MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2015, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

From the very beginning, the digitization of architecture has concerned itself around the speed of representation. The benefits of CAD drafting software principally relate to its suitability for repetitive work, as it facilitated the use of cut, copy and paste. Now with BIM and other parametric software, changes made to a single drawing are instantaneously updated across the entire drawing set. By capitalizing on the inherent relationships that can be created between objects, parametric modeling aims to reduce the amount of time editing design elements and thus fulfilling this paradigm of speed. As a result, these tools enable designers to define the constraints around which an object is created rather than designing the object itself. The result of this thinking leads to the creation of a parametric model that embeds design logics into the construction of the digital model. The focus of this thesis is on imparting an understanding and sensibility to designers of how to use parametric models in a productive way. It attempts to address common misconceptions and known criticisms of this digital workflow. Through the typology of an indoor rock climbing gym, the purpose of this thesis is to better understand the limitations and constraints of parametric modeling tools. This thesis is about the digital workflows necessary for parametric modeling, which in turn argues for the need for parametric thinking.

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Aarati Kanekar Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2023, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

There is a growing expectation for customizing products to meet the end user aesthetic preferences, functional needs, or emotional attachment. However, it is challenging to customize a product without design knowledge or skills and accommodate the design and manufacturing process at affordable cost. The current model for mass customization provides limited room for personalizing colors, patterns, or materials, while the one for pure customization requires the involvement of professional designers to translate end users' personal needs. I propose a combined model for customization that offers step-by-step guidance for customizing a product based on parametric design process. This thesis presents the process of structuring the parametric design of eyeglass frames as a case study to demonstrate the proposed model and collect initial feedback from various stakeholders. A User Experience (UX) Design approach was applied to frame the user workflow, screen mockups, and digital interfaces for a web-based service that guides through the parametric design process with an eyeglass frame as an example. By simulating the online experience with a digital clickthrough prototype, I engaged multiple stakeholders, including product designers, service designer, marketing expert, and end users to demonstrate the model and collect initial feedback. Based on their feedback, I revised the initial screen mockups and discussed future opportunities to incorporate emerging technologies (e.g., 3D printing, AI facial scanning, online community for creative practice) into this process of guided customization, followed by their implications in design, business, and user experience.

Committee: Heekyoung Jung Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Brigid O'Kane MFA (Committee Member); Alejandro Lozano Robledo M.Des. (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

MS, Kent State University, 2020, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

Inspired by the historical construction technique and contemporary form-finding methods, as well as practices in designing and constructing masonry vaults, the thesis explores different forms that can be built without centering during construction. This thesis examines the literature associated with the geometries, construction techniques and methods used to generate masonry arches, vaults, and domes without centering or with minimum supports. The main idea about which lies on the self-supporting courses where each masonry unit has its own equilibrium condition. Based on the principles of equilibrium, this research develops algorithms for two cases: when bricks are not bonded with mortar and are bonded with mortar. The algorithms to generate an arch when subjected to additional vertical load for both cases have also been investigated. Moreover, using the Python component in Grasshopper, a tool is developed using the proposed algorithms in this thesis. The tool is used for parametric designs to create new forms of masonry vaults which could be built without centering.

Committee: Rui Liu Dr. (Advisor); Elwin C. Robison Dr. (Committee Member); Qindan Huang Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architectural; Architecture; Design

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2019, Mechanical Engineering

Thin-walled frames are common in the automotive body structures due to their high strength to weight ratio to meet the requirements for different types of loadings and crash scenarios. Automotive structural engineers are exploring different ways of lightweigthing the Body In White (BIW) and one of them being topology optimization to improve fuel efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. Although topology optimization provides an optimal solution, it outputs monolithic solid cross-section structures that cannot be produced from the mainstream manufacturing processes. The research presented here aims to bridge the gap between the topology optimized automotive body structures and the traditional manufacturing processes by automatically post-processing the results to create hollow cross-sections for the body components inside the design space. The inner and outer styling surfaces control the design space boundaries that constrain the structural configurations and the size of parts. Topology optimization was performed on the voxelized version of the design space, and the results were typically meshed/triangulated surfaces stored as .stl files. The starting point of the post –processing methodology was the curve skeleton, which was the 1D representation of the load paths extracted from the topology optimized structure. Then, planes normal to the curve skeleton were created to intersect the design space and the topology optimized structure to obtain the 2D wireframe and section properties. Predefined parametrized cross-section libraries were then used to map to reside inside the design space boundaries. A surface model was generated by lofting these cross-sections for preliminary verification through finite element analysis and for designing joints connecting different components. Joints design was not part of this thesis.

Committee: Jami Shah (Advisor); Sandra Metzler (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2016, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Architectural Design is a costly and time consuming endeavor in terms of the process of generating new building designs. By reducing the time it takes for designers to create iterative building shapes, the costs associated can be dramatically reduced. This thesis investigates a computer-assisted crowdsourcing method for the design of buildings. A novel approach to User Interfaces as well as preferences of architects and non-architects are investigated through a dynamic User Interface which manipulates the building in real time. This thesis found through a sampling of 9 males and 9 females of varying backgrounds and demographic profiles that architects overwhelmingly prefer building forms with flat roofs, while non-architects prefer the latter. Additionally, the preferences of men and women were investigated and confirmed. Men independent of background were found to prefer curvilinear building forms with flat roofs while women overwhelmingly prefer sharp, angular forms with gabled roofs. While the crowdsourced method reveals that significant time savings can be had if the models are prepared correctly, this study also confirmed the architectural preferences of different demographic groups as they relate to building form.

Committee: William Williams M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Udo Greinacher M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2010, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning : Architecture (Master of)

Technology has transformed the role of the architect and the profession over an arguably short period of time. With the invention of the printing press, the method of architectural representation has shifted from an entirely drafted form to an entirely digital form. Issues of efficiency, control, communication, and value contribute significantly to this transition. Value, as measured through the precision in the built form, has pushed architectural representation to clarify obscure and abstract intent, pushing for what some might label a transparency in design. The transition from hand-drawn to digitally drawn representation has additionally introduced new methods for approaching architectural problem solving, most notably in design forecasting, integrated practice, and multiple-solution design outcomes. Building Information Modeling and Parametric Modeling are current tools that make use of these new design methodologies. Beyond simple computer-aided-design representations (CAD), these tools combine functionality into a single three-dimensional digital model that enable the architect to run quantitative analyses during the design process. The result is a better-informed inquiry to arrive at substantially informed design outcomes. It is the goal of this thesis to evaluate the tools of representation against the issues of efficiency, control, communication, and value from architectural design to the built form. Moreover, it will be important to recognize the use implications of these tools, such as application in the academic realm, ethics of building science in architectural design, and perhaps most importantly the relationship between quantitative and qualitative input in design.

Committee: Patricia Kucker MARCH (Committee Chair); George Bible MCiv.Eng (Committee Chair) Subjects: Architecture

MDES, University of Cincinnati, 2013, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Design

The world we live in is composed of different ethnic groups, gender, age, and culture. Each user group has specific requirements and tastes. User-centered Design is a solution to reduce the gap between end users and product design. In the traditional product manufacturing process, it costs more time and energy to deliver products and to generate new designs for marketing. Parametric Design is a solution to maintain all the possibilities of 3D form and can instantly generate different types of design. In this way, a designer could obtain different styles of prototypes by simply adjusting the feature parameters. This could help a designer generate diverse design proposals that incorporate ergonomic contribution at the same time. The time consuming manufacture processing could be reduced and a diversity of designs would be delivered. Divergent thinking of modeling structure would also generate some unexpected results and form styling. All the various design elements would contribute to a wonderful composite world.

Committee: Gerald Michaud M.A. (Committee Chair); Peter Chamberlain M.F.A . (Committee Member); Tony Kawanari M.A., I.D. (Committee Member); Aaron Rucker (Committee Member) Subjects: Design

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2013, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

In the world today, actual concerns for human experience and climate change obligate professional disciplines related to the building industry to explore more innovative design solutions. With the scarce allocation of capital the practice of architecture is in the process of adapting to a more economical process of utilizing parametric tools to design, document, analyze and fabricate building facades. Parametric tools, however, can only aid a designer in the process of achieving the qualitative features of a demanded certain spatial experience. Design and analysis of a building's enclosure system is a fundamental first step in the design process to achieve the qualitative and quantitative benefits of comfort, protection and reduction in energy consumption. As we move forward into information-based future, it is important for the architecture practice to utilize the technological advances in industrial design, computational design and rapid fabrication processes. These advances bring with them the tools needed for architects to innovate, analyze and construct new dynamic enclosure systems for the future. The Architectural Problem Traditional methods of cladding and enclosing structures responsively tend to produce uniformly articulated facades. The character of building articulation, which is ultimately based on orientation, climate, and interior comfort, varies in terms of materials and methods. The lack of formal flexibility limits the freedom and ability to innovate new customized wall systems that could respond to their particular contexts. As a consequence to this limitation, the relationships between architectural geometry and environmental phenomena remain disengaged. Parametric Utility Parametric design and thinking can aid in this problem in two ways. One, it has the potential for establishing architecture as a material and theoretical genesis device – a design tool that makes environments and ideas about nature come to life. Its use can help sol (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch (Committee Chair); Aarati Kanekar Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

Master of Science, The Ohio State University, 2020, Mechanical Engineering

The organic structure of the ant neck joint is a highly specialized compliant mechanism which can withstand high loads relative to its weight. Previous research has captured the structure of the joint in measurable, single body CAD models. This project builds on that work by parameterizing the full biological model into a simplified engineering model. The engineered CAD model contains three distinct bodies representing the thorax, head, and membranous connection. Design tables are utilized to automate model generation, additionally, the model retains the capability to introduce additional parameters in the future. This project also explores additive manufacturing as a fabrication method for generating larger scale physical models and outlines the feasibility for generating the ant neck joint as a compliant mechanism. This approach resulted in a successful proof-of-concept multi-material prototype. The modeling and manufacturing framework provides an environment for further engineering analysis of an artificial ant neck joint. The parameters, models, and methods established in this research can be used as a first step to move beyond biomimicry and into purposeful engineering design.

Committee: Sandra Metzler Dr. (Advisor); Haijun Su Dr. (Committee Member); Blaine Lilly Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering

MS, Kent State University, 2019, College of Architecture and Environmental Design

An unplanned demolition of a building is either natural such as an earthquake or human-caused disasters like terrorist attack and wars. Unplanned building demolition generates a considerable amount of dust cloud and demolition waste comprising Particulate Matter (PM) of various sizes. A significant body of evidence relates chronic and acute adverse health effects to increased exposure of PM to the public. However, the literature review reveals a limited number of studies addressing the impact of unplanned demolition on local air quality. This is primarily due to the post-disaster situation is chaotic. The study focuses on investigating neighborhood environmental morphologies that reduce pollution dispersion at pedestrian levels. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the pattern and characteristics of pollution dispersion due to unplanned building demolition in a neighborhood. CFD-based air quality model ENVI-met was used to simulate the pollution dispersion in selected ten types of neighborhood morphologies. The research compares simulated pollution blooms resulting from a building collapse amid of ten different neighborhood morphologies. For each neighborhood configuration, the simulation produced thirty-six horizontal and forty-eight vertical dispersion measurements. The analysis confirmed that the dust plume generated during unplanned building demolition dispersed 200m beyond the source at almost of the neighborhoods. However, the concentration levels were different depending upon the type of neighborhood morphologies. The research identifies the sensitivity of an area to human health in the neighborhood facing unplanned demolition. The thesis concludes with proposing few design recommendations for the street canyon, wind flow, building design, vegetation placement, and overall safety to help urban designers minimize the impact of unplanned building demolition and air pollution dispersion. The findings of this research are significant to urba (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Adil Sharag-Eldin Dr. (Advisor); Christopher J. Woolverton Dr. (Committee Member); Elwin C. Robison Dr. (Committee Member); Rui Liu Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture; Environmental Science; Public Health; Urban Planning

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2019, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

This thesis presents a new workflow, this thesis calls the Vector Method, to optimize a fixed shading device to reduce heating and cooling energy use so that performance and aesthetic and other design goals can be balanced while exploring various shading forms and typologies during any stage of design. This method is created out of the critique of existing shading device design methods, at times borrowing inspiration from each method's successful attributes. Baseline test studies are conducted to determine this new method's effectiveness in terms of reducing thermal loads against the main existing design methods in use today. Studies looking at the iterative capabilities of this method and user interactions with a tool created based upon this method are also included. This thesis culminates in a design project set just north of Civic Plaza in Albuquerque, New Mexico to explore the potential for the Vector Method to create design solutions that perform and support a design intent for an architectural project in physical context. This thesis innovates the shading device design process by combining foundational works of Olgyay and parametric analysis abilities of Rhinoceros and Energyplus to inform data driven design decisions. The workflow presented in this paper will demonstrate optimization of fixed shading devices for cooling and heating loads while providing multiple aesthetic options by not limiting the shading device typology in the beginning of the process. This workflow produces iterations that perform similarly in terms of energy savings so that a designer can select a shading device based on other criteria such as aesthetic concerns or construct-ability issues. The user can move between different shading typologies and add their own creative, artistic interpretations, while not being required to run many simulations after each design change. This paper will present how a tool based process can be agile enough to handle frequent design changes. This paper (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Ming Tang M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Pravin Bhiwapurkar (Committee Member); Amanda Webb Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2017, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

This paper reviews some of the earliest thoughts about the introduction of natural elements such as biology and geology into architectural design and discusses several designers' contributions, showing how they pushed the concept forward. It then explores one of the most important features of sedimentary rock formations (commonly seen around the Great Lakes area), called “cross bedding.” After some digital and physical simulations of cross bedding's irregular waving surface, the paper discusses the potential architectural applications. Last, it introduces a design proposal using cross bedding as part of the building components to design a tourist center near Watkins Glen, NY, and the Finger Lakes.

Committee: Christoph Klemmt A.A. Dipl. (Committee Chair); Elizabeth Riorden M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2015, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

With continued digital technology development, computer has not only been seen as only the assistant as the tool, but also could be a medium of design development. This project is a study of a methodology for the parametric design and fabrication of the bionic structure. For centuries, architects have been inspired by natural forms and geometries. Their designs have been influenced by natural structures, proportions, colors, patterns and textures. In 1968, the biologist Aristid Lindenmayer proposed a string-rewriting algorithm which can model plants and their growth processes. Since then, Lindenmayer Systems or L-systems have evolved and found many practical applications in the computer visualization area, such as generation of fractal diagram, realistic modeling and high quality visualization of organic forms. More recently, remarkable advances have been made in architecture in the field of modeling and visualization. Specifically, the integration of scripting languages into CAD applications enables direct visualization of objects generated using algorithmic processes. Therefore, L-system is ready to be a new tool for architects, and in the meantime architecture gain more opportunities to be designed with complex, organic or bionic ways by using parametric tools such as Rhino with Grasshopper. However, how can the L-system apply to architectural design process through parametric tools? How to make L-system adapt to an architectural site?

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Ming Tang M.Arch. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2014, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

As architectural projects become increasingly complex, more sophisticated tools are needed to evaluate the success of a design solution. Architecture suffers when its products are left up to the subjective judgement of uneducated outsiders. Without an objective language with which to communicate expertise, the field risks being overridden by amateurs and hobbyists who can assert, with confidence, that their judgment is as good as professional. This thesis is not concerned with defining the entirety of architectural discourse but only in refining the concept of elegance in terms of contemporary practice because it, as a concept, has tremendous potential to influence all aspects of a design process. It seeks to refine the term in the architectural context, in light of emerging contemporary practices and endeavors so that it might be a useful tool to future designers. In architecture, elegance is typically an elusive concept. Considered synonymous with grace, beauty and refinement, it resides in the subjective realm where it is of little practical use as an endeavour or evaluative tool to designers. It is possible to define elegance in objective terms, as is evident by the fields of Philosophy, Mathematics and Engineering. These fields have developed sophisticated languages with which to objectively communicate and evaluate the work produced within and their understanding of elegance can provide a framework for the creation of a new definition for architecture. As it has emerged, the new concept of elegance has been tested through the production and analysis of a series of system case-studies ranging in scope from sculpture to large scale architectural enclosure. Each study was born of the criteria established by the definition and an analysis of each has contributed to the validity of the new elegance. The concept, as a criteria for justification, lies deeper than many contemporary justifications for architecture. While it is not the only evaluative con (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Aarati Kanekar Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2011, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

The realization of Architecture relies on the fundamentals of building construction, specifically methods and materials. The relationship between design and production needs to change. Architects, now severed from the skill of construction, depend on builders and fabricators to carry out their designs. It is a process mediated through technology, aka the computer, which has transformed the building industry, increasing efficiency and production, while further separating us from the process of making. Using new technology in practice requires innovative techniques, in order to establish and uphold a construction-based practice. Recently the Architecture industry has adapted new software in design. The main component of this software is Non-uniform rational basis splines (NURBS), which allow geometries that are more curvilinear and irregular. What makes it a valuable tool is it provides an efficient and effective way for architects to explore new geometries, allowing for much greater freedom during the design process. However, new trouble arises from the use of this software when we attempt to translate the information for construction purposes. We need to find a way to convey hundreds or even thousands of unique details in order to have the builder construct the project. The details, now in an ephemeral state of morphological transformation are causing an information overload during the typical documentation process. Ironically, working in the digital realm creates problems, because any geometry is possible, the design solutions are infinite, which leads to inefficiencies in design, entangling it in a morass of digital information translation. Establishing a material interface and integrating all parts of the process, enables us to control information in this new digital designing era. Using a new method for design, directly engaging in digital fabrication, and providing a constant cyclical evaluation of the materials from the earliest stages of design, dissolves bar (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Aarati Kanekar PhD (Committee Chair); Michael McInturf MARCH (Committee Chair) Subjects: Architecture

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2003, Engineering : Mechanical Engineering

In the development of a robust feedback control design, plant parameter uncertainty is taken into account to generate system templates at various frequencies. A template is the representation of the plant parameter uncertainty at a particular frequency. Once these templates are defined, they are utilized to determine specific boundaries of plant operation over a prescribed frequency range. Subsequently, a scheme can be developed to design a controller which monitors the behavior of the system so that it performs within previously described specifications. This thesis will focus on the development of a pruning algorithm using MATLAB. The pruning algorithm goal is to define the boundary of the template through the identification of boundary plants in the system. The objective is to utilize these boundary plants of the system to generate templates at other frequencies of interest. This approach will be demonstrated by applying the method on a pneumatic position control servo system with three uncertain variables. Once the desired pruned templates for the pneumatic position control servo system have been attained, a controller is designed to enhance the system dynamic characteristics.

Committee: Dr. David L. Thompson (Advisor) Subjects:

Master of Landscape Architecture, The Ohio State University, 2012, Landscape Architecture

Architects continuously hear about new and innovative processes to design and build the places that arise in this world, often based on “rule sets” and geometric design relationships which may or may not be revealed in the final design form. At times these hidden or “invisible” geometries become lost or forgotten during the design process and production (Stavric and Marina 2011) making it difficult, if not impossible to replicate or fully understand the system in place. In generative modeling there are certain sets of rules, also known as parameters or constraints applied to the design process and outcome. During the generative modeling process, each step in the design is documented and capable of being viewed, evaluated and altered. Currently, few if any applications of parametric design have been made in landscape settings. This study investigates and evaluates generative modeling as a design tool in urban riverfront systems, and the design experience inherent in the process. The study methodology (1) researches the fundamental background of generative modeling through literature review (2) minimizes the variables in the design process by identifying the urban riverfront typologies and HSW standards applicable to urban riverfront design, (3) identifies an urban riverfront site to test the generative modeling design process, (4) generates parametric algorithms from the standards applicable to urban riverfront path design (derived from the identified typologies and HSW criteria) (5) analyzes the site for attractors, detractors and ambiguous elements and (6) concludes with analysis and discussion of both the resulting urban riverfront design iterations and the generative modeling design experience. The analysis and evaluation suggest that use of generative modeling in urban riverfront design allows for rapid production, exploration, and evaluation of various iterations for designers and clients consideration. These multiple iterations facilitate an interactive proces (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Deborah Georg (Advisor); Kristy Balliet (Committee Member) Subjects: Design; Landscape Architecture

MS, University of Cincinnati, 2012, Engineering and Applied Science: Mechanical Engineering

A Non-Conventional Loop Heat Pipe, much different from a conventional LHP, is employed in cooling Light Emitting Diode luminaries in high bay lighting. Different from a conventional LHP, these devices use the entrainment phenomenon to passively transport waste thermal energy dissipated from the LEDs into ambient air. Unlike a conventional LHP, the pressure drop across the liquid-vapor interface in the evaporator wick is not very high. In the present work, two different mathematical models – a parametric model and a design model, are developed. The device is partitioned into three prominent sections – the evaporator, the condenser and the sub-cooler. Each of these sections is individually studied, understood, and modeled. The data collected from the experiments performed on the non-conventional LHP are utilized in formulating some empirical coefficients for these models such as the convection heat transfer coefficient for the ambient air, a few thermal resistances in the evaporator package and a constant temperature difference between the bulk fluid and the walls of the tube in the sub-cooler section of the device. An attempt to mathematically model the non-conventional LHP provides some insights into the relationship of the nature of working fluid with the quality of the two-phase mixture, and the mass flow rate. The parametric model throws light on the various parameters that are necessary for the LHP to successfully remove a certain amount of thermal energy from the LEDs. Different parameters that could potentially increase the temperature of the board are studied and delineated in this work. The design model illustrates a method for estimating the geometry of the device for cooling a specific LED power for a particular application. The attempt to model the current device is a first step in trying to design a product capable of cooling a 1000 W equivalent LED fixture. Additionally, these models could potentially lay the foundation for understanding the relationsh (open full item for complete abstract)

Committee: Frank Gerner Ph.D. (Committee Chair); Ahmed Shuja Ph.D. (Committee Member); Milind Jog Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering