Rapid prototyping in early stages of architectural design

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Architecture, 1997.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 59).This thesis shows how architects can use Rapid Prototyping and what the advantages and disadvantages are in different manipulations of the tool. Chapter two attempts to chart a road map of the rapid prototyping media. The data were drawn from a number of first hand experiments conducted by the author as well as by colleagues in MIT School of Architecture and Harvard Graduate School of Design, and in actual practice. The whole research lies on the boundary between virtual and real, on physical prototyping from a digital file. Digital prototyping and manual prototyping are mentioned only as references. The research offers examples of manipulations of the media and conclude that rapid prototyping in preliminary stages of design is most appropriate when used in what is defined as Direct CAD (Computer Aided Design) with Direct CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). Furthermore, it identifies Semi -Direct CAD with Direct CAM as the manipulation most commonly used by architects. This manipulation is useful for presentation models but not very useful in early stages where ideas are less definite. This is the reason why rapid prototyping is generally considered inappropriate for early stages of architectural design. Instead of analyzing Rapid Prototyping technology this work concentrates on the process that involves Rapid Prototyping in new ways in design . It aims to stimulate the designer's imagination when thinking about three -dimensional design, design in motion and design at the interface between people and architecture, for example, chairs and kitchens. In this context Rapid Prototyping becomes merely a vehicle by which the architect explores the design process. Rapid Prototyping is proposed as a media to escape the limitation imposed by flat screen representation in what is defined as true three dimensional digital design. This technology was invented in engineering to increase design and manufacturing process performances.by Alvise Simondetti.M.S

Autonomous Robotics in the AEC practice

In recent years, technical development in robotics has been enhanced by leaps forward in artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML). Today’s robots learn and optimize their motion, are remotely connected and ready for deployment, and can transfer learned models and behaviors between industries or applications.1 This paradigm shift and step change in available autonomy necessitates rethinking how robotics may impact the AEC industry. Until now, contractors and fabricators have mainly used robots to replace humans in the narrow opportunity presented by “Dull, Dirty, and Dangerous” tasks (the 3Ds)—repeated millions of times with little variability. However, AEC professionals are starting to explore robots’ ability to perform tasks that are “Specific, Sustainable, and Scalable” (the 3Ss). Robots complete specific tasks by producing one-off designs and sustainable tasks as they render viable reuse as well as material and waste reduction. Yet they maintain scalability by being able to effortlessly multiply into the hundreds or even millions. They are “smart” enough to work alongside humans, rather than replace them