The Digital Fabrication Seminar explores different scales of production for architecture, using Digital and Robotic Fabrication techniques such as: CNC cutting (laser) & milling, 3D printing, moulding, casting, as well as composite design and fabrication. One of the goals is to introduce thinking around production as a workflow, by following the evolution of the design through process iterations.
Syllabus
Digital Fabrication is an introductory course on new production techniques through the relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication.
CNC machines were introduced in the middle XXth century into industry, changing the conception of the production of objects and parts (mainly in the automotive and military industries, and then into mass-consumed products). The relationship between architecture and digital fabrication CAD / CAM processes in architecture is not new anymore, it started during the last two decades of the XXth century, bringing in a new relationship that is not only affecting the way architecture is produced but is changing the way machines are constructed and conceived for the production of architecture.
At first, the relation between architecture and digital fabrication has been focused on the production of non-standard parts/components and on the speculation of forms as an end itself. Instead, the seminar will focus on geometry and machines as a means to develop the performance-based design with efficient fabrication methods.
Learning Objectives
The aim of the course is to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: Laser Cutting, CNC milling and 3D Printing. Assignments will be supported by an iterative exploration of each technology and material, going through a conceptual and prototyping process of design each week.
By the end of the course, every student should be familiar with digital modelling, fabricating, documenting and assembly of a structure. Students should be able to invent strategies to translate geometry into an articulated constructible solution, produce the CAD-CAM file for production and use the CNC machines by themselves. During the course, students will also learn the principle of a FabLab and learn how to use this collaborative maker space in a safe, clean and respectful way.
Faculty
Faculty Assitants
Projects from this course
Exploration into Vertical Elements
This term, the exploration of three fabrication techniques—Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, and CNC Milling—led to the creation of three vertical facade prototypes. Drawing inspiration from organic movements and waves, our laser-cut design explores the interlocking techniques with Polypropylene and acrylic.The 3D printed geometry also explores the interlocking, this time as a mobility tool, creating a … Read more
HKMRS FACADE SYSTEMS
In the realm of contemporary architecture, the exploration of vertical elements has become a captivating journey, pushing the boundaries of design and construction. This submission delves into the innovative domain of digital fabrication, where 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting converge to explore possibilities for architectural facades. Inspired by the dynamic cityscape of Barcelona, … Read more
Introduction to Digital Fabrication – Functional forms
Through the 3 digital fabrication methodologies the projects that follow aim to use the limitations and capabilities of each system to create a vertical architectural system which serves function apart from just aesthetics. The various functions served are from Natural lighting control, Sound Mitigation and Air temperature control. Laser cutting – Gothic Funk This laser … Read more
The flow fabrication
CNCMILLING “Dynamic Dunes” Description:The dynamic dunes capture the organic beauty of smooth, curvy sand dunes while introducing an element of tension at its core. The smoothly contoured surfaces emulate the natural flow of wind-sculpted dunes, creating a visually engaging and harmonious exterior. At the heart of the sculpture, a carefully crafted tension point disrupts the … Read more
The Way Of Water
As an underlying theme we chose to explore the various movements of water, as a catalyst that drives each of our fabrication process. Laser Cut – Oscillation | 3D Printing – Coral Growth | CNC Milling – Ripple Effect LASER CUTTING | OSCILLATION The concept behind this design gets its inspiration from oscillating waves … Read more
Material Waves – Digital Fabrication
In this class we were introduced to three fabrication techniques, Laser Cutting, 3D printing and CNC milling. In each technique we were tasked with creating prototypes of vertical facade elements that could be used in architectural applications. Every two weeks of the course we learned how to use each technology and then fabricated our own … Read more
Introduction to Digital Fabrication
Group 20 Timber Spatial Joint Concept The aim of this timber spatial joint was to explore the bending technique applied to plywood or MDF using kerfing but also apply it in 2 directions instead of 1. The bent joint is then inserted into the circular wooden sticks and fixed in place using a wooden dowel. … Read more
Digital Fabrication – Testing & Prototyping
During the 3-week course of the Digital Fabrication course, we tested and investigated the opportunities and limitations that the latest fabrication methodologies provide in terms of design and fabrication. In this regard, we tested different materials and machines using CNC Milling, Laser Cutting and 3D Printing strategies. CNC Milling For the CNC Milling testing and … Read more
Introduction to Digital Fabrication
The introductory Digital Fabrication course proposed a three-week program of how to use three manufacturing methods- 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling in order to understand the correlation between computer data and machine based fabrications. The intensive course dealt with research and study of each of the 3 techniques and led to detailed explorations … Read more
Slicing, Smoothing and Precision
Over the past three weeks, we took the Digital Fabrication introductory course through which we developed a foundational understanding of production techniques such as 3D printing, CNC milling, and laser cutting. In each section, we explored the capabilities and limitations of the manufacturing processes through test prototypes before finalizing the geometries. 3D PRINT_Angle Slicing In … Read more
Digital ways of Fabrication
Abstract The introductory course on Digital Fabrication proposes exploring new production techniques through the relationship between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. The final purpose was to acclimatize with the three most common digital fabrication processes: CNC milling, Laser Cutting, and 3D Printing.Our personal exploration of these techniques is here disclosed with these three models, which … Read more
Fabricating with Parameters
During the Introduction to Digital Fabrication course, we aimed to understand the methods of programming 3D Printing, CNC Milling and Laser Cutting machines. To learn the fundamentals of digital fabrication process, we had a certain amount of time for each method. Within the scope of the task, we wanted to get a grip on the … Read more
From Pattern to Modular Solutions
In order to familiarize and introduce us to different types of machinery tools and techniques, our studio was divided to three weeks of learning and exploring different machines related to different forms of digital fabrication. Each week we learned how to design and execute our model on different software related to the fabrication typology. This … Read more
INTRODUCTION TO DIGITAL FABRICATION | GROUP 3
In the Introduction to Digital Fabrication we were required to explore and investigate 3 different manufacturing processes which consisted of using a Laser Cutter, a 3D Printer and a CNC Milling machine. In the laser cutting exercise we looked at how to form a 3D spatial joint from 2D laser cut pieces. Essentially figuring out … Read more
Exploration to digital fabrication
ABSTRACT The digital fabrication studio introduced us to new techniques and ideas through relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. AIM The aim of this course was to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication process: 3D printing, CNC machine and Laser cutting. Each of us have designed their own idea and … Read more
Paradigm Shift
As an introduction to digital fabrication, a 3-weeks course was planned on new production techniques through the relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. The aim of the course was to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: Laser Cutting, CNC milling and 3D Printing. We had to explore each technology … Read more
DIGITAL FABRICATION TECHNIQUES
3D PRINTING Tutored by Ricardo Mayor The 3D Printing Machine produces high accuracy parts from Rhino or CAD with a high level of automation.As an additive manufacturing technology, the 3D printer allows for much more freedom in the forms it can create. Through the layering of filament the 3D printer can create complex forms although … Read more
Liquefied Conjectures
?? The aim of the digital fabrication introductory course was to utilize three fabrication methods – 3D printing, laser cutting, and CNC milling – to explore different possible geometries and outputs. The group’s aim for the three exercises has been to conjecture what different geometries would produce the most interesting outcomes in combination with the … Read more
Optimizing Form & Material Behavior
Abstract The aim of this exercise is the understanding of new production techniques through the relation between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication, bringing in a new perspective towards architecture and digital fabrication. As well as being able to invent strategies to translate geometry and systems into articulated and constructible solutions through exploring the opportunities arising … Read more
Flip, Kerf & Tile
00 – ABSTRACT Over the three weeks that lasted the Digital Fabrication Course the main goal was to learn how to develop, model, use the available machinery and prototype designs. For each week a different machine and techniques were used, respectively, CNC Milling, Laser Cutting and 3D printing. Different strategies were applied to achieve the … Read more
Suppleness
Digital Fabrication is an introductory 3-week course on new production techniques through the relationship between computer data and machine-oriented fabrication. The course aims to explore the design opportunities arising from three common digital fabrication processes: laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing. Laser cutting_spatial joints This exercise aimed to join recycled timber beams into informed … Read more
Grappling The Grid
The Digital Fabrication introductory course focused on the exploration of different fabrication processes and getting to know the logic behind Laser cutting, 3D Printing and CNC Milling. The main aim of the course was not only to familiarize one with the machines and the FabLab protocol, but also to learn to design with the capabilities and … Read more
Prisms | Bending Modulor | Waving
ABSTRACT The aim of the digital fabrication course was to prototype and produce desired designs in 3 different methods like 3D printing, laser cutting and CNC milling. We explored variety of machining strategies to create particular textures and joints while the fabrication time was under consideration. EXERCISE 1 _ CNC Milling _ Prismatic Voronoi The final … Read more
