Inspired by advanced fiberglass infusion techniques within the wind blade industry, the studio researched composite fabri- cation of “mega-panels” while integrating robotic technology to fabricate panels without a mould .
The San Francisco MOMA Facade designed by Snohetta, fabricated by Kreysler Associates and the DIOR Flagship-store in Seoul, Korea, designed by Portzamparc are architectural precedents which showcase how composite fabrication is being used in construction today. Questioning the cost, energy and waste of mould production for large scale facade panels, the students will investigate design- ing mouldless composite panels for an architectural application . Material based research will be used to generate a feedback loop between physical material studies in the robot lab and digital design tools including simulation of performative criteria.
The ambition is to work with robotic fabrication technique, using motion to create 3 dimensional fiberglass “mega panels”; to use the robots as a precision and time based tool and motion actuator for variability between the individual prototypes.
The fabrication technique is being developed in close collaboration with Neil Smith / Composite One, Rick Pauer / Polynt, Bill Kreysler / Kreysler Associates and Kais Al-Rawi / Walter P Moore & Associates.
Further the Architectural Division, a committee of the American Composites Manufacturing Association (ACMA) Composites Growth Initiative, has announce the first COMPOSITES DESIGN CHAL- LENGE for architectural students. Next to other selected institutions A.UD has been invited to participate in what promises to be an exciting material investigation focused on novel means of integration of composite constructions into architectural production. The strongest and most imaginative results of this challenge will be prominently featured in the ACMA COMPOSITES PAVILION at the upcoming AIA National Convention in Philadelphia in May 2016.
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