Buildings of Theseus

Navn
Ee Pin Choo
Uddannelsesgrad
Kandidat
Fagfelt
Arkitektur
Institut
Bygningskunst og Teknologi
Program
Computation in Architecture
År
2022

The research described in this dissertation explores a novel computational design method for the multiple reconfiguration of timber structures to extend its material life cycle. The construction sector produces 37% share of global CO2 emissions. With the growing concern for the impact the built industry has on the environment, we need to re-evaluate our architectural practices by looking at the life cycles of our materials and how they can be reused. Timber offers the possibility to reduce the sector’s carbon footprint as it is a renewable resource. Modern timber construction has already been highly integrated with automation and prefabrication (Construction 4.0) which could potentially increase the viability of timber disassembly. The benefits of using timber joints without nails allow the structure to be assembled and disassembled in a different site, context, and time. Traditional joints, however, pose two main challenges for automation of assembly. Firstly, traditional joints must be precise for it to function and fit well. Secondly, the aforementioned tightly fit joints require large frictional forces to be overcome during insertion. I will investigate how computation can prolong the life cycle of timber structures by designing for multiple stages of reconfiguration. This research project would also address the current limitations of designing for disassembly. With the utilisation of computation it would expand the potential of timber assemblies and speed up its adoption in the construction industry. The proposed process targets factory based prefabrication and robotic assembly of bespoke timber elements with modular joints. The key research objectives are: (1) explore the use of computer vision, CNC and automation to track, evaluate and machine timber elements to prolong its material life cycle; (2) explore timber joints that are adapted to automated fabrication, reconfigurable and multi-functional.
Keywords: disassembly – timber joints -
prefabrication - life cycle

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Det Kongelige Akademi understøtter FN’s verdensmål

Siden 2017 har Det Kongelige Akademi arbejdet med FN’s verdensmål. Det afspejler sig i forskning, undervisning og afgangsprojekter. Dette projekt har forholdt sig til følgende FN-mål
CV
My name is Ee Pin and I have just completed my formal education in Architecture. I completed my Bachelor of Science (Architecture and Sustainable Design), September 2019, at Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) and Masters in Architecture in The Royal Danish Academy (KADK), CITA. I am an enthusiastic individual with a thirst for knowledge. My strengths include interpersonal skills, parametric design and problem solving. To me, Architecture is a multidisciplinary profession that requires one to have a broad spectrum of knowledge and empathy to come up with sound designs. I believe that a great design should be able to affect the way people feel and interact with one another. My focus is on the design to fabrication process with a special interest in timber construction.
Konkurrencer, publikationer og priser
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Singapore Undergraduate Scholarship

Uddannelse og relevante kurser
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Singapore University of Technology and Design

Bachelor of Science
Architecture and Sustainable Design
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The Royal Danish Academy, CITA

Masters of Arts in Architecture
CITA - Centre for Information Technology and Architecture
Andre aktiviteter
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Asian Leadership Program

SUTD - Zhejiang University
Landscape Architecture
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Live Design Discourse, Surabaya

Regional conference
Representing Singapore
Erhvervserfaring
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Batch architects, Singapore

Internship
Residential architecture company
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Passage Projects, Singapore

Internship
Structural engineering company
Building parametric models from design to simulation
Building scripts for design to production
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The Developed Surface, Denmark, KADK IBD

Research assistant
3D clay printing research
Designing for and operating 3d clay printer
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RawLam, Denmark, KADK CITA

Research assistant
Glulam research
IT-kompetencer
Rhinoceros
Illustrator
Lightroom
Blender
V-Ray
Photoshop
Grasshopper
Basic machine operator
Sprog
Python