Robots build! At their program in architecture and digital production at the Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule (ETH) Zürich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich), the architects Gramazio & Kohler have installed a research facility that is unique in the world. It is based on a computer-controlled industrial robot that produces construction elements directly from design data. The robot works flexibly with a tremendous range of tools and materials. In this way Gramazio & Kohler probe the exciting potential of digital design, construction, and manufacturing techniques for architecture. In their projects they incorporate insights and discoveries from the field of computer-aided production into the architectonic design process, using computers to develop innovative construction techniques and architecture. First structures using robots have already been built, for example the much noted Gantenbein vineyard in Fläsch (CH) or the installation at the Swiss Pavilion at the 11th International Architecture Exhibition in Venice.
Design: Integral Lars Müller
16.5 x 24 cm, 7¾ x 11¾ in, 240 pages, 150 illustrations, hardcover (2008)
ISBN 978-3-03778-122-7, e
EUR 35.00
/ USD 45.00
/ GBP 35.00
Fabio Gramazio
Fabio Gramazio (1970) and Matthias Kohler (1968) are partners in the architecture and urbanism practice Gramazio & Kohler, Zurich. They hold the Chair for Architecture and Digital Fabrication at the ETH Zurich. The research focuses on the exploration of highly informed architectural elements, processes and produces design strategies for full-scale automated robotic fabrication. Gramazio & Kohler are co-editors of the book Digital Materiality in Architecture, which outlines the theoretical context for the full synthesis between data and material in architectural design and fabrication.
Matthias Kohler
Matthias Kohler (1968) and Fabio Gramazio (1970) are partners in the architecture and urbanism practice Gramazio & Kohler, Zurich. They hold the Chair for Architecture and Digital Fabrication at the ETH Zurich. The research focuses on the exploration of highly informed architectural elements, processes and produces design strategies for full-scale automated robotic fabrication. Gramazio & Kohler are co-editors of the book Digital Materiality in Architecture, which outlines the theoretical context for the full synthesis between data and material in architectural design and fabrication.
