Digital tools and methods dominate large parts of design, development, simulation and communication processes in architectural design. In advanced studios, architectural projects are already developed predominantly with 3D models. The goal is to establish a smooth workflow between architects, project developers, engineers and clients through a real-time, simultaneous project development environment. In this context, many sense-making processes can be shifted to an earlier stage of the project due to integrated and automated simulation techniques which, in the best case, can lead to a more transparent project development and design process.
The module DIGITAL FABRICATION provides the connection and potential of computer-controlled production processes in combination with rule-based design and construction methods. Students worked on this project on several workshop days. It started with hands-on approaches and simple-to-apply computational tools, such as CNC cutters and folding/bending techniques, and ended in more complex and sophisticated approaches with a 7-axis industrial robot.
The task was to develop a digital fabricated, double-curved structure. Divided into two groups, the students focused on wood and Alucobond. The prototypes were created using CNC and laser-cutters and were treated in a final step with an industrial robot.
By Amanda Jardim, Melicia Planchart, Ece Tunca and Maximilian Müh
