Digital fabrication of architectural models: an exploratory study.
Keywords:
Fabricação digital, Maquetes arquitetônicas, Prototipagem rápida,Abstract
The present work is an exploratory study about the digital fabrication of architectural models. It started with a literature review, with the aim of getting in contact with the new digital methods for making models and prototypes, from modeling software to rapid prototyping equipment, processes, materials and applications. Still in this initial study the work of two well-known architects, Frank Gehry and Norman Foster, who use rapid prototyping techniques in their design process, was analyzed. From this part of the research it was possible to conclude that the different approaches that architects have to the design process is reflected in the way they use digital techniques for making their models. The second part of the research consisted of a series of experiments with the objective of illustrating the digital production of architectural models. For these experiments, Frank Gehry´s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao was chosen as a fixed variable for the production of models, due to its geometric complexity, which allowed to push the use of the available rapid prototyping equipment to their limits. Only the equipment available at FEC-UNICAMP´s (Laboratório de Prototipagem para Arquitetura e Construção - LAPAC) and CENPRA´s (Laboratório de Prototipagem Rápida do Centro de Pesquisas Renato Archer) laboratories were used. They consisted of a 3d printer, a fusion deposition modeller (FDM) machine, and a laser cutter. Different techniques and materials were tested in these machines, with the objective of evaluating the quality and economic viability of the resulting models. The results showed that the digital production of architectural models is viable for use in Brazilian architecture schools, in terms of procedures, cost, availability of materials, time spent and quality of the models. Finally, a manual with recommendations and tips was produced, with the aim of helping students build their own models using rapid prototyping equipment. We hope that the results of this research will help guiding the incorporation of these techniques in architecture education and practice in Brazil.Downloads
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