Digital fabrication of a brise-soleil using fractal geometry as generative system

Abstract

Parametric design and digital fabrication are becoming ubiquitous tools to contemporary architecture and imply a different design process. With this new perception of the contemporary production we have designed a façade sun shade using fractal geometry as a generative system. Fractals are complex shapes generated with simple rules, so it is relatively easy to change the final geometry when we work with parameters. The design process made possible the creation of different options for the brise-soleil using parametric definitions. Some solutions were physically modeled using rapid prototyping, which we consider an essential tool in the contemporary design process. The whole process conducted to the conclusion that architects need to incorporate a new set of skills when working with digital fabrication. Keywords: fractal, design process, generative system, digital fabrication.