Summer Design Studio 22
Rebuilt by Robots
Joshua Russo-Batterham and Loren Adams
Overview
Studio 22 will explore the tectonics of robotic fabrication & assembly and its applications in architecture.
Rather than trying to directly mimic existing construction techniques or create entirely novel robotic processes, this studio aims to explore the nuances of proven architectural processes by adapting them for robotics. Through this exploration, students will query existing construction techniques, develop a formal vocabulary of robotic assembly and learn the skills required for an increasingly automated design and construction future.
Structure
The studio will be divided into 3 phases:
The first phase will consist of a series of technical workshops introducing students to robotics as well as basic programming and electronics. A series of esquiesses will allow students to develop these skills while learning to use robotic arms in a creative context.
The second phase will group students together to study a precedent construction technique, deconstruct it, adapt it for robotic fabrication and then elaborate. They will develop their own robotic project, and through extensive fabrication tests begin to establish a formal design language.
The third phase will ask students to apply their adapted construction technique to a design task.
Delivery
ReBuilt by Robots was developed by Creative Kinematics founders Joshua Russo-Batterham & Julian Rutten and will be taught in cooperation with the MSD Robotics Lab.
Students will taught to use robotic arms as part of the studio but this requires students to be experienced with grasshopper as a prerequisite.
Students must email a 5 page (max) PDF portfolio to jrusso@unimelb.edu.au demonstrating experience with grasshopper or comparable knowledge in other programming/ parametric design environments in addition to the ballot process.
The studio sessions will run Tuesdays and Fridays 10am to 4pm. Students will have access to the MSD Robotics Lab, and will need to be available all day on the 4th, 5th & 6th of January for robotics training.
Studio Leaders
JOSH studied architecture at the University of Melbourne, specialising in digital fabrication. He has worked both in teaching roles in the Melbourne School of Design and as the Lead Technician in the MSD Fabrication Lab. Current work focuses on architectural robotics in the MSD Robotics Lab and as co-founder of robotic design studio Creative Kinematics.
LOREN is the Coordinator of the new MSD Robotics Lab. She has a background in architecture, with an undergraduate degree from Curtin University and a Master degree from RMIT. Loren recently relocated to Melbourne after 3 years living and working in Los Angeles, during which time she assisted in the design development, documentation, and fabrication of numerous complex, high-spec public and fine art projects. She specialises in digital fabrication, with particular emphasis on rationalising early schematic designs into geometry suitable for fabrication, shipping, and installation.
ST1/22 Tuesday 10:00 - 16:00
ST2/22 Friday 10:00 - 16:00
Students must also be available on 4th, 5th and 6th Jan for robotics training.
Classes in MSD 138 and Robotics Lab