This portfolio showcases my undergraduate architectural design projects and graduate explorations in design for manufacture. To me, the essence of space should be free, and architecture design should not be limited by "traditional architecture" - a building doesn’t need to be composed of beams, slabs, and columns; it can take any form. Instead of focusing on whether a building looks striking, gains attention, or conforms to conventional notions of a "building," the focus should lie on its essence: the human experience within the space, and shape space with creative and free approaches.
Each era defines its own "architecture." In the context of today’s rapid technological advancements, intelligent construction is becoming increasingly integral to the architectural field. How will this evolution shape architectural design? Through my postgraduate research and explorations, aim to explore what architecture of this era and the future might look like, from the perspective of design for manufacture.
EXPLORATION OF CURRENT ARCHITECTURE TEACHING SPACE
01 THE SPIRAL
Exploration of current architecture teaching
In most Chinese universities, architecture indistinguishable from traditional classrooms—square podium and neatly arranged desks and chairs. However, methods of architecture require spaces that differ traditional setups. This project seeks to design innovative better accommodate the specific needs of architecture activities.
teaching spaces remain classrooms—square rooms with a front However, the distinct teaching differ significantly from these innovative teaching spaces that architecture education and daily teaching space
BACKGROUND
Most architectural classrooms face common issues, such as lack of used space, low space utilisation rate, poor space flexibility, not engouh functions and so on. Unlike many other disciplines, in addition to daily classes, students also need to communicate a lot with teachers and classmates, and spend a lot of time on individual study, group work, or mutual research. Therefore, the traditional teaching space cannot meet the daily use needs of architecture students.
SITE ANALYSIS
The site is located between the teaching area and the student residential area, acting as a natural transit route for students heading to their daily classes. The teaching area currently lacks essential amenities, such as convenience stores, shops, canteens and others. If students need to buy some food, drink or stationery, they need to go to the ground floor of the library. Therefore, as a building on campus, it is not only an architecture department hall, it should also provide some convenient service for other teachers and students in this school.
USERS AND FUNCTIONS
Archtecture student
Archtecture teacher
Other teacher and student
Archtecture practitioner
CONCEPT
Function reorganize
Different functions of traditional architectural teaching spaces are analysed and restructured. Similar functions are grouped together to create larger, unified functional zones, resulting in clearer spatial organisation and improved space utilisation.
Raising the building on stilit, creating an open ground-level space that allows people to walk freely cross it. The upper levels are used for architecture-related activities, while the ground floor provides amenities such as catering services, canteens, and other facilities to serve the broader needs of teachers and students across the campus.
To create a flexible, adaptable, and functionally distinct teaching environment, the building's design adopts a spiral form, The primary functions-daily classes and work/study activities are organised into two separate circulation flows. To enhance spatial efficiency, these functional flows are arranged in a DNA double helix structure. Connections are established between the two flows on each floor, allowing users to transition between different activity zones.
Piloti
Spaces for classrooms, study workshops, etc. are arranged along the four sides of the building. Traffic
Raising the building on stilit, so that people can walk undear the building.
The building skin is in the form of a spiral upward to combine with the interior space.
Placing Spiral up atrium steps, so that users can easily reach each floor.
Two functional flows are continuous and independent.
The facade adopts a spiral form, creating a strong contrast through the use of metal and glass materials.
The structure of the building is supported by trusses and cores positioned at the corners and centre of the building.
The two main sections of functional space are arranged along double spiral ramps that circle upwards, creating a continuous, flowing use space.
MAIN SPACES ANALYSIS
02 CITY LIVING ORGANISM
To create a living urban complex
After the Industrial Revolution, cities faced housing and energy shortages, prompting the rise of industrial mass production. However, outdated urban models persist, exacerbating modern urban issues. This project explores socio-ecological integration by combining natural principles with advanced construction technologies to create a living urban complex that revitalizes urban areas.
THE PRESENT CITY
A forest filled with steel and concrete
Since the Industrial Revolution, cities have expanded at unprecedented speeds and in unexpected ways. Modern urban architecture has grown vertically, creating a dense forest of towering steel and concrete structures. People living in the cities were like walking through a dense dark forest, so oppressed that they could hardly breathe.
Today's cities are full of four-square buildings with an emphasis on maximising profit, and the whole city is like a huge, emotionless machine that works tirelessly and never stops. Within this environment, human beings have lost their emotions and become increasingly instrumentalised.
The efficiency of modern mass production has led to the uniformity of cities, with buildings replicated repeatedly. As a result, urban landscapes have become increasingly homogeneous. Cities like New York and Tianjin have grown so similar that it can be challenging to distinguish them from one another in photographs.
City living organism
The rapid development of modern cities has given rise to numerous challenges, including traffic congestion, heat island effects, environmental pollution, noise disturbances, inadequate water supply, and increasing crime rates.
Before the primitive industrial revolution, humans lived in a natural environment and it was human nature to be close to nature, and humans should not be separated from the natural ecology by reinforced concrete. This project seeks to explore how to create a distinctive and diverse urban area from a socio-ecological perspective. By integrating about the natural ecology and combining modern construction techniques, modern urban architecture is integrated with the natural ecology to create a living urban complex that acts as a catalyst to activate the urban area.
High density
Low recognizability
Manhattan
Tianjin
AN LIVING ORGANISM IN THE
The volume and base form are determined according to the functional requirements of the building and the natural and organic elements are extracted from the ecological environment and the two are combined in the design. The overall form of the building is organic, as if it has been gradually created from the ground, and the whole is an organic interface from the outside to the inside so that when people move around inside, it is as if they are walking through a natural cave. An urbanism
HOW DOES THE ORGANISM
The greenery extends from the outdoor environment to the interior of the building and throughout the building space.
THE CITY HOW DOES THE ORGANISM GROW?
natural, organic ecology.
organic urban complex that blends modern urbanism with natural ecology.
PLANS
Each floor of the office tower incorporates greenery, giving the entire structure the appearance of a natural "green canyon."
A recreational sky bridge connects the two towers on Level 12, featuring a sky garden that provides leisure and recreational facilities. These include spa pools, meeting spaces, and an aerial restaurant, while offering unparalleled views of the city.
Sixteenth Floor
Fourteenth Floor Twelfth Floor
STRUCTURE DETAIL PERFORMANCE ANALYSISES
insulation
In hot climates, the double-glazing creates a greenhouse effect, and the superheated air of its greenhouse is expelled from the outside, reducing the indoor temperature and promoting the exchange of indoor air flow
Minimize solar radiation
Strong solar radiation will affect the user's comfort, the application of double-glazing combined with the setting of the sun shading equipment can effectively minimize the incoming solar radiation, while also bringing sufficient light to the interior.
insulation
In cold climates, the air buffer between the double-glazing acts as a barrier against heat loss. The sun-heated air in the chamber can transfer heat to the interior, reducing the need for an indoor heating system
noise
The double-skin curtain wall system effectively reduces the impact of outdoor noise on indoor spaces due to the sound-shielding properties of double-glazing. This makes it particularly suitable for buildings located in urban centres with high traffic noise levels.
03 THE METABOLISM OF
Explore the form of architecture that can
Raw earth has a long history in the Mediterranean, pastoral traditions. Its construction, relying on natural and now benefits from advancements in modern Inspired by cellular growth patterns, this project achieve variability and sustainability in the design and education complex. The architecture and landscape renewing system that mirrors cell division, reproduction, flexible spaces adaptable to various needs.
OF RAW EARTH
Mediterranean, rooted in agrarian and natural materials, is sustainable modern 3D printing technology. project incorporates raw earth to design of the artists' residences landscape form a living, selfreproduction, and decay, creating can chuange like a cell
PERIPHERAL VIEWS
SURROUNDING BUILDINGS
Artists
Large, free space to create
Separate living environment
Landscape space to stimulate ideas
Space for artists and their apprentices to teach and create
The site is located on an olive and almond estate in Puebla de Fantova, with an area of 3 hectares, with an old building dating back to 1700 in the centre of the site. Puebla de Fantova is located at an altitude of 700 metres and has belonged to the municipality of Graus in Ribagorza, Aragón Huesca, since 1960. It was founded in the late Middle Ages and is a historic town with many historic buildings made of stone and rammed earth preserved around it.
GAUDI’S DESIGN VALUES AND PRINCIPLES
Art enthusiasts
Workshops for collaborative creation
Centralised living space
Numerous workstations and outdoor creative spaces
Space for art-related displays and sales
Travellers
Centralised accommodation
Extensive communal activity areas
Sports and meditation retreats
Comfortable and relaxing natural landscapes
collects various waste materials and processes them for decoration.
Gaudi's emphasis on environmental protection and energy efficiency is reflected in his architectural design, choice of materials and construction methods, which all reflect the principles of sustainability.
Gaudi's designs are designed from a human perspective, for the public, taking into account the human experience in the building, from the building as a whole to the interior, which is
Gaudi's work is creative, bold and very personal, inspired by architecture, nature and religion. He studied the organic geometric forms of nature, and created
Gaudi's architecture brought architectural and functional innovations, including biomimicry, the use of hyperbolic parabolic vaults, the design of ceramic mosaics from scraps and much more.
Ermitas de San Clemente Tobeña
Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de La Asunción
Castillo
Gaudi
Colonia Guell Church used locally sourced stone as the main material.
Gaudi uses the earth and stones excavated during the foundation work directly as building materials.
The design of Casa Batlló incorporated an air circulation system that allowed for excellent natural ventilation
Gaudi imitated the form of the waves in the building's facade to give a sense of free-flowing lightness.
The roof of Casa Milà was designed with chimneys in the form of soldiers wearing helmets.
In Casa Batlló Gaudi designed the top of the room with the central anemone roof light, with a huge spiral shape like a
Gaudi's buildings make extensive use of suspended chain arch structures as support structures for the roofs.
The design of the central courtyard of Casa Milà allows all rooms to enjoy maximum light.
ZERO-SUM MATERIAL CHANGE
SITE PLAN
BIOMIMICRY OF CELLS
Sustainability: The raw earth picked from the site can be reused to create new buildings, as well as giving back to the site when demolished, and thus, achieving earthwork balance.
Functionality: Stretchable membranes, selectable suites, flexiable furniture, and variable space are all designed to meet multiple functional requirements of different users.
Aesthetics: The winding array of columns, merging spheres and fluid curves are identical to Gaudi's aesthetics.
Innovation: The growing form of the adaptive system is inspired by cell metabolism in biology.
2.000 LEVEL PLAN
04 METAFLEX
To creat some healing spaces for otaku
In Japanese society, otaku culture represents a distinct group that has increasingly experienced social marginalisation, with some individuals developing into severe hikikomori.
Through our material research, we identified the potential of inflatable materials, which are elastic, soft, and lightweight, making them easy to transport. These materials provide a sense of enclosure, security, and relaxation. Complementing this, timber, a traditional Japanese material, offers warmth, comfort, and environmental sustainability. By integrating these materials with AR technology, we aim to design therapeutic spaces that promote healing, foster a sense of safety, and support otaku individuals in gradually reintegrating into society.
BACKGROUND
4×3×3
4×3×3
6×4×4
6×4×4
3×2×2
10×6×5
10×6×15
Pet Otaku
Pet Otaku
Pan-Otaku
The entire construction process becomes highly controllable with the integration of AR technology. Real-time data and operational processes are displayed, enabling users to monitor progress effectively. Additionally, AR assists users in assembling each element with precision and ease.
05 RAINPATH
Rainwater flow optimized roof design
The current focus of SPIF (Single Point Incremental Forming) research centres on exploring its potential to enable architectural designs or objects with highly expressive forms and structures. However, there remains untapped potential in applying this technology to the development of architectural solutions optimised for water flow management. This project seeks to further investigate SPIF technology, refining incremental forming methods to expand the geometric capabilities of sheet metal and improve production precision.
BACKGROUND
History of metal used in architecture
The importance of metal materials in construction has steadily increased. From bronze through to the steel industry of the Industrial Revolution, metal has enabled structures to bear greater loads and reach new heights. Today, advancements in sheet metal technology have improved the efficiency and reduced the costs of manufacturing complex surfaces, thereby expanding the possibilities for architectural expression.
Metal has played a vital role throughout human civilisation, with its use tracing back to the Bronze Age around 3500 BCE. Bronze was widely utilised for everyday tools, weapons, vessels, and other essential items.
Since the Industrial Revolution, the steel industry has expanded significantly alongside the rise of manufacturing. Metal, as the primary load-bearing material in construction, not only supports greater loads but also enables the construction of taller buildings by reducing structural weight.
STATE OF ART
Current issues in traditional metalworking methods
of
Manufacturing limitations
Material limitations
Surface Crack
Uneven Deformation of Material
Surface Oxidization
Complex Operation and Maintenance
Vulnerability to Environmental Impacts
Slow Forming speed
Unable to Form Complex Shapes
Metal has become essential in architecture, with advancements in manufacturing, particularly in sheet metal, enabling efficient and costeffective production of complex surfaces that enhance architectural expression. For instance, Frank Gehry leveraged sheet metal's ductility to realize unique curved forms in his designs.
Cost-effective metal materials can be utilised with high efficiency, commonly through techniques such as stamping, stretch forming, hydroforming, superplastic forming and bending. However, these conventional metalworking methods also present certain limitations and drawbacks.
Stamping
Hydroforming
Stretch Forming
Superplastic Forming
Bending
SINGLE POINT INCREMENTAL FORMING SELECTION OF MATERIALS
Single Point Incremental Forming (SPIF) is a sheet forming technique whereby the final shape is attained through the gradual accumulation of localised plastic deformation in the sheet. SPIF technology is considered more sustainable and adaptable compared to traditional sheet metal processing methods. Furtherm ore, incremental forming enables rapid manufacturing without the necessity of producing costly moulds. The integration of robotics further enhances manufacturing flexibility, offering greater freedom in the production process.
Aluminium, known for its lightweight, strength, and corrosion resistance, is an ideal material for roof structures, offering durable, low-maintenance solutions that enhance structural resilience. Its recyclability and design flexibility support eco-friendly construction and creative architectural designs.
EXPERIMENTS
The current focus of SPIF research centres on exploring its potential to enable architectural designs or objects with highly expressive forms and structures. However, there remains untapped potential in applying this technology to the development of architectural solutions optimised for water flow management. This project seeks to further investigate SPIF technology, refining incremental forming methods, and extending the geometric potential of the sheet metal, to achieve the optimisation of water flow management and control in architecture.
SPIF technology requires materials with good ductility. Materials such as metals in their natural state and quartz under specific conditions possess this property.
Functional Requirements
As a roof structure, it must provide basic protection against wind and rain. Therefore, the material should possess excellent corrosion resistance.
Considering the processing conditions, metallic materials are more suitable.
Aluminium alloy 1050 is a widely used grade of aluminium for general sheet metal work where moderate strength is required.
Alloy 1050 is renowned for its excellent corrosion resistance, high ductility, and highly reflective finish.
Durability and Longevity
Machining Surface Treatment Typical Applications
The material needs to have good corrosion resistance.
The material is easy to handle, replace, and assemble.
The sinusoidal function sheet metal during
function shaped depressions were designed, and forming tests were conducted on aluminium sheets at different depths to analyze the changes that occurred in the the process and the limits of material forming, to provide guidance for future designs.
Wavelength: 160mm
Amplification: 57.5mm
Actual Depth: 114.12 mm
Depth: 115mm
Wavelength: 160mm
Amplification: 65mm
Depth: 130mm
Actual Depth: 131.28 mm
Wavelength: 160mm
Amplification: 72.5mm
Actual Depth: Brocken
Depth: 130mm
Wavelength: 160mm
Amplification: 72.5mm
Actual Depth: 147.52 mm
Depth: 145mm
Fixture Design
Two fixtures were designed: one holds a square aluminium plate for standard testing, and the other bends it into an
Toolpaths tests
To understand the characteristics of SPIF technology, different geometries were designed for forming tests, such as Regular Surface, Irregular Surface, and Arch with Water Patterns, as well as different forms of toolpaths. 3D scanning technology was also used to compare the results.
Annealing technique tests
Annealing is a heat treatment that alters the physical and sometimes ductility and reduce its hardness, making it more workable. temperature, maintaining a suitable temperature for an appropriate
Fixture 01
Fixture 02
sometimes chemical properties of a material to increase its workable. It involves heating a material above its recrystallisation appropriate amount of time and then cooling.
PROTOTYPE DESIGN
Global design
The roof modules developed in this project demonstrate high adaptability to house structures with complex curvature. The project concluded with a collaboration involving a team specialising in the design of adaptable house frames, collectively exploring the potential of adaptable design workflows to both architectural and fabrication disciplines.
Functional requirements
The roof design requires several key functions: it can guide water flow to specific areas to achieve water flow management of architecture, utilize SPIF technology to create complex curved components, withstand wind and rain for outdoor durability, and enable rapid assembly and disassembly for sustainability and off-site construction. Together, these features ensure the roof's aesthetic appeal, durability, functionality, and sustainability.
Guide the Water Flow
To realise the purpose of water flow management, directing the flow of water to characteristic areas, echoing the water circulation system of the natural environment.
Wind and Water Resistant
The roof will be located outdoors in a park, and therefore, the basic requirements of a roof must be fulfilled to protect it from the wind and rain.
SHOULD THIS ROOF LOOK LIKE?
Design strategy
Combined with SPIF
Utilising the characteristics of SPIF technology allows for the design and manufacture of more complex curved components. 2 Assembly and Disassembly Design of components that enable rapid assembly and disassembly for project sustainability and off-site assembly.
The roof design employs a symmetrical structure to align with the timber frame, optimizing manufacturing time and workload. It is divided into a 4-by10 grid with 40 components per side for seamless connection with the timber frame. Various metal processing techniques, such as folding, welding, and robotic incremental sheet forming are combined to achieve precision and complexity in the roof elements.
Base surface Edge folding
The manufacturing and assembly process introduces folded edges to the roof components. Water flow simulations were conducted on both the base surface and the roof form with folded edges. Comparative analysis reveals that water primarily converges in the central area and along the eaves on both sides. Additionally, the folded edges influence the water flow, generating a slight diversion effect that alters the distribution pattern.
To realise the water flow management control through the roof elements, the expected water flow passing point is first set out, and the undulation pattern of the planar elements according to the expected water flow trend. By adjusting the angle and height of these undulations, the water is guided along a predetermined route.
The design's ability to direct water flow was tested using simulation software. The results indicate that rainwater predominantly follows the intended path, demonstrating the component's effectiveness in managing water flow.
By designing roof components with varying shapes, the flow path of rainwater can be effectively altered, allowing for precise management and control of water distribution.
Set points for rainwater flow through
Anticipated rainwater flow path
simulation Undulating trend of surfaces
Flow simulation Morphology design
Various roof pattern designs were explored during the design process to effectively manage and influence water flow.
The whole roof is divided into multiple panels, according to the consideration of the overall water flow control, the panels in different areas are designed with different patterns, and the water flow simulation is carried out through the software.
Paneling system
Design iteration
TOOLPATH DESIGN
Curvature analysis
By analysing the Principal Maximum type in Curvature Map Analysis, it is possible to show different regions to highlight areas with the highest curvature, where the path density and the surface interface are problematic during the machining process. This is where the path density and surface interface are prone to problems during the machining process. By focusing on this part of the path, all areas can be machined better.
Maching Toolpathes
For complex surfaces, each section has a different curvature. When considering the toolpaths for incremental forming of the robot arm, three different toolpaths were designed: Contour, Morphed Spiral and a combination of these two.
Toolpaths comparison
Morphed Spiral Contour
A spiral can be generated from selected boundaries, creating a uniformly spaced toolpaths on the surface, which is suitable for free-form and organic surfaces.
Divide the surface equidistantly in the vertical direction to toolpath contours of the same height.
The toolpaths will vary more on the Z-axis. This is highly susceptible to material breakage in SPIF. The toolpaths are divided exactly according to the height of the Z-axis, which ensures that the material is machined to the same depth each time for SPIF machining.
The toolpaths generated with Morphed Spiral will be very coherent and compact. It enables almost all areas to be machined.
The disadvantage of toolpaths by Contour is even more obvious since it is not possible to generate sufficiently dense toolpaths at the top of surfaces and at the junctions of more complex surfaces.
Advantages
Advantages
· Uniform distribution of machining in the Z-axis. · The path fits the machined surface and is evenly distributed.
Disadvantages
· The processing path is sparse in the high curvature region.
Disadvantages
· The process is complicated by the need to divide the surface first.
· Some of the processing paths are not smooth.
Advantages
· Uniform distribution of machining in the Z-axis.
Disadvantages
· The whole design process is cumbersome.
· It is not accurately possible to judge the delineated bonding areas.
While Morphed Spiral offers superior path density, its variation along the Z-axis significantly raises the risk of breakage in SPIF machining. Conversely, the Contour path exhibits weaker performance on certain surfaces, though this limitation can be mitigated by adjusting the path density. Therefore, the Contour path is ultimately more suitable for the SPIF machining process.
Contour
Combination
Morphed Spiral
MANUFACTURING DETAILS
Curvature analysis
Due to the difficulty of frame fixation with undulating edges, additional surface segments were incorporated to create straight edges for precise fabrication. This adjustment transformed the surface into four sections with straight edges. After forming, a table saw was used to trim away the excess material, ensuring accuracy and functionality.
3D scanning comparison
Joint design
Roof connections are classified into three main types of connections: Connector connections between transverse neighbouring structures; Overlapping connections between longitudinal neighbouring structures; Strip-covered connections that cover the entire roof. A variety of connectors have been designed with the connection of the roof to the trusses considered. The advantage of the final design is that it can be slid and secured on the truss rails without damaging the wood structure, and can also easily secure the roof panels.
A silicone-based system, with its soft structure, may introduce material deformation errors due to insufficient support. Additionally, individual timber structure fixings are prone to damage under excessive pressure.
Fix the connectors to the three sides of the roof beams by fixings.
Simplify the manufacturing process with waterjet and metal
The production process is intricate and materialintensive. Additionally, the rope structure’s fastening connections are complex and challenging to fabricate. Multiple fixing points may result in unbalanced forces at the attachment locations.
The upper part of the connector is bent in a single direction, often resulting in uneven forces on either side. Additionally, the connectors cannot be reliably secured in the designated position during sliding.
By applying a downward force to the bolt, the connection is secured in the desired position.
The upper part of the connector is fabricated using waterjet cutting and metal bending, while the lower part is produced via CNC machining to process multiple components simultaneously in batch, followed by cutting into individual parts after processing.
The connectors are secured by rotating the oval structure at the bottom.
Vertical structures in which the edge of the higher roof module overlaps the edge of the lower roof module, allowing rainwater to slide off
Bent strips of aluminium panels, covering the transverse connection structure, have the effect of preventing rainwater infiltration
The metal connectors are fixed in place and then bolted to the transverse structure
bending.
06 MOUNTAIN
Architectural robotics skill workshop
This project explores the fusion of traditional masonry techniques and advanced digital building technologies. By changing the angle of the wooden blocks, basic units were created that allowed for the construction of a curved wall, and parametric software assisted in the design of a free-form curved “wall”. Robotics technology was used in the construction process, and the basic logic of robotics construction was understood by designing the tool path of the robotic arm. The project also demonstrates the potential of combining traditional materials with digital tools.
DESIGN
A basic unit was designed based on varying angles, consisting of seven wooden blocks arranged in four layers. The blocks in the four layers are placed using one layer of parallel and one layer of interlocking blocks so that the blocks form interlocks with an angle between them both horizontally and vertically.
The basic units were rotated and combined, allowing specific blocks from one unit to connect with blocks from another. This interconnection enabled the units to be securely fixed to one another, providing mutual support. Physical models were tested to evaluate how the units fit together and assess the stability of the structure. Insights from the model testing informed iterative design improvements, focusing on the assembly process, the angles between interlocking blocks, and the methods used to stabilise the overall structure.
Investigated the staggered placement of short-size and longer-sized blocks, which add rhythm to the façade and at the same time make the structure more stable. Finally, two different lengths of block sizes (100 x 20 x 20mm/150 x 20 x 20mm) were used. In order to ensure precise placement of the blocks for pickup by the robotic arm, a positioning plate for the blocks was simply created by laser cutting.
100 x 20 x 20mm
150 x 20 x 20mm
Two sizes of wooden blocks
Laser cutting the slots for material placement
The final design drew inspiration from the concept of a "mountain," utilising various combinations of basic wooden block units to create a wall with a dynamic, flowing form. Curved interferences were introduced using Grasshopper, resulting in a free-form wall where the angles and positions of the wooden blocks are intentionally random and unique. While such a complex design would be challenging to achieve with traditional masonry techniques, the precision of robotics technology makes its accurate construction possible.
Final design
Design 01
Design 02
This stage is to design the toolpaths for the whole process of building the robotic arm inside Grasshopper. In addition to the basic parameter settings of the robot arm, it is also necessary to set the position of the robot arm to grab the wooden blocks, the path and sequence of the building process. Since the design needs to use two different sizes of wooden blocks, there were two gripping points, and according to the order of wooden block construction, the robot arm for different sizes of wood block gripping. The robotic arm will be placed exactly according to the designed toolpath. The precise placement of the robotic arm allowed the complex angle changes between the wooden blocks in the design.
We also encountered some problems in the actual construction: the position of the blocks may be shifted when the robot is placed due to the tolerance between the material sizes; the gripper may touch the other blocks when the robot is placed; the robot may touch the already built part of the block when gripping the block due to the material area being too close to the object; and we have even encountered the situation where the machine pauses automatically. We kept adjusting and modifying the parameters according to the problems we met, until we finally completed the assembly.
Tolerance in the placement of the block by the grip
When the gripper places a block, it touches other blocks
The robotic arm collides the already built structure
Air leakage from the air pump
07 RE-FORMED CLAY
Additive manufacturing skill workshop
This project involved extensive exploration of 3D printing techniques, focusing on the integration of toolpath design with architectural parametric design and manufacturing processes. It provided deeper insights into the potential of additive manufacturing technologies for innovative architectural applications.
INTERNAL
In this design, the main study was the print path setup for solid interiors (like bricks). The design was inspired by the Casa Batlló designed by Gaudi. A curved wall with a dragon scale skin was designed through Grasshopper and given a certain thickness. Then, one part of the wall was extracted as a brick to generate a simple toolpath for 3D printing.
Creating surfaces from curves
Generate scaly skin
Export to print
Casa Batlló designed by Gaudí
TOOLPATHS DESIGN
In this test it was desired that the interior of the brickwork would take the form of a folded support structure, saving material while allowing for stronger and more solid support. Therefore the toolpath was redesigned and a portion of the dragon scale wall with a large change in angle was also reextracted from the dragon scale wall for the print test.
Generate internal connection points
Generate folded toolpaths
Outer toolpaths
Select the points connected to the folded line
Output toolpaths
Eventually, it was successfully printed according to the design, at the time of printing at a more oblique angle, the bricks may be slightly deformed as the material is squeezed out from the nozzle, but due to the elasticity of the material, it does not affect the final form. It's necessary to pay attention to the path-topath relationship. Because the paths designed in Grasshopper are continuous single lines, but in the actual printing, the material has a certain thickness, leaving a suitable thickness between the paths can avoid overlapping prints, which will affect the overall effect.
OVERHANG PRINTING TEST
In previous print tests, found that if the nozzle was printed in the air, the material kept extruding, hanging in the air and not falling, so this test tried to explore printing in the form of strips hanging from the surface of an object, which can also test the characteristics of 3D printing and materials.
After designing a basic shape, the thickness of this column was increased with the intention of adding some hanging strips to its surface. Since it is a solid column, the toolpath of the nozzle needed to be reconsidered, and 3 types of toolpaths were designed: the outer layer, the inner layer, and the support structure that lies between the inner and outer layers. In some parts of the outer toolpath, the nozzles would print in mid-air, resulting in some hanging stripes.
