The field of robotics is coming of age. Robotics and artificial intelligence represent the next cutting edge technology to transform the fields of architecture and design. The past decade's surge towards more computationally defined building systems and highly adaptable open-source design software has left the field ripe for the integration of robotics wither through large-scale building fabrication or through more intelligent/adaptive building systems.
Through this surge, architecture has not only been greatly influenced by these emerging technologies, but has also begun influencing other disciplines in unexpected ways. The purpose of this book is to provide systems of classification, categorization and taxonomies of robotics in architecture so that a more systematic and holistic body of work could take place while addressing the multifarious aspects of possible research and production.
As the research in this area is in its infancy, the book will play the role of bringing together scholars, designers and industry members defining their positions along the four frameworks for architectural robotics.
The book aspires to be the first scholarly treatment of a broad range of robotics research in architecture and design fields. It will address how architectural robotics can open up unique and innovative possibilities both within architecture and related disciplines.
The book features 200 colour illustrations.
About the Authors
Dr. Mahesh Daas is the dean of the School of Architecture, Design and Planning at the University of Kansas. Throughout his career, Daas has been honored for his exceptional creative achievements, leadership, and innovative approach to teaching.
Professor Andrew John Wit is an Assistant Professor of Digital Practice within Temple University where he leads research, courses, and workshops focused around novel building systems generated through the integration of light-weight composites, digital tools/fabrication and robotic systems.
Industry Reviews
"Sure, there have already been 3-D printed houses. And you can pick up a Nest Thermostat with artificial intelligence at your local hardware store. But a new book co-written and co-edited by Mahesh Daas, dean of the University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design, argues that robotics can and soon will be even further integrated into the design processes at the heart of architecture. Daas and his collaborator on "Towards a Robotic Architecture" (2018, Applied Research & Design Publishing), Temple University Assistant Professor of Architecture Andrew John Wit, brought together a variety of notable authors to survey the latest developments in the field." --Robotics & Automation News "Observing that robotics will influence every sphere of life from agriculture, medicine, architecture and climate change to a Mars mission, he [Daas] explains that robotic construction methods, which are already in use, will become more widespread with robots making everything from small items all the way to skyscrapers." --Architecture & Design As Le Corbusier's Towards a New Architecture advocated for an architectural movement unburdened by the weight of historical convention, Towards a Robotic Architecture implores readers to consider what the field will become once automation and robotics fully come of age. Through a series of case studies, Daas and Wit examine cutting-edge fabrication techniques, buildings that interact with their occupants, additive manufacturing, drone-based construction, and the realization of previously impossible forms.--Architect's Newspaper "AN rounds up our favorite tech books of 2018 "
