Interview with Raul Forsoni from UNStudio: Performance-Driven Design
Interview with Raul Forsoni: Performance-Driven Design by Maria Pia Iesu
The interview with architect Raul Forsoni provided an in-depth understanding of the key characteristics of UNStudio's work and how the firm integrates technology into its projects. UNStudio's work is defined by a strong commitment to blending technology with architecture. The studio is renowned for adopting a performance-oriented approach, where architectural form is designed with careful consideration of functional, environmental, and technological aspects. This approach goes beyond aesthetic design, aiming to address challenges related to sustainability, energy efficiency, and user comfort in innovative ways. UNStudio employs a design process that extensively uses parametric modeling, digital simulation, and advanced technologies to optimize every aspect of a project, from resource management to the final building form. The use of advanced software allows for the exploration of numerous scenarios and the real-time optimization of the design.
MP: What is the importance of collaboration and networking within UNStudio, and how does this approach influence the creative process?
R: UNStudio seeks to create a unified network. We strongly believe in collaboration and networking within the office. I think that collaboration and the creation of networks within a studio are essential to fostering creativity and innovation. Sharing knowledge among architects, engineers, designers, and other experts leads to more comprehensive and multidimensional projects. Moreover, a collaborative approach promotes a dynamic working environment where every team member can learn from one another, grow professionally, and contribute with their unique perspective. When a project begins, bringing together a diverse team with varied expertise allows us to tackle challenges from multiple angles, enriching the creative process and improving the quality of the final outcome.
MP: How has UNStudio integrated data research and the performance-driven design approach, and how has the use of advanced technologies such as parametric modeling and computational simulation transformed the design process?
R: When it comes to technology applied to performance-driven design, UNStudio stands out as one of the pioneers in integrating data into architecture. Our approach is rooted in thorough data research and analysis, introducing a new design paradigm focused on optimizing building and spatial performance. Performance-Driven Design emphasizes improving architectural performance in response to specific parameters and objectives, utilizing advanced analytical tools and simulations to optimize various aspects of a project, such as energy efficiency, sustainability, user comfort, and resource management. This approach leverages innovative technologies like parametric modeling, computational simulation, and predictive analysis.
With these tools, it is possible to monitor and analyze a project's performance in real-time, allowing for its adaptation and refinement based on insights gathered from simulations.
MP: How does the use of advanced devices, combined with simulations using artificial intelligence and virtual reality, contribute to defining and validating design solutions in the public transportation sector?
R: The first step in this methodology applied to the transportation sector involves "defining human performance," which means conducting a study with a group of volunteers to analyze their experience with public transportation. This process includes recording participants as they interact with public spaces using advanced devices such as glasses equipped with cameras, GPS, and biometric watches capable of monitoring their physiological data. The analysis of the collected data helps to develop and structure a series of potential design solutions. Subsequently, the same users are involved in the validation phase of the proposed designs through simulations based on artificial intelligence and virtual reality. This ensures an iterative and user-centered process, leading to solutions that effectively address the needs and experiences of the end users.