CeramicINformation Pavilion - Rethinking structural brick specials through an indexical 3D printing method

Abstract

Complex brick construction is defined by its relationship to labor; it requires skilled workers in planning, manufacturing and assembly. In the modern era, this has been perceived as a significant drawback, and as such has resulted in brick construction being partially superseded by more rapid methods of fabrication, despite its inherent robustness and longevity. This paper describes the second stage of an ongoing research project which attempts to revitalize the material system of the brick special through the development of an intelligent 3d printing method that works in conjunction with a layman assembly procedure for a new class of self-supporting nonstandard brick structures. In this project, an indexed and geometrically informed jointing system, together with a parametric and digital workflow, enables rapid assembly on site without a requirement for complex site setup or skilled labor.