Students proposals

Final Project. Students proposal for bench support

As part of my journey in Fab Academy 2025, I thought it would be a great idea to involve students from the Singular Structures course in the design of the beam supports. This course is part of the 5th-year Architecture program, and it focuses on parametric design, BIM methodology, and digital fabrication. From day one, I presented them with this challenge, and week by week, they’ve been working on different proposals, gradually shaping the final design we want for the support. You can see their various ideas in the images, and the final version must be fully defined by March 8.

The assignments that they need to complete is:

  • Generate a layout for CNC fabrication, but before milling, we’ll first test a 1:10 scale model using the laser cutter. The material thickness must be parameterized for easy adaptation of the cutting paths.

Unless there’s a justified reason, static elements won’t be drawn (for now).

  • Students must answer this question as part of the assignment: Reviewing structural concepts, what C30 wood section would be required for the support walls and the wooden element supporting the beam, assuming a distributed load of 1kN/m on the bench, with two 1m cantilevers and a 2m central span?

  • The beam section will be 140x90 mm.

  • AI tools can be used, but students must document where and how they used them.

  • In the Materials folder on Teams, I’ve uploaded a Grasshopper file with the start of a basic strategy so you don’t have to start from scratch. Feel free to use it or create a new one.

First Submission

A single landscape-oriented sheet that can be read on-screen without zooming, plus the Grasshopper file. The task will be completed in the class on Tuesday, Apri 1, where I’ll be available to answer any questions.

The students’ preliminary proposals can be seen in these images. Carlos Pluchino Carlos Pluchino Roi Blanco Roi Blanco Leticia Maomi Leticia Maomi Ainoha, Alba, Alexander, Cristina Students Notes Carlos Pluchino Carlos Pluchino_01

Second submission

Roi Roi Leticia Leticia Cristina Cristina Alexander Alexander Ainhoa Ainhoa

WIP

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