Reconfigurable CNC molding technologies for non-standard fabrication

presented by Tristan Al-Haddad, assistant professor, School of Architecture and Matthew Swarts, research scientist, Digital Fabrication Lab

The research here proposes a new approach to non-standard construction through the development of a continuously variable cast concrete system working with topologically defined reconfigurable molds that can be mapped to and driven by flexible parametric models, thus making a significant leap forward in bridging the gap from the digital representation to the material artifact.  The goal of the research is to create a system that allows for the production of continuous geometric variations in thin shell cast concrete from a single reconfigurable mold, thus reducing the amount of time, material, and energy consumption required to produce unique components.