ROBOTIC EXHALATION: EXPLORATIONS IN CONCRETE RHEOLOGY

2022-2023 Independent Research Initiative critics Zach Cohen (Advisor) collaborators Elliot Smithberger (Co-Principal Investigator) curriculum

Robotic Exhalation is an interdisciplinary exploration at the intersection of robotics, sculpture, and building science. Using machine-assisted fabrication, open-source documentation, and computational design the team will explore the aesthetic affordances of concrete rheology, ultimately creating a facade mockup that will serve as a sculptural exterior cladding prototype for building construction applications.

The exhalation of compressed air via a custom-built machine produces unique patterns in still-curing concrete, achieving a distinct and easily replicable surface texture. Reusable molds, efficient material usage, and readily adaptable tools all come together for a low-cost, minimally wasteful means for sculpting one of the world’s most ubiquitous materials.

Each panel created through this unique process is slightly unique, even if it follows the same patterning process. This oftenindeterminate means of production has interesting implications regarding artistic intent and the generation of architectural form, centering the resultant object of this exploration as an expression of process-based thinking and material science. This work builds on our fascination with said expression of form, but perhaps even more importantly it may serve as a foundation for future exploration and development in terms of digital authorship, fabrication processes, and methods for sustainable practice + material systems.

Work is currently being funded by Taubman College’s Architecture Student Research Grant and the ArtsEngine AiiR Grant.