STF#8 - 2023: Presentations
Optimisation On-site: Reconciling designs with as-built conditions
SumPoint
3D modelling is often considered a task that takes place exclusively during the planning phases of a project. This is a missed opportunity and misconception. We argue that 3D modelling is even more critical during execution phases when used as a means of understanding onsite conditions and directing activities. Using iterative solvers to interpret survey data and as-built point clouds we’ll demonstrate how to digitally “test fit” and “best fit” designs in a process we’ve deemed Reconciliation Modelling. In this process, we use the specified adjustability (tolerance) of anchor points to construct a design space of all potential install positions. This design space allows us to verify tolerance rules are not broken, optimise for various criteria, and visualise areas where field installers cannot be successful long before arriving at the job site.
James Coleman is co-founder of SumPoint. He brings a unique mix of design, engineering, construction, and digital fabrication expertise to projects. His work focuses on the comprehensive process of delivering extraordinary buildings; leveraging parametric design-to-fabrication-to-installation workflows.
Previously, James acted as Vice President - Innovation R&D at Zahner, a company that specializes in computational fabrication at an architectural scale. As a part of the Executive Team, James led research initiatives and provided strategic support on large scale and complex projects.
He has worked as a Design Engineer with award winning architecture firms around the world and as a Product Development Engineer at Ford Motor Company James holds a Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado-Boulder.