GRAMAZIO KHOLER
ABOUT
In our research we examine the changes in architectural production requirements that result from introducing digital manufacturing techniques.
Our special interest lies in combining data and material and the resulting implications this has on the architectural design. The possibility of directly fabricating building components described on the computer expands not only the spectrum of possibilities for construction.
But, by the direct implementation of material and production logic into the design process, it establishes a unique architectural expression and a new aesthetic.
TEACHING
MASTER OF ADVANCED STUDIES
Embedded into the framework of the National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication, the Master of Advanced Studies in Architecture and Digital Fabrication (MAS ETH DFAB) teaches fundamental methods and technologies of digital design and fabrication and their expressed 1:1 implementation in architecture and construction.
ELECTIVE COURSE SS/AS
The course consists of a lecture series coupled with a series of taught exercises. Departing from the work of Gramazio Kohler Research, the lectures establish a conceptual framework of the digital in architecture with special regard to digital fabrication. The exercises focus on simple yet powerful methods of digital, computational and algorithmic design.
SEMINAR WEEK SS/AS
As a complement to the regular coursework, week-long excursions are offered once each semester by an ad hoc group of instructors. By studying carefully circumscribed issues, the students discipline specific knowledge is expanded.
FOCUS WORK
Gramazio Kohler Research offers students at the D-ARCH the possibility of a focus work at the professorship. Interested parties should contact Hannes Mayer ([email protected]) with a suggested topic, combined with a concise abstract of the work (~ 300 words). In-depth work at the professorship can be purely written as well as a creative work.
RESEARCH
INTRODUCTION
Our research focuses on additive digital fabrication techniques used for building non-standardized architectural components. Simply put, additive fabrication can be described as a three-dimensional printing process.
By positioning material precisely where it is required, we are able to interweave functional and aesthetic qualities into a structure. We can thus “inform” architecture through to the level of material.
Our aim is to develop criteria for a new system of structural logic which can be applied to architecture and that is intrinsic to digital fabrication. We started with modules such as bricks as a basic material and are now expanding the spectrum to include fluid materials.
DIGITAL FABRICATION
NATIONAL CENTRE OF COMPETENCE IN RESEARCH
The National Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) Digital Fabrication – initiated by the Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication – examines innovative processes of design, engineering and construction in architecture.
The main focus of the NCCR Digital Fabrication is research into digital design and manufacturing processes and their synthesis through the use of novel technologies.
Through a multidisciplinary approach the disciplines of architecture, structural design, robotics, and material and computer sciences are brought together in an ambitious partnership to establish digital technology as an essential part of future building processes.
TEAM
FABIO GRAMAZIO
Fabio Gramazio is an architect with multi-disciplinary interests ranging from computational design and robotic fabrication to material innovation. In 2000, he founded the architecture practice Gramazio & Kohler in conjunction with his partner Matthias Kohler, where numerous award-wining designs have been realised.
Current projects include the design of the Empa NEST research platform, a future living and working laboratory for sustainable building construction. Opening also the world’s first architectural robotic laboratory at ETH Zurich.
MATTHIAS KOHLER
Matthias Kohler is an architect with multi-disciplinary interests ranging from computational design and robotic fabrication to material innovation. In 2000, he founded the architecture practice Gramazio & Kohler in conjunction with his partner Fabio Gramazio, where numerous award-wining designs have been realised.
Current projects include the design of the Empa NEST research platform, a future living and working laboratory for sustainable building construction.
PETRUS AEJMELAEUS-LINDSTRÖM
Petrus Aejmelaeus-Lindström is a researcher at Gramazio Kohler Research (GKR) at ETH Zurich. He has lead a number of interdisciplinary research projects and is currently finalizing his PhD titled “Rock Printing: Robotic Fabrication of Jammed Architectural Structures” which will be completed during spring 2020.
In his current research, Petrus is developing innovative robotic fabrication techniques for in situ fabrication of fully reversible structures from locally sourced materials.
ALEKSANDRA ANNA (ANIA) APOLINARSKA
Aleksandra Anna (Ania) Apolinarska is a Postdoctoral Fellow at Gramazio Kohler Research (GKR) at ETH Zurich and within the NCCR Digital Fabrication programme. She has lead a number of research and industry collaboration projects and has been promoted 2019 to join GKR’s Executive Board.
In her current research, Ania is developing innovative computational design methods that address complex interrelations between multiple design objectives such as geometry, structural performance and robotic fabrication.
