Imagine. Create. Integrate
February 15, 2025
Imagine. Create. Integrate Imagine. Create. Integrate Pneumatic Formwork Modular Housing and Online MR Platform Orange
Playing Tic-Tac-Toe with an ABB robotic arm
Philadelphia, USA / March 2025
Univsersity of Pennsylvina
MSD-RAS
Instructor: Jeffrey S. Anderson
Teaching Assistant: Shunta Moriuchi
This project explores the application of pneumatic formwork construction technology combined with robotic arm assistance and modular design in the future, as well as the vision of a comprehensive, mixed-reality-based architectural process service platform enhanced by this technology.
The pneumatic formwork construction technology integrated with robotic arm spraying techniques offers the feasibility of one-time construction forming. Combined with modular units composed of light steel and OSB boards, which include integrated plumbing and electrical supply, this approach enables large-scale production. Furthermore, it enhances the technology’s sustainability and adaptability, making it suitable not only for temporary housing and emergency disaster relief buildings but also for extraterrestrial deployment and construction.
In this context, our vision for the future is to push the architectural industry towards a faster, more efficient, and standardized industrial chain era. Our envisioned one-stop, comprehensive, full-process service platform emphasizes collaborative service among users, designers, and suppliers, simplifying the construction process.
It provides a shared workspace, fostering design innovation and efficiency improvements. Customers can select or customize their preferred design schemes on the platform and complete orders through online payment. Designers can develop and manage their work on the platform, customizing it based on customer needs. Suppliers can offer their products or services on the platform and carry out production or delivery according to orders.
Form Generation Exploration
Inspired by the Bubble House and Binishell, we started with inflating, we explored and developed three methods to generate the dome.
This method C provides us better control on the shape and has potential to integrate into the construction stage, especially in transportation. To ensures that prefabricated membrane and supporting frames can be easily transported to the site and quickly inflated and constructed. We developed a practical process since prototype stage.
Robotic Arm For Spraying
Polyurethane is sprayed on the inner surface of the inflated membrane to form a stable form. We developed a method that allows a robotic arm to spray continuously within a building. Since all cables are integrated into the OSB board, the power supply during the construction process and actual use can be solved at the same time.
Construction Process
One Station For All Stages
Based the construction method we explored, we proposed an online station for all stages of architecture in the near future. Our vision is to provide an open platform, which connect customers, designers, and material suppliers. Anyone can post their orders and find their favorite design products on the platform. Besides, the platform will offer a wider range of business and cooperation opportunities for both designers and suppliers.
Imagine. Create. Integrate Imagine. Create. Integrate Pneumatic Formwork Modular Housing and Online MR Platform Orange
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