Parametrictectura – A rural parametric design to enhance prefabrication and self-construction methods in Latin America

Authors

  • Camilo Ayala-Garcia Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy)
  • Diego Alejandro Velandia Rayo Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá (Colombia)
  • Christiaan Job Nieman Jansen Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá (Colombia)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.69143/2464-9309/17202025

Keywords:

parametric design, modular construction, self-construction, DIY practices, affordable architecture

Abstract

The demand for affordable housing in rural areas in Latin America faces continuous challenges like resource scarcity and high costs. Traditional building methods often fail due to inefficiencies and inflexibility connected to the lack of infrastructure and economic investments in apart and disconnected areas. This research aims to create alternative rural housing in Latin America by developing a scalable and replicable housing model combining modular prefabrication and participatory self-construction. The goals include reducing construction time and resource use, enhancing quality and empowering users by involving them in the building process. The system comprises three modular subsystems produced through digital fabrication, ensuring precision, minimal waste, and optimal material use. Preliminary prototypes show reduced costs and faster construction while maintaining high quality. By reducing material waste and energy consumption, the project aligns with SDGs, benefiting rural communities.

 

Article info

Received: 16/03/2025; Revised: 24/04/2025; Accepted: 02/05/2025

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Author Biographies

Camilo Ayala-Garcia, Free University of Bozen-Bolzano (Italy)

Designer and PhD, he is a Researcher and Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Design and Art. His current research bridges emerging technologies and materials towards a transitional circularity, strongly focusing on tools to foster sharing knowledge and open-source materials and processes. Together with his teaching activities, Camilo devoted his research to local materials and product development, with several patents granted and different academic contributions published.
E-mail: camilo.ayalagarcia@unibz.it

Diego Alejandro Velandia Rayo, Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá (Colombia)

Architect, he is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Working on technology issues in architecture, his research has focused on materials, construction processes, computational thinking and digital fabrication, mainly applicable to housing projects.
E-mail: dvelandi@uniandes.edu.co

Christiaan Job Nieman Jansen, Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá (Colombia)

Designer, he is an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Working on different scales between product and architecture design, his research focuses on identifying resources in specific territories, from residual materials and local knowledge to collective intelligence solutions.
E-mail: cj.nieman20@uniandes.edu.co

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External enclosures forming the outer shell, integrating local cultural expressions (credit: C. Ayala-Garcia and S. Luna, 2024). AGATHÓN 17 | 2025

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Published

30-06-2025

How to Cite

Ayala-Garcia, C., Velandia Rayo, D. A. and Nieman Jansen, C. J. (2025) “Parametrictectura – A rural parametric design to enhance prefabrication and self-construction methods in Latin America”, AGATHÓN | International Journal of Architecture, Art and Design, 17, pp. 296–309. doi: 10.69143/2464-9309/17202025.