Carvalho, P F M (2023) Tectonics and material transformations: Exploring concrete in architecture through digital fabrication processes. PhD thesis, Universidade do Porto, Portugal.
Abstract
In the global architectural context of recent decades, the integration and exploration of digital design and fabrication tools has sparked a growing interest in designing progressively more complex and personalized spatial and constructive solutions. While these interests pose significant challenges to the construction industry, they also offer important opportunities for innovation in the field of architecture. At the same time, concrete remains one of the most widely used construction materials in our built landscape and is a traditional material of choice for many architectural styles. Therefore, concrete remains a very relevant material for architecture, but it also holds significant economic and environmental relevance due to its widespread use. In this context, the general theme of this thesis focuses on digital fabrication technologies and their impact and potentials in the production of concrete architecture. This thesis argues that by integrating digital fabrication technologies with the design process, it is possible to not only overcome the limitations of traditional concrete architecture but also enable new architectural possibilities in line with both traditional and emerging desires for this material. Therefore, the central question it seeks to answer is: How can digital fabrication technologies expand the lexicon of traditional concrete architecture in terms of form, surface, and composition, using accessible, sustainable, and tectonically relevant methodologies?In order to answer this question, this thesis evaluates the impact of the integration of these technologies in the concrete design and construction process, focusing on three concepts: form, surface and composition. Aiming to expand current possibilities, it proposes and explores a robotic technology (RHWC) as a viable and tectonically significant strategy for a non-standard architecture in concrete, defending its potential both at a constructive and creative level. Through the realization of experimental prototypes, focused on robotic hot wire cutting of EPS moulds, this thesis demonstrates the architectural potential of this technology in terms of creating complex geometries, textured surfaces and variable compositions. Alternating experimentation in laboratory and industrial environments, the technical and economic viability of this technology is also demonstrated, as well as its relevance for the development of new products in this material.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Thesis advisor: | Sousa, J P and de Campos, P F |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | fabrication; innovation; integration; robotic |
| Index terms: | experiment, digital fabrication, complex geometry, prototype, strategy, design process, laboratory, mould, integration, methodology, exploration, transformation, fabrication, construction industry, design and construction, construction material |
| Subjects: | research methods, manufacturing engineering, environmental hazards, research management, contractual arrangements, environmental resource management, management, information systems, industry analysis, design complexity, organizational analysis, design methods, business, data collection methods, building materials, modelling and simulation |
| Topics: | Research Practice, Business Strategy, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Organizational Design, Engineering Principles, Sustainability, Procurement |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here