Category Archives: Students

Magnetic Architecture

By angel.moreira | Published: June 1, 2012

Our design investigation is a research that explores the possibility of creating an intelligent system that manipulates magnetic material to form architecture using magnetic force as temporary formwork.

The process involved the study and research of different kinds of compounds and chemicals mixed with iron filings that self arranged between two or more magnets of opposite poles. It also involved the study of what kind of connections could be made using this material between two magnets.

After understanding the typologies of forms and connections that would be possible, the focus was shifted to creating 3 dimensional networks and two dimensional surfaces using the magnetic methodology. The realization that we would be able to build complex three dimensional networks using predefined trajectories encouraged us to start investigating a system that was set up such that the self assembling material computes the structure to be built depending on the external form of each element.

In the present, efforts are being channelized towards building a device that can work in a shopbot/KUKA environment to create magnetic structures using a feedback system of artificial vision in a sort of emergent and self evolving basis.

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Also posted in Akhil Kapadia, Alexandre Dubor, Angel Fernando Lara Moreira, Gabriel Bello Diaz, Uncategorized | Comments closed

FLEXI MOULDS

By raja.vignesh | Published: May 31, 2012

Flexi Moulds, aims at developing a universal building constructions system which is based on multi materials wherein the primary material acts as a mould or scaffold while the secondary enables  in constructing the desired structure.

Our research deals with the most abundantly available natural granular material i.e SAND, which when subjected to load is best in taking heavy compression load. Apart from having the advantage of being reused, the material flow when choreographed and programmed as desired, produces complex harmonious forms and patterns. By following these patterns, we could create structures both organic and symmetric, multi layered as well as multi module structures.

A detail study of behaviour of single sand pile and behavioural change of the same pile due to interaction with multiple piles, has been our focus to generate algorithm or complex network by simulating the granules both at micro and macro level. The algorithms are generated by treating the surface of pile as contours and are used to define the trajectory of mortar flow. Also, the perimeter of piles are used to defines the curvatures while the interactive points are used to generate the main structural support system. Thus the resultant structure is designed to take compression load at all scales.

Fleximoulds is also working towards developing a insitu construction system, wherein the support material could be easily moulded and later on removed easily once the main structure is set without any technical complications. The system also aims at developing a feedback system on the real time conditions of deposition of primary material, so that any changes  in the resultant structure could be incorporated before execution. The same is also subjected to optimization in terms of material usage and structural stability.


Also posted in Bhavya Vora, Guruprakash Gonvidasami, Phase 3, Ranjini Manimudi | Comments closed

Fabclay

By admin | Published: May 30, 2012

Fabclay is the project that demonstrates the new vision of making architectural design and constructions, In terms of changing the logic of built from human as a constructor to machine, regarding to new aspects of technology possibilities.

It has started from researches on traditional way of building with simple and accessible materials and continued by expanding the connections between architecture and new technology.

Through digital design process we are able to make complex shapes by simple rules that are emerging from mechanic performance and material’s possibility.

Material’s properties and its communication with machines will create the performance in which complex forms can be emerged, therefore exploring the behavior of material and its’ potentials give rise to develop prototypes in order to achieve architectural applications in variation of species in terms of scale, form and function.

Also posted in Jose Starsky Naya Lara, Nasim Fashami, Sasa Jokic | Comments closed

Pet Flakes

By theodoros.grousopoulos | Published: May 30, 2012
Emergent ecological problems require a different approach as far as the architectural practice is concerned. Due to the current hazardous state of ecological imbalance, architecture owes to be both responsive and responsible. We need to move further than vague design. Creation is the essence of the profession but has to embrace a different, sustainable mentality. As architecture cannot be seen independently from its environment-and especially today more than any time in the past-the design, the material and the actual architectural process must comply with and adapt to the occurred environmental needs.
Triggered by the global issue of plastic waste and its consequences, the project seeks to contribute to the literal purge of the problem. Instead of using an aggregate raw material, it exploits the potential of a material coming immediately from post-consumer waste approaching it according to an innovative manner. Thus, plastics coming straight from garbage are used in order to explore the relation between matter, design and technology.
Also posted in Akram Ahmed Salah, Christiana Vlanti, Pavlos Bakagiannis, Phase 3, Theodoros Grousopoulos | Comments closed

Con-Crear

By deniz.tumerdem@iaac.net | Published: May 29, 2012

“Con-crear” project aims to advance and contribute in the ongoing research of additive manufacturing applying as material concrete and finally revealing new potentialities. This thesis focuses on the most man used construction material deployed for a variety of projects from housing to infrastructure. It should be underlined that its price, availability and high performance are aligned to its popularity. The innate material’s behavior is studied and informed in order to liberate architecture from pre-conceived forms and sterile formal explorations while the construction process is completely visible to the outcome. The “Con-Crear”  project develops a vertical growth system in which a unit which varies within itself is being populated. The physical properties of a tubular extrusion of cement and water mix leads to a geometrical function of incremental growth informing constantly a design catalogue. In the same time, the limit of hydration and subsequently merging (of neighboring surfaces) time defines restrictions from which new opportunities of design emerge.

So, liberating the structure of the known constraints like molds and scaffolds but embedding others which derive from the material’s properties and the rules of nature (on top of all, the gravity), how much further can we go?

Also posted in Deniz Tumerdem, Einar Hlér Einarsson, MARILENA GEORGANTZI, Phase 3 | Comments closed