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Beyond transparency: architectural application of robotically fabricated polychromatic float glass.
Rena Giesecke1, Rémy Clemente1, Ioanna Mitropoulou1
1ETH Zurich, Architecture, Digital Building Technologies, Stefano-Franscini-Platz 1, 8093 Zurich, Switzerland.
Construction Robotics
|September 27, 2022
Summary
This study introduces robotic fabrication of polychromatic glass for architecture, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. Advanced robotic systems and computational tools enable novel glass designs with unique optical properties for enhanced architectural experiences.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Robotics
- Architectural Engineering
Background:
- Traditional polychromatic glass fabrication is labor-intensive and design-limited.
- Existing robotic methods (CNC) have constraints in motion, control, and design space.
Purpose of the Study:
- To expand the design and fabrication capabilities for mono-material polychromatic glass elements.
- To develop advanced robotic fabrication techniques for architectural glass.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a UR robotic arm with an advanced multi-channel dispenser for granule deposition.
- Implemented linear and curved-path deposition, customized color pattern design, and a predictive computational tool.
- Demonstrated upscaling through a large-scale installation of eighteen glass panels.
Main Results:
- Achieved robotically fabricated polychromatic glass with locally varying color, opacity, and texture.
- Developed novel computational design tools for predicting and rendering glass outcomes.
- Successfully executed a full-scale architectural installation showcasing the fabricated glass.
Conclusions:
- Robotic multi-channel deposition offers a versatile approach to fabricating complex polychromatic glass.
- Tailored computational design tools enhance the creation of unique architectural glass elements.
- The fabricated glass provides novel optical properties, creating enhanced architectural experiences beyond transparency.
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