semblr (2017)
MArch project at Bartlett School of Architecture
semblr is a construction platform to enable automated construction of housing for a post-work society. It uses discrete timber bricks and distributed robots which move relative to the structures which they assemble, allowing data-driven autonomy of both design generation and construction through one integrated syntax.
Technology and politics are entwined: taking inspiration from the Accelerationist movement, the project occupies a middle ground of transition between current ‘accepted’ processes of capitalism and the ‘desired’ processes of an automated post-capitalist future: the bricks are buildable with simple DIY tools, but reach full potential in large-scale production, where the whole process can be managed - autonomous forestry, material processing, brick manufacture and delivery. Similarly, while the bricks can be assembled into buildings by manual labour (‘accepted’ practical use), they are specifically designed for fully autonomous manipulation by integrated robots (‘desired’ future use).
Thus, semblr challenges our current debt-financed and labour-reliant methods of housing provision, and instead proposes automated construction as a tool to expand people’s freedom and life fulfilment. The goal is a new model of ‘social housing’, not merely normal constructions built with government subsidy, but instead driven by the democratised mastery of sustainable, near-zero marginal cost, and fully-automated construction processes.
Prizes: RIBA President's Medals 2017 / Ambrose Poynter Prize, Sir Andrew Taylor Prize, Bartlett School of Architecture Medal
Features: Wallpaper* Graduate Directory 2018 / Blueprint Magazine Issue 354 'Ones to Watch 2017'
Exhibitions: Building Centre - Prelude to the Digital Turn
