Composite Bodies

A 7 days workshop to activate and build the main installation of "sense-me" edition for Milan Design Week 2017 at SBODIO32 warehouse in Lambrate.

An exploration of computational design strategies and low cost fabrication techniques developed by RC6, a research laboratory based at UCL / The Bartlett School of Architecture. A part of Bartlett's BPro programme, RC6 traditionally engages in the development of design methodologies positioned at the overlap of digital and analogue computation, primarily investigating concepts which merge traditional, low-tech manufacturing processes and advanced technological concepts.
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Topic of this workshop - Composite Bodies - represents RC6’s ongoing research into hybridised material systems consisting of soft membrane materials and light-weight infill aggregates. In this particular case, from a material point of view, we will be looking into custom designed lycra pieces, filled with styrofoam beads and spheres and constrained with series of performative stitches. The resulting parts will be coated with latex and used to create series of interlocking components and surfaces.
The workshop itself will consist of 2 stages. The first two days will be dedicated to intensive software training sessions. Students will be introduced to multiple digital platforms focusing on scripting in Processing and 3D modelling/sculpting in Maya/ZBrush. Aim is to enable students to understand algorithmic design processes and procedural modelling techniques and to help them to learn how to customize pre-made scripts and how to embed them in their individual workflows.
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The remaining five days will be dedicated to the fabrication of a spatial installation. Students will learn how to translate digital models into prototypical components and work alongside tutors to aggregate those into one large-scale architectural object which will be exhibited as part of SBODIO32 Exhibition for Milan Design Week 2017.
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Dates: March - April 2017

RC6 Program Director:
DANIEL WIDRIG
with
IGOR PANTIC
STEFAN BASSING
SOOMEEN HAHM
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Workshop Tutor:
IGOR PANTIC
Lead Designer at Zaha Hadid Architects
Visiting Lecturer at UCL Bartlett School of Architecture
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Teaching Assistants:
Thomas Bagnoli, Evgenia Makroglou, Kalliopi Mouzaki, Darshan Singhania
ucl bartlett rc6 graduate students
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Softwares: Maya, Rhino, Grasshopper, Processing
*Previous knowledge of the softwares is not compulsory.

Fabrication Tools: Lycra, Styrofoam beads, Latex, Sewing machines