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The idea for the project came from observing how birds and bees make nests in an incredibly sustainable manner. Our current sustainability paradigm relies on conventional market-driven practices, resulting in a slow transformation since buildings are the sum of products in traditional construction processes. Future construction should explore an alternative paradigm of a part-to-whole system. The project proposes to rethink the performance of the 'parts' and their aggregation mechanism into the 'whole' to explore an alternative construction paradigm. This design investigates block morphology and stacking intelligence using our current understanding of ongoing technological developments (drones, machine learning, human-machine coordination, additive manufacturing, materials, etc.).
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What if we could build a pavilion simply by throwing blocks? What if multiple flying fabricators could drop blocks to build a shelter in a remote site? This project explores an alternative construction method by throwing or dropping blocks. The overall stacking pattern can be guided by tension members that allow geometric freedom in aggregation. A unique block design will utilize a novel stack-interlocking method, enabling blocks to self-aggregate in all directions, even against gravity. The intelligence of the block design and its unique stacking behavior will contribute to a new paradigm of a sustainable built environment through a radically simple construction process, recyclability, and reconfigurability.
The physical process of novel stacking could open up a new perspective on architectural sustainability. It would involve achieving structural stability through unique interlocking methods without using permanent bonding agents. By changing our construction process, swarm robot actions can build structures in a short timescale. Temporary shelters can be quickly constructed in remote or disaster sites where conventional machines cannot access. Blocks (parts) can be reused for other applications. Over time, a novel design intelligence of stacking offers reconfigurability and recyclability as modes of sustainability and tools for resiliency.
This prototype research project aims to open up a new paradigm of space making. Despite its preliminary development, the project seeks to offer several conceptual strengths. Cities once hosted permanent architecture to represent the identity of society, but they have shifted to a rapidly changing, heterogeneous, temporary, and eventful assemblage. The project simulates how we can support such eventful place-making. The reduced timescale of construction can accommodate rapidly changing user needs and programs. The construction itself is also envisioned as a participatory process. Humans and machines can collaboratively throw or drop blocks to build meaningful structures. Additionally, a color-coded stacking system can optimize the jamming process by swarm fabricators more efficiently. This approach can foster fun and engaging community collaboration in building public spaces. Furthermore, various block materials and morphology options can support increased rebuilding and reconfiguring strategies for these spaces.
A proof of concept, a shading canopy structure (20’x20’x12’), was built. The blocks are assembled using 3D-printed parts. Two parts are aligned by a half-cut joint, and the third part snap-interlocks to strengthen the assembly. Anyone can easily assemble and disassemble the blocks. The aggregation process was tested over three weeks as an exhibition open to the public. About 500-600 people, including 50 elementary school children, threw blocks to build the canopy together.
Jin Young Song, AIA, is an Associate Professor at the State University of New York at Buffalo, a registered architect in New York State, and a founder of DIOINNO Architecture PLLC, a design firm based in Buffalo and Seoul. Song's research expertise is in the field of architectural design, focusing on sustainable building envelopes and alternative construction systems. Prior to joining the University at Buffalo, he worked as a senior designer at SOM's New York office. Song’s professional experience also includes working for OMA in Rotterdam and Sauerbruch Hutton in Berlin. He received a Master in Architecture degree from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Song is a recipient of several awards, including the Forge Prize, iF Awards, Architizer A+ Awards, AZ Award of Merit, AIA New York State Design Award, and NYSCA Independent Project Grant Award.
Just Throw It! is supported by is supported by the New York State Council on the Arts and The Architectural League of New York.
