The Living Loop

ABSTRACT This project seeks to transform a plot in Poblenou’s 22@ district into a pioneering model of metabolic co-living and circular urbanism. By leveraging the district’s technological ecosystem and repurposing e-waste from nearby Green Points, the project integrates a localized recycling and up-cycling facility with innovative prefabrication techniques. Modular co-living units, structural frames, and facades … Read more

Directional Strength: Glulam Components in Force-Responsive Design

This research explores the optimization of glulam in architectural design by aligning material grading and grain orientation with force trajectories. Combining glulam offcuts and higher-grade timber, the study minimizes waste while maximizing structural efficiency. Computational workflows and generative algorithms are used to design force-aligned components for scalable applications. Prototypes demonstrate enhanced performance and sustainability, offering … Read more

Transient Plastics

The plastic crisis has reached staggering proportions. If all the plastic waste on Earth were laid out, it would be enough to cover the entire surface of Argentina ankle-deep. Every year, we produce 300 million tons of plastic globally. Yet only 10% remains in use, while more than 80% is discarded. Of this discarded plastic, … Read more

Intelligent Prototyping Combining Microcontrollers & Robotic Fabrication: Obstacle Detection – Notification System & Clay Pots

Microcontrollers This project focuses on creating an automated door system designed to enhance accessibility, particularly in healthcare environments such as hospitals and clinics. Using an ultrasound sensor to detect distance, the system provides auditory guidance and ensures safe and efficient door operation for users, including those with visual impairments. The system is programmed to announce … Read more

An Analysis of The Triple Bottom Line in Advanced Manufacturing of Non-standardized Materials

Process Defined “Advanced Manufacturing for Non-Standardized Materials” refers to the use of innovative manufacturing techniques to work with materials that do not conform to conventional standards or specifications.” Advanced Manufacturing: This encompasses cutting-edge technologies and methods, such as automation, robotics, 3D printing, and computer-aided design (CAD), which enhance efficiency, precision, and flexibility in the manufacturing … Read more

Intelligent Prototyping using Robot & Arduino

FABRICATED PROTOTYPES & DESIGN ANALYSISIn this project, our group explored the integration of parametric modeling, robotic fabrication, and data-driven analysis to optimize clay-based 3D printing. We began by generating two vase geometries using Grasshopper and subsequently fabricated these designs with an ABB 120 robotic arm extruding clay. Throughout the process, we recorded both visual documentation ... Read more

Intelligent Prototyping: robotics and micro-controllers

The work presented in this blog post is an approach combining Robotics and Microcontrollers as preparation for a main Research Studio project focused on sustainable facades and environmental guidelines. This represents our first steps in exploring these fields and their connections with Artificial Intelligence in Architecture and the Built Environment. In the Robotics domain, the … Read more

Paramorph Furniture

Context Architecture, in general, is the least optimized industry. This results in more workload and less output. Hence the productivity rate is negative 1.4. In the furniture industry, even loose or modular furniture, typically expected to have quicker turnaround times faces significant delays due to the manual nature of customization and the complexity of matching … Read more

Robotic Craft Interaction

An Intersectional Investigation Robotics is the field of study focused on the research and application of robotic systems. This definition, however, doesn’t provide much insight. So, what is a robot? Robots are machines that can operate autonomously or through programmed input to perform specific tasks, often replacing human effort. These tasks are typically complex and … Read more

PERSONA PARABOLOID

How can we map the confluence of humans and architecture? concept sketches design flow bill of materials arduino schematic code trial: distance / angles open position closed position

.WAVE LIGHT.

“When light scenography meet architecture” .Manifesto. This pavilion is conceived as an immersive scenographic installation that merges architectural geometry, lighting design, and environmental interaction. At its core, the project explores the dynamic relationship between form, light, and water, transforming the structure into a performative space that engages visitors through a carefully choreographed visual experience. The … Read more

Ecological Intelligence 1. Trimester 2024/25

In our seminar with Michael Salka and Mariano Gomez Luque, we explored the meaning of ecology and the multifaceted challenges of sustainability, materiality and humanity’s relationship with the planet. Over eight weeks, we delved into two distinct but deeply connected approaches to build with ecological thinking and addressing climate change as well as envisioning a … Read more

PlayScape – A Pavilion Crafted with Robotic Fabrication and Irregular Timber Offcuts

Playscape is a pavilion designed for children, crafted through robotic fabrication and guided by the principles of discrete architecture. The project utilizes timber offcuts—irregular remnants from the construction industry—as the primary material, transforming waste into a functional and playful architectural form. For this workshop, the material provided consisted of irregular wooden beam offcuts which served … Read more

ROTATIONAL COLUMN – CIRCULAR WOOD DESIGN

STATE OF ART Part to Whole HG-A, South Korea – 2014 Building Traditions with Digital Research Rui Oliveira, Jose Pedro Sousa – 2016 Columns are analyzed as primary element of Ferreira’s designs. Columns, traditionally crafted through meticulous layering of bricks, are viewed both as structural and visual elements in his designs. RESEARCH QUESTION; “In what … Read more

Research: Thermal Transmittance

Introduction – Hypothesis How can we optimize the geometry of different sections of a 3D-printed wall to adapt to varying levels of solar radiation and insulation requirements, while also reducing material usage and printing time? By deforming the infill patterns of 3D-printed earth walls, it is possible to optimize the thermal transmittance of the walls, … Read more

ROBOT-ASSISTED WEAVING + RAW MATERIALS / MRAC Workshop 1.2

Team member(s): Govind Chithrath, Santosh Shenbagamoorthy, Krystyn Kontos  , Aleksandra Kraeva and Lauren DemingModified by Lauren Deming on November 24, 2024 Ultimately, the goal is to develop more efficient means for harvesting and utilizing low-carbon footprint alternatives for construction. Course Objective Project Abstract Autonomous Weaving with Raw Materials explores the intersection between weaving automation and the use of raw materials. After analyzing … Read more

Weaving Natural Materials – Breathing Curtain Wall

Introduction As part of the workshop led by Javier Fuentes and Moritz Dörstelmann the Chair of Digital Design and Fabrication (DDF) at the Karlsruhe Institute for Technology (KIT), our team explored the potential of willow as an innovative material in architecture. This project merges sustainability, advanced design, and robotic technology to develop breathable and adaptive … Read more

Research : Optimizing Self-Shading in Clay 3D-Printed Geometries

Hypothesis Optimizing Self-Shading in Clay 3D-Printed Geometries Methodology Incidence vector analysis:Using the position of the sun in Barcelona to simulate realistic shading.Evaluation of different vectors and orientations to identify optimal shading configurations.Geometric modification:Create geometric modifications according to vectors at a precise hour, 14:00 on 21 June and then at different hours 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00.Adjusting … Read more

ROBOTIC FABRICATION SEMINAR

The environmental impact of the construction industry is a pressing concern. As architects, it’s essential that we shift from a linear model of consumption and production to a circular economy. In recent years, there has been notable progress in upcycling various construction materials and replacing high-emission materials like concrete with more sustainable alternatives, such as … Read more

Irregular Modularity

How can we use irregular elements of reclaimed offcut-timber to  challenge the methodology of using planar, Interlocking and stacking techniques which can then be utilized in the design of forms ? Data CollectionThis first starts with a collection of materials and the creation of a database. This database serves as a resource for the planning … Read more

Paint Bubble End Effector

The Hardware-I seminar explores different hardware tools for the purpose of making a custom end effector to be mounted on the robot flange. The objective of this end effector is to spill paint on a canvas. In our project, we aimed to control and precisely calibrate the smallest splash of paint possible by exploring one … Read more

FLOWPRESS – Creating Patterns with Parameters

Introduction This seminar invites students to explore making custom made spillers controlled by Arduino and a 6-axes robotic arm in order to paint spills on canvas with black acrylic paint. Context   Recently we have clearly observed immense changes in production, prototyping, and innovation that has been influenced by open source software, firmware and hardware. Human … Read more