mindful of further decision-making processes. If, for example, the goal is to reduce CO2 equivalent, the next stage of the building process should include practices that ensure we are on track to “reduce carbon footprint”. At the end of the day, no model can be 100% accurate and precise, but it can be realistic in understanding how a building may operate and function in a real-world context.
At some point a conceptual model has to stop being conceptual.
◦ How do you know when a proposal is resolved enough to move into Revit?
I think this is a very challenging question; I think there is a level of real-world expertise needed to see at what point an idea is planned enough to be present for implementation. It's no longer conceptual once there is a floor plan and key features present for the site. This includes meeting the room metric requirements, mechanical shafts, stairs, and elevators needed for a building to be considered a building.
◦ What is the cost of moving too early? Of moving too late?
If you move forward too early, the general concept of the building mass may be lost or poorly defined. The conceptual model is imperative for getting a basis for how the space is being used so you can start implementing the relevant schematics to describe how the space is being built. If this step is rushed, floor plans could be done incorrectly, and stairwells or elevators could be misplaced. And in the context of actual construction, it could be pricey. But also, time and money, and moving too late could cause one to become too invested in a design that may not be worthwhile or in need of such a detailed concept. At this point in our process, the room breakdowns are not needed, but the # of units is important.
◦ Which parts of your Forma model do you expect to survive the handoff?
I think the general building mass will survive, but the number of windows or exact unit floor plans may differ. In the one-site model, once cost is taken into account, some aspects of the design will have to be sacrificed in order to stay within budget.