Parametric Architectural Design with Point-clouds Volvox

Abstract

This paper investigates the efforts and benefits of the implementation of point clouds into architectural design processes and tools. Based on a study on the principal work processes of designers with point clouds the prototypical plugin/library-Volvox-was developed for the parametric modelling environment Grasshopper in Rhino. The prototype allows us to discuss the necessary technical layer for the task, benchmark the tool, and finally to evaluate the benefits, that this approach has for architectural practice, through a series of use cases.