Design to Self‐Assembly

Abstract

The increasing power of design software, the widespread availability of digital fabrication and growing complexity of our built environment are in stark contrast to the inefficient techniques that currently plague the construction industry. Today's processes of assembly can be fundamentally re‐imagined by looking at biological systems that are building structures with far more complexity, information capacity and assembly instructions than even the most advanced structures possible with current technologies. Skylar Tibbits explains that the key ingredient embedded within these natural systems is self‐assembly. He outlines four principles for designing systems that build themselves, and shows a number of projects that demonstrate first steps towards this new mode of architectural production. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

The adoption of multidimensional exploration methodology to the design-driven innovation and production practices in AEC industry

“…Usage of robotics in different stages of construction have proven positive to enhance human possibilities and what can be done with traditional materials when advanced technologies are used [51]. New systems and elements that have the possibility to selfassembly [52] prove that new ways of thinking, designing and even understanding the build environment are possible and efficient. New technologies such a VR-AR (Virtual Reality -Augmented Reality) [53] demonstrate that human cognition and skill can be augmented by the use of technology, closing the gap between skilled on-site labor and digital BIM coordination models.…”

Additive manufacturing landscape and materials perspective in 4D printing

“…The production continued and science and engineering faced the challenge. Recently, smart materials were substantially developed [ 28 , 43 – 46 ]. Conduct of magneto-mechanical, opto-mechanical that escorts a coupled reaction to more than one record, is an example of multifunctional materials.…”

“…It is generated by using the experimental structure and implanted a new feeling through the new technology and viable digital development through the setup and new technology of the computer code. Be able to describe any geometry such as 1D, 2D, or 3D installations using single or paired lines [ 43 ]. Folding and self-assembly mechanisms close linked to further stimulate variation in clinical study on proteins and cells.…”

Computational design and fabrication of highly customizable architectural space frames: Making a flat-cut Weaire-Phelan structure

“…Following a Research by design methodology (RbD), we aim at developing a computational approach to space structure design and construction relying on flat-cut interlocking parts that can be digitally fabricated and easily assembled. Research by design is “a type of academic investigation through which design is explored as a method of inquiry, by the development of a project and also exploring the different materials by which a design is carried out—sketches, mapping, among others.” 5 Our RbD framework was structured in an iterative cycle of (a) geometric modeling, (b) physical prototyping at half-scale, (c) parametric modeling and structural analysis, and (d) full-scale prototyping (Figure 3). As discussed in more detail in the Conclusions, it is important to emphasize that this was not a linear process, but a cyclic one in which the development of each stage fed back important insights into the rest of the process.…”