Digitally Fabricated Housing A production system for

construction with digital fabrication Prof. Larry Sass, PhD

MIT/CBADepartment of Architecture

Research in Design Computing• Automated Design

Generating geometric descriptionsa → c

• Computable constraintsPhysical Visual(Eastman) (Stiny) Structural FormAssembly SpatialMaterial

OrnamentalMachine Style

• Functions – Measure, Cut & Assemble(Architects and Builders)

a b

c

Traditional Home Delivery Systems

• Low precision• High variety• Slow Production• Each cut part is unique• High costStick build

Factory build

Digitally Fabricated Delivery Systems

• High precision• Fast fabrication• High variety• Low cost• Safe construction

Project Data• One Room with Furniture

• 114 Sheets of Plywood

• 984 components

• Approximate Cost $2,500

• Translate design model into construction components and fabricate in one month

StartCNC Machine

Material Stock114 Sheets of Plywood

Assembly with a rubber mallet only

Distribution – Fabrication

Digitally Reconstructing New OrleansProfessor Larry SassMIT

Existing Replacement Technology

FEMA Trailer – no ornamentation

Modular home – no ornamentation

Desired Replacement

Problems with replacement housing

Digital Fabrication of a Cabin for New Orleans

Summer 2008

Research Challenges• Automate Design Production

• Computable constraints– Physical Visual– Structural Form– Assembly Spatial– Material Ornamental– Machine Style

• Production system Integration of Visual & Physical constraints