Localised design-manufacture for developing countries: A methodology for creating culturally sustainable architecture using CAD/CAM

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the production of endogenous solutions for global development when applying local workforce skills in the design-manufacturing process using available computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) tools. The methodology outlined in this paper improves technology uptake in developing countries by promoting localisation of the design-manufacture process coupled with local knowledge to promote culturally sustainable technology dissemination. This paper documents a set of design rules and manufacturing methods used to create precision moulds with locally available CAD/CAM tools. The moulds shown here were used by local craftsmen in the casting and construction of a prototypical precast architectural system deployed in the urban slums around Nairobi, Kenya. © 2012, Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA), Hong Kong.