Experimental ARCHITECTURE
x ROBOTIC TIMBER FABRICATION

SDU CREATE SUMMER SCHOOL 2021

SCHOOL FOCUS

In times of excessive CO2 emissions and scarcity of resources, wood is seen as the construction material of the future. Computational design, simulation and fabrication tools enable completely new ways of building with wood and reaching advanced levels of complexity. In this context, designers, architects and engineers are challenged to investigate novel structural solutions, which, driven by emerging fabrication techniques, lead to a more sustainable, material-driven and performance-oriented architecture.

The Summer School focuses on exploring data-driven tectonic construction and producing 1:1 scale prototypes that aim at advancing wood architecture through the use of digital design-to-fabrication workflows. Several concepts will be introduced such as performance-driven aggregations, circular assemblies and wood forming through programmed material behaviour.

Within an iterative design-make approach, we will experiment with various structural configurations. The school outcomes will include digital designs and physical prototypes where material/form/structure are developed through taking full advantage of the potentials given by the use of robotic techniques.

robotic timber fabrication

HARDWARE - Digital Fabrication Machinery

The Summer School will be mainly based on the use of large-scale industrial robots for wood milling. Complimentary digital and analogue tools for conceptualization and woodworking may be used as necessary to experiment with a range of fabrication techniques.

Software - 3D MODELLING AND SIMULATION

No computational design experience is strictly necessary, but the basics of 3D modelling are warmly recommended. The main software utilized will be Rhinoceros + Grasshopper, however, integrations with other software will be possible.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The aim of this course is to provide knowledge about:

+ The emerging digital fabrication technologies, such as robotic CNC milling, its characteristics, possibilities and limitations

+ The potential enabled by the use of digital fabrication and robotic technologies in the context of design and construction

+ Computational tools for design, engineering and fabrication that allow the integration of material, manufacturing, and performance

Participants ARE able to work with the following skills:

+ Design through visual programming and parametric modelling

+ Use digital tools for early-stage analysis and optimization of material, geometrical and mechanical performance within the design process

+ Manufacture experimental construction systems through digital fabrication processes

+ Fabricate and build full-scale prototypes with the aid of extended reality tools

Through this course, students gain THE competencies to:

+ Evaluate the possible uses of various digital fabrication techniques in the exploration of new design solutions for architectural systems and structures in wood

+ Involve the use of computational workflows to manage the process from design to fabrication of custom construction systems

Subscription and Fees

The course is open to professionals and students at Bachelor, Master, and PhD level from Architecture, Design, Engineering, and related fields. This is a two weeks full-time intensive experience held in person (not online), that allows the students to be immersed in the research environment, develop and apply their skills in computational design and digital fabrication and push the limits of their knowledge.

The course is 5 ECTS credits. Places are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis to a maximum of 15 students.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 MAY 2021 through the Online Application System.

* Applicants who might not be able to travel to Denmark for the course because of COVID-19 restrictions in the summer will be refunded.

Fees vary according to your school of origin:

+ Exchange Students from Danish institutions and from SDU International Partner Universities - No Fees

+ EU Participants (non-partner institutions) - 570 € 

+ Non-EU Participants (non-partner institutions) - 1160 €

Participants in the Summer School are offered accommodation at a student-friendly rate. You can find more information on the fee and accommodation here.

Information and Contacts 

For information about the general organization of the SDU International Summer School 2021, visit this page.

For questions related to the program, qualifications, or research topic (for PhD Students) please contact Ass. Prof. Dr. Roberto Naboni via email: ron@iti.sdu.dk.

For questions about practical and administrative matters, please contact summerschool@sdu.dk.