After successful completion of the course, students are able to...At the end of this course, students will have attained the ability to control a specific topic in geometry and to apply its principles to an architectural idea. Students will be able to relate geometric constructions to digital manufacturing in an architectural context. After an initial introduction to embodied energy of sheet goods in the construction industry, students will be able to design and prepare - and build - an architectural project that is efficient in terms of material use.

Monocoque structures with curved folds

How to use paperfolding for architectural design

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This studio, and a second studio next semester, will be sponsored by FunderMAX to build a structure next term!

If we want to address embodied energy of construction materials, which kinds of lightweight construction techniques are available that have a focus on sheet goods? Folded plate structures are surprisingly strong and curved folds can provide additional stiffness of bent surfaces. The topic of curved folding of developable surfaces can be realized in CAD software.

This studio raises the question of how these methods can be used to design a small architectural project and if it is possible to address issues of sustainability and embodied energy in a conceptional way.
Students will participate in two workshops and subsequently make sketch models and prototypes that are closely related to full scale digital manufacturing processes. Teams of 2 or 3 are permitted.

Paper and chipboard models will be made using laser cutters and desktop paper cutters.
Prior knowledge of rhino3d is highly recommended, knowledge in Grasshopper is beneficial. The goal is to design a project and to buld it next semester.

Instruction: Duks Koschitz, PhD
Guest crits: Rupert Maleczek (Innsbruck)

Discussion and application of taught content over two workshops. Solving problems via digital and physical models and prototypes. Independent individual research on embodied energy of construction materials. Drawing representational plans and sections and scaled models at all relevant scales. Teamwork.

Presentation of conceptual and structural design. Complete representational delivery of design project including sketches, sections and plans. Presentation of research related to embodied energy of sheet goods in construction. Design development of details for plate folded structures. Sketch model and prototypes.