Studio 15

Machining Aesthetics v.4.2

Paul Loh and David Leggett | Technology + Process Focus

This studio is available to students enrolled in ABPL90143 Studio D and ABPL90115 Studio E only.

Studio Description

Agenda: Studio 15 returns after a year break from CDE studio to question the future of making. We will examine digital fabrication and assembly of the architectural envelope through its construction, manufacturing procedure and assembly protocols. Before we speculate, we will explore making at 1:1 scale through technology. We are interested in the perpetual ability of machine as a system to generate iterative material output from which as architects, we can abstract and interpret as architectural envelopes; cladding, door, window, wall and roof. We invite you to radically re-imagine the fundamental language of architectural components. This semester, we ask: How can technology facilitate social and climatic responsiveness through an architectural envelope? Studio 15 will design a new roof structure for Queen Victoria Market to explore a new aesthetic that integrates social, cultural and economic functionality. Working in teams, students will design a fabrication procedure to make architectural components or parts that challenges the convention of architecture floor, wall and roof. Successful projects will develop strategies using their novel language to choreograph dynamic urban activities through material and spatial articulation, constructing a dialogue between ground and envelope. Studio Structure: The studio is divided into two phases. We will commence with a series of intensive tooling workshops on robotic fabrication, and Electronics Prototyping Platform (Arduino). Phase 1 brief is to design a machine that fabricates or digitally assembles architecture. We will explore through precedent study as well as digital input and output procedures to design and make a machine (quasi or actual) that has potential to fabricate or assemble architectural components (in parts or whole). This research will start to formulate your understanding of building envelope in dealing with social, cultural and environmental concerns. By mid-semester, design teams will present their proposals of a prototypical roof structure. In Phase 2, we will put your machine and/or digital assembly to the test. Working in teams, students will design a new roof envelope for Queen Victoria Market. Successful roof designs will demonstrate environmental and social responsiveness using your fabricated parts or assembly methodology.

Studio Outcome

Physical models, axonometric drawings, plans, elevations and sections together with rendered images, will be the key deliverables. Each student will also submit an individual journal documenting and reflecting their design process. This studio requires students to be able to use Rhino and have a basic understanding of Grasshopper. Teamwork is compulsory and collaborative design will form part of studio assessment. For 50% of the time, some teams may be required to conduct their making research at Power to Make, micro-manufacturing facilities located in Preston (40min by Bus from UoM).

Studio Leaders

Paul Loh is lecturer in Digital Architecture design at the University of Melbourne. Prior to this Paul studied architecture at the University of Melbourne and University of East London before joining the Design Research Lab at the Architectural Association where he completed his Master in Architecture and Urbanism. He has over 18 years of practice experience in London, Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur. He has taught at the Architectural Association and the University of East London and have lectured in Sweden, Italy and China. He is a partner of Melbourne based design practice LLDS / Power To Make, focusing on the relationship between making, technology and material. Paul has completed his PhD on agency of Making in Contemporary Design Practice.

David studied architecture at the University of East London and the University of Westminster. He worked with Edward Cullinan Architects as Director for a period of over 10 years before establishing LLDS / Power to Make in 2011. His built projects have been widely published internationally, most notably the Bristol Harbourside Masterplan, Singapore Management University, the International Digital Laboratory for the University of Warwick and the Master Film Store for the British Film Institute. David has expertise in construction detailing, fabrication and assembly. His interest lies in the materialisation and delivery of projects with innovative technical solutions that reinforce the clarity of a design concept to ensure the delivery of a client’s vision and aspiration. David teaches Master in Architecture at the University of Melbourne. He has lectured at the University of Lund and has conducted design workshops at the University of Tsinghua, Beijing. He is a founding partner of LLDS/Power to Make.

Readings & References

• Readings for our first-day tutorial (29th July) is available on the studio blog site: http://powertomake.tumblr.com

How to Apply

All successful applicants to the studio will need to submit a 5 pages pdf portfolio before the first studio via email to: paul.loh@unimelb.edu.au

Travel Power to Make | September - October 2019 | $40

Schedule Mondays 15:15-18:15 in MSD Room 241, and Thursdays 15:15-18:15 in MSD Room 238

Contact Handbook Key Dates