Resource-driven design; exploring an informed design process in the reuse of structural concrete elements
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Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Architecture and planning beyond sustainability (MPDSD), MSc
Publicerad
2024
Författare
Brülls, Lina
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
This master’s thesis explores the integration
of reused structural concrete elements
within contemporary architectural practice,
focusing on enhancing resource efficiency
and reducing the construction industry’s
environmental impact. Acknowledging the
significant contribution of the Architecture,
Engineering, and Construction (AEC)
industry to global carbon dioxide emissions,
with concrete production as an essential
factor, this research seeks sustainable
alternatives to traditional methods.
Specifically, it addresses the potential for
reusing entire concrete elements to mitigate
environmental impacts.
The study examines the challenges and
opportunities of reusing structural concrete
elements through a literature review and
collaboration with industry stakeholders.
It introduces the development of a digital
tool, specifically a plugin for Grasshopper in
Rhino, designed to streamline the integration
of reused elements into architectural designs.
This tool hopes to transform the design
process by prioritising resource efficiency
and incorporating relevant data.
The thesis focuses on the practical application
of hollow-core slabs and load-bearing
concrete wall elements, investigating their
reuse potential. The results are structured
into three main parts: an explanation of the
Grasshopper tool and its functionalities, the
evaluation of data management within the
design process, and the implementation of the
tool in a local plan in Bergsjön. This involved
the creation of load-bearing modules that
underpinned the implementations, leading
to the development of three architectural
projects: a townhouse, a small apartment
building, and a larger apartment complex.
Through its findings, the thesis aims to establish
a design process that effectively integrates
the reuse of structural concrete components.
The study underscores the importance of
digital tools in enhancing the feasibility of
reusing concrete elements and advocates
for increased industry standardisation to
overcome current technical and regulatory
challenges