Prototype instances

Pictured: the [C] Space pavillion, under construction as the DRL exhibition on its ten years of existence was inaugurated.
(By the way: rembember this other pavillion, also at Bedford Square?)

Meanwhile, other AA graduates are working on the Fibrous Room project/ prototype (also depicted here).

Related: Brett Steele's new domain.

BRANKO KOLAREVIC PRESENTATION

This is a power point presentation called "Digital Fabrication" of Branko Kolarevic, professor of the University of Pennsylvania

NEH-01 GLACIER HABITAT

"This research study explores the potential of space-dividing algorithms and their integration in built architecture.
The project aims on forming an integrated and generative design strategy based on a biomimetic approach to architectural design and fabrication.
The development of a software-tool that allows to simulate dynamic spatial relationships and its implementation on a given architectonical problem forms the integral part of this study.The application of the tool on various scales and hierarchies aims on a high degree of integration between design and fabrication of the final project."

Dynamic terrain

A kind of low-brow, but interesting, version of the Hyposurface, this time to roll over:
DYTE, by Janis Pönisch

On prototypes, part VII

This blog is a riveting account of the process of building a miniskyscraper whose structure moves and adapts with its own muscles. Great stuff.

On prototypes, part VI

The AA is giving some of its students support for the construction of a "Serpentine pavillion-style" prototype. Its description and progress can be checked over here (needs registration). Besides the qualities of the project, it is interesting to notice how the school helped in the necessary networking between the students and the sponsors/contractors and engineers.

On Prototyping - infraestructure

I am starting with the list in Praxis 6 and I will keep adding references:

CNC Milling
Techno-Isel
Haas
Precix
Prieto Carnaghi

Laser Cutter
Universal Laser System
Kern Electronis and Lasers
Precix

Water Jet
Jet Edge
Flow

3D Printing
Z-corp
Stratasys
Arrk

On prototypes, part V

Archinect gallery of some prototypes by Herzog&Meuron for this project in Manhattan.

On prototypes, part IV

The projects page of the Responsive Environments Group at MIT's Media Lab.
They work on stuff like this.

On a related note, I also like this idea.

On prototypes, part III

Some relevant projects, that may just focus on specific construction techniques, or focus on more complex processes:

Algorithmic Brick Wall - ETHZ

Aegis Hyposurface

loop and Openloop

kinetic systems - MIT

Static! projects - Interactive Institute

transstudio shows a lot of products (that seem more prototypical than finished)

and I guess that the work of Usman Haque could be considered prototypical. But then again, it will be part of our effort to try to define what such could be...

On prototypes, part II

Some research institutions that specifically work with/on prototypes:

Interactive Institute

Ivrea

Innovation Lab

Hyperbody Research Group (at TU Delft)

SIAL

On prototypes, part I

It might be helpful to start a series on the prototyping theme.
Both the theoretical aspects, existing research institutions and relevant realizations should be considered. And as with everything, further suggestions will be added.

I'll start with recycling a text I've written a few months ago:


Prototypes, studios, the construction industry

Prototypes have emerged as multivalent pathways of exploration in recent academic experiments and achievements. They seem to be envisioned as “machines that could be used only once” (J. Bragança de Miranda), therefore never perfect, resisting idealization. As a machine, a prototype performs. It actively embodies the technical contingencies that coalesce into its fabrication. That is, the constitutive difference between the prototype, and other design media that involve making, is in the former’s implied concoction of disparate procedures and techniques (electronic and otherwise) into something that distinguishes itself by what it does.

(the full text is, for the moment, at http://indigestiblemorfogen.blogspot.com/ a temporary blog for all thick, indigestible or obscure theoretical texts that don´t fit here)