Hillary Davlin 005: Authorizing Robotic Processes

In “Authorizing Robotic Processes", written by Fabio Gramzaio, Matthias Kohler and Jan Willmann, the authors explores the complex role that robots play within architectural production. While there is much skepticism using digital design to create form, the authors argue that it is crucial that architecture informs the machine, and not vise versa. Much similar to “Integrating Robotic Fabrication in the Design Process”, this article explores the potential for robots in construction and materialization processes. Projects such as the Gantenbein vineyard façade and Flight Assembled Architecture (which resulted from this project), look into robots for precise and unique construction assembly. In this sense, architecture is informed by new fabrication, thus becoming more integrated in its output. As in last week’s reading, this article also looks at the Future Cities Laboratory for high-rises in Singapore as an example of integrating robots into initial architecture design. By viewing robots in the initial steps of design and production, there is potential for new, exciting and experimental forms of architecture.