Performative Morphology

Summer Semester 2020 I ICD/ITKE Studio
ITECH Module 25991
Master Module 47531, -41, -51 Computerbasiertes Entwerfen 1,2,3

ICD: Prof. A. Menges, F. Amtsberg, L. Orozco, H.J. Wagner
ITKE: Prof. Dr.-Ing. J. Knippers, S. Bechert, A. Krtschil,  D. Sonntag

Performative Morphology

ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2020

Many current wood building systems are defined by their modular nature. Even though engineered wood processes open up the fabrication of modules of almost unlimited size and shape, transportation requirements and ease of on-site assembly greatly limit the complexity and scale of these systems and the resulting buildings. Furthermore, the anisotropic nature of timber fibres limits most structures to be uni-directional.
Recent developments in computational design methods, material science, and fabrication techniques open up new possibilities to overcome these technical limitations. Students have investigated modular robotic fabrication and assembly processes for timber with high and for levels of automation, alongside material systems, and design and engineering methods, in order to identify potential future trajectories. They have also positioned analysed precedents within the larger disciplinary context.
Based on these initial studies new tectonic assemblies and their resulting morphospaces will be explored. Students will take part in this explorative and comparative process which will enable them to investigate multi-storey timber construction in interdisciplinary teams as well as developing suitable computational design tools for their development.
Outcome of these investigations will be an overview of the topic in the context of the discipline and a series of contextually informed fabrication concepts and proposals for their application as proto architectural systems. This system will serve as the basis for the development and fabrication of the 2020 ICD / ITKE Research Pavilion.
This project offers the opportunity to apply computer-based design, planning, calculation and production methods in an integrated design process on a real 1:1 scale project and develop experience on all phases of project development: from digital planning, planning application through to robotic manufacturing and assembly on site.

Due to the online-teaching format, the focus in the first half of the semester will be on the refinement of building system concepts, structural simulation, and fabrication simulation. These studies will then be complemented by physical prototyping in the second half of the semester as a stepping stone to the fabrication of the 2020 ICD / ITKE Research Pavilion. Resources and student work are being hosted in an online file repository, and presentations will be held over video conferencing asoftware

Prerequisite: Seminar Computerbasiertes Entwerfen

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