Emerson Porras

Prof. Emerson Porras

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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9 June 2024 in Buildings
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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EPEmerson Porras
Emerson Porras
DVDoris Esenarro Vargas
Doris Esenarro Vargas
LCLidia Lila Chang Cardenas
Lidia Lila Chang Cardenas
WMWalter Morales
Walter Morales
CVCarlos Vargas
Carlos Vargas
JCJoseph Sucasaca Callata
Joseph Sucasaca Callata
In a global context, where the construction industry is a major source of CO2 emissions and resource use, is dependent on concrete and its risks, and lags behind in digitalization, a clear need arises to direct architecture towards more practical, efficient, and sustainable practices. This research introduces an alternative technique for building timber space structures, aiming to expand its applications in areas with limited access to advanced technologies such as CNCs with more than five axes and industrial robotic arms. This involves reconfiguring economic and ecological constraints to maximize the structural and architectural advantages of these systems. The method develops a parametric tool that integrates computational design and manufacturing based on two-axis laser cutting for shells with segmented hexagonal plywood plates. It uses a modified ‘half-lap joint’ mechanical joint, also made of plywood and without additional fasteners, ensuring a precise and robust connection. The results demonstrate the compatibility of the geometry with two-axis CNC machines, which simplifies manufacturing and reduces the cuts required, thus increasing economic efficiency. The prototype, with a span of 1.5 m and composed of 63 plywood panels and 163 connectors, each 6 mm thick, supported a point load of 0.8 kN with a maximum displacement of 5 mm, weighing 15.1 kg. Assembly and disassembly, carried out by two students, took 5 h and 1.45 h, respectively, highlighting the practicality and accessibility of the method. In conclusion, the technique for building timber shells based on two-axis CNC is feasible and effective, proven by practical experimentation and finite element analysis.

12 April 2024 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DVDoris Esenarro Vargas
Doris Esenarro Vargas
EPEmerson Porras
Emerson Porras
HCHardy Ventura Chuquizuta
Hardy Ventura Chuquizuta
JQJulio Daniel Figueroa Quispe
Julio Daniel Figueroa Quispe
VRVanessa Raymundo
Vanessa Raymundo
Lorena del Rocio Castañeda RodriguezLorena del Rocio Castañeda Rodriguez
Lorena del Rocio Castañeda Rodriguez
The primary objective of this study is to formulate a comprehensive digital and physical model, at a scaled level, for a social housing unit utilizing the open-source Wikihouse system. The construction industry is currently grappling with the dual challenges of a real estate crisis and climate change. In response to this scenario, the integration of industrialized methods in construction processes is advocated to enhance the overall quality of the end product, streamline construction timelines, and curtail production costs. The algorithm developed for this purpose leverages Rhino and Grasshopper programs, thereby optimizing material efficiency when compared to traditional individual pieces. Noteworthy among the features of the Wikihouse system is its remarkable versatility, allowing implementation in diverse locations. This flexibility stems from its efficient assembly characteristics, which liberate it from the constraints of rigid modular structures, contributing significantly to architectural design flexibility. The paramount finding of this research is the demonstrated efficiency of the proposed system, requiring 44% less time compared to conventional construction practices and exhibiting a commendable 29% reduction in costs. These outcomes position the Wikihouse-based approach as an appealing and competitive alternative within the real estate sector.
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19 December 2025 in Urban Science
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Journal Article
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PCPablo Cobeñas
Pablo Cobeñas
DVDoris Esenarro Vargas
Doris Esenarro Vargas
Jesica Vilchez CairoJesica Vilchez Cairo
Jesica Vilchez Cairo
AGAlejandro Gomez
Alejandro Gomez
MPManuel Prado
Manuel Prado
LCLidia Lila Chang Cardenas
Lidia Lila Chang Cardenas
Since the 1960s and 1970s, urban expansion and pressure on the coastal ecosystem of Chorrillos caused the reduction in the sandy strip of La Herradura Beach, which was aggravated in 1980 by the dynamiting of the natural hill to allow access to La Chira, which accelerated coastal erosion. This research proposes strategies for the revalorization of the natural environment and landscape regeneration of La Herradura, Chorrillos, Peru. This study is developed in three phases: a literature review; a site analysis focused on climate, flora, and fauna; and the development of an integrated architectural proposal that is supported by digital tools such as Google Earth Pro 2024, SketchUp 2024, D5 Render, and Photoshop 2024. The design integrates regeneration and environmental education strategies, including ecological restoration zones, the use of eco-friendly materials such as stone, and the implementation of endemic plants like Schinus molle. The proposal combines strategic vegetation and sustainable technologies: A total of 30 Schinus molle specimens distributed along 240 m can capture approximately 12,336 kg of CO2 per year and reduce the ambient temperature by up to 6 °C, contributing significantly to the mitigation of urban climate change; 7 terraced beds with shrubs, herbaceous plants, and groundcovers generate cool microclimates and control erosion; 12 fog catchers collect ~1131 L of water per day, and solar-powered luminaires ensure continuous lighting. In conclusion, the integration of endemic vegetation, sustainable infrastructures, and eco-friendly materials demonstrates a replicable model of resilient coastal space, supporting SDGs 11, 13, 14, and 15.

28 October 2025 in Buildings
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
DVDoris Esenarro Vargas
Doris Esenarro Vargas
EPEmerson Porras
Emerson Porras
Jesica Vilchez CairoJesica Vilchez Cairo
Jesica Vilchez Cairo
Abigail Eunice Ortiz CurinambeAbigail Eunice Ortiz Curinambe
Abigail Eunice Ortiz Curinambe
VMVANESSA OSHIN RAYMUNDO MARTINEZ
VANESSA OSHIN RAYMUNDO MARTINEZ
Santiago Renato Paz NakuraSantiago Renato Paz Nakura
Santiago Renato Paz Nakura
The high material waste, long execution times, and lack of adoption of technological solutions hinder the construction process in the building sector. In response, this project proposes the development and validation of parametric digital tools to optimize the design and CNC fabrication of WikiHouse prototypes, an open-source modular system that enables precise assemblies without the need for additional metal joints. The main objective is to optimize the architectural design process through tools such as Grasshopper and Python, increasing precision, reducing material waste, and shortening the manufacturing times of CNC components for WikiHouse. The results include drastic time reductions when shifting from manual workflows to CAD–CAM parameterized workflows, with processing times of approximately 1 min (≈0:32–1:16) compared to 63–109 min using manual methods. This study demonstrates that parameterization—rather than robotization—is a realistic pathway to transfer open systems like WikiHouse to low-tech contexts: it reduces preparation times to minutes, cuts waste, and decreases variability among operators.

20 April 2026 in Sustainability
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EPEmerson Porras
Emerson Porras
WMWalter Morales
Walter Morales
LCLidia Lila Chang Cardenas
Lidia Lila Chang Cardenas
JCJoseph Sucasaca Callata
Joseph Sucasaca Callata
This qualitative systematic review evaluates the potential of modular prefabricated OSB/plywood housing systems in low-technification, high-seismicity settings. These systems are promoted as low-carbon options for emerging contexts, and we assess how far the evidence supports that promise and under which conditions they can contribute to net-zero housing pathways. An adapted PRISMA 2020 workflow was applied to Scopus (TITLE-ABS, 2000–2025); 153 studies were synthesized in a table-first, coded matrix into axes for structural, digital fabrication, sustainability/circularity, and extrapolatable systems—supplemented by curated housing cases—with other EWPs used only for contrast. To address fragmentation and heterogeneity across domains, we developed a domain-based QA/QC instrument (STRUCTURAL, LCA, and FABRICATION) to judge whether studies provide minimally comparable evidence. Structural performance is relatively mature for certain patterns (calibrated FEM, cyclic tests, some 1:1 trials), whereas digital fabrication and LCA evidence remain partial: file-to-factory workflows rarely report verifiable QA/QC traceability, and most LCAs stop at A1–A3 with uneven treatment of A4, C/D, and biogenic carbon. Full convergence of adequate STRUCTURAL, LCA, and FABRICATION evidence within the same system type is rare, so both transferability to low-technification, seismic-prone settings and alignment with net-zero objectives must be characterized as conditional rather than established. The review identifies minimum multi-domain thresholds—technical robustness, whole-life LCA coverage, and verifiable QA/QC—as prerequisites for positioning modular OSB/plywood housing as a credible low-carbon pathway. These conclusions are limited by Scopus-only, English-language coverage and methodological heterogeneity, especially in the LCA.