Computing

Building Computer Aided Design is the process of generating and managing building data during its life cycle. Typically it uses three-dimensional, real-time, dynamic building modeling software to increase productivity in building design and construction. The process produces the CAD Model which encompasses building geometry, spatial relationships, geographic information, and quantities and properties of building components to give:

• Improved visualization
• Improved productivity due to easy retrieval of information
• Increased coordination of architectural and construction documents
• Embedding and linking of vital information such as vendors for specific materials, location of details and quantities required for estimation and tendering
• Increased speed of delivery

1.2. Life Pod Project
The life-pod – a dwelling for one individual

1.2.1. The Life-pod Project – A Space for Living

We spend the majority of our time in direct physical contact with buildings, but how many of us live in spaces designed specifically for our needs? Very few! This is because nearly all of the housing in this country is built “speculatively”, as a product for sale on the open market and without a specific occupier/client in mind. The spaces, fixtures and fittings in these houses have to be designed to suit the average or “normal” occupant, using data from sources such as the “New Metric Handbook” and within the standards laid down in the Building Regulations

By contrast, in this project you will be designing a personal living space for one specific person and, as such, you will be dealing with a personalized interpretation of the emotional and physical needs of a specific user to create an environment that is ideally suited to their character, lifestyle and physical requirements.

We will name this building a LIFE POD: a personal space for living and working – a retreat for your client. As this is a retreat for only one person your designs should not be generic, with a dinner table to sit four people for example. Also, try not to think of this as a standard house that needs a kitchen, bedroom, living room, etc. Instead, try to think about what it means to sleep, or what it means to cook, or to eat, or to work! What would of these spaces require? How would they look? Are they in separate rooms or are they part or the same space?

The total maximum floor area is to be 70 metres squared (for example, if you have two floors each floor could be 35msq / or the ground floor as 45msq with the remaining 25msq on the first floor).

‘Houses, for the vast majority of the world’s population, are a mundane backdrop to everyday life’ Nicolas People from ‘Experimental Houses’. But it doesn’t have to be this way!!! This is your chance to create an interesting, creative and innovative house – to use your imagination and creative abilities to the full.

1.2.2. Site Analysis and Site Visit

You are to choose a site of your own for which you know well and gain the information you need to develop the site cad model.