inFORMed Clay Workshop Report
Dubai, Nov. 10-12th, 2018
https://issuu.com/dubai-nat/docs/informed_clay
The three-day workshop explored new possibilities of the robots and digital materialization to redefine artifacts design far beyond the pre-determined creation of forms. Through the code-matter-machine interaction process, inFORMed Clay participants studied the potential emergent behaviors of the system as well as learnt and exerted a new sensibility to the computational design/fabrication process by tapping into the self-organization properties of matter as a key factor in determining characteristics of the output shape. The aim was to go beyond the current state of prototyping wherein the physical prototype is a clone of its digital counterpart, thus making fabrication a purely a replication phase. Instead, by coding and embedding additional levels of informations related to defining robotic behavior and material properties, the production and digital fabrication phase becomes an integral part of the design process.
Encoded Memory Workshop Report
Dubai, Apri 4th - 8th, 2017
https://issuu.com/dubai-nat/docs/encoded_memory_1_report
The five-day workshop explored the potential of machine learning neural networks in the development of an urban fabric of a particular sector in Dubai. We demonstrated how the parametric model can be presented to the network and how does it influence its effectiveness and decisions making process in directing the design workflow. The workshop tested multiple data input and explored the network response based on the self-learning generative nature of the network. Based on the network interpretation to the input data, participants were able to visualise the network growth outcome, and understand its data interpretation and decision making process. Behaviour of the system was therefore developed by assessing its propagation on a basic organisation level, then developing it to work on a variety of urban levels.
in.FORM.ed verticality workshop report
Dubai, Jan.30 - Feb.3rd, 2015
http://issuu.com/dubai-nat/docs/in_formed_verticality
The five-day workshop explored ‘data embodiment strategies’ to inform the generation of vertical digital morphologies through the integration of specific set of conditions and rules. We explored data processing methodologies of self-organizing processes to generate digital systems using advanced mesh modeling techniques and assessed their application in the development of differentiated complex systems of vertical structures; starting with a simple formation and moving into more complex ones. The aim was to teach participants algorithmic design methodologies through the integration of selected information and data articulation to generate spatial and architectural vertical formations.
Organised by d-NAT and Co-de-iT.
EXPOn-tial, Adaptive Ecologies Workshop Report
Dubai, Sep.2nd - 6th, 2014
http://issuu.com/dubai-nat/docs/expon-tial_advanced_workshop
The five-day workshop explored the potential of growth processes and assessed their application in the development of an urban fabric. Natural growth processes share common traits such as being non-linear, rule-based, and iterative. Drawing a parallel between natural systems behavior and computer growth processes such as branching systems, diffusion limited aggregation and other rule-based processes, we developed non-linear growth processes and evaluated the spatial results and forms across a wide range of scales - from Material to Urban scale. Behavior of growth processes depends largely on material properties as it influence clustering and distribution across a terrain. The system was developed by assessing their potential character on a basic level of organization first, then developing it to work on adaptation processes of autonomous, coherent objects on a variety of scales.
Organised by d-NAT and Co-de-iT.
Responsive Skins: Mashrabiya Reparameterized Report
Dubai, April 2nd-5th, 2014
http://issuu.com/dubai-nat/docs/mashrabiya_responsive_skin_workshop
Throughout the engagement of parametric digital tools, the workshop introduced design exercises to re-visit the traditional Mashrabiya and to liberate it from its repetitive pattern and form. By introducing different methods of creating variations within the subdivided surface in response to certain forces, the new parametric skin became responsive to different levels of interactions. New levels of transparency emerged from a communicative act between the observer and the observed, between light and dark, between movement and stillness, between openness and enclosure. The dialectical relation between the skin, which implies enclosing, and transparency, which suggests the opposite, has been re-examined in the new data driven responsive skin.
Organised by d-NAT and Co-de-iT.
Adaptive Skins Parametric Design Workshop Report
Dubai, Jan 28th - Feb 1st, 2014
http://issuu.com/dubai-nat/docs/adaptive_skins_parametric_design_wo
Over the last two decades, the digital revolution instigated new typologies of architectural skins and patterns. Patterns started to acquire a new role in the architectural form, moving beyond their historical symbolic decorative role into spatial devices; correlating with form structural and environmental properties. The workshop explored this paradigm shift of the function of patterns from being decorative additive elements, into performative integral elements with technical responsibilities for daylight modulation, temperature control, and space enclosure.
Organised by d-NAT and Co-de-iT.