The question of access: Toward an equitable future of computational design

2021 ◽  
pp. 147807712110253
Author(s):  
Vernelle AA Noel ◽  
Yana Boeva ◽  
Hayri Dortdivanlioglu
Keyword(s):  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Design Studies ◽  
Disciplinary Boundaries ◽  
Design Pedagogy ◽  
Ethnographic Studies ◽  
Perceptual Interaction

Digital fabrication and its cultivated spaces promise to break disciplinary boundaries and enable access to its technologies and computation for the broader public. This paper examines the trope of “access” in digital fabrication, design, and craft, and illustrates how it unfolds in these spaces and practices. An equitable future is one that builds on and creates space for multiple bodies, knowledges, and skills; allows perceptual interaction and corporeal engagement with people, materials, and tools; and employs technologies accessible to broad groups of society. By conducting comparative and transnational ethnographic studies at digital fabrication and crafting sites, and performing craft-centered computational design studies, we offer a critical description of what access looks like in an equitable future that includes digital fabrication. The study highlights the need to examine universal conceptions and study how they are operationalized in broader narratives and design pedagogy traditions.

scholarly journals Adaptive Strategies for Mud Shell Robotic Fabrication

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 64
Author(s):  
Chaltiel Stephanie ◽  
Bravo Maite ◽  
Ibrahim Abdullah
Keyword(s):  
Spray Deposition ◽  
Sustainable Use ◽  
Adaptive Strategies ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Robotic Fabrication ◽  
Material Deposition ◽  
Physical Tests ◽  
Full Scale Tests

The digital fabrication of monolithic shell structures is presenting some challenges related to the interface between computational design, materialist, and fabrication techniques. This research proposes a singular method for the sequential robotic spray deposition in layers of diverse clay mixes over a temporary fabric form-work pulled in between peripheral and cross section arches. This process relies mainly on the continuity of the construction phases for stability and durability but has encountered some challenges in physical tests related to sagging, displacement, and deformations during the robotic deposition of the material. Adaptive strategies during the digital fabrication stages are proposed for a sequential exploration of the geometry, structural analysis, and construction techniques. Alternative adjustments of protocols for the robotic material deposition include both predictable and unsuspected behaviors preventing the structure to reach non-viable geometric thresholds. Two case studies of physical tests describe, analyze, and simulate some of these strategies and identify specific parameters inquiring the sequential adjustments of the robotic material deposition. These strategies will drive future full-scale tests within a sustainable use of materials and adaptive construction methods, seeking an optimized structural performance that could open a new chapter for the digital fabrication of earthen shells.

scholarly journals Finding the Key: Designing Timber Connections for CLT Panels

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Gabriella Joyce
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Timber Construction ◽  
Structural Capacity ◽  
Connection System ◽  
Digital Modelling ◽  
Thermal Bridging ◽  
Timber Connections ◽  
Mass Timber

<p>In a climate where standard methods of construction are being challenged, developments in engineered timbers are allowing mass timber construction to be explored as a sustainable alternative to traditional building methods. Cross- laminated timber (CLT) is at the forefront of this evolution and, with the advancement in computational design and digital fabrication tools, there lies an opportunity to redefine standard construction. This project explores how digital modelling and advance digital fabrication can be combined to generate a connection system for CLT panels.  The advantages of CLT and mass timber construction are numerous and range from environmental and aesthetic benefits to site safety and cost reduction benefits. There are, however, issues that remain surrounding the connections between CLT panels. Steurer (2006, p.136) stated that, “Progress in engineered timber construction is directly related to developments in connector technology.” This thesis creates connections inspired by traditional Japanese joinery that have been adapted to be used for the panel construction of CLT structures. Using CLT offcuts as a primary connection material, the system not only reduces waste but also mitigates thermal bridging and lowers the number of connection points whilst increasing the ease of building and fabrication.  The connections are first considered at a detail scale. They use the literature review and case studies as a base for design before being tested using digitally fabricated prototypes. These prototypes are evaluated against a framework created in line with the aforementioned criteria. Within this framework, the connections are analysed against existing connection systems as well as previous designs to establish a successful system. The connections are then evaluated within the context of a building scale and considers large-scale fabrication and on- site assembly whilst continuing to focus on the reduction of waste. This research found that the simplicity of the connections is key to a successful system as this allows for faster and cheaper fabrication and installation. However, there is still further research needed surrounding large-scale fabrication and the structural capacity of timber connection systems.</p>

Computational design and digital fabrication of folded timber sandwich structures

2019 ◽  
Vol 102 ◽  
pp. 27-44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yousef Al-Qaryouti ◽  
Kim Baber ◽  
Joseph M. Gattas
Keyword(s):  
Sandwich Structures ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication

scholarly journals Learning from Weaving for Digital Fabrication in Architecture

Leonardo ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 43 (4) ◽  
pp. 340-349 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rizal Muslimin
Keyword(s):  
Tacit Knowledge ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Cad Cam ◽  
Explicit Rule

This project restructures weaving performance in architecture by analyzing the tacit knowledge of traditional weavers through perceptual study and converting it into an explicit rule in computational design. Three implementations with different materials show the advantages of using computational weaving that combines traditional principles with today's digital (CAD/CAM) tools to develop affordable fabrication techniques.

scholarly journals Biological Algorithms for Digital Manufacture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Louise Wotton
Keyword(s):  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Design Intent ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Spatial Design ◽  
Irreducible Complexity ◽  
Agent Based Simulations ◽  
Rule Sets

<p>Computational simulations are generally built upon a form or design that is near or mostly complete. Agent-based simulations are ones where the rules and behaviours are designed, creating an unpredictable output. In this research, these rules are derived from the complex systems in nature, utilising cross-disciplinary principles between architecture and biology. The abstraction of data and rules from biological structures are used to inform computational rule-sets for modelling 3D printed structures.  The simulations in this paper explore the concept of emergence: where systems have an irreducible complexity and adaptability - a series of smaller parts combined acting as a whole. The concept of agent-based simulations as a form of emergence is a tool used greatly within many areas of research as a speculative method to build form and space.  Computation rule-sets define a design intent for each simulation, demonstrating the ability to use agent-based systems and a spatial design driver. Informing the agents with design intent, allows them to adapt to their environment and to the ability and limitations of a freeform 3D printer.  The focus in this project is the design of emergent principles in nature and how they can be applied to optimize structures for use with digital fabrication methods, thus producing a new approach to designing fabricated forms.  Using a design by research approach, this research demonstrates the potential of free-form 3D printing as a technique for an integrated fabrication system. It outlines computational design techniques including the simulation of emergent phenomena to define a digital workflow that supports the integration of both emergent structures and free-form printing.</p>

scholarly journals ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN WORKPLACES AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT EMPLOYMENT IN LATVIA

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 154
Author(s):  
Ilmārs Šukjurovs ◽  
Rosita Zvirgzdiņa ◽  
Silva Jeromanova-Maura
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Telecommunications Industry ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Business Executives ◽  
Biological World ◽  
Self Driving Cars ◽  
And Robotics

Already, artificial intelligence (AI) is all around us, from self-driving cars and drones to virtual assistants and software that translate or invest. Impressive progress has been made in AI in recent years, driven by exponential increases in computing power and by the availability of vast amounts of data, from software used to discover new drugs to algorithms used to predict our cultural interests. Digital fabrication technologies, meanwhile, are interacting with the biological world on a daily basis. Engineers, designers, and architects are combining computational design, additive manufacturing, materials engineering, and synthetic biology to pioneer a symbiosis between microorganisms, our bodies, the products we consume, and even the buildings we inhabit. Companies in the technology, media, and telecommunications industry expect AI to have a significant impact on product offerings in the next five years. This research contains the data from a pilot survey from Latvian business executives’ expectations for AI and robotics for the next 5 years. The aim of this research is to find out if AI and robotics will make significant impact on workplaces in Latvia in the next five years.

scholarly journals Digital Indigenous Craft: Expressing Māori Culture through Computational tools in Architecture

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
James Durcan
Keyword(s):  
Indigenous Communities ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
Cultural Knowledge ◽  
Architectural Discourse ◽  
Computational Tools ◽  
Local Material ◽  
Architectural Framework ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Design Skills

<p>Within present architectural discourse, there is universal concern that contemporary architectural processes efface the culture of indigenous communities, resulting in the homogenisation of architecture globally.  The imminent question therefore is; how can the assimilation of digital tools and indigenous culture be a catalyst to empower culturally embodied architecture that responds to our indigenous Māori identity and spirit, without falling into architectural homogeneity?  Working in direct conjunction with Ngai Tāmanuhi-ri Iwi (tribal group), on the poignant site, Te Kurī-a-Pāoa (Young Nicks Head), this thesis initiates dialogue to investigate the amalgamation of progressive digital fabrication techniques and the rich cultural identity and Mātauranga Māori (cultural knowledge) of Ngai Tāmanuhiri. Subsequently, a pavilion, incorporatinga locally inspired ‘whai’ (stingray) motif has been designed providing an architectural framework to facilitate design-led research. One-uku (clay), has been identified early as an indigenous material with enormous potential and led to the development of custom-built additive fabrication tools that can elevate this abundant local material for use within the architectural sphere. A secondary focus of this research is the development of computational (parametric) and analogue workflows to enable the production of architectural scale ceramic modules.  Ultimately, this thesis argues that when computational design skills are ulilised alongside indigenous knowledge, digitally produced artefacts are capable of becoming meaningful for all.</p>

Innovative Construction Systems

2020 ◽  
pp. 25-51
Author(s):  
Pierpaolo Ruttico
Keyword(s):  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Computational Design ◽  
Digital Fabrication ◽  
New Materialism ◽  
Material System ◽  
Morphological Complexity ◽  
Computer Numerically Controlled ◽  
New Construction ◽  
Building Components ◽  
And Performance

With the emergence of a new materialism in architecture and as a result of the ongoing advancements in digital technologies, computer numerically controlled (CNC) fabrication and 3D-printing are rapidly gaining popularity within the building construction industry. Robots, CNC machines, and algorithmic programming allow us to create new construction systems and innovative designs that otherwise might not be possible. This chapter analyzes adaptive and flexible systems that facilitate the design and the production processes of mass-customized building components through digital fabrication and assembly. The aspiration is to achieve morphological complexity and performance in material constituents: an engineering computational design process that envisions a sustainable built environment, with higher-level functionality and higher-level integration between material system and environment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document