Tectonic Cloud

Full description

BACKGROUND:
This project is contextualised within the exploration of robotic fabrication in the architectural and building construction industries. In particular the project investigates the possibilities of large-scale 3D printing to construct complex forms with high degree of intricacy. Tectonic Cloud is part of a larger body of research that employs robotic fabrication of polymer composites and algorithmic design processes, which draw from the logic of swarm intelligence to construct prototypical architectural elements. Specifically, through the development of processes to integrate carbon fibre structure with large-scale 3D printed polymer surfaces, this project interrogates the limitations and possibilities of 3D printing and generative design.

CONTRIBUTION
Tectonic Cloud is a pioneering project in the integration of carbon fibre reinforcement for large-scale 3D printed polymer surface structures. The project demonstrates potentials of 3D printing multi-layer composites to accommodate services, structure and other customized architectural requirements within a unified surface tectonic. While engaged in technical innovation, the primary contribution of this work is the architectural design implications of these innovations. In particular this project explores the tectonic implications of these processes and their expressive capacity.

SIGNIFICANCE
The significance of this work lies within its tectonic innovation. The project has pioneered the infusion of carbon fibre structural networks within polymer printed skins. This integration compresses surface and structure into a irreducible assemblage. The 3D printing of skins opens up considerable formal and expressive possibilities, which this project explores and is realised through its integration with structure. The project was exhibited at the Real/Material/Ethereal ADR conference at Monash University (competitive curatorial selection) and the NGV Melbourne Design Week Future Prototyping exhibition (peer reviewed).