Material Systems: Designing Composites for the Architectural Envelope

Digital design and fabrication methods available to composite material manufacturing have been employed by the automotive, marine, and aerospace industries for some time, allowing significant advancements in performance. Not yet a material system commonly employed by the construction industry, contemporary architecture is positioned to benefit from the adoption of this material system and the highly customizable opportunities it offers.

Offered as a limited enrollment seminar/workshop, this course will focus on designing and prototyping building envelope systems constructed of resin-infused fiber composite parts. Particular interest will be placed on the direct correlation between geometry and material performance within the design solution. As part of the weekly course content, extensive workshops at the GSD and the International Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) in Bristol, RI will address necessary digital design tools and related material processes.