Fisac Variations: An integrated design and fabrication strategy for adaptable building systems

Felix Raspall, Matias Imbern, William Choi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The promise of robotic fabrication as an enabler for mass-customization in Architecture has been hindered by the intricate workflow required to go from parametric modelling to CNC fabrication. The lack of integration between highly-specialized proprietary software, normally required to operate the machines, and most of the design tools constitutes a major limitation. One way to tackle this constraint is by developing simple tools that directly link parametric modelling to robotic coding. Accordingly, "Fisac Variations" develops an uninterrupted digital workflow from form-generation to robotic fabrication. This innovative approach to Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing was tested by studying and reengineering a specific historic construction system - Miguel Fisac's Bones System was used as a case study - and by enabling it to address problems of contemporary architectural agenda such as flexibility, variability and mass-customization. The proposed workflow threads form-finding, structural analysis, geometric definition, CNC code generation and digital fabrication within the same open-source computational environment. In this way, this innovative procedure aims to increase design freedom while ensuring fabrication feasibility. This paper describes background research, concept, form-finding, construction process, methodology, results and conclusions.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOpen Systems - Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia, CAADRIA 2013
PublisherThe Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA)
Pages55-64
Number of pages10
ISBN (Print)9789881902641
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes
Event18th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia: Open Systems, CAADRIA 2013 - Singapore, Singapore
Duration: 15 May 201318 May 2013

Publication series

NameOpen Systems - Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia, CAADRIA 2013

Conference

Conference18th International Conference on Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia: Open Systems, CAADRIA 2013
Country/TerritorySingapore
CitySingapore
Period15/05/1318/05/13

Keywords

  • Digital fabrication and construction
  • Integrated design and fabrication
  • Mass-customization
  • Miguel Fisac Bones System
  • Parametric design

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