Project Wave 0.18

In recent years a number of projects have been emerged, in which the new possibilities of the computer as a design tool, have been used. Through the digital chain from design to manufacturing the efficiency has increased and allows the implementation of complex architectural structures. With all these new opportunities, also new challenges arise in the teaching and the educational concepts. The paper describes the detailed course concept and the didactic strategy using the example of a parametric designed roof structure, we designed, planed and build up in scale 1:1 within the main course. „Wendepunkt|e im Bauen“ (Turning point|s of building) is the name of an exhibition at the “Pinakothek der Moderne” in Spring 2010. In addition to contributions of the industrialization in the building industry from 1850 to the present day, the exhibition also serves as a platform, to demonstrate new possibilities of computer-aided parametric design and the closely related computer aided manufacturing (CAM). In this context, we took the chance to build a sculpture in Scale 1:1 to show the potential of a constant digital workflow and the digital fabrication. Through the digital chain from design to manufacturing, the efficiency has been increased by the computer and allows the implementation of new complex architectural structures. But the efficiency of the high-degree-automation through the use of computerized machines usually ends in the production of the components. Because this coincidence of the elements in the assembly often proves cost and time, the aim of the project was to optimize both, the production of components and their assembly as well. As part of the wintercourse 2009/2010 different aspects of automation have been reviewed and new solutions have been analyzed. Together with 15 students of the Faculty of Architecture the complete digital chain started with the first design ideas, about parametric programming through production and assembly had been researched, implemented and brought to reality. In the first steps, the students had to learn about the potential, but also about the problems coming with the digital-design and the attached digital-production. There for the course took part at our computerlab. In weekly workshops, all ideas have been implemented and tested directly in the 3-dimensional parametric model. And thanks to the interdisciplinary work with the Department of Structural Design also static factors had been considered, to optimize the form. Parallel to the digital form-finding process, the first prototypes have been produced by the students. By using the chairs 3D-CNC-Mills we were able to check the programmed connection detail in reality and apply the so learned lessons to the further development. After nearly 3 month of research, designing, planning and programming, we were able to produce the over 1000 different parts in only 4 days. By developing a special pre-stressed structure and connection detail it was also possible, to assemble the whole structure (13.5m x 4.5m x 4m) in only one day. The close connection between digital design (CAD) and digital manufacturing (CAM) is an important point of our doctrine. By the fact, that the students operate the machines themselves, but also implement projects on a scale of 1:1, they learn to independently evaluate these new tools and to use them in a meaningful way.