Statement about the Research Content and Process

Description

This research argues for the place of human skill in an increasingly automated manufacturing industry. It explores ways for strengthening the interdependence and mutual benefits between manual craft and digital production. Through a series of built projects, the research investigates methods of fabrication using composite materials and new ways of manufacturing architectural components. These hybrid design and fabrication techniques make computation design more accessible and relatable to nonspecialist users.

Questions

1. What are the key differences between traditional/manual and digital/ computational workflows in the context of digital fabrication?

2. What is the role of hands-on production in the context of automation?

3. How can feedback loops be established between digital and manual modes of production to harness the best of both?

4. How can material research be more sustainable for the environment and for manual crafts?

5. What is the role of empirical testing in the age of digital simulation?

Methodology

1. Research trips to digital or craft-based art and architecture fabricators, including metal forging, casting, stone carving and brick laying, in the UK, Europe and China;

2. Computation design, 1:1 prototyping, digital programming and use of augmented reality (AR) technology;

3. Working with materials directly through trial and error and empirical experimentation;

4. Interdisciplinary workshops and exhibitions with educational institutions, museums, architects, craftspeople and artists.

Dissemination

The research has featured in one solo exhibition (The Aram Gallery, London) with another postponed to 2021 (Bucks County Museum, Aylesbury). It has been included in three group shows (Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Paris, London Design Festival and Building Centre, London). The work has featured in an article in Cubic Journal and another in Architecture Today, alongside numerous online pieces about the exhibitions. It has been the subject of eight lectures and conference participations.

Project Highlights

Five objects from Digital Manual at The Aram Gallery were selected for Le Mobilier d’architectes, 1960–2020 at La Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, Paris, a group exhibition showcasing iconic architectural designs between 1960 and 2020. Subsequently, the research led to building a permanent inhabitable construction, CodeBothy, commissioned by Yorkshire Sculpture Park. SUP was developed for an educational programme, the first of which took place at St John’s C of E Primary School, Princes Risborough in 2020. Going forward, the authors plan for a county-wide programme in collaboration with Buckinghamshire Council, engaging school pupils with the research.