From Tectonic Rules to Parametric Systems: Reinterpreting the Bashu Chuandou Timber Structural Unit through Discretisation and Digital Fabrication

Description

This dissertation investigates the digital translation and performative regeneration of the Bashu (巴蜀) Chuandou (穿斗) timber structural unit. The study first extracts the topological constraint rules of columns and Chuan (穿枋) tie-beams from traditional vernacular dwellings, reorganising them into a discrete component system. Within Rhino and Grasshopper, a three-tier "Components-Relations-Parameters" grammar framework is established and successfully deployed to drive the adaptive form generation of a test-case pavilion. Finally, the research utilizes Karamba3D finite element analysis and the bidirectional evolutionary structural optimization (BESO) algorithm to execute digital load-bearing simulations, delivering a 28.46% reduction in material volume while ensuring structural stability. Capitalizing on the exported high-density constructability metadata—including logic identifiers and 3D coordinate matrices—the dissertation conducts a systematic critical reflection and prospective technical evaluation on future multi-axis industrial robotic assembly pathways and strict tolerance control boundaries. This study provides a case-based, full-chain methodology for transforming traditional timber construction knowledge into contemporary low-carbon spatial support systems.

Period	1 Jan 2026 → 30 Jul 2026
Examination held at	Design School
Degree of Recognition	Local