OASIZ MADRID
Industrialized Parametric Facade
December 2020
OpenSky is the largest open-air mall in Madrid, offering 75,000 sqm of retail, restaurants, cinemas, and leisure spaces. The project is organized into several volumes unified by a curved white canopy that connects all buildings and shelters the entrances and pedestrian areas. It features the largest parametric prefabricated façade ever built in Spain, with a total length of 3.5 km and a surface area of 23,000 sqm. The façade is divided into modules ranging from 1.20 m to 3.50 m in length, which at different areas function as ceilings, cornices, façade elements, and even railings. There are 2,031 unique modules, each defined by specific parameters, distinct substructures, and tailored auxiliary components. All elements required to define each module — including the steel structure, L-profiles, joints, screws, and even the geometry itself — are generated through algorithmic processes. This workflow avoids repetitive manual tasks while enabling rigorous project control through naming conventions and production protocols essential for industrial manufacturing.
Additionally, our team carried out the following tasks:
- Coordination of multiple 3D models (structural, MEP, façade, etc.), including clash detection, reporting, issue tracking, and coordination with third-party suppliers.Redefinition, optimization, and rationalization of the original geometry to enable industrialized façade manufacturing using digital tools.
- Design of the auxiliary structural system supporting the modules.
- Development of 3D models containing the geometry and data required by the client
- Preparation of shop drawings for manufacturing the façade modules using 1 cm Krion panels.
- Preparation of construction drawings for assembly and site installation.
- Bill of quantities for each module (Krion sqm, structural linear meters, joints, screws, welding lengths, etc.).
Role
-Project Director
Cients
Federated Model
A federated model is developed with all the different disciplines and parts of the project. Each section is produced individually for checking purposes verifying the construction feasibility and overall aesthetics.
Construction Site Pictures
3D Model vs Reality
The prefabricated modules are manufactured in a factory and assembled directly on site. Those pieces are produced using digital tools from the 3D model, so the geometry employed for fabrication purposes is the same as the one used for construction drawings. Furthermore, the 3D model represents a digital twin of the construction site allowing us to predict problems and improve assembly efficiency.
Structural Model
For construction efficiency and clash detection purposes, a structural model is developed from point cloud scanning files. Using point cloud technology prevents many errors and enables us to produce an accurate 3D model to manufacture the prefabricated pieces with exact dimensions and optimize the construction process.
Construction Models
OpenSky construction model is subdivided into different files due to computer performance. On each file, algorithms develop the programmed operations (geometry optimization, naming conventions, detail modelling, etc.) so, finally, we obtain an accurate and detailed 3D but without compromising computer performance. The construction planning is also replicated in the file subdivisions, so krion modules are manufactured following construction requirements.
Prefabricated Modules
Each project module is developed individually (2.031 different modules) following the same construction and assembling rules. Algorithms are used to produce every module, ensuring a simplified construction process, a fabrication-aware geometry, and improving production timing (on-site assembly and off-site manufacturing). Every module on the project has its shop drawings, bill of quantities and naming system, so everything is measured, controlled and charged to the client.
Algorithms
Algorithms improve design processes, production speed and construction accuracy. We have designed the methods that built, manufactured, and explained the project to all the agents and third-party suppliers involved in the construction process.
