Edge of Chaos

0X1 Tectonics

0X1 Tectonics

0X1 Tectonics …
American University in Cairo, Architectural Engineering Department
Research Project 2015

Foam Tectonics activates a prototypical urban site through an automated robotic material system that is performative, lightweight and adaptable. The research takes materialize as its primary design driver. The speculative trajectories of automated digital fabrication, construction and machine possibilities that arise challenge traditional design and fabrication processes. The research aims to investigate the negotiation of distributed design intelligence through material programming, automated robotic production and a generative growth system. This is investigated through research into phase-changing materials such as expanding polyurethane foam (PU foam) as it provides a fast-reaction time, considerable strength- to-weight ratio, high resolution surface details, and is lightweight and relatively cost effective. Industrial robots are also integrated into the process of digital fabrication .