The Application of Digital Fabrication in Architecture, Case Study: Prototyping a Scale Model

Abstract

Technological developments in architecture continued such as parametric design methods with computational optimization process and digital fabrication to make a scale model. Digital fabrication defined as the process of manipulating objects using CNC router machines, 3D printers, and laser cutters through reduction or addition methods. This technology believed in providing convenience advantages in making an architectural scale model, which gives more precise results with a faster manufacturing process. Furthermore, the understanding above brings consequences for both the students and lecturers of architecture. For the example in the teaching of technical matters such as the optimization of 3D models for fabricating processes, selecting techniques and materials, and also the installation. So studying digital fabrication is a necessity in architecture academics. Both students and lecturers required to improve their understanding and ability to process digital designs into a representation of scale models through fabrication method. The research purpose is identifying the teaching procedure of digital fabrication in producing architectural scale models. The method is to analyze the questionnaire from the architecture students that join the workshop. This workshop will introduce a digital fabrication with a computational optimization process using Grasshopper. Architecture student will be given a questionnaire at the beginning and end of the workshop. At the end of studies show that digital fabrication provides convenience and challenges for architecture academics.

The Implementation of Parametric Design Practice in Architecture Teaching – How It Can Be Implemented in Indonesia?

“…Table 1 shows the results from the literature search. Parametric design teaching in almost all studies has been introduced and practiced through the university course except in Indonesia case studies (Putro & Pamungkas, 2019) (Putro & Wirasmoyo, 2020) introducing parametric design through the workshop. As mentioned, integrating parametric design software with building simulation software gives potency to solve various socio-environmental problems through architectural design.…”

“…It helps the student to understand the actual application of parametric design in the fabrication of complex geometries and develop their analytical thinking of how those geometries can be feasibly built by considering the material aspect (Wannan, 2016). Making a scale model from parametric modeling gives comprehension and interest to the students in digital fabrication (Putro & Wirasmoyo, 2020). Also, it can lead students to think outside the box to design and fabricate architectural objects (Riekstins, 2018) and engage in interdisciplinary cooperation (Romania & Filipowski, 2018).…”

Digital fabrication as an approach for innovative architecture education.

“…However, digital fabrication has improved architectural design approaches and construction techniques [1] and captured the attention of designers, particularly architects, engineers, and industrial designers. Consequently, professionals have assessed the results of digital fabrication and its performance based on various attributes including efficiency, product quality, and genuine design possibilities [2]. Since its creation, digital fabrication has amended the future of many industries, and the concept of design [1].…”

“…The computer processes are divided into two categories: computer numerical control (CNC), and rapid prototyping (RP). In other words, these computer processes for digital fabrication can be classified as additive or subtractive manufacturing [2]. Additive manufacturing focuses on layer addition to generate the final product [5].…”

“…To summarize, digital fabrication is a design-forward, technology-driven paradigm that has been widely adopted in recent years. It represents a leap in the field of technological innovation in the design industry, allowing designers to develop their own signature design approach [2].…”