Our project's objective is to establish a system for file-to-fabrication that allows the robotic assembly of mortar-free masonry walls. Our primary focus is to design an algorithmic approach that harnesses the potential of Rhino and Grasshopper to simplify the assembly of customized, intricate brick structures that depend solely on their geometric properties for support, without the need for adhesives or mortar. Our research experiment entails constructing a versatile brick that can conform to any configuration, including straight or curved walls.
Workflow
Form Creation
Linear
Curve
Generative Design - Day Light Optimization
The manual process of finding the optimized rotation of bricks according to sunlight radiation would be incredibly tedious and impractical. Just envision the painstaking effort required to individually calculate and access the rotation for each brick. It would be an insurmountable task to accomplish manually. To address this challenge, we turned to the power of generative design and employed a tool called Wallacei Grasshopper.
Using this innovative approach, we generated 200 different generations of brick rotations. Each generation represented a unique arrangement of bricks, taking into account sunlight radiation. Through this automated process, we were able to explore a wide range of possibilities and variations.
After generating these numerous options, we carefully evaluated each one and selected the best solution from the resulting forms
Robotic Placement
Brick Design Option 01
Brick Design Option 02
Brick Design Option 03
Brick Design Option 01 / 02 /03
Brick Design Option 01 Linear / Curve
Evaluation of Brick Design Options - Day Light Simulation
Design Option 01 – Curve – 180 *
Design Option 01 – Linear - 220
Design Option 02 - 300
Design Option 03 - 260
During the evaluation of daylight radiation in four brick design options, noteworthy variations were observed. Design option 1a exhibited a radiation level of 180 units, while design option 1b recorded 220 units. Design option 02 showcased a higher radiation output of 300 units, whereas design option 03 achieved a slightly lower value of 260 units.
Among these options, design option 1a emerged as an impressive choice due to its combination of favorable characteristics. Not only did it deliver a respectable radiation level, but it also demonstrated flexibility in its design. This dual advantage sets design option 1a apart from the others, making it an attractive proposition for further consideration and implementation
Design Option Matrix
Design Option Matrix
Radiation Reduction Percentage - 55
Design Option 01 – Curve – 180 *
280
Analysis
Fabrication and Robotic Placement
Multiple Forms Adaptability
The final design boasts a significant advantage in terms of its exceptional flexibility in form. Unlike rigid alternatives, each brick in this design can be rotated by 12 degrees, offering noteworthy benefits for both aesthetic and parametric functions. This capability allows for enhanced versatility and opens up new possibilities in terms of design variations. It can be effectively utilized in diverse climatic conditions.
Final Prototype
The assembled prototype bricks were showcased in a demonstration, highlighting their flexibility. Each brick exhibited a rotational range of up to 12 degrees, emphasizing their impressive capacity to rotate and adapt.
Linear
Curve
*All rights reserved for brick design to Venkateshwara Prasath Ravichandran [Author]. The rights for the architecture model are reserved to the respective owner.
Conclusion
One of the key findings of this research is the profound impact of generative design in optimizing the selection of the most suitable designs for these bricks. By harnessing the power of generative design, we can enhance their overall performance and efficiency, pushing the boundaries of what interlocking bricks can achieve.
Looking ahead, our ultimate objective is to bring these bricks to life, transforming them into tangible constructions that can be dynamically evaluated and explored in real time. Imagine the possibilities of witnessing firsthand the potential of these innovative interlocking structures.
Additionally, an intriguing prospect lies in the creation of a user-friendly plugin that grants accessibility to these intelligent interlocking blocks. This plugin would empower individuals without programming knowledge to engage with and leverage the benefits of these remarkable bricks. The democratization of this technology is within our reach.
To conclude, let us underscore the significance of these remarkable discoveries and their profound implications for the advancement and widespread implementation of interlocking bricks. The future holds endless possibilities as we continue to unravel the full potential of these transformative building materials.