Humans and robots build a wooden tower in Disentis/Mustér

Construction process

“We teach students how to build with digital fabrication”, says Aejmelaeus-Lindström. The wooden modules were manufactured in the Robotic Fabrication Laboratory at ETH in Zurich cooperatively by humans and robots. The machine cut the beams; the students assembled them with the help of an augmented reality interface on their phone. That way they could retain control of the process and compare what has been built with the digital model at any time. Some lager elements were held in place by a robotic arm to guarantee their exact position.

Both the design tools and the processes for collaborative human-machine assembly are experimental in nature. Gramazio Kohler Research does not follow the traditional industrial model but pursues an integrative approach. “The process combines the best of both worlds”, explains Aejmelaeus-Lindström. “The dexterity of artisans with the precision of the robotic arm in positioning in space.”

The elements were put together to form modules that are four by three by two meters large. By truck they were transported to Disentis/Mustér where a helicopter flew them to the Caschlatsch site. “The students had to keep in mind the size and weight of the modules”, says Aejmelaeus-Lindström. “Our aim was to build more with less in order to use the wood responsibly.” The assembly on site took just two hours. Inside the structure the wooden beams create a feeling like in a dense forest: You don’t see much, but you hear the waterfall and the wind in the trees.

A hands-on program

Caschlatsch is a symbiosis of tradition and innovation, craft and technology. The project combines research projects of Gramazio Kohler Research, some of which were implemented for the first time. Computational design models helped to manage the complexity of the design. Thanks to augmented reality humans and machines could work together. The internally developed software COMPAS Timber was used, to automatically export the CAD data for the CNC machines. 

Most of the MAS students are architects who want to become digitally literate. “We are a hands-on on program”, says Aejmelaeus-Lindström. “Students learn how to write code and describe a design problem with algorithms.” The alumni of the program pursue a career in academic research, they go into industry, or they work at a specialized group in an architecture office. The students come from all over the world. In recent years the interest for digital fabrication in architecture also grew in Switzerland, digital planning is becoming more important. “Ten years ago, it was more about a certain style in architecture, today a wide range of architects recognizes the opportunities of digital fabrication.”