COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN FOR ROBOTIC FABRICATION
DRAGON BRIDGE // CUT, PICK & PLACE
// PRECEDENT
Initially for the project we started looking at existing structures that have stacking elements that created interesting twisting ‘column-like’ structures. We looked at the contact points of these elements, the way they create an overall twisting pattern and how we could vary the shape and size depending on the rules we decided on.
Our element started creating an arch like pattern so we went on to look at precedent of arches as an architectural application. We looked at how the arch could support itself or be held up by elements like extended sticks or cables.
// MODULE EXPLORATION
Individual unit exploration:
Aggregation stacking exploration:
// RULES
We came up with a set of rules for the individual unit as well as for the aggregation unit. This included contact points, angles of rotation, the length of sticks, the area of overlapping, the center of mass and angle of rotation planes.
// ANEMONE LOOP
Curve Control // Contact points and rotation angles
Curve Control // Contact points and rotation angles
Curve Control Animation:
// FABRICATION ANALYSIS
Robotic Setup:
Fabricating in parts:
Because of the curved structure and limited reachable area of the robot to fabricate, we came up with the solution of fabricating in parts so that each section will be fabricated on a flat plane by the robot.
Plane angle / center of mass:
By calculating the center of mass as the structure follows the curve, we could create a rule to extend elements out so that they can counter-balance the weight of the structure.
Plane angle / center of mass:
Aggregation curves
// PRODUCTION COST ANALYSIS
We calculated the rough estimate of a production cost analysis of a structure of 100 units. We took into account:
- Cost per wooden stick
- Time of robotic fabrication of unit (including cutting and placing)
- The cost per hour for robotic fabrication
- The cost per hour of human craft assembly
// ROBOTIC SIMULATION
// FINAL AGGREGATION
// ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATION
// VIDEO
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Dragon Bridge is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia
developed in the Master in Advanced Architecture 2019/20 by:
Students: Hanna Lepperød & Ilaena Mariam Napier
Faculty: Alexandre Dubor & Ricardo Mayor
