Detail Matters: An Architectural Exploration through a Digitally Crafted Cabin
The seminar explores a series of methodologies, that incorporate advanced design thinking, generative algorithms and mass customized fabrication in existing industrial processes. This development is accompanied with novel interfaces for robotic programming and large-scale automated construction.
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 of the XXth century into the 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.
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 iterative explorations of each technology and materials, going through conceptual and prototyping processes of design each week.
By the end of the course, students will be familiar with digital modelling, fabricating, documenting and assembly of a structure. Students will be able to invent strategies to translate geometry into an articulated constructible solution, produce CAD-CAM files for production and use 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.
This term, we explored three Digital fabrication techniques: CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, and 3D Printing. Our objective was to create A Cabin Integrating and investigating the characteristics of each technique. Concept The waffle cabin, designed for future human use, is tailored for different terrains, including beach, desert, forest, and plain regions. The primary structure of … Read more
DIGITAL FABRICATION 3D Printing | CNC Milling | Laser Cutting 3D PRINTING As we embarked on this three-week journey of digital fabrication, we began with 3D printing in the first week. Our goal was to create something that could be integrated with our other techniques in the weeks to come. To maintain flexibility and openness … Read more
Balance. Structure. Flow. Essentials in design and in life. Through an exploration of these concepts we have been able to create this cantilevered space with more complexity than what meets the eye. Modular 3D printed components give our Mobile Cabin the capacity to be placed or removed at any time. Through the usage of the … Read more
Throughout this class, we explored three key fabrication techniques: Laser Cutting, 3D Printing, and CNC Milling. For each method, we were challenged to develop and prototype digital fabrication solutions for a Digitally Crafted Cabin project. For laser cutting, we used a slicing technique with acrylic. Inspired by organic shapes like spines and bones, we aimed … Read more
Our concept Kit of Parts is inspired by homes that can be easily assembled and disassembled and adapt in size. We are living in an ever changing world that is under a lot of stress caused by climate change. We thought that a cabin that could move easily and become smaller or larger was a … Read more
Our cabin project is a public space for relaxation and meditation, constructed in three parts. The CNC-milled topographic base serves as a parametric bench, designed to mimic natural terrain and provide a comfortable, seamless seating experience that integrates with the surroundings. This precision-milled base offers ergonomic curves and a natural feel. Above, a laser-cut roof … Read more
ArtNest stands as a versatile pavilion, conceived to serve as a dynamic exhibition space for a variety of art installations. Purposefully crafted to blend functionality with aesthetic allure, ArtNest redefines the pavilion typology by providing a flexible framework that adapts to diverse artistic needs. The architecture of ArtNest illustrates the compelling synergy between traditional design principles … Read more
DIGITAL FABRICATION 3D Printing | CNC Milling | Laser Cutting “Rotating Ridge” is an innovative facade module designed for a compact cabin, exploring the integration of three key digital fabrication techniques—3D printing to CNC milling and laser cutting. This design is trying to establish responsive shading system, structural framework and an visually harmonized façade. The … Read more
The project developed in the Introduction to digital Fabrication seminar involved designing and fabricating three distinct elements of a cabin, each using a different digital fabrication technique. Through this process, we explored the applications of laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing. “The Spine” is a cabin based on an arched type structure, inspired by … Read more
The project Warded explores the concept of a “cabin of the future.” When considering future projections, it is difficult to estimate the exact needs and conditions; therefore, Warded is designed for flexibility. For its canopy structure, a traditional tile roof-like pattern is reimagined and interwoven further, like fabric, produced through laser cutting. A fractal tree, … Read more
The Concept when tasked with designing a cabin, we envisioned elegant, simple forms that would stand in contrast to the complex, organic shapes of nature. as we considered the landscape it would inhabit, we realized that this cabin wouldn’t just sit on the land—it would CLING to it, embracing the terrain in a dynamic and … Read more
3D PRINTING REFERENCES Inspired by the interplay of flexibility and precision , this concept captures the merging of fluid fabric forms with the structured intricacies of 3d printing and laser cutting . By layering printed patterns onto pliable textiles , this project explores the seamless integration of hard and soft elements , creating a form … Read more
In this term, we had the opportunity to explore the three distinct fabrication techniques- CNC Milling, Laser Cutting and 3D printing – which resulted in the production of our cabin components CNC MILLING “Diamtic Echoes” A wall was created with layered cutouts and a grid system to add depth. In order to experiment with material … Read more
This term, we explored three fabrication techniques: CNC Milling, Laser Cutting, and 3D Printing. Our objective was to create complex geometries while investigating the unique properties of each method. Through this investigation, we aimed to demonstrate how different shapes can be produced using various machines and techniques, thereby enhancing our understanding of advanced fabrication processes. … Read more
The Concept GeoCabin is an exploration of three forms of digital fabrication: CNC Milling, Laser Cutting and 3D Printing. It features a continuous, blob-like geometry inspired by the lime-green blobs found in the Andes. The geometry was created through parametric algorithms, blending curves and voids. The design process evolves from a base geometry to a … Read more
