Discretisation strategies in the architectural design process: a procedural classification system

This study addresses the issue of optimizing architectural production processes through discretisation methods. The primary aim is to develop a classification system for these methods, facilitating their application in digital design and robotic assembly. The central research questions are: What are the fundamental discretisation methods in architecture? How can these methods be classified for practical application? To answer these questions, we conduct a comprehensive review of existing discretisation methods and evaluate their core attributes. Our methodology involves a detailed evaluation of these methods, focusing on their adaptability, geometric predictability, and broadly repeatability. The findings highlight the potential for digitally controlled discretized design processes to innovate architectural practices, making construction faster, more affordable, and capable of producing complicated geometries. The significance of this study lies in its contribution to integrating digital design and modular discretisation in architectural production, moving toward advanced and adaptable production systems.