Surface space : digital manufacturing techniques and emergent building material

Abstract

This thesis explores tectonic possibilities of new material and forming techniques. The design process is catalyzed by experimenting different configurations of the material.This project attempts to develop inventive ways to use polymeric material. Incorporating both digital and hand based tools, the project will focus on the process of casting and molding polyurethane based rubber. Instead of looking at the macro level of a building, the thesis should be viewed as a research based project that investigates assemblies at the domain of building surface. Based on this premise, the goal is to find how the tectonic expression at the scale of architectural details can inspire creative use of the material. The framework of this thesis should be regarded as an open-ended process of discovery. Future research and innovation can be continued with respect to similar focus. The goal of this thesis is to engage design problems from innovations of material and techniques.