Sentient Concrete
2017, advised by Dana Cupkova & Daragh Bryne, in collaboration with Dan Cascaval & Ammani Nair
This project aimed to developing computational tools and digital fabrication methods to enable the design process of embedding reactive, electromechanical systems into rigid concrete panels. It extends the work of Professor Dana Cupkova and Daragh Bryne’s ongoing research project, Sentient Concrete: Developing Embedded Thermal and Thermochromic Interactions for Architecture and Built Environment. This research was a highly collaborative effort, and I contributed fabrication and prototyping throughout the process.
The following images are from various stages the project, artefacts and fabrication results throughout the research process. All work was performed under the close guidance of Dana Cupkova and Daragh Byrne. Papers containing this work have been submitted for consideration to ACM SIGCHI, CAADRIA, IBPC, and others as part of ongoing research. Additionally, a version of this project was exhibited at Carnegie Mellon's "Designing The Computational Image", a symposium on computational design sponsored by the Graham Foundation in October 2017.
FABRICATING CONCRETE PANELS
In order to create concrete panels, we first mapped using a projector the locations of the wires that run beneath to heat the surface. Once the locations were confirmed, several ridges were created in a digital model which was fabricated using a CNC router. This wooden version of the panel was then used to cast a rubber mold, in which concrete was poured.
TESTING EMBEDDED THERMAL
Simultaneously, we were also testing for an optimal depth of these wires depending on the slope and edge conditions. Here, we also optimized heating time as the heat from the wires disperse over time.
[Designing The Computational Image]
A sample panel was selected to participate in an exhibition called "Designing the Computational Image" curated by Daniel Cardoso Llach, at Miller Gallery, Pittsburgh.