Robotic design construction : digital fabrication strategies for freeform masonry casting and mobile assembly

Abstract

The paradigm shift of digital fabrication encourages architects to incorporate the knowledge of using innovative materials and novel tools to solve problems in design and construction. However, the application of digital fabrication still needs more flexibility that allows different groups in a society to redesign fabrication processes based on their own needs and values. Looking at robotic facilities and natural mud as fabrication media, this thesis will experiment methods of digital design fabrication for freeform masonry construction by robotics to improve the conventional masonry process. It starts from a two-sided investigation: I. existing digital fabrication techniques and applications; II. conventional masonry methods and processes. Afterwards, two robotic prototypes of stereotomy will be presented. Through these two prototypes, robotic fabrication techniques and automation processes for on-site construction will be explored. Researches involved in this thesis aim to investigate a new approach which combines material ecology, mass customization, and construction automation for digital design fabrication, and to inquire the potential of mobile construction at remote areas under low technology.