This pavilion was built utilizing a custom 3D-pen and motion-tracking system. The pen extrudes PLA to a greater thickness than what is currently on the market and is more durable. PLA is drawn between acrylic rods to create a fuzzy tensegrity system, where the acrylic acts in compression and the PLA generally acts in tension, but also has limited compressive ability.
A 3D-tracking system was developed to assist in the correct placement of the sticks in mid-air. As there is a pattern to the structure, the tracking device is utilized to locate key members in the correct position, which act as guides in the connecting of other rods.
The goal of the project is to bridge the dichotomy between machine and human-made production. Rather than use technology to replace human labor, the idea is to let technology augment human intuition during the construction process.
It is relatively simple to add or subtract members to the construct, allowing it to grow and adapt to user preferences. By democratizing the production of form, architecture can begin to embrace bottom-up methods of production in physical constructs.
Status: Built
Location: Tokyo, JP
My Role: Design and Project Management Leader
Additional Credits: Joint thesis project with Anders Rod, design and project management support by Gilang Arenza, Rat Sam. Fabrication team: Chloe Ying Xu, Takahiro Osaka, Haruka Uchida, Christopher Wilkens, Kenneth Larssen Lønning, Nicky Li, Sion Asada, Takeru Kumagai, Alric Lee, Rodrigo Fortes, Saki Uchida. Generous support by Obuchi Lab, Kuma Lab, Sato Lab, Ozone Gallery Shinjuku.