The Hendrickx Vanwalleghem design strategy

The 4Dimensional Design Strategy, invented by H. HENDRICKX and H. VANWALLEGHEM includes a dynamic view on the built environment. By designing adaptable construction systems, which are compatible with each other, a dynamic and by this a sustainable answer can be given to an unexpected and unpredictable future. These construction systems are made of a minimum number of basic elements and a set of combination rules. They allow the conversion of each artefact to a different configuration, by means of adding, removing or transforming the basic elements which it is made of. It offers a high potential of recycling and (direct) reuse. The outcome can be compared with the Meccano building set, which, in this view, encloses all materials and techniques, and is applicable to all scales. H. HENDRICKX and H. VANWALLEGHEM proposed a set of standardisation rules, which they called a generating form and dimensioning system. The generating system is a central concept in the design strategy, in the sense that it ensures full compatibility of form and dimensions between all basic elements. The rules are translated into a fractal model, based on basic forms, such as the square, the inner circle and its diagonal, and a dimensional range using the operator multiply or divide by 2.