Detailing for tolerance: a study of architectural detail as a medium to accommodate permissible errors

Abstract

This study is a critique of architecture, through the lens of architectural details. It moves from a dual hypothesis: (1)both ‘detail’ as a product and ‘detailing’ as a process can be ‘designed’ to tolerate various socio-economic, socio-cultural and socio-technical constraints of building production, and (2) such interpretation and practice of ‘detail’ may allow practitioners to participate in building production activities that are socially motivated, organized and constrained. Exploring the abovementioned research position, the study inquires whether methods of assembly and erection can be designed to enable substantial swings in the quality of on-site work, without hindering the successful delivery of their expected performative outcomes. In evaluating this somewhat intellectually decisive research question, the study has set upon 3 objectives as its fundamental aims and intentions: (1) to identify an idea of detailing that allows practitioners to tolerate general shortcomings of on-site building work, (2) to evaluate whether buildings can be designed to accommodate both ‘precision’ in performance (structural, environmental, aesthetic and spatial), but ‘looseness’ in the making, and (3) to critically review the notion of detail and its function within social building production spheres. Using three case study projects as the basis for evaluating the aforesaid objectives, the study defines a framework for a design and construction language that draws upon its technical and formal prerogatives on the ideas of ‘permissible errors’, ‘allowable failures’ and ‘designing for tolerance’.