Ornamentation in the Digital Age

Sammanfattning: Decoration has been central to architecture throughout history. Since the beginning of the 20th century, the question of ornament in architecture has been oscillating between the positions of redundant and essential. With rapid advances in computational technology, the practice of architecture has been provided with new tools for designing buildings. This thesis aims to examine how digital design and fabrication methods can contribute to the creation of ornamentation in architecture, as well as to investigate the roles and functions of ornaments. In this context, ornamentation is defined as decorative elements enhancing the appearance of an object as well as the action of making something more aesthetically elaborate. A design study was conducted, using methods of digital manufacturing to design an ornamental facade for a building. The methods included were, respectively, a “file-to-factory” approach, parametric pattern generation, random growth, using representational objects, and material simulation. The resulting design iterations were then compared and evaluated. The results suggest that architectural ornaments can be conceived through digital means, allowing for high levels of geometric complexity, and able to produce new aesthetics in forms. The design study also shows how decoration can converge with performance, and how ornamentation can function in multiple ways at once. This confirms the computer as a powerful tool for shaping architecture, and ornamentation as a relevant strategy in design. Further research is needed to provide more insight into the physical implementation of digitally manufactured ornaments on a large scale.