Design and Construction of an Innovative Pavilion Using Topological Optimization and Robotic Fabrication

This research explores innovations in structural design and construction through the generative design technique BESO (Bi-directional Evolutionary Structural Optimization) and the application of robotic fabrication to produce efficient and elegant spatial structures. The innovative pavilion discussed in this paper demonstrates a design and fabrication process and the collaboration between architecture and engineering research groups through a series of small-scale test models and a full-scale model of topologically optimised spatial structures. The focus of this work is the use of a modified BESO technique to optimise the structure, which features branches of various sizes, inspired by Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia Basilica, and the introduction of large-scale robotic 3D printing developed at RMIT University. The advantages of the new design and construction process are efficient material usage and elegant structural forms.