Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

What do I mean by Modularity in Architecture?

Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

Modularity in Historical Architecture

Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

Contemporary Masterpieces

Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

Sea Container Architecture

Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

• Modules are Assemblies of Repetitive Architectural Elements

If there are complex repetitive elements in a design, it is wise to form them into modules so that they can be automatically updated as the design evolves.

What Architectural Modules are and Where can we use them?

> Repetitive House Types> As showed in Historical Architecture examples> Multi-storey buildings> Wet areas, offices, apartments etc.

• Housing Developments • Façade elements • Complete Floor plates• Assembly of rooms

If we find ways to do the tedious tasks more efficiently, make changes more quickly, iterate through design options and study them more easily we can spend more time on good old architectural design…

• For example:

Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

Hot-linked Module Options in ArchiCAD

External Module files Internal Module files

Pros:

• Multi-Storey Assemblies• Single user (pln) format

Cons:

• Tedious Attributes Management• Complicated File Management• Static File Path• Limited Teamwork Capability

Pros:

• Easy Attributes Management• Simple File Management• No problem with File Path• Best in AEC industry Teamwork

and Collaboration capabilities

Cons:

• Only works in Teamwork environment

Masters of ArchiCAD Summit, February 2015

Modularity in Architecture

ArchiCAD Teamwork vs Solo Project

Solo Project Teamwork Project

Pros:

• Single user (pln) format

Cons:

• Reduced safety• Danger of unorganised project files (Files may be all around the place)• No option to get help or grow a team

Pros:

• Improved safety• Well organised project file

structure• Constant work environment• Get help, Grow the team at any

point in time

Cons:

• First time setup of BIM server requires some IT knowledge