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MetaFold

Project details

Programme
Research Cluster RC9

MetaFold proposes a reusable and reconfigurable formwork system for on-site concrete casting. With augmented reality technology, MetaFold provides the users with real-time exchange of information on the construction progress through an augmented platform. This platform provides instructions for prefabrication of formwork, its assembly and reassembly on site, and the subsequent casting of concrete. Formwork is produced from flat metal sheets folded into shape following the holographic template. Once the casting process is finished, the formwork will be processed by the evaluation and selection system so as to determine which parts are suitable for creating new casting templates or internal partitions. Additionally, a design-to-fabrication application is developed in order to guide the user through the fabrication process and provide a ‘digital hand’ for both the designers and clients. To make the app smarter, the user interface has combined virtual reality technology with a generative design process by using remote synchronisation. The MetaFold app is one of the many attempts which emphasise strengthening the human-machine relationship while retaining human-centred factors through the augmented reality interface.

01

Design Study

Pattern Study

Pattern is explored through the design study of a series of stair models.

Housing Typology

A series of models developed through density and growth simulations produces an extended catalogue of automation.

Nodal Surface with Degenerate States

Nodal Surface with Degenerate States

Design iterations are developed with free-form growth.

Gyroids and Mutations

An algorithm index is generated through folding.

Typology: Generative Process

Typology: Generative Process

02

Fabrication

Workflow

A visualisation of the detailed construction process.

Workflow

Documentation of fabrication studies with metal sheet prototypes.

Fabrication Process

Fabrication Process

Mould Cutting and Folding

Mould Cutting and Folding

The metal sheets are cut by waterjet and folded with the help of HoloLens, mixed reality smartglasses.

Mould Disassembly

Mould Disassembly

03

AR Application

Place the Model

A view of the user interface in the augmented reality application.

The app allows users to select and place various moulds to assemble and modify the model.

Display Mode

Fabrication with App

Fabrication with App

The app can generate the moulds and show the building sequence in order to guide the user through the fabrication process.

04

Architectural Proposal

Housing

A visualisation of a residential structure assembled using the MetaFold system.

Housing

An interior view of a home assembled using the MetaFold system.

Housing

Housing

Housing

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The Bartlett
B-Pro & Autumn Shows 2020
27 November – 11 December 2020
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