Shelter parametric models

Traditional CAD tools let us precisely model an instance of a physical unit within a computer environment however these models are static and any design change or slight modification of parameters will require partial or full remodelling of the virtual object.In contrast, the recently developed algorithmic modelling tools offer the possibility to create not just a single instance of the architectural unit but the instead of the algorithmic definition of the unit which requires parameters as input (dimensions, topology etc.). These relatively new methods have been proved to bring advancements in the AEC industry but the humanitarian architecture and emergency tent modelling, in particular, seem to have not adopted to wide use these tools and methods.As part of this study, several widespread emergency units have been taken for geometrical and later thermal analysis. The chosen emergency tent units are:

• UNHCR family tent(UNHCR family tents)
• IFRC Finland tent (Emergency shelter 10k…)
• Bettershelter (About : Better Shelte…)
• UNHCR geodesic tent (Self standing tent)
• Textiles Hub – T2 multipurpose unit (T2 MULTIPURPOSE COLLE…)

The parametric definitions of emergency tents area created and each of these tents has several degrees of geometry control. The change in any of the parameters leads to instant remodeling of the unit.The control parameters are given in the appendix.

The parametric definitions are created via visual programming (Grasshopper). Most of the modelling is performed by Grasshopper’s native components.