Studio RAP wants to make architecture more technologically advanced while maintaining an artistic balance between material, processes and form. The Dutch company recently finished construction of the Skilledin Office, a 130 square meter space that was constructed using robots.
The Skilledin Office is part of the InnovationDock in Rotterdam, an industrial hall that houses presentation and incubator space. Most of the innovation in the design of the office comes from the large central column. Design was done optimizing both the load bearing of the column and the manufacturing processes required to create the pillar's shape.
230 different panels were cut from Metsawood using an ABB robot and assembled using fasteners from rothoblass. The column's shape was modeled in CAD and then connections were planned and predrilled before fastening.
RAP is also working on a robotic hotwire forming process that can be coated with shotcrete and create fast efficient concrete panels in a variety of shapes. Another project with the Technical University Eindhoven developed a two story concrete frame / decorative panel as part of the 3TU Lighthouse Projects in 2015.
Skilledin Office is getting attention in the news this month and Studio RAP hopes that this helps to prove that robotic assembly and fabrication can be scaled up to architectural proportions. This is a great example of companies pushing the boundaries of current technologies while creating aesthetically pleasing structures. This video is very European but does a good job explaining the concepts and ideas behind the project.