Environmental Architecture. Parametric Design and Users’ choice

This paper presents the initial results of my research-by-design into parametric, prefabricated, high-density low carbon dwelling typologies that allow for both user choice and a privatised relationship with some version of a ‘garden’. Parametric design is a rule-based methodology that in this case allows future residents to assemble their dwelling with the constraints of the kit of parts and optimised environmental performance. User participation is as key to this system as high environmental performance.

The architecture is thus generated by the rules and by user choice. The kit of parts contains elements that allow waste recycling, cultivation of crops and rainwater harvesting, in an attempt to positively influence the lifestyle of the users. The use of prefabrication would deliver lightweight buildings, allowing greater space for the rationalisation of resources, lower consumption of energy and the installation of prefabricated building components that utilise fewer resources compared to traditional building techniques This paper investigates the industrial logic with which prefabricated building components are produced, the reason for the need of user’s participation in the building process and tools to enable this

participation.