Structural Hollow Cross Section Systems – Reed
Understanding reed column systems (from robotics for ecological buildings studio) through Karamba structural analysis and drawing methods.
The MAA is a visionary master program with an innovative and open structure, mixing diverse disciplines, shaping professionals capable of producing theoretical & practical solutions towards responsive cities, architecture & technology.
Horizontal Stacking
Structurally informed design strategy for reclaimed timber The first iteration explores the performance of an arched shaped beam and its related compression strategy.
Morphological Adaptation
“How can a real-time parametric system effectively optimize architectural truss geometry when constrained by a limited, randomized inventory of salvaged timber? “ Geometry vs. Inventory Standard architectural forms assume infinite material. When constrained by random, reclaimed timber offcuts, the geometry itself must adapt to survive. “Shifting the structural burden from material continuity to joint frequency.” Standard … Read more
PORTAL FRAME
Introduction — Intent Building a portal frame from reclaimed timber, focusing on splicing and shuffling techniques to adapt irregular pieces into a stable, structurally working system. Material Intelligence — Understanding the Stock Structural Logic — Portal Frame System Methodology — Overlay & Splice Strategy FABRICATION — Digital vs Physical The workflow was driven by existing … Read more
THE RECIPROCAL VIERENDEEL
DIMENSIONS MATERIAL USED PROCESS OF MAKING BEAM TEST SETUP BEAM DEFORMATION The images document progressive deflection under incremental loading (0 kg to 76 kg) where it can be observed that the block is taking the load on which the beam is placed and it is under high compression whereas beam is held by strap to … Read more
The Harmonica
The project documents the iterative design and manual fabrication of a 3-meter span beam constructed exclusively from limited recycled wooden members. Iterations The beam was developed through a series of structural iterations evaluated using utilization ratio, deflection, bending moment, axial force, and shear force. With a fixed inventory of recycled wooden elements, optimization focused on … Read more
Cloud Transparent Pavilion
Group includes: Nguyen Vu Tue Minh (Chloe) & Eduardo Martinez Toribio //OVERALL DESIGN OBJECTIVE //PRECEDENT: TEMPORARY PARAMETRIC PAVILION //COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN SYSTEM USING CRYSTALLON //MATERIAL RESEARCH: GLASS-REINFORCED RECYCLED PET (GR-RPET) //ANALYSIS Total Mass: 191.8 (kg) Natural Vibration Analysis Frequency: 9.45 (Hz) Max Displacement: 0.125 (m) //OPTIMISATION: GOALS & TARGET //OPTIMISATION: RESULTS //OPTIMISATION: LIGHTNESS VS STIFFNESS Baseline: … Read more
Morphologies of Making: Four Experiments in Digital Craft
Our digital fabrication journey unfolds through four experiments that explore how material, geometry, and technology negotiate form. Each project challenges a different fabrication technique: laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing, and robotic manufacturing, while asking a deeper question: How does digital logic reshape the language of craft? Laser Cutting Tessellated Lightfield This project explores the … Read more
BAMBOO
Exploring Low-Tech, Sustainable Construction Methods and Manual Strategies for Community Empowerment The use of bamboo in construction is emblematic of an ongoing tension between traditional knowledge and the global imperatives of sustainable development. Despite its traditional use in many regions, the potential as a resilient, self-sustaining construction material remains largely underexplored in the contemporary architectural … Read more
KINXA | The future built with tradition
Vernacular architecture has steadily lost relevance in contemporary practice. Industrialized construction methods, aesthetic shifts, and the pursuit of perceived reliability in materials like concrete and steel have overshadowed traditional techniques. However, these modern materials often come at a high environmental cost. Among the overlooked methods is quincha, a construction technique common in Latin America. It … Read more
Evo-Core
GENETIC OPTIMIZATION OF THE STRUCTURAL WARDROBE ELEMENTS Project Abstract The structural wardrobe is reimagined as the primary vertical load-bearing core in a compact architectural system ( From the Data Informed Structures 2024-2025). Acting as both a partition and a support, this wardrobe spans between floor and ceiling, bearing compressive and tensile loads while housing essential … Read more
KINXA | Frame Optimization with Karamba
Our goal for this Computational Design assignment was using Karamba along with Wallacei to optimize the mass and deformation of the timber frames of our construction system called KINXA. It is a modernized version of the vernacular technique used in Latin America called “Quincha” which consists of the use of a wood or cane frame, … Read more
Advanced Manufacturing Cluster – T02
Analog End Effector Explorations Mechanical End Effector Explorations Final Robotic Jig Design | Facade Iterations
KINXA
KINXA aims to bring vernacular construction back into contemporary architecture by systemizing traditional “quincha”. At the same time, through a redesigned material system, KINXA seeks to take advantage of local resources and lower even more its precedent carbon footprint. Quincha is a technique prevalent in Latin America which consists of the use of a wood … Read more
