Low-tech.High-touch: DNA-brick assembly

Abstract

Brick is a low-cost, low-tech building material and is abundant in highly-populated areas of the world. The simple, symmetric form of bricks allows for complex unit-to-unit connections that can create a variety of different forms, patterns, and openings in a brick wall. Building unique forms and patterns with bricks, however, relies upon highly-skilled masons and the design process can be challenging for the architect. This thesis proposes the use of algorithmic computational 3d modeling software and low-tech brick masonry techniques to create a tool that allows the users to design brick masonry walls in a digital world. This process lets the designer simultaneously study different design factors including form, pattern, and solar exposure and also allows the designer to communicate the result with the mason using simple paper guides called "DNA guide". The DNA guide instructs the mason on the assembly of the complex brick systems. Rather than solely relying on high-tech tools, this approach builds upon existing low-tech methods for greater global implementation at smaller costs. The design tool connects high-tech computational methods with traditional brick masonry practices to create a "high-touch", more responsive process. As part of this thesis, a full scale prototype was designed and constructed. The sculptural brick screen acts as a transitional element for a building and responds to environmental and seasonal changes by controlling light, air and views.