This thesis examines the past, present and future of industrialised architecture and roles of computing in the evolution of the practice of architecture. Modern manufacturing industries are now fully integrated with computers which control the management, processes and manufacturing of products offering increased levels of sophistication and quality while delivering enhanced economies and efficiencies. In this respect architecture and the construction industry have not kept pace with the advances demonstrated in other industry sectors.Given recent progress in the realm of digital architecture, the hypothesis is that the potential industrialization of architecture and the greater use of machines to make buildings do not necessarily result in a higher level of undesirable standardization but might lead to a similar revolution as seen in the wider manufacturing sector. This premise is initiated by considering buildings as the result of a production processes, a view much closer to the field of product design.The methodology underpinning the research has been to follow the evolution of the design process and the introduction of design computing through the development of increasingly sophisticated technologies commonly employed within a range of industries. Within this progression it will be shown that all aspects of computing now facilitate the advanced levels of design, communication, planning, manufacturing and construction of just about all modern products. While it is acknowledge that architecture has a different market from most other manufactured goods it will be evident that there are aspects of new manufacturing technology that if adopted, would have fundamental implications for the construction industry.Within the context of a broader investigation exemplary projects have been chosen to illustrate some of the desirable qualities of leveraging new technology. These will demonstrate that architectural quality can be enhanced, efficiency and economy can be delivered and that mass customisation can be achieved in a more sustainable and advanced level compared to other conventional methods.
Date of Award | 7 Jun 2016 |
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Original language | English |
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Awarding Institution | - University Of Strathclyde
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