Digital Materialization: Additive and Robotical Manufacturing with Clay and Silicone

Abstract

Through the use of algorithmic design methods and an ever growing variety of digital fabrication tools the complexity of process in the architectural discipline seems to be increasing. As this statement might apply to a variety of different areas of computational design and process management, this perceived growing complexity does not have to be viewed as unnecessary complication of design processes, if palpable and justifiable benefits occur. This paper intends to analyse and investigate the potential arising from digital tools of fabrication, specifically robots and 3D printers, and from open source platforms on exploring and managing complexity while enabling both simplicity of process and simplicity of implementation through emerging open source cultures. Building on this assumptions, this paper explores the professional possibilities generated the implementation of robotics as part of the academic curriculum. The theoretical concept of Machinecraft will be introduced and showcased on two research project, both focussing on advanced digital tools, additive manufacturing and machine engineering. Please write your abstract here by clicking this paragraph.