WRKSHP BRIEFS

ITALY /  WALL^2

LaN@ROMA  in collaboration with SOLIDO / hosted by  IN/ARCH

7 DAY WORKSHOP

The idea of Wall-Squared surfaces as a way of initiating explorations of complex surfaces.  ITERATIVE design will be the emphasized design mode. Participants will be given a preliminary WALL and asked to design a second iteration through a controlled modification of a project  parameters. Subsequent design iterations will seek to fully integrate insight gained from 1:1 scale fabrication explorations.

The workshop proposes the exploration of ‘digital tectonics’ whereby  the emphasis is on total integration between digital modeling and fabrication at a 1:1 scale.   Parametric design will be utilized in both methodology and modeling, where students will explore both associative and generative techniques that investigate variation in form and stress physical production design integration.   The  workshop will result in the production of full scale, digitally manufactured prototypes. Three main topics will be examined 1/ digital design theory, 2/ parametric design + modeling [RHINO, RHINO SCRIPTING, PARACLOUD] and 3/ digital fabrication [RHINOCAM] Each of the four tutors hold different specializations within the stated aspects. The workshop will emphasize the importance of fusing the three topics, and the final outcome will consist of a fully integrated design- to-production prototypes through engagement with accessible CNC production means–3d printer, CNC routers & laser cutters.

USA /  [WIND]STUDIO

MONTANA STATE UNIVERSITY /  VISITING SCHOLARS STUDIO

15 week GRADUATE STUDIO 

Luis Fraguada_ Sept. 8 -19th    Monika Wittig_ Oct. 6-17th  Shane Salisbury_ Nov. 3-14th

The 2008 visiting scholars studio will be taught by Luis Fraguada, Monika Wittig .and Shane Salisbury of Live Architecture Network.  The studio will explore the realm of digital tectonics, which is an approach that emphasizes total integration between digital modeling and fabrication at a 1:1 scale. A parametric design approach will be utilized in both methodology and modeling, where students will explore both associative and generative techniques that investigate variation in form and stress physical production efficiency. The studio will result in the production of full scale, digitally manufactured prototypes using the CNC mill. Three main topics will be examined (digital design theory, parametric design / modeling, and digital fabrication), with each of the three tutors focusing on a different aspect of the project. However, the studio will emphasize the importance of fusing the three topics, and the desired studio outcome will consist of a fully integrated production.
MATERIALS:
Large scale models will be produced using the CNC milling machine. Students will work in groups, but will be asked to split costs on project material. Tutors will again make efforts to find discounts and recycled or donated material.
METHODOLOGY
The studio will consist of 1 semester long project. The “Overall Project” will be supported by 3 subprojects intended to teach valuable skills that could be positively integrated into the final work. Subprojects will be consistent with the individual tutors theme and will be integrated into the 2 week teaching
period in workshop or design charrette format. Participation, contribution, and sharing of knowledge will be encouraged within the class and will be a
percentage of the final grade. Students will be asked to compile research and present case studies to benefit the class as a whole.

 OVERALL PROJECT THEME:
EXTREME CLIMATES | An Exploration of Digital Design and Fabrication for High Wind Areas. 

The Role of Digital Fabrication The Pre-Fab aspect present in many forms Digital Fabrication not only offers the architect the advantage of assuming a role as the “master builder” but also gives the advantage of manufacturing a kit of parts that can be transported and later assembled on-site. The MoMa Home Delivery installation (www.momahomedelivery.org) in New York consists of five digitally fabricated dwellings designed to do just that, including a pre-fabricated home design for New Orleans. Using Montana’s climate as a launch pad, we are proposing an investigation, and design of structures present in extreme climates such as high wind areas and the digital design / fabrication advantages that correspond.
Parametric Design; and environmental parameters / Wind is one of many environmental effects offering a variable dynamic that will have big impact on design decisions and parametric variations. The interaction of wind with structure, and the variations it presents will be the driving theme behind the studio.