The work of the Future Cities Laboratory in Singapore is an
interesting research investment in digi-fab variation. Because robotic technologies have an accuracy
that human hands may not have, complex algorithmic form can be explored through
fabrication. However, scaled models, in this case, are less about being
artifacts of form, than they are about the execution
of production. High-rise housing is
an appropriate building type to pair design and robotics with because of its
traditional industrialized processes and efficiency, yet have opportunities for
liberating both form and tectonic sensibilities.
I found the resulting projects to be interesting because it
is clear how robotic fabrication can be viewed as an expressive and creative
act to perform architecture; quite contrary to how most seem to perceive
digital technology today. As some folks
may come from the party that digital technology may hinder our abilities to
express ourselves, perhaps what is most compelling is how digi-fab has the potential
to be a catalyst in a design process’ intention and expression. The question
is: will robots ever become just another tool to add to our list of resources (an
extension of our design will, or have the ability to express something outside
of themselves), or will robots + digital technology always be limited to only
express internal digital sensibilities?
It appears that the Future Cities Laboratory projects are
tapping into both possibilities.
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