Disrupt.Design Lab (D.DLab)

Background

New complexities require spatial practices to seek higher-ordered goals that have the potential to disrupt common and projected practices.

Within this context, our research facility develops design-led technological projects utilizing both scientific and architectural innovation toward real-world impact. Supporting collaborations between architects, scientists, engineers, and creative minds, we explore the possibilities for data-driven processes to inform and form novel materials, device designs, planning tools, and fabrication strategies. Developing applications from scientific discoveries we serve as a launchpad for the exchange of ideas between academia and industry.

Research focus

Data-driven computational design

We analyze, simulate, predict and optimize spatial performance toward high-resolution design.

We develop analytical and generative tools for algorithmic computing of materials, buildings, and cities. We understand that although data volume, acquisition methods, and processing power is increasing, there remains a distinct gap between the ability to create and collect data and its conversion process into new knowledge of meaningful action.

data-driven design, information modeling, computer-aided analysis and simulation, multi-criteria optimization and evaluation, generative design, design decision support

Digital materiality [fabrication of and with materials]

We engage with current exposure to new modes of production through advances in the fields of material sciences and automation processes enabling designers access to intricate material resolution and algorithmic profiles of matter. Colliding advanced computation into new form-making techniques enables us to re-invent manufacturing procedures and propose novel expressions from creative material robots to architectural structures.

future fabrication, robotic manufacturing, additive manufacturing, living systems, 4Dprinting, Bioprinting, Programmable Materials, Bio-based materials, soft actuators, responsive film composites, biomimicry, biotechnology, synthetic biology