Intensive Structures workshop
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School of Architecture and Digital fabrication Lab at the Universidad Catolica de Chile (PUC) Intensive Structures workshop focused on the design and fabrication of a full-scale exhibition display prototype, to be deployed in different public spaces in Santiago, as an experimental process of teaching parametric design principles, techniques and digital fabrication methods. The strategy proposed through this academic exercise was to utilise parametric models as a means to materialise driving variables of the project into unexpected geometries. The brief was to design and construct the display for 160 projects done by the Schools of Architecture, Design and Urban Studies at the Universidad Catolica de Chile, aiming to produce an exhibition capable of promoting interdisciplinary work across the university and a means of communication with society. The workshop looked into this brief as an opportunity to explore parametric design techniques and digital fabrication processes with a group of 18 undergraduate students with no previous experience with digital design. The workshop took place at PUC’s School of Architecture and Digital Fabrication Lab from the 5 - 11 March 2009. Context, time scale and available technology resulted in an interesting combination of advanced digital design and fabrication techniques and low-cost mass-produced materials.Parametric design tools are often regarded as tools to rationalise forms, incorporating constructive criteria to make free-forms possible to build, therefore pre-design and post-rationalisation strategies always restrict the potential of parametrics. The counter model we explored with the students was based on the integration of architectural strategies and computational possibilities implemented through relational models capable of adapting to parameters, constraints and possibilities of variation inherent to a project. Materials and machines Machines: CNC router (sponsored by PUC’s Digital fabrication Lab), Jigsaw, Screwdrivers, StaplersMaterials: Plywood, Boards, Screws, Staples, Duct Tape Software Digital Project Participants Tutors: Arturo Lyon and Claudio Labarca Outcome The material outcome of the workshop was an exhibition display that was assembled in different public spaces in Santiago for a year. The knowledge gained by the exploration of this design methodology resulted in the articulation of critical design issues mainly the potential of variation and control of contemporary digital design and fabrication techniques. This methodology was furthered by the students who went on to create large wooden roof structures.NotesThe workshop aimed for the fabrication of a 1:1 piece. We learned how precise models need to be to make everything happen on time and that a clear naming system for parts saves you a lot of time! It was almost devastating to realise that a decision we made in 1 second on the screen could give us extra work for two days.Thoughts Workshops allow for an intensive and effective exploration of digital design and fabrication techniques at the core of the architectural design process. Short durations and no long term academic compromises with these formats have opened many opportunities to introduce design experimentation to a wide range of architectural schools around the world. This gives the chance for young teachers and students to explore the potential freedom of contemporary design methods. Contact Arturo Lyon Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Mobile +56 9 68371076Address: El Comendador 1916, Providencia, Santiago, Chile |
Method Collaborative Work Scheme was based on teams that formed according to the topology of their proposal and the possibility of combining with other teams into different topological groups.Intensive Geometry as approach to design: The starting point for the designs was the definition of variables that could change, allowing for the exhibition of models and boards that could engage the visitors in different ways throughout the exhibition. Driving variables through relational models: The second step was to set up digital models that could define geometry associated with changing variables. First studies were done with physical and digital modelling techniques that the students had learned previously as well as a lot of manual work! Parametrically driven geometry: The behaviour of components, in response to driving variables, was taken into an associative geometry platform to test the several versions for the exhibition display. The platform was developed with Digital Project using parametric modelling techniques and scripted reactions to define the response of components to local changes in the system. Digital Fabrication Process: During the last week more than 800 different parts, defined by the parametric model, were cut with a CNC router at the PUC’s Digital Fabrication Lab. These were then named and assembled by the students into larger components. Assemblage Process: Moving all the parts to the first assembly site and hoping that all the naming was correct!
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