One algorithm, two timber bridges built in Orkdal, Norway

Abstract

The building industry is about to embrace mass customization. In recent years, iconic buildings have demanded a new way of approaching design and manufacturing. We, among others, believe that parametrization is key to fully exploiting mass customization in building industry. This study presents an early beta-version of an interdisciplinary parametric timber construction toolkit. In order to better understand all the real and industrial challenges, two timber bridges have been designed, structurally analyzed and are now being manufactured. The paper describes the aim of the toolkit, how it works, the case studies and necessary future requirements of the toolkit. Finally, the paper emphasizes the importance of parametrization to achieve a mass customized building industry.