Digital fabrication

Bricklaying freeform wall

In this research, unitized predetermined size MDF bricks, are laid by a robotic arm to form a wall shape. Software used for geometry generation and parametric manipulation is Rhinoceros, in conjunction with its plug-in, Grasshopper. Software used for generating instructions for robot arm to follow is RobotStudio, with its programming language RAPID. Custom Grasshopper add-on is written in C# programming language, mediating between an architectural design program and robotic arm manipulation program. It enables automaticaly generation of RAPID code in accordance to the Grasshopper generated geometries of walls.

Credits: Dr Bojan Tepavčević, Marko Jovanović, Digital Design Center, FTN, University of Novi Sad

Collaboratorion: Dr Mirko Raković, Chair of Mechatronics, Robotics and Automation, FTN, University of Novi Sad

Triangle pavilion

The Triangle pavilion combines tessellation design logic with friction fit connection system that does not need glue or mechanical fasteners. Pavilion form is geometricaly optimized via Evolute tools with greater influence of sphere packing algorithm in order to get torsion-free nodes and equilateral triangle look. On the other side connectors distributed at the mid-edge of the triangles provide hexagonal pattern on the overall shape. Additionally openings are distributed on such way to gradually provide vistas from enclosed space. Design is tested with scale model and prototype is expected to be realized at Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand on September 2015.

Test for full scale fabrication, UNITEC Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

Starting full scale fabrication, UNITEC Institute of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

Credits: Bojan Tepavčević (design), Dejan Mitov (Model making), Digital Design Center, FTN, University of Novi Sad

Cultural Heritage 3D Surveying and Modeling

Workshops, Fondazione Bruno Kesler, Trento Italy & Digital Design Center, FTN, University of Novi Sad, 26-28 March 2014.

The workshop was held in Novi Sad, under the leadership of FBK, as part of the project GisNS. It focuses on 3D surveying and modeling, with particular attention to the image-based and photogrammetric approach. The workshop consisted of some theoretical lectures (principle of surveying, photogrammetry and laser scanning with examples in the field of Cultural Heritage, city mapping and planning, landscape monitoring, energy demand assessment, etc.) and practical demonstrations with image acquisition on site and data processing in the lab. Result is 3D HighRes model of Petrovaradin Fortress. The workshop was attended by 25 participants, with technical and humanistic background, coming from academia, private companies and cultural institution.

The workshops are organized within the activities of the project “GisNS – Development of Online Geodata Portal of Cultural Heritage in Novi Sad” funded by CEI-KEP (http://www.cei.int/KEP). The GisNS is an interdisciplinary project which aims to solve the problem of missing digitized and well organized 3D Cultural Heritage assets within the geodata portal of Novi Sad (Serbia). The project partners are:

3D Optical Metrology (3DOM) unit – Bruno Kessler Foundation (FBK), Trento, Italy
Faculty of Technical Sciences – Department of Architecture, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
Public Enterprise for City Construction and Development, Novi Sad, Serbia
Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments of Novi Sad, Serbia

Workshop on Indoor 3D Surveying and Modeling and Presentation of GISNS Project Results

Workshop for knowledge and technology transfer: on 22-23 January 2015, as a part of the GisNS project.

The workshop was held in Novi Sad, under the leadership of Fabio Remondino from FBK, Italy. The focus was on indoor 3D surveying and modeling of cultural heritage, with particular attention to the image-based and photogrammetric approach. The workshop consisted of two theoretical lectures and practical demonstrations with image acquisition on site, in the Museum of Vojvodina, and data processing in the lab at the Faculty of technical sciences. The workshop was attended by participants with technical and humanistic background, coming from academia, private companies and cultural institution.

Petrovaradin Fortress Surveying Using UAVs

Workshop for knowledge and technology transfer: on 27-28 October 2014, as a part of the GisNS project.

In a two day workshop, the upper part of Petrovaradin fortress was surveyed using multirotor-like UAV platform (drone).

The workshop was held in Novi Sad, under the leadership of FBK. It was focused on 3D surveying and modeling, with particular attention to the image-based and photogrammetric approach, using specific UAV platform.

Design and Fabrication with Industrial Robot as Brick-laying tool and with Custom Script Utilization

Raković M., Jovanović M., Borovac B., Tepavčević B., Nikolić M., Papović M., IEEE International Conference on Robotics in Alpe-Adria-Danube Region, September 3-5, 2014. Smolenice, Slovakia

Abstract: This paper presents methodology and implementation of parametric architectural design of brick-laying walls fabricated by industrial robotic arm. As a design tool Grasshopper is used, a visual programming editor that runs within the Rhinoceros 3D CAD application. Grasshopper offers a range of objects for creating parametric models including brick-laying walls. However it lacks the ability of integration with fabrication tools. To overcome this problem, a custom C# script has been developed. As the fabrication tool, the ABB-IRB 140 robotic arm is used. Thus the C# script is written in such a way to obtain the RAPID code for controlling ABB industrial robots. The C# script enabled automated generation of RAPID code in accordance to the Grasshopper generated geometries of walls. The RAPID code is firstly tested in simulation environment, afterwards is used to control the robot to fabricate various types of walls.

Online version of article:

Design and Fabrication with Industrial Robot as Brick-laying tool and with Custom Script Utilization

Hedgehog pavilion model

Hedgehog pavilion is experimental model designed for the Science Festival in Novi Sad, Serbia 2014. Structure uses folding design logic for shading panels in order to increase performative capacities in reference to both radiation protection and daylight utilization. Scale model is made with polystyrene sheet. Folded plates are created with 0.5mm thick sheet and glued to 4mm thick curved structural ribs. All elements are cutted and incised with CNC milling machine.

Credits: Bojan Tepavčević (design), Dejan Mitov (Model making), Digital Design Center, FTN, University of Novi Sad

Collaboration: Modelart arhitekti

Architectural Scale Models in Digital Age – Design and Representation

Stavrić M., Šiđanin P., Tepavčević B., , Springer Verlag, 2013.

About the book: A major challenge in the age of advanced digital technology and parametric design in architecture is making physical models of complex geometric shapes and their multiple structural connections. This approach requires new modeling strategies, technology and methods which are covered in this book. Complex geometric forms generated using virtual media can be tested and validated only by means of physical models, and so can their practical application be controlled. The complexity of contemporary architectural design bids the mastery of new methods of producing scale models, which opens a new chapter in the field of modeling, and which is the focus of this book. Along with the traditional methods forming a basis for modeling, this book presents the principles of digital NURBS modeling, parametric modeling, digital support to modeling, and model manufacturing, complete with a number of tutorials, practical advice and examples found in architectural practice today.