SG2010 Cluster: Rapid R&D to Rapid Assembly - snap fit, push on....

The prevalence of digital fabrication technology gives rise to new methods for connecting one element to another. Historically building assemblies have been lead by the available technology from post and peg systems of green oak framing to mass manufactured fixings such as nail plates, bolts and screws of the past 100 or so years. If we take a look at other manufactured goods such as cars or phones there are countless snap on elements that make the assembly quicker and ultimately cheaper – can the same be true of buildings?

The new technology effectively allows us to get rid of intermediate connectors (screws bolts nailplates) by integrating them into the part to be fixed much in the way plastic products use snap fixings and integral hinges.

This workshop is an experimental study with the aim of designing, prototyping and refining new concrete shuttering and reinforcement components & connections using lazer and 3 axis cutting. The key aim is to achieve a rapid assembly: snap fit, push on and instant connections that will produce a better and more complex end result but reduced site time. To achieve this we will need to harness the potential of the fabrication technique and the properties of the materials: the spring and sharp edge of the steel and flexibility in the timber etc.

Bruce Bell is founder and managing director of FACIT, overseeing all aspects of the company and is actively involved with software manipulation, parametric design, digital fabrication and architectural design, drawing on a broad education and work history. An artist by training Bruce joined Foster and Partners in 1999 providing 3D design development and imaging for key projects such as Albion Riverside and Chesa Futura. After completing Design Products MA at the Royal College of Art he worked with Ron Arad, Arup Associates, artists Olafur Eliasson and Antony Gormley.
From 2004 to 2009 Bruce ran the architectural partnership Willson & Bell before leaving to head up FACIT.

User login

Sign up for our email newsletter