Recently, I had a conversation with a friend that made me think about the importance of a holistic approach in the construction industry. We were casually exchanging jokes, and at one point, my friend shared a joke about his other friend doing something silly. I didn't get it because I didn't know his friend, and our backgrounds were different. So, my friend tried to explain the joke, but it ended up being awkward. In that moment, it hit me: "Ah, this also happens in construction industries!"
When I worked as an architect, I often encountered disputes during the construction process because stakeholders came from different backgrounds. The architects couldn't always consider the structural aspects, and the structural engineers struggled to appreciate the aesthetics. It reminded me of what my professor used to say about integrating knowledge, and suddenly everything made more sense. Integrating knowledge in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industries reduces communication costs and leads to a streamlined construction processes It's similar to painting. When you paint, you don't start by focusing on the tiny details. You need to grasp the bigger picture first, and then you can dig into the specifics. If you obsess over the small details right away, your overall composition might suffer. Once you finish the details, it's too late to make significant changes without starting over. This same principle applies to the construction industry. Architects need to plan the entire building, considering the envelope, construction process, cost, and much more. However, like painting, architects also need to see the bigger picture before diving into the finer details. They must understand the materials—how strong they are, their limitations, and more. By considering these factors, architects can design structures that exploit the material's advantages and reduce potential disputes. Only then can they focus on the intricate details. Sometimes, we need to reflect on everyday life to understand complex concepts. Sometimes, all we need is to apply a simple example, just as I did when I spoke with my friend and discovered the importance of knowledge integration. We must understand that from a distance, we can eliminate unnecessary distractions, just as when we admire a landscape from afar. This way, we can appreciate the whole picture instead of fixating on a single part.
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As a lazy architect, I've always dreamt of designing a non-repeating pattern that could be used repeatedly, showcasing different expressions each time. And lo and behold, a group of researchers, including mathematicians and hobbyists, made a remarkable discovery!
In March, the mathematical world was captivated by the unveiling of the "Einstein" tile—a 13-sided aperiodic mono-tile capable of non-repetitive tiling. But, this tile is not "real" mono-tile since it required mirror translation to fill a plane. The following month, the same group of researchers (they surely love to work overtime) reveal a groundbreaking "real" aperiodic mono-tile called "Spectre" that could tile aperiodically without mirroring. As an architect, this discovery unlocked exciting possibilities for designing aperiodic patterns applicable to various paneling needs, be it floor tiles, facade panels, or curtain walls, using just one type of panel. However, due to its unusual shape, feasibility sometimes becomes questionable, although simplification methods can be found. Back in the 1970s, Roger Penrose, another mathematician (yes, mathematicians seem to encroach on our design territory), discovered Penrose tiling—an aperiodic tiling comprising rhombus-shaped "kites" and "darts." Once again, the tile's uncommon angles posed challenges in construction. But hold on! Around the 1960s, mathematician Hao Wang proposed the Wang tile, an assemblage of 11 colorful rectangular tiles that offered better constructibility. However, it lacked the expressive qualities of the other two. What a dilemma! Reflecting on these aperiodicity discoveries, it led me to ponder. While it's intriguing to uncover novel ideas, such as aperiodic mono-tiles, applying them to buildings inevitably confronts constructibility issues. Yes, they can still be constructed, but at what cost? Do we truly require these aperiodic patterns in our buildings to the point where we can disregard the expenses? Not to mention the concerns regarding versatility and resiliency of these so-called "Einstein" tiles. Myself, as a researcher and architect, we tend to focus on how we can improve one research or another, and how to incorporate new shapes into buildings. However, sometimes we need to pause and reflect: Is this truly what we NEED? Well... what a dilemma. Reducing Carbon Footprint through Reusable Building Components: The Promise of Osteomorphic Blocks6/13/2023 In recent times, the topic of reducing carbon footprint has become increasingly prevalent. As we strive to find innovative solutions, one approach that stands out is the reuse of building components. This is where reusable building components, specifically those utilizing topological interlocking, offer a practical and effective solution. Among these, osteomorphic blocks have gained significant attention due to their numerous advantages.
The concept of utilizing osteomorphic blocks with interlocking features holds great promise in combating waste and inefficiencies typically associated with traditional masonry construction methods. By employing these reusable masonry block systems, the building components can be easily assembled and disassembled for future use, thereby contributing to a more sustainable construction process. The integration of topological interlocking within these blocks enhances their stability and strength, resulting in structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also highly durable. In addition to their structural benefits, the use of osteomorphic blocks also offers advantages in terms of sustainability. This innovative approach significantly reduces the amount of mortar required during construction, thereby minimizing material waste and further enhancing the overall sustainability of the project. By embracing reusable building components and adopting topological interlocking techniques, the construction industry can make significant strides in reducing carbon footprint. The use of osteomorphic blocks not only addresses the concerns of waste and inefficiency but also leads to the creation of stronger, more durable structures. As we continue to prioritize sustainable practices, it is essential to explore and implement such innovative solutions that have the potential to revolutionize the way we build. As we strive for a better future, embracing innovative solutions like this will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in achieving our environmental goals. |
Just some random talk and ideas . . .
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