Cloud Affects - Architectural Installation

BACKGROUND Cloud Affects is a research project contributing to the exploration of robotic fabrication in the architectural and building construction industries. The project explores the possibilities of large-scale 3D printing to construct complex forms with a high degree of intricacy. Cloud Affects is part of a larger body of research that employs robotic fabrication of polymer composites and algorithmic design processes, which draw from the logic of swarm intelligence to construct prototypical architectural elements. Specifically, through the development of processes to integrate carbon fibre structure with large-scale 3D printed polymer surfaces, this project interrogates the limitations and possibilities of 3D printing and generative design process. The project is exhibited with an accompanying sound artwork by Philip Samartzis. CONTRIBUTION Cloud Affects is a large-scale architectural prototype that explores the tectonic limits of 3D printed architecture. The project expands the research developed through an earlier prototype, Tectonic Cloud, that pioneered the integration of carbon fibre reinforcement for large-scale 3D printed polymer surface structures. Cloud Affects advances this through an exploration of the design implications of larger-scale carbon fibre structural networks and their expressive affects. SIGNIFICANCE The significance of this work lies in both its technical innovation and design exploration. The project is part of a series of projects which pioneered the infusion of carbon fibre structural networks within polymer printed skins. Cloud Affects was commissioned by the Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism and Architecture, and the National Gallery of Victoria with the support of Boeing Australia. The Shenzhen Biennale is the most visited architecture exhibition in the world, which generated considerable exposure and impact from the work. The project was published in the peer-reviewed Fabricate 2020 book published by UCL Press, London.