Research programme Computation & Performance

Vision

The developments of architecture and building design are driven by attempts to achieve step changes in performance; the most important way to attain this is to use innovative computational tools, techniques and methods in the design, manufacturing and construction process. Considering performance as a driver in the building design and planning process is a prerequisite to achieve buildings that better perform, function and operate, consume fewer resources in construction and operation, and offer a healthier and more comfortable environment to its occupants, while still being economically viable.

Mission

The mission of the Computation & Performance research programme is to improve the performance of buildings and the built environment through scientific inquiry into novel ways of evaluating and influencing building performance using computational methods for measurement, prediction and simulation of buildings’ performances, form finding, design generation and analysis, information modelling, decision-making and design communication. Performance in this context refers to technical performance as well as qualitative performance —physical and psychological.

Objectives

Through a multi-disciplinary approach, we aim to meet four challenges:

• To define building performance and quality, and to develop the computational means to assess in design the many various aspects that constitute them.
• To apply the understanding of performance and quality to the computational design process, so as to plan, construct and operate buildings where the reality meets or exceeds the aspirations that motivated their production.
• To develop design, communication and decision-making practices, and their computational support, which enable stakeholders to -effectively apply the understanding of building performance and quality in an informed and
  balanced way so as to achieve mutually
  acceptable outcomes.
• To continually re-examine the relations between performance/quality, function, materials, systems, society, and architectural form within an investigation of computationally enhanced holistic design strategies.

Finally, Computation & Performance is researched in an interdisciplinary context.