Piotr Baszyński

Zusammenfassung

The paper discusses how adaptation of Automated Preforming (AP) technology for fabrication of customized profiles from flax textiles laminated with biobased resins may offer new structural design possibilities and prospects for increasing the use of biocomposites in architecture. As the fabrication process may offer specific customization options, their potential impact on the design possibilities are considered. The concept is validated through realization of a 1:1 structural demonstrator. Specific limitations imposed by the technology are reflected in the design decisions. The successful realization of the structure is the base for speculation about further steps regarding automation attempt and upscaling of the design.

Zusammenfassung

This research demonstrates an integrative computational design and fabrication workflow for the production of surface-active fibre composites, which uses natural fibres, revitalises a traditional craft, and avoids the use of costly molds. Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are highly tunable building materials, which gain efficiency from fabrication techniques enabling controlled fibre direction and placement in tune with load-bearing requirements. These techniques have evolved closely with industrial textile processes. However, increased focus on automation within FRP fabrication processes have overlooked potential key benefits presented by some lesser-known traditional techniques of fibre arrangement. This research explores the process of traditional bobbin lace-making and applies it in a computer-aided design and fabrication process of a small-scale structural demonstrator in the form of a chair. The research exposes qualities that can expand the design space of FRPs, as well as speculates about the potential automation of the process. In addition, Natural Fibre-Reinforced Polymers (NFRP) are investigated as a sustainable and human-friendly alternative to more popular carbon and glass FRPs.

Zusammenfassung

Driven by the ecological crisis looming over the 21st century, the construction sector must urgently seek alternative design solutions to current building practices. In the wake of emergent digital technologies and novel material strategies, this research proposes a lightweight architectural solution using natural fiberreinforced polymers NFRP, which elicit interest for their inherent renewability as compared to highperformance yarns. Two associated fabrication techniques are deployed tailored fiber placement TFP and coreless filament winding CFW, both favored for their additive efficiencies granted by strategic material placement. A hypothesis is formed, postulating that their combination can leverage the standalone complexities of molds and frames by integrating them as active structural elements. Consequently, the TFP enables the creation of a 2D stiffnesscontrolled preform to be bent into a permanent scaffold for winding rigid 3D fiber bodies via CFW. A proof of concept is generated via the smallscale prototyping and testing of a stool, with results yielding a design of 1 kg capable of carrying 100 times its weight. Laying the groundwork for a scaledup architectural proposal, the prototype instigates alterations to the process, most notably the favoring of a modular global design and lapped preform technique. The research concludes with a discussion on the resulting technoimplications for automation, deployment, material life cycle, and aesthetics, rekindling optimism towards future sustainable practices.