Proposal

Narrative

The FAU School of Architecture is currently in the midst of a radical transformation of its pedagogical approach for the professional Bachelor of Architecture program. We, as a school, are invested in shaping a more sustainable future for the built environment. In order to advance the discourse of architecture, innovative research methods need to be combined with professional practice constraints. As a result, we are changing our typical physical studio spaces into laboratories for exploration. Teaching through research and research through teaching will become our new pedagogical model. One of these new research laboratories for teaching is the Environmental Design and Natural Materials lab that will explore new material innovations in biopolymers, combined with natural daylighting and energy simulations, to prototype environmentally-driven façade applications using robotic fabrication. Students will not only learn about emerging materials but also create new materials which can meet the growing demand for reducing the carbon footprint of how we build. Robotic fabrication facilities have become ubiquitous teaching instruments within the School of Architecture. In South Florida, the University of Miami and Florida International University both have substantial robotic facilities with multiple large robotic arms. However, we will differentiate ourselves by not only focusing on digital fabrication but using these cutting-edge tools to assist in the advancement of environmental design and natural materials innovation. This is especially important in South Florida, where climate adaptation is a necessity. On June 24, 2021, a building collapsed in Surfside, Florida due to material corrosion. This can’t happen again; we need to prepare future architects to be able to not only design sustainable buildings but also have a deeper understanding of materials in general. The addition of this robotic arm will facilitate our vision of teaching this content to the students.

Facilities

The Environmental Design and Natural Materials (EDNM) lab will be at the School of Architecture, FAU Ft. Lauderdale campus, a strategic location near industry and practice. The School of Architecture has already designated a studio area for the robotic arm. A glass wall partition will be installed to further designate the space. Currently, the space is a studio filled with chairs and desks, and it will be transformed into a space that allows students to make new materials and prototype innovative natural materials. The space will house a robotic arm which will be used for both additive and subtractive manufacturing, including extruding biopolymers and bioplastics as well as carving and milling, and a material library. The students will be seated around a collaborative robotic arm station that is safe to work with. There are currently ten architecture courses (listed in a supporting document) that will greatly benefit from robotic fabrication to support existing coursework related to developing complex modeling and simulations at varying scales, involving parametric design and performance-driven design. With more than 300 students within the school of architecture, engaging with robotic fabrication will expand our curriculum and provide the academic support required for the students’ success.

Hardware Requirements

Hardware required cost (including shipping and taxes): · Universal robotic arm (UR10e): $56,317.92 · UR10-compatible workstation with adjustable leveling feet: $2,359.67 · Large Fenced Safety Perimeter with Polycarbonate Panels: $15,347.08

Software Requirements

The software needed for operating the robotic arm will be modeling and programming software (Rhino/Grasshopper for modeling and computation, and Python for processing), which will be offered and licensed by the school of architecture.  

Personnel Costs

One student employee will be trained and hired by the School of Architecture to support the robotic arm operation ($2400.00 per semester).

Other Costs

The following associated remodeling costs will be covered by the school of architecture: Glass wall: The School of Architecture will fund converting the space wall (that partitions the lab from the hallway) into a glass wall as part of the space remodeling. Shelves: The school will also fund installing shelves and needed furniture for the space.

Timeline

The robotic arm, the workstation, and the fenced safety perimeter with panels will be purchased, shipped, and installed within less than a month of receiving the funding. Once installed, its use will be for the following semester, with safety training and robotic training being required for students. The first projects using the robotic arm will be within design studios and the Environmental Technology courses, as well as the Intro to Digital Modeling course. Fabricated models and prototypes will be exhibited and displayed at the end of the semester. The timeline from the installation of the robotic arm to the completion of the first project will be within 6–8 months.

Sustainability

The Lab will be supported by the School of Architecture. Our school has recently obtained a sponsored agreement with Google ($100,000) with the intention of finding additional industry partners to sponsor facility improvement and equipment maintenance. Each semester, students pay a Tech-Fee specifically allocated to equipment, maintenance, or advancements. Additionally, the school of architecture receives funds from the Institute for Design and Construction, which frequently contributes to the maintenance of facilities like this.

Resource Matching

The School of Architecture can provide additional funding in transforming the space, up to $20,000.

Implementing Organization

The School of Architecture will implement the project and house the robotic arm at the Fort Lauderdale campus, Room 612.