Parametric Patchwork Advancing the Development of an Organic Photovoltaic Carrier System through Various Computational Methods

Abstract

This paper presents a strategy for implementing computational methods in education to solve specific project related research challenges. In our case, we investigate novel solutions for Organic Photovoltaic Carrier Systems. Therefore, environmental forces (especially the sun and shade) are important design drivers in all projects. Whilst the individual projects are limited to one semester, it is our aim to advance and accumulate these patches within a longer-term research strategy. Especially design-build projects that include digital fabrication often require a skillset not always available in a design studio environment. Providing simple parametric patches frees up time for creative investigations and allows tackling projects that are more complex. In the following, we will present and discuss a series of patches developed over the course of five projects that became our case studies. We conclude, by identifying relevant aspects that might be generalized and evaluate our insights for others.