Brief

The aim of the project is to explore the capabilities of manufacturing processes and to develop an integrated approach to design and production. The goal is to translate the geometric tesselation flux of the existing facade using the laser cutting machine.

Parametric Skin

The design incorporates elements of ‘old Shanghai’ through geometry, pattern, and materialization and combines these with a contemporary urban experience, thereby creating a destination with a distinctly Shanghai feel. Based on a hexagonal grid, the facade components follow the articulated geometry of the building and provide constantly changing perspectives.

A gradient transition from bigger to smaller facade components regulates the exposure of the inside to the outside and enhances the main entrance of the building. On the lower facade, a hexagonal grid consists of diamond-shaped panels that are tied between pins forming a tensioned cladding system. Here the arrangement of the components can change across the facade from single layer to triple-layer, up to a depth of 400mm.

Credits: Lane 189 / UNStudio | ArchDaily

Laser Cutting Assembly Strategies

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Final Model

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Credits

Parametric UNStudio Tesselated Facade // Laser Cutting is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master of Advanced Architecture 2020/21 by Students:  Iulia Maria Lichwar, Laukik Lad, Faisal Umaru  and Faculty: Ricardo Mayor Luque, Lana Awad and Shyam Zonca