In the age of the Anthropocene, we need to care for other species. R_Lab students developed 3D clay-printed habitats for non-human or more-than-human species for a site along the Darebin Creek and Yarra, next to the McGeorge Bequest, a University of Melbourne owned site.
The first four weeks were focusing on research about the conditions of non-human species, developing a non-human perspective, and focusing on a few species for which a habitat was developed. In the second part of the semester, students designed and fabricated these habitats, using 3D clay printing. The outcomes of this elective were installed as opportunities for new habitats on site, some were washed away during the spring flooding in 2022.
Fabrication of the habitats was undertaken with support from the Maker Spaces, especially from Ryan Pennings (Robotics Lab Coordinator) and Lewis Edwards (Robotics Lab Lead Technician). Students in the R_Lab Elective learned to use robots for the design and construction of 3D-printed clay structures. This elective allowed students to develop non-standard objects and structures of infinite variability creating novel design possibilities.
Some of the designs have been selected for an exhibition in the Australian National Museum in Canberra in 2023. R_Lab will also exhibit during Melbourne Design Week in May 2023.
Subject Outline
Non-human habitats will be the focus of the R_Lab elective during Semester 1, 2022. In the age of the Anthropocene we need to care for other species. R_Lab students will design habitats for non-humans, e.g. like bees, birds, and bats for a site close to a creek in Melbourne.
Our site will be on McGeorge Bequest, a University of Melbourne owned site at the Darebin Creek, close to the Yarra. (https://about.unimelb.edu.au/strategy/governance/macgeorge/macgeorge)
In the first part of the semester, we will research the living conditions of non-human species, develop a non-human perspective and focus on a few species for which a habitat will be developed. In the second part of the semester, we will construct these habitats, using 3D clay printing, and install the habitats on site. The outcome of this elective will be presented during the Melbourne Design Week in March 2023.
Production of the habitats will be with strong support from the Maker Spaces, especially from Ryan Pennings (Robotics Lab Coordinator) and Lewis Edwards (Robotics Lab Lead Technician) in the MSD Robotic Lab. Students in the R_Lab Elective will use robots for the design and construction of 3D-printed clay structures. A good level of knowledge in Rhino is essential. This elective will allow students to develop non-standard objects and structures of infinite variability creates novel design possibilities.
Dates:
Semester 1, 2022
Applications no later than February 7, 2022
Tutors:
Associate Professor Rochus Hinkel
Guests:
Prof Alex Felson, the Elisabeth Murdoch Chair of Landscape Architecture
Dr. Stanislav Roudavski
Various Ecologists, Beekpeers and other experts.
Subject Coordinator:
Associate Professor Rochus Hinkel
For detailed information regarding applications, dates, and assessments please consult the handbook, course code ABPL90412.
Image Credits
MSD Robotics Lab