Selected Works by Pradeep Devadass
Jan 2015 - Present Architectural Robotics Developer University of the West of England Working as an Architectural Robotics Developer, currently employed by the University of the West of England for The Architectural Association’s Hooke Park Campus as part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership programme in collaboration with Bristol Robotics Laboratory, UWE to develop innovative robotic fabrication methods for architectural applications and a ‘smart’ programming environment to bridge the gap between design and fabrication processes.
custom end effectors + jigs
Design
Toolpath for custom end-effectors
Inverse Kinematics
Custom algorithms using Grasshopper Script + Python
kukaPRC (Robots in Architecture) / Open Source Solutions
Easy to learn and use Parametric integration Multiple systems integration
Method 1
Design
Toolpath for custom end-effectors Custom algorithms using Grasshopper Script + Python
Inverse Kinematics
RobotMaster
Robust and stable solution No IK problems Smooth production
Method 2
Bespoke Programming + Custom Toolpaths Method 1: Developed a bespoke custom programming package for chainsaw, milling router, hotwire cutter/ bandsaw, timber/ metal rod gripper written in python and using KUKAPRC on Rhinoceros 3d and Grasshopper 3d software platforms. There are three major advantages found using parametric robotic fabrication method: (a) Any solution can be quickly modified as the entire algorithm is parametrically defined; (b) Being an in-house developed tool it gives complete control to the fabricator where quick edits of the solution can be performed c) Compatibility issues of data can be prevented as all tasks could be performed in this single interface (d) Students can easily learn and adapt as the algorithm was developed on familiar software platforms. Method 2: Although method one is easy to learn, quicker to generate toolpaths and fleixibile to use, it was still not a robust method and did not provide solutions for robot singularities, robot axis limits, complex machining process for complex geometries. Another two-stage process was developed using two different interfaces, which offered a robust and automated output: First, on the Grasshopper platform, the custom toolpaths which included handling and manipulation of data were executed. Then, a post processor was written on the same platform to generate XYZIJK of the toolpath in Automatically Programmed Tool (APT) code format. The format was represented in XYZIJK, where XYZ defines the Cartesian coordinates of Tool Centre Point (TCP) and IJK defines the vector for tool orientation. Thereafter, the code is imported into the Robotmaster using the Robotmaster Import Utility Tool.
Research + Build Project Wood Chip Barn 2015 A fabrication methodology through which the inherent form of large non-linear timber components was exploited in the Wood Chip Barn project by Design + Make programme at the Architectural Association’s Hooke Park campus. Twenty distinct Y-shaped forks are employed with minimal machining in the construction of a structural truss for the building. Through this workflow, low-value branched sections of trees are transformed into complex and valuable building components using non-standard technologies. Computational techniques including parametric algorithms and robotic fabrication methods were used for execution of the project. Custom algorithms, codes and post-processors were developed and integrated with existing software packages to compensate for drawbacks of industrial and parametric platforms. The project demonstrated and proved a new methodology for working with complex, large geometries which also resulted in a low cost, time and quality efficient process.
Workshop Introduction to Robotic Fabrication
Spring 2016 Flexibility and adaptive qualities of 6 axis industrial arm has made it to be part of the architect’s toolset not only in the prototyping phase but also in the creative thought process. The workshop gave a brief introduction to robotic fabrication using 6 axis robot - KUKA KR 150 at Hooke Park’s Robotic Lab. The workshop was conducted in two stages: • The first phase consisted of an initial familiarisation with the robot arm through presentations, live demonstrations and tutorials for offline programming. • The second phase allowed the participants to develop their own design and its assembly process using the gripping tool as a team effort. The main aim of the workshop was not only to educate how to use the robot as a fabrication tool but also illustrate how to design as an architect with the robot.
Workshop Robotic Fabrications Summer 2016 Merging expert knowledge of timber construction with cutting-edge robotic fabrication technologies the workshop explored the creative potential of prototyping complex and large-scale timber structures with digital tools resulting in the construction of a temporary foundry building for the Hooke Park Campus. The chainsaw was wielded by the large KUKA KR 150 robot which exhibited an augmented level of precision and control. Principles of ancient craft and traditions of Japanese joinery were digitally interpreted -and whilst preserving the poetry, ritual and sensitivity, they were translated into a highly choreographed movement pattern or toolpath for the robot. Through rigorous physical testing, complex connection details were created utilizing the extraordinary precision and flexibility of multi-axis robotic machining. The ambition of the course was twofold. Firstly to provide a pro-active introduction to the exciting world of robotics. The first phase consisted of an initial familiarization with the robot arm through online programming using the teach pendant. After getting acquainted with the robot exploration, offline programming methods using the software and robot machining strategies were developed which allowed and assisted with the generation of suitable toolpaths for the designed geometries. Secondly the strategies for fabrication was based upon the ancient traditions of Japanese joinery. The visiting school focused on translating this dexterous craft full of poetry and skill into a movement pattern and choreography for the robot. This led to the on-site fabrication and assembly of the components for the construction of a prototype foundry building at Hooke Park
Workshop DLAB Summer 2016 The workshop developed an innovative strategy to construct three-dimensionally interwoven concrete structures by integrating computational design, material research and robotic fabrication techniques. A research methodology was structured around a set of experiments in line with the research objectives. Initial computational form-finding techniques explored the generation of a network of interwoven elements via a bundling algorithm. Simultaneously, an automated fabrication process was developed, where custom shaped steel reinforcement bars were bent using 6 axis robot(KUKA KR- 150), custom built jig and pneumatic grippers. The bending jig system comprised 3 different bending discs, with radii of 150 mm., 100mm., 50 mm and a pneumatic gripper for securing one end of the steel rod in position (Figure 02, 03 and 04). Rod bending process guided a set of constraints which had direct feedback on the computational form-finding process. Bundling algorithm outcomes were optimized via a custom-built Python scripts evaluating the curvature of each element at specified domain intervals, finding closest curvature value in alignment with one of the radii stated above, and rebuilding the geometry such that the final output was a series of lines and arcs with variable bending angles. Through the analysis of rod bending strategies in traditional manufacturing industries that were well-documented and established, the research aimed to develop a novel approach by the reduction of mechanical parts for controlling the desired output form. This goal was achieved by an intelligent robotic toolpath, developed in KUKA prc in conjunction with Python scripting, where the necessary material considerations, including tolerances and spring-back values, were integrated in the bending motion strategies through a systematic series of mathematical calculations in line with physical tests. The research intends to incorporate simple mechanical tools and cost-effective fabrication methods with the complexity embedded in generative form-finding processes, geometrical rationalization, and robotic tool-path creation that integrates material constraints in future.
Workshop DLAB Summer 2015 The workshop builds upon the material behavior research that investigated the fabrication and construction of double-curved complex geometries in applying generative design techniques and robotic milling strategies. Robotic fabrication processes in design allow for moving away from a direct design-to-production approach, whereby the final outcome is predefined and fabrication solely offers a means to an end. The tooling path of the robotic arm serves as a direct visual connection between the global geometry and local surface manipulation; therefore, the robotic end effector plays a crucial role as a design tool in the generation of localized surface textures on the global configuration. Throughout the design, fabrication, and assembly processes, the interactive associations between different simulation software have been a key driver in recognizing the ways of integrating architectural criteria with the structural performance of the pavilion. Overall, the research aims to illustrate the architectural possibilities of using concrete in a non-conventional way with limited resources and period of time by creating strong associations between computational design methodologies and digital fabrication processes.
May 2014 - Oct 2014 Architect
MAK Schindler Artist & Artchitect in Residence Fellowship
architect in residence adaptive systems Summer 2014 The project questions the static nature of architectural spaces, and engenders dynamism and motion in architecture in a complex and dynamic environment, combining art, architecture & interactive media. The aim is to develop prototypical systems, digitally and physically, and test them as interactive installations, speculated as building envelopes in the context of California & other geographical locations with hot climates. The installation is a system made of evolved tensegrity components, with embedded sensors and actuators, to make it respond to human movement and interacting with users through its state of dynamism and motion.
architect in residence You’re The Designer Summer 2014 You’re The Designer! is a platform that offers the power of parametric design to the common man through a mobile and web based app. The platform allows the users to control & customize various products and design it for their use. The idea is to simplify the complex computational framework behind parametric design and embed it in a simple, easy-to-use app that can be downloaded from a generic app store for android or similar platforms. This also creates a platform for designers from various disciplines such as product design, fashion design, interior design, architecture, among others to create their designs optimized for this platform, which can be uploaded and made available to users who can customize the designs in their own ways as per their requirements and budget constraints. YTD has a simple interface where parameters are controlled by sliders (optimized for touch-screen function of a smartphone) that can manipulate the design in a multitude of ways, and variation in parameters can lead to a large number of permutations of the design output
architect in residence D2F Installation Summer 2014 D2F is a small scale lightweight installation designed to demonstrate the computational aspect of installations and pavilions in architecture, where generative design is used to design and control the fabrication of an object. A sweeping ribbon, hanging in the air, is designed using a spiral curve manipulated in height to attain a spatial transformation in a small orthogonal space.
Nov 2013 - Apr 2014 Researcher & Architect
Shanghai Archi-Union Architecture Design Co. Ltd
Research + Build Project Light - Vault Pavilion Fall 2013 The research project addressed the challenges facing current contemporary practices in the development and execution of complex designs by integration of computational design and digital fabrication methods in the project Light-Vault. The project showed the development of a vault created through the aggregation of several dissimilar components where the interior volume is carved out, leading to the formation of ruled surfaces. Porosity of the component is parametrically designed through a genetic algorithm controlled by multiple fitness criteria. In parallel, the project explored and implemented the potential of robotic technology by integrating personalized robotic tools and production techniques to quickly shape volumes with a hot-wire cutting process. Algorithms were developed to ensure design thinking and fabrication procedures were simultaneously developed in a, non-linear, parallel performance based process. This cumulative cohesive process between advanced digital and physical computation methods was translated through a full-scale built pavilion.
Feb 2013 - May 2013 Computational Designer Robofold Ltd.
Geometry
Re-Orienting the top surface to XY Plane
Unfolding geometry with bottom surface split into flaps
Screw holes Double score lines Geometry ID Rivet holes Screw holes Cut Final Line Drawing for CNC Milling
Unfolded geometry onto XY Plane
Design + Fabrication Project Summer 2013 Designed and executed an art installation, which consisted of 400 pieces of polished aluminium folded boxes which are mounted on a MDF panel. Due to usage of polished aluminum material the box exhibits a reflection on its surface which acts like mirror. Each piece is customized and oriented with respect to the location of its focal point(object), which is required to reflect to the observer. The entire panel is split into 5 zones, each zones has its unique focal point. The biggest challenge was to develop a quick, easy, precise manufacturing process to produce 400 unique pieces, in which each piece varies from another, in dimensions and form. The entire design and fabrication process was developed through parametric programming and fabricated using CNC machine.
Design + Fabrication Project Spring 2013 Designed and executed an art wall installation, which consisted of folded aluminum sheet panels using curved folding and control panel distribution on surfaces with a range of attractor systems. The computational part was designed using King-Kong(a grasshopper plugin developed by RoboFold) and fabricated using CNC and Robots .
Solar radiation
genes actuators 0.3 1.0 1.0
0.3
1.0
0.3
Min Angle of Incidence
WINTER
Max Angle of Incidence
SUMMER
Final model
PHYSICS ENGINE KANGAROO
EVOLUTIONARY SOLVER GALAPAGOS
3 Strut Tensegrity mesh system - adaptive [skins]
Solar Exposure
Computational Design used in Material Systems The research investigates responsive skin systems that adapt to the dynamic environmental conditions to regulate the internal conditions in a habitable space over different periods of time by exhibiting a state of motion and dynamism. Owing to the complexity of the multiparametric system, genetic algorithms are developed for system optimization and calibrated with physical prototypes at varied scales. The use of genetic algorithms makes the problem solving faster and accurate. New toolsets are developed in the process by combining various digital tools, to create a feedback and memory loop system
Min Exposure
SUMMER
Max Exposure
WINTER
Evolutionary Algorithm for Analysis Incident Radiation Analysis
Solar ray
Angle of Solar Radiation From 0° to 20° From 20° to 45° From 45° to 60° More than 60°
Amount of Solar Exposure Exposed to light Solar Exposure Analysis
Not exposed to light Analysis model Algorithm explaining the genome and fitness criteria
3 Strut Tensegrity Component - adaptive [skins]
40O - 40O
Mesh Angle: 90O - 90O
Family 1
Family 2 Final Prototype Form Found Membrane Activated Gridshells
90O
FLAT PANEL
CURVED PANEL
RESULTING SURFACE 30O
Real Time Optimization & Analysis The research illustrates new methodologies in understanding and exploration of materials used in interconnected systems. The properties of materials are studied and incorporated in the digital environment for designing using computational methods. The research focuses on development of systems through real time optimization and analysis through the projects adaptive [skins] and Membrane Activated Gridshells
Projection of rays of visual sight from the South Facade towards the Sea
Digital Tools Used: Rhino + Grasshopper(Sonic Plugin) + Galapagos
Parametric Form Finding The research explores new methodologies in parametric form finding and evaluates through evolutionary process. The algorithm creates multiple options with varying fitness criteria and aesthetically multiple option.
Option 1
OPtion 2
Option 3 Option 4 Multiple options of various Form for rear building
Digital Tools Used: Rhino + Grasshopper(Sonic Plugin) + Galapagos
Option1 - L1
Option1 - L2
Option2 - L1
Option2 - L2 Upper Level @ +2.5m
Option3 - L1
Option5 - L1
Option3 - L2
Option5 - L2
Option4 - L1
Option6 - L1
Exploration and Area Analysis of the possibilities of Spaces in Silos
Option4 - L2
Option6 - L2
Lower Level @ +0.0m
Ramps Exhibition Spaces Bridges
Both Levels Exploded Perspective View
Computational design used in Environmental and Spatial Analysis This research focuses on the exploration of spatial qualities in architecture and urban systems. The research focuses on development of design through real time optimization and analysis using genetic and evolutionary algorithms. The research creates new toolsets and interconnects various softwares and platforms for a controlled design process.
Digital Tools Used: Rhino + Grasshopper(Geco Plugin) + Ecotect
Multiple configurations based on re-arrangement of towers Solar Insolation Analysis for Multiple configurations of towers To determine the overall form