A study towards interdisciplinary research: a Material-based Integrated Computational Design Model (MICD-m) in architecture

The output of interdisciplinary research is unexpected that one particular field cannot reach with his/her own expertise. In traditional architectural workflow, computational tools associated with performance simulation are utilized during the later stage of the design process following the concept design. However, this reduces the efficiency by alterations of the conceptual model. Based on the fact that material, form and performance aspects of design can be integrated together, by specifying their parameters, rules and relationships as observed in natural systems, a Material-based Integrated Computational Design Model (MICD-m) in architecture is developed combining architectural design with biology, material science, mathematics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering and computer science for the early stage use in architectural design. A custom-designed user interface, database and reports are included in the MICD-m, designed as a plug-in for a 3D geometric modelling tool. The MICD-m is tested with a case study in parametric modelling environment.