Simply converting a design into prefabricated parts can add logistical complexity, transport costs, and supply chain fragmentation, while also forcing design compromises..
The complexity involved in construction processes.The requirement of specialist robotic programming skills.
Technical and financial risks that limit the possible uses of robotic arm technology.To address these issues and to connect robotic technology to Bryden Wood’s ‘Platform Approach’ to Design for Manufacture and Assembly (P-DfMA), our Creative Technologies team has developed F.R.A.C.– a Framework for Robotics and Automated Construction.. F.R.A.C.
provides an open, extensible and collaborative platform that enables all designers – not only specialists – to engage with robotic technologies and to embed digital manufacture workflows into their everyday design activities.. F.R.A.C.is an easy to use digital workflow that connects industry standard design software to robotic technology tools, using custom apps to provide:.
XR environments for design and process interaction.
A library of manufacturing blocks as defined elements of process (which we call CHIPs).Replacing Comflor with a less processed material which can act as formwork.
Adjusting the concrete mix to be flowing rather than self-levelling which would reduce the cement content.Exploring the use of low carbon concrete columns instead of steel ones.. Façade: Opportunities to improve the embodied carbon of facades, including finding alternatives to unitised and curtain walling systems, and their materiality.. Cladding: Elongating a material or components’ lifespan may increase the day one carbon but over the lifetime of the building the whole life carbon can be minimised, where replacement cycles are reduced.. Aluminium procurement: Minimising transport miles is important for materials.
However, the country of origin is also important for materials and components which are heavily manufactured, such as curtain walling.Sometimes the additional transport miles might offset the manufacturing emissions in counties with greener energy grids.. Substructure: Omitting basements should be the starting point of projects.. Raised floor: Reuse existing materials, both from demolition on site but also local existing buildings which are undergoing renovation or demolition.
(Editor: Magnetic Swimwear)