Papers by Ioanna Symeonidou
Proceedings of the 41st International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 1]
The paper discusses the methodological steps for prototyping a flat-pack timber plate pavilion, e... more The paper discusses the methodological steps for prototyping a flat-pack timber plate pavilion, examining the geometric and material specificities and the algorithmically defined process from design to production. Flat-pack modular designs have a strong connection to contemporary Do-it-Yourself (DIY) culture, initially encountered in furniture design, this design and production strategy has impregnated the field of architecture, with several design precedents ranging from experimental constructions to emergency shelters. The paper will discuss a series of precedents of flat-pack architecture, to conclude with a pilot study for the design of a pavilion to be constructed in 1:1 scale within the context of studio courses and PhD studies at the Department of Architecture of the University of Thessaly.
Proceedings of the 41st International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 1]
Biomimicry and bioinspiration in architecture have been around for several decades, however recen... more Biomimicry and bioinspiration in architecture have been around for several decades, however recent developments in algorithmic and generative design have introduced new morphogenetic design strategies and have paved the path for a cross-disciplinary research field that is currently developing under the umbrella term Digital Biomimicry. More specifically, in architectural education, biomimicry may act as a framework for algorithmic thinking, knowledge abstraction and implementation, and a source of inspiration towards performative design solutions. The paper presents a series of undergraduate and postgraduate studio curriculums that are part of a research agenda on biomimetic architecture, established at the Department of Architecture of the University of Thessaly. It discusses the pedagogical approach, the design methodology and showcases a series of research and design outcomes.
Educating the Reflective Digital Practitioner
Lecture notes in mechanical engineering, Oct 6, 2023
Designs
The present paper investigates the mechanical behavior of a biomimetic Voronoi structure, inspire... more The present paper investigates the mechanical behavior of a biomimetic Voronoi structure, inspired by the microstructure of the shell of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus, with its characteristic topological attributes constituting the technical evaluation stage of a novel biomimetic design strategy. A parametric design algorithm was used as a basis to generate design permutations with gradually increasing rod thickness, node count, and model smoothness, geometric parameters that define a Voronoi structure and increase its relative density as they are enhanced. Physical PLA specimens were manufactured with a fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer and subjected to quasi-static loading. Finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted in order to verify the experimental results. A minor discrepancy between the relative density of the designed and printed models was calculated. The tests revealed that the compressive behavior of the structure consists of an elastic region followed by a...
Digital fabrication and digital design
Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει στόχο να φωτίσει τη σύγχρονη πρακτική στη θεματική περιοχή όπ... more Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή έχει στόχο να φωτίσει τη σύγχρονη πρακτική στη θεματική περιοχή όπου αλληλοτέμνονται η αρχιτεκτονική, τα ψηφιακών μέσα (CAD/CAE/CAM) και η εκπαίδευση. Εξετάζει το ρόλο της υπολογιστικής λογικής και της τεχνολογίας στο σημερινό αρχιτεκτονικό γίγνεσθαι. Kατόπιν επισκόπησης και ταξινόμησης των διαθέσιμων τεχνολογιών για το σχεδιασμό και την κατασκευή, η διατριβή εξετάζει το επίπεδο ενσωμάτωσης αυτών στη σύγχρονη εκπαίδευση και πράξη. Η έρευνα επεκτείνεται σε θεωρίες της μάθησης και ανάλυση της καθιερωμένης πρακτικής διδασκαλίας των ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών στην αρχιτεκτονική εκπαίδευση καταδεικνύοντας ότι υπάρχουν μεγάλα οφέλη, αλλά ταυτόχρονα ελοχεύουν κινδύνοι και παρανοήσεις που μπορεί να λειτουργήσουν ως τροχοπέδη στη δημιουργική σκέψη και την καινοτομία. Σύμφωνα με τις καθιερωμένες θεωρίες μάθησης που απαιτούν την ενεργό συμμετοχή του μαθητευόμενου και τον έμπρακτο πειραματισμό, η διατριβή επιχειρεί να αναδείξει παραδείγματα καλών πρακτικών, και να προτείνει τρόπους για την ενσωμάτωση της χρήσης των ψηφιακών εργαλείων μέσω του σχεδιασμού και της κατασκευής πραγματικών πρωτοτύπων και όχι ως ασύνδετο και μεμονωμένο μάθημα στην αίθουσα υπολογιστών, που διδάσκει στους φοιτητές μόνον "πώς να χρησιμοποιούν τα εργαλεία". Τα στούντιο σχεδιασμού-κατασκευής που εγκαθιδρύθηκαν σε πολλά πανεπιστήμια παρέχουν ένα γόνιμο έδαφος για έναν ολοκληρωμένο σχεδιαστικό πειραματισμό.Η έρευνα αυτή υπαγορεύεται από δύο βασικά ερωτήματα: α) Γιατί είναι σημαντικό να εισαχθεί μια προσέγγιση μάθησης δια της πράξης στη διδασκαλία της ψηφιακής κατασκευής και του σχεδιασμού και ποιά είναι η τρέχουσα πρακτική αυτής στη σύγχρονη αρχιτεκτονική εκπαίδευση; β) Πώς θα μπορούσαν οι έρευνες πεδίου, τα εκπαιδευτικά πειράματα και μαθησιακά αποτελέσματα που παρουσιάζονται στην παρούσα διατριβή να βελτιώσουν την πρακτική της μάθησης δια της πράξης κάνοντας χρήση των ψηφιακών μέσων; Η ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας επικεντρώνεται σε δύο βασικά θέματα, αφενός στις διαθέσιμες ψηφιακές τεχνολογίες (CAD / CAE / CAM) και ιδιαίτερα εκείνες που εφαρμόζονται στην αρχιτεκτονική και αφετέρου στην αρχιτεκτονική εκπαίδευση και τις επικρατούσες θεωρίες και μοντέλα, με ιδιαίτερη έμφαση στην θεωρίες της ενεργητικής μάθησης, διατυπώνοντας την υπόθεση ότι η μάθηση δια της πράξης μπορεί να αποδειχθεί αποτελεσματική για την ενσωμάτωση των ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών στην αρχιτεκτονική. Η ανασκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας δείχνει ότι ένας σημαντικός αριθμός των σχολών έχουν ενσωματώσει τις ψηφιακές τεχνολογίες σε στούντιο σχεδιασμού-κατασκευής, και μια επισκόπηση 120 εκπαιδευτικών περιπτέρων από διάφορα ακαδημαϊκά ιδρύματα έχει ως στόχο να εντοπίσει τις τρέχουσες τάσεις, παρέχοντας πληροφορίες σχετικά με τη μορφολογία, τα υλικά και την τεχνολογία που χρησιμοποιούν. Ωστόσο, αυτό που μένει αναπάντητο από την βιβλιογραφική ανασκόπηση και έρευνα είναι το τι συμβαίνει "πίσω από τα παρασκήνια". Παρά το γεγονός ότι πολλά από τα εκπαιδευτικά περίπτερα έχουν δημοσιευθεί τόσο σε έντυπα όσο και σε διαδικτυακά μέσα, πολύ λίγα έχουν ειπωθεί για την εκπαιδευτική διαδικασία, τη διαχείριση της κατασκευής και τις εκπαιδευτικές πτυχές. Συνθέτοντας τις υπάρχουσες ερευνητικές μεθοδολογίες και ιδιαίτερα τις σύγχρονες προσεγγίσεις για την έρευνα στο σχεδιασμό, ένα θεωρητικό μοντέλο "έρευνας δια της πράξης" συνδέει την άρρητη γνώση και την βιωματική μάθηση με το καθεαυτό έργο της έρευνας στον τομέα της αρχιτεκτονικής. Έχοντας εντοπίσει τα κενά στη βιβλιογραφία η διδακτορική διατριβή χρησιμοποιεί μια ποικιλία μεθόδων που αλληλοσυμπληρώνονται. Η βιβλιογραφική έρευνα και η επισκόπηση ακολουθούνται από μια συνέντευξη με έναν από τους πρωταγωνιστές της σύγχρονης σκηνής σχεδιασμoύ-κατασκευής στην Ευρώπη. Προκειμένου να επιτευχθεί μια πληρέστερη εικόνα για την ίδια τη διαδικασία, διεξάγονται μια σειρά από εκπαιδευτικά πειράματα σχεδιασμού-κατασκευής με τη μορφή μελετών περίπτωσης, τα οποία εν συνεχεία αναλύονται και αξιολογούνται μέσω ερωτηματολογίων. Τα ευρήματα επιβεβαιώνουν την αρχική υπόθεση, γεγονός που θέτει την μάθηση δια της πράξης ως μια αποτελεσματική μέθοδο για την ενσωμάτωση της ψηφιακής κατασκευής και ψηφιακή σχεδίαση στο πρόγραμμα σπουδών της αρχιτεκτονικής, καταδεικνύοντας το πώς διαφορετικά μέσα για τον σχεδιασμό, την σκέψη και την πράξη αλληλοτροφοδοτούν το ένα τον άλλο.Η διατριβή συμβάλλει στην επιστημολογία της μάθησης δια της πράξης στην αρχιτεκτονική εκπαίδευση, παρέχοντας το εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο για την πρακτική αυτή. Η κύρια συνεισφορά στη γνώση είναι η σύνδεση των μαθησιακών θεωριών και των διαθέσιμων ψηφιακών τεχνολογιών, προκειμένου να κατασκευάσουν αποτελεσματικά πρωτόκολλα διδασκαλίας που ενθαρρύνουν τη δημιουργικότητα και την καινοτομία. Η μελέτη αυτή προωθεί την κατανόηση του στούντιο σχεδιασμού-κατασκευής, όχι απλώς μελετώντας το τελικό αποτέλεσμα, αλλά διερευνώντας την πραγματική διαδικασία, από το σχεδιασμό μέχρι την κατασκευή, και την αξιολόγηση των εκπαιδευτικών οφελών. Η διδακτορική διατριβή…
eCAADe proceedings, 2019
The paper proposes an alternative way to present architectural information, using color filters-s... more The paper proposes an alternative way to present architectural information, using color filters-specifically RGB lenses-as an interface to emphasize or reveal the internal structure or hidden logic of an architectural artifact. In an interplay of analogue and digital techniques, it employs rules of color blocking in order to highlight certain aspects of complex buildings, urban plans, or interiors, which cannot be discovered using conventional visualization methods. In this research, the authors developed an interactive RGB lens-interface and techniques for superimposed color visualizations that can be used for an enhanced visualization of the internal structure of a building. By applying physical or digital color lenses, viewers can perceive individual layers of project visualizations, in order to understand certain tectonic or construction logics, such as skin, structure or infrastructure. Based on existing bibliography, the paper presents the workflow from drawing, 3D model or photograph to RGB visualization, through a series of test case scenarios applicable to the field of architecture and design.
Generative Sustainable Performance Design Exploration Applied to Greek Urban Typologies
IOP conference series, Jun 1, 2023
Generative Design offers a paradigm for the automatic generation of variations of a design so tha... more Generative Design offers a paradigm for the automatic generation of variations of a design so that designers can quantify the bounds of possible Key Performance Indicator’s (KPI’s) and identify most promising variants based on their design objectives. While such studies are often performed to provide inspiration for high-end building designs, applying them on standard building typologies gives equally interesting insights on the impact of related design decisions. This paper presents a developed parametric model for the typical Greek Urban Typology, the Polykatoikia, and shows how this was utilized to identify sustainable design strategies for this typology. The methodology is applied on unfinished skeleton buildings in urban areas but can also be extended to new building designs. The KPI’s that the Generative Design algorithm optimizes towards are selected to fit important sustainability criteria, such as the minimization of summer solar loads and the maximization of winter solar load, together with standard User Experience Quality metrics related to Views and Daylight as well as standard leasable floor area maximisation criteria also taking into account standard dimensions of Structural core elements. The paper will also present opportunities for further optimization of the Polykatoikia design process, through the use of advanced design exploration and optimization algorithms and tools utilizing Machine Learning algorithms and advanced data visualisation.
The paper discusses an experimental design and fabrication process which employs digital fabricat... more The paper discusses an experimental design and fabrication process which employs digital fabrication and thermoforming. It presents the outcomes of a postgraduate design studio which took place at the Department of Architecture of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece. Although thermoforming is a well-known process for product and packaging design, it has not been extensively explored with regards to architectural applications. This research by design seeks to cast light on thermoforming combined with digital fabrication with the aim to devise new customized production strategies, that can afford the design and fabrication of unconventional geometric configurations.
Designing [for] the future: Managing architectural parts through the principles of circular economy
IOP conference series, Nov 1, 2021
The environmental impact of the construction and demolition industry is enormous, therefore the m... more The environmental impact of the construction and demolition industry is enormous, therefore the management of architectural “waste” and the existing building volume became of crucial importance for the design of sustainable buildings and cities. Considering the principles of circular economy, two possible approaches emerge. The first concerns the existing architectural stock and its future use, not as a whole but as upcycled separate modules. The second is oriented towards the incorporation of future management of architectural parts in the design of new constructions, also known as design for disassembly (DfD). The research highlights the capabilities of each material and the potential ways of reusing it. In the case of design for disassembly, the connectivity of construction elements is of equal importance to the materiality of the projects. Moreover, the observations include the logistics of reuse in a new construction, the incorporation of a former architectural part, whose function sometimes differs from its role in the original building. In the existing residential fabric, upcycling emerges as a practice of creative reuse of building elements. Nonetheless, each case should be individually evaluated. Though these processes have not been yet used at a great extent, this theoretical framework is a reminder that the creation of a new building is not a permanent condition, but an aggregation of materials that temporarily serve a given purpose.
Journal of Composites Science
The present work is focused on the analysis of the microstructure of the exoskeleton of the sea u... more The present work is focused on the analysis of the microstructure of the exoskeleton of the sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus and the extraction of design concepts by implementing geometrically described 3D Voronoi diagrams. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of dried sea urchin shells revealed a foam-like microstructure, also known as the stereom. Subsequently, parametric, digital models were created with the aid of the computer-aided design (CAD) software Rhinoceros 3D (v. Rhino 7, 7.1.20343.09491) combined with the visual programming environment Grasshopper. Variables such as node count, rod thickness and mesh smoothness of the biologically-inspired Voronoi lattice were adapted for 3D printing cubic specimens using the fused filament fabrication (FFF) method. The filaments used in the process were a commercial polylactic acid (PLA), a compound of polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PLA/PHA) and a wood fiber polylactic acid/polyhydroxyalkanoate (PLA/PHA) composite. Nanoi...
Designing [for] the future: Managing architectural parts through the principles of circular economy
IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
The environmental impact of the construction and demolition industry is enormous, therefore the m... more The environmental impact of the construction and demolition industry is enormous, therefore the management of architectural “waste” and the existing building volume became of crucial importance for the design of sustainable buildings and cities. Considering the principles of circular economy, two possible approaches emerge. The first concerns the existing architectural stock and its future use, not as a whole but as upcycled separate modules. The second is oriented towards the incorporation of future management of architectural parts in the design of new constructions, also known as design for disassembly (DfD). The research highlights the capabilities of each material and the potential ways of reusing it. In the case of design for disassembly, the connectivity of construction elements is of equal importance to the materiality of the projects. Moreover, the observations include the logistics of reuse in a new construction, the incorporation of a former architectural part, whose func...
Ψηφιακή κατασκευή και ψηφιακός σχεδιασμός: η μάθηση δια της πράξης στην εκπαίδευση του αρχιτέκτονα
This PhD thesis aims to illuminate contemporary praxis in the intersection of architecture, digit... more This PhD thesis aims to illuminate contemporary praxis in the intersection of architecture, digital media (CAD/CAE/CAM) and education. It examines the role of computation and technology in the current architectural milieu. Following an overview and classification of currently available technologies for design and fabrication, the dissertation examines their level of integration in contemporary education and praxis. Extending the research into learning theories and analyzing the established practice of teaching digital technologies in architectural education the PhD thesis suggests that there are great benefits, but also risks and misconceptions that may jeopardize creative thinking and innovation. In accordance to established learning theories that involve the student’s active participation and hands-on experimentation, the dissertation seeks to highlight paradigms of good practice, and suggests ways of integrating the use of digital media with the design and construction of actual ...
Design and analysis of a protecting breathing device (VITER) disinfecting air with an integrated UVC radiation mechanism
International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics
A microbicidal Protecting Breathing Device using an Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) air... more A microbicidal Protecting Breathing Device using an Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) air-sterilization unit, is designed and analyzed. The system is producing short-wave UV light which inactivates bacteria, viruses, and protozoa and it is connected to a full-face mask supplying sterilized inhaled air to the user and in a unique way, also sterilizes the exhaled air back to the ambient environment so covering the case of an asymptomatic transmitter. A dedicated control system is developed and built in the device for a full surveillance of the system.
Augmented Bridges: Investigating the potential of augmented reality for the design of configurable bridges
International Journal of Architectural Computing
The paper expands on the potential of using Augmented Reality (AR) for the design and customizati... more The paper expands on the potential of using Augmented Reality (AR) for the design and customization of bridges. Following a literature review on the use of AR in architectural design, and in particular in design education, the authors discuss educational experiences gained in two digital design studios. These two courses were taught remotely at the University of Thessaly and the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences and cross-informed each other. The teaching experiences of the authors were evaluated and subsequently used to develop the curriculum of “Augmented Bridges”, an experimental AR design studio. The aim of the paper is to present current research in AR and the interactive design process of site-specific bridges, using digital and augmented media. The studio results offered valuable insight into the educational and creative value of AR technologies in architecture.
Porifera Suspended Topologies
Augmented Bodies - Interactive wearables for local-global synergies
Proceedings of the 39th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe)
The paper documents the research and design of an interactive dance performance which was devised... more The paper documents the research and design of an interactive dance performance which was devised as a collective project of an interdisciplinary team comprising of architects, digital designers, musicians and dancers. The project employed methodologies of research by design and utilized a range of digital technologies for 3D body scanning, digital design, 3D printing of the wearables incorporating sensors of different types that would translate the data from the motion tracking into music and interactive video projections. The design process employed ad hoc methodologies, as there was constant feedback across designers, musicians, engineers and dancers. The design of the wearables was done on a 3D avatar, obtained through 3D scanning of the dancer's body. The wearables were designed with algorithmic tools and optimized in order to accommodate the necessary space for the sensors and microcontrollers. During the interactive dance performance the sounds are perceived to be coming from the body.
Studies on thermal comfort and curvature analysis, studying similar structures and functions in nature
The design methodology deploys digital technologies that enable designers to experiment further w... more The design methodology deploys digital technologies that enable designers to experiment further with complex forms through simulations, towards creating dynamic systems that adapt to different topologies, geometries, scales and environmental conditions. Furthermore, this prototypical textile is inspired both in form and function by scales in nature It consists of an adaptable skeleton, informed by the topology of the body, and aperture-components that open and close in order to achieve natural ventilation and therefore cooling towards thermal comfort, improving the environmental impact regarding the energy consumption.<br>
The 3D printed simulation and emerging 'breathing' textile
This research is taking advantage of the technological changes taking place in the textile and ar... more This research is taking advantage of the technological changes taking place in the textile and architectural industry and opens new perspectives for a transdisciplinary research. The researchers aim to further develop the project by developing prototypes and foster collaborations with the industry and research institutions from different disciplines such as material science, chemistry, biology and mechanical engineering, creating new materialities for wearables as well as interactive built environments.<br>
From Analog to Digital: Double Curved Lightweight Structures in Architectural Design Education
Proceedings of the 38th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 2]
Virtual Aesthetics in Architecture
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Papers by Ioanna Symeonidou