Digitally aided analysis of medieval vaults in an English cathedral, using generative design tools

Webb, N ORCID: 0000-0002-5998-1961 and Buchanan, Alexandrina ORCID: 0000-0001-9433-9651 (2019) Digitally aided analysis of medieval vaults in an English cathedral, using generative design tools. International Journal of Architectural Computing, 17 (3). pp. 241-259.

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Official URL: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/147807711...

Abstract

Medieval masons relied on a ruler and compass to generate designs of increasing complexity in both two and three dimensions. They understood that arcs and lines could be used for proportioning, working with halves, thirds, fifths and so on, rather than specific dimensions. Geometric rules enabled them to create vaulted bays, high up in church and cathedral interiors. In recent years, the influence of digital generative design tools can be seen in our built environment. We will explore generative design to reverse engineer and better understand the design and computational processes that the medieval masons might have employed at our case study site of Exeter Cathedral, England. Our focus is on a run of bays along the nave, which at first appear consistent in their design, yet in reality are subtly different. We will investigate the capacity for changes in the generative process while preserving the overall medieval design concept.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Reverse engineering, generative design, algorithms-aided design, laser scanning, Exeter Cathedral, medieval design, pre-digital computing
Depositing User:	Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2019 09:02
Last Modified:	19 Jan 2023 00:37
DOI:	10.1177/1478077119866126
Related URLs:	Author Publisher
URI:	https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3050036