#4 U. Tokyo Master Thesis: " Advantages of CAD/CAM/CAE Digital Systems in Design Exploration and Development"

The thesis proposes that the integration of CAD (Computer Aided Design)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) /CAE (Computer aided Engineering) digital systems in the design process:

• accelerates the information production pace, or infogenesis: faster redesigns allow more design iterations, therefore, better knowledge of the design problem. (ACCELERATION)
  

• liberates designers from the burden of production, making time for more creative thinking. (AUTOMATION)
  

• introduces the concept of "Serious Play" (M. Schrage, 2000) in the design process, which liberates creativity and promotes innovative thinking. (PLAYFULLNESS) Innovation is possible thanks to advanced "playing" tools and behaviors that allow designers to follow rather than pull ideas.
  

• formalizes design knowledge that is produced during the design exploration; this is possible through capturing, organizing and re-distributing transparent information (Knowledge Based Systems) , rather than allowing implicit knowledge to be "stuck" in the neurons of specialists (KNOWLEDGE).

In this work, the above concepts of Acceleration, Automation, Playfulness and Knowledge, are approached with the implementation of Procedural Design (Rhino software) ; Parametric Design (Grasshopper plugin for Rhino) ; Finite Elements Analysis (SAP 2000); and Rapid Prototyping (standard flatbed laser cutter). This is done through the case study scenario of a roof structure.

To download an explanatory visual presentation, follow this link :

http://rapidshare.com/files/268315841/THESIS_PRESENTATION_kostas_poulopoulos_16.2.09.pdf

To download the thesis abstract, follow this link:
http://rapidshare.com/files/268301447/Konstantinos_Poulopoulos_Thesis_Abstract.pdf

Copyright :Kostas Poulopoulos 2009, University of Tokyo.
Supervising Professors : Chiba Manabu,Ukai Tetsya
Special thanks to: Keisuke Toyoda (Noiz Architects, principal)
Rezza Sobhanninejad PhD Str. Eng.
Hande Unlu PhD cand. PM.