This ongoing applied research project offer an in-depth exploration of a hybrid digital and analog process for creating sand-based patterns that can be optimized into panels. The process is specifically designed for work in desert environments where dune sand is abundant. The research investigates how the self-organizing properties of dune sand can be harnessed to create shading patterns that are then computationally optimized to form weather-responsive architectural panels. The methodology integrates evolutionary computation with performative design, utilizing weather-based analytics to address sun exposure, UV radiation, heat, and wind. This approach enables material optimization, resulting in a series of design options that are highly responsive to the unique conditions of desert environments, with dune sand serving as the primary material.
The process begins with experiments on self-organizing sand sequences that work with specific point placements for patterning. These sequences are then refined by isolating self-organizing characteristics atop localized laser-cut planes, allowing the sand to pour and accumulate into specific configurations. The study examines variables such as the size and number of openings, with the configurations stabilized using a binder, and these stabilized patterns are used in various physical surface sequences. The project ultimately optimizes these sand configurations by determining the most effective arrangements of openings that generate self-organized piles, tailored to specific desert locations. This research contributes to the ongoing discourse on designing for extreme arid environments, offering insights into the integration of computational processes and material science. Moreover, it aligns with the United Nations' sustainability goals, particularly in the areas of sustainable communities, climate action, and responsible consumption and production.
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