Robots and artificial intelligence technology developed in recent history have brought many questions to be answered. Can the automation power of robots replace architects or people working in other industries, or can robotic manufacturing itself design? Although it does not seem like all this will be possible shortly, we will certainly be on a new journey with the unity of humans and robots.
From past to present, theories have been developed and scenarios have been created about architecture and technological production. People who are close to the dystopian future argue that it will be robots, not architects, who will perform architecture soon.
Industrial robot technology has started to become widespread throughout the world and is currently used for design purposes in our country Turkey. The robotic arm is now actually used in two universities.
Recently, an event about the industrial robot was held by The Circle, an architecture and culture-art-oriented platform in Taksim Beyoğlu. In that talk on "Architecture and Robotic Production" within the scope of The Circle's "Thematic Events Series", they hosted an informative conversation about the industrial robot and its potential in architectural production. In addition, The Circle has become a platform that enables design and interdisciplinary interaction to draw topics in Turkey with other events and competitions they organize.
The shell project called "Anatomy of Structure", is a project that draws attention to the industrial robot and the glass material used and was realized by SOM, an architecture, and engineering firm. The project consists of 338 transparent bricks. Thanks to industrial robot technology, it was possible to save labor force and form molds in the construction of the shell. With the power and opportunities provided by robot technology, they aimed to find an answer to the question "What can robots do when people cannot do well" in the shell, which is made twice as curved compared to standards. Assistant Professor Parascho, who is the idea developer behind the architectural volume, stated, "My job is not to automate human labor, but to increase the possibilities of architecture by using robots in tasks where humans are quite inadequate."
Guidance instructions are given to the robot to reveal the design minimize labor force and facilitate the creation of designs that require on-site production and detailed calculation skills. In reinforced concrete and amorphous designs, there is no need to build molds that cannot be reused, with using robots sustainable designs can be created without creating costs. In addition, the use of industrial robots will offer great advantages in dangerous areas where the labor force is not sufficient or cannot reach there.
Designs involving robotic technology also have limitations on some issues. But it is open to development and improvement. As ASPEN, we know that the adventure of design and technology togetherness has not just begun and also that the two disciplines influence each other and open doors to new architectural potentials. You can visit www.aspen.com.tr to review our other design, technology, and cultural articles.
Images courtesy of parametric-architecture.com
References:
parametric-architecture.com
thecircle-o.com
archdaily.com
