Discover the impact of this discipline on architectural design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM).
Computational geometry is a branch of mathematics focused on solving geometric problems using computational tools and methods. It is applied in various fields, from robotics to biology, but has had a significant impact on design and architecture, where it is used to create and analyze complex and precise shapes that would be difficult or impossible to achieve otherwise.
Until recently, the term "computational geometry" referred solely to the design and analysis of geometric algorithms. However, in recent years, its scope has expanded to include the study of geometric problems from a computational perspective, providing new challenges and ways of thinking for computational designers.
Some of the most important benefits of this approach for architecture include:
- Enabling the precise and efficient creation and manipulation of geometric shapes and structures. This is particularly useful in design and architecture, as it allows the generation of detailed and accurate 3D models that can be used for project visualization and analysis.
- Offering tools for calculating geometric properties such as areas, volumes, and distances, allowing greater accuracy in dimension and quantity calculations for projects.
- Being highly useful in the analysis of structures and buildings, as it allows the simulation and study of their behavior under different loads and conditions. This helps ensure their stability and allows for the identification of potential design problems, saving time and money in construction.
- Optimizing the design of geometric shapes and structures, leading to more efficient designs in terms of costs and resources.
- Facilitating interoperability between different design and architecture programs and tools, enhancing collaboration and teamwork on complex projects.
Three Leaders in the Field of Computational Geometry
Computational geometry has been adopted by various architects and design studios worldwide.
One of the most notable architects in this field is Zaha Hadid, who was the first woman to receive the Pritzker Architecture Prize in 2004. Hadid used computational geometry to create innovative and dynamic architectural forms, such as the Rosenthal Center for Contemporary Art (Cincinnati, USA) and the London Aquatics Centre.
Another key figure in this field is Frank Gehry, who has used computational geometry to create iconic and complex buildings, such as the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles. These works have contributed to his reputation as one of the most innovative architects of our time.
Rem Koolhaas, a renowned Dutch architect, is famous for his use of computational geometry in designs such as the Casa da Música in Portugal and the CCTV Headquarters in Beijing. Koolhaas has received numerous awards, including the Pritzker Prize in 2000 and the Prince of Asturias Award for the Arts in 2006.
CallisonRTKL has also embraced computational geometry in projects such as the expansion of the Chadstone Shopping Centre in Australia, transforming it into an award-winning "Fashion Capital."
Innovation Through Architecture and Software
Through computational geometry, professionals can work with a wide range of geometric concepts, achieving greater efficiency in modeling and visualization. This is primarily due to the tools used, which eliminate the need for complex manual calculations, driving creativity and collaborative design.
Various software solutions exist for analyzing and manipulating geometric shapes and structures. Some of the most commonly used are AutoCAD, Rhino, SolidWorks, and Catia, which offer advanced functionalities for creating and manipulating geometric models.
These and other tools enable operations such as area and volume calculations, 3D model generation, and the resolution of geometric optimization problems in volumes, roofs, and facades. They also facilitate the interpolation and fitting of curves and surfaces, and the study of changes in geometric shapes and structures over time, making it easier to analyze the behavior of geometric systems when subjected to different forces and conditions.
