Abstract:
The Periscope Tower is a research output in the domain of algorithmically controlled robotic fabrication, a subset of emerging techniques of mass customisation and file-to-factory processes in the construction field. The periscope tower represents the production of new knowledge in three ways. Firstly, it is the first example of a post-tensioned structure constructed almost entirely from polystyrene foam at this scale. Second, it is the first architectural project to deploy a robotically mounted hotwire cutter paired with 3-dimensional modelling software. Third, the project utilized custom written software that directly generates robot instruction code eliminating the need for construction or shop drawings and enabling an empirical feedback loop between formational processes and material properties. By combining the three areas of new knowledge outlined above, the Periscope Tower demonstrates the design potential and real-world practicality and use value of the fabrication and algorithmic design techniques in terms of speed of assembly, light weight, relative affordability. For these reasons the project (and accompanying research paper written by Matter Design) was selected as one of 16 projects internationally to be given a keynote lecture slot at 'FABRICATE' held in London 2011. 'FABRICATE' is widely regarded as the most significant gathering to date of prominent leaders in the field at the intersection of fabrication and computational design.
