SG2010 Cluster: Design To Destruction

	In this workshop we plan to control/optimise a design through a recursive process of computational analysis, small-scale prototyping and physical testing. The aim is to integrate this analysis into the design process using testing as a validation of the design. Ultimately the goal is to test each final design to destruction at full scale. To concentrate the workshop our challenge is for all participants to make a CNC milled 1.2m timber cantilever, which will undergo a calibrated structural test; the ‘winner’ being the design with the lowest self-weight but highest loaded capacity. The wider aim of the workshop is to enter a dialogue about the practice of engineering alongside the process of design to get a feeling about truly how accurate engineering practice is and needs to be. Furthermore to question what makes good design in terms of form and function. Participants of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged, analysis tools will be provided and guidance offered to those unfamiliar with the techniques. Additionally, more advanced participants can come and bring there own analysis and optimization techniques to develop during the workshop.
	Sam Conrad Joyce is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Bath with Chris Williams, whilst working within the SMART group in Buro Happold. His work focuses on examining and re-evaluating the position of engineering and engineers within the design process. This is achieved by developing more streamlined approaches to engineering through applying computational techniques and by understanding the broader context of building design. Sam has previously worked in the Specialist Modeling Group in Foster + Partners as a ‘tame’ engineer as well as tutoring in computational design at Bath University, Smart Geometry and Chalmers University Gothenburg.
	Dr Al Fisher is part of Buro Happold’s SMART group, a team of analysts and engineers concerned with advanced modeling, analysis and simulation. Whilst at Buro he has been involved in developing approaches to form finding, rationalisation and optimisation for projects including timber grid shells, tall buildings and sports stadia. Most recently he has developed an integrated structural, environmental and façade optimization for the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Al previously studied for his masters and PhD in Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Bath where he developed novel approaches to advanced surface modeling and CFD.