Fibrous Concrete

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Fibrous Concrete' is a series of concrete cast prototypes by Roland Snooks exploring the potential of robotic fabrication techniques to make complex architectural forms. They form part of a larger series of experimental prototypes by Snooks that articulate an architectural paradigm based on complexity theory, computation and a focus on emergent phenomena. The major exhibition 'Naturalizing Architecture' in 2013 at the FRAC (Orleans, France) - which his work was a part of - was an attempt to define this movement and "to illustrate the scope of this epistemological revolution, where architecture and science have entered into a dialogue within the computational field" (Frederic Migayrou and Marie- Ange Brayer, 2013). RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: 'Fibrous Concrete' explores the robotic fabrication of intricate concrete formwork. The formal complexity of concrete within architectural construction is limited by the expense of producing complex formwork. This research is based on the programming of robots to carve complex forms from expanded polystyrene that is then used as formwork for cast concrete. Snooks has developed a series of projects over the past 5 years that rely on intricate load-bearing concrete shells. The process developed in this research not only makes this level of intricacy possible, but also the characteristics of this robotic process (based on ruled surfaces) plays an important role in conditioning the algorithmic design process. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This project was part of Studio Roland Snooks' contribution to Melbourne NOW. The studio was selected as one of six emerging architectural practices for the Incubator Room exhibit. Melbourne NOW featured 175 exhibits from individuals and groups, with a focus on art, architecture and design. It was the largest show the NGV has mounted. Opening weekend attracted 18,400 visitors. The show received extensive local, national and international media attention.