Our research at SUTD has developed methods, mathematical models and mock-up computational tools that allow designers to make informed design decisions and assess the environmental performance in early design and assessment stages. We have also established a framework for flexible building designs, since demographic changes put additional pressure on how we plan buildings for uncertain futures. Habitation patterns are continuously changing and unforeseen situations such as the 2020 pandemic demand the ability for quick adaptations.
The research has been focussing on three integrative aspects for the development of such tool:
1.An intuitive feedback on environmental performance in early design stages.
2.The assessment of flexibility in regard to the impact of alterations on the service life-time of buildings.
3.The integration of available Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data into predictive modelling to generate a range of probable outcomes indicated as Global Warming Potential (GWP, usually measured in kg of CO2 eq per kg of material).
The research has been constrained to residential typologies and specifically to hybrid concrete-timber construction systems in order to establish an applicable methodology and the respective mock-up tools. It distinguishes building systems into permanent support structures and flexible infill elements.
