Research Facility

In 2005 we installed a flexible construction facility based on an industrial robot in order to examine new production conditions. Industrial robots are reliable, robust and reasonable in cost. Our robot moves on a seven meter linear axis and has a reach of three meters and is thus in a position to fabricate and work with large building parts on a 1:1 scale.
The robot is controlled directly by the data created in the design. In addition, it works with different tools according to a specific task. The inclusion of constructive production and material-technical aspects in the design makes it possible to make use of these degrees of freedom for architecture.



In spring 2011, our research facilities were extended with three model scale robots. The machines operate in a radius of 80cm and allow not only the simulation of new fabrication concepts in model scale, but also the processing and joining of smaller elements in full scale. The machines are integrated into our academic teaching to empower the students to develop and test new concepts in design and fabrication independently. These concepts include the design of custom software tools to control the machine and the development of mechanical robot-controlled tools to process a multitude of possible materials. Thus, the design and crafting of these tools, which are specific to every fabrication process and material, becomes an integral part of the students architectural design process.