Parametric and generative design techniques for digitalization in building industry: The case study of glued-laminated-timber industry

According to Wortmann classification, the Building Industry (BI) can be defined as engineer-to-order (ETO) industry: the engineering-process starts only when an order is acquired. This definition implies that every final product (building) is almost unique' and processes cannot be easily standardized or automated. Because of this, BI is one of the less efficient industries today' mostly leaded by craftsmanship. In the last years' several improvements in process efficiency have been made focusing on manufacturing and installation processes only. In order to improve the efficiency of design and engineering processes as well, the scientific community agrees that the most fruitful strategy should be Front-End Design (FED). Nevertheless, effective techniques and tools are missing. This paper discusses outcomes of a research activity that aims at highlighting whether Parametric and Generative Design techniques allow reducing wastes of resources and improving the overall efficiency of the BI, by pushing the Digitalization of design and engineering processes of products. Focusing on the Glued-Laminated-Timber industry, authors will show how Parametric and Generative Design techniques can be introduced in a standard supply-chain system, highlighting potentials and criticism on the supply-chain system as a whole.