http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/7633 http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/49795 Between stations and habitations : the architecture of French science at the shore, 1830-1900 Eigen, Edward Thesis (Ph.D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2000. Includes bibliographical references (v. 2, leaves 284-302). Fri, 29 Oct 1999 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/49718 Emergence through conflict : the Multi-Disciplinary Design System (MDDS) Alfaris, Anas (Anas Faris) This dissertation proposes a framework and a group of systematic methodologies to construct a computational Multi-Disciplinary Design System (MDDS) that can support the design of complex systems within a variety of domains. The way in which the resulting design system is constructed, and the capabilities it brings to bare, are totally different from the methods used in traditional sequential design. The MDDS embraces diverse areas of research that include design science, systems theory, artificial intelligence, design synthesis and generative algorithms, mathematical modeling and disciplinary analyses, optimization theory, data management and model integration, and experimental design among many others. There are five phases to generate the MDDS. These phases involve decomposition, formulation, modeling, integration, and exploration. These phases are not carried out in a sequential manner, but rather in a continuous move back and forth between the different phases. The process of building the MDDS begins with a top-down decomposition of a design concept. The design, seen as an object, is decomposed into its components and aspects, while the design, seen as a process, is decomposed into developmental levels and design activities. Then based on the process decomposition, the architecture of the MDDS is formulated into hierarchical levels each of which comprises a group of design cycles that include design modules at different degrees of abstraction. Based on the design object decomposition, the design activities which include synthesis, analysis, evaluation and optimization are modeled within the design modules. (cont.) Subsequently through a bottom-up approach, the design modules are integrated into a data flow network. This network forms MDDS as an integrated system that acts as a holistic structured functional unit that explores the design space in search of satisfactory solutions. The MDDS emergent properties are not detectable through the properties and behaviors of its parts, and can only be enucleated through a holistic approach. The MDDS is an adaptable system that is continuously dependent on, and responsive to, the uncertainties of the design process. The evolving MDDS is thus characterized a multi-level, multi-module, multi-variable and multi-resolution system. Although the MDDS framework is intended to be domain-independent, several MDDS prototypes were developed within this dissertation to generate exploratory building designs. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2009. Includes bibliographical references (p. 413-430). Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/49717 bitCar : design concept for a collapsible stackable city car Vairani, Franco, 1973- Problems associated with the massive adoption of automobiles have become the center of a world-wide debate. While new technologies will eventually discover a sustainable solution to the environmental concerns (pollution, depletion of energy sources), cities will continue struggling to accommodate the increasing number of cars. The ability for people to move quickly across large distances and the infrastructure required by the automobile (mainly roads and parking) have also created an unsustainable urban landscape in many countries. The argument of this work is that these problems are partly the result of an outdated set of design premises for the automobile which have not changed since it appeared in the late 1800's. A typical car is too big, too heavy, most of the times it only transports one person for a few miles, and then it remains unused for 95% of the time. These inefficiencies multiplied by the staggering number of vehicles in circulation have resulted in huge energy losses, pollution and vast portions of the city lost in support systems for the car. The work discussed here proposes a different approach to urban transportation, by combining the advantages of mass transit with the convenience of personal mobility. Instead of designing automobiles to fullfil any kind of travel need and additional parking structures destined to accommodate 85% of these automobiles, this work proposes a reconfiguration of the car based on the characteristics of the majority of vehicular urban travel. (cont.) The design of the car operates on a shared-ownership model, with a collapsible structure that allows vehicles to contract and park in stacks. Based on the available data, results indicate that such a design could potentially reduce the actual space requirements for a car between 1/20th and 1/75th. The design of the car is complemented by the use of electric in-wheel motors, developed in connection with the Smart Cities group run at the MIT Media Laboratory under the supervision of Professor Mitchell, for additional efficiency, especially in terms of energy consumption. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2009. Page 214 blank. Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-213). Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:58:59 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/49539 Trust Network Analysis : exploring three-dimensional equilibrium Block, Philippe (Philippe Camille Vincent) This dissertation presents Thrust Network Analysis, a new methodology for generating compression-only vaulted surfaces and networks. The method finds possible funicular solutions under gravitational loading within a defined envelope. Using projective geometry, duality theory and linear optimization, it provides a graphical and intuitive method, adopting the same advantages of techniques such as graphic statics, but offering a viable extension to fully three-dimensional problems. The proposed method is applicable for the analysis of vaulted historical structures, specifically in unreinforced masonry, as well as the design of new vaulted structures. This dissertation introduces the method and shows examples of applications in both fields. Thrust Network Analysis, masonry, historic structures, compression-only structures, limit analysis, equilibrium analysis, funicular design, form-finding, structural optimization, Gothic vaults, reciprocal diagrams. Thesis (Ph. D.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 2009. This electronic version was submitted by the student author. The certified thesis is available in the Institute Archives and Special Collections. Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-153). Wed, 29 Oct 2008 22:58:59 GMT