Design and Fabrication of Bio-Informed Interlocking Panels

Workshop Title: Bio-Informed Interlocking Panels for Maritime Infrastructure

Instructor: Alessandro Zomparelli

Hosted By : RDF lab FIU

Workshop Overview:

This workshop, led by Alessandro Zomparelli, focuses on advanced 3D printed

robotic fabrication techniques for creating bio-inspired interlocking

construction systems. Participants will explore nonplanar and multi-axis

printing strategies, emphasizing the design and development of complex

interlocking panels optimized for maritime infrastructure. Through a series

of online tutorials, hands-on sessions, and guided experimentation, attendees

will learn to harness the power of robotic fabrication to push the boundaries

of conventional construction methods.

Workshop Schedule

[Week 1 - Introduction Tutorials] (October 8-10)

● Session 1 (Online) - 4 hours

Date: October 8th

Description:

The first session introduces the workshop's workflow, focusing on the

foundational principles of modeling interlocking modules along common

grids. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to

approach the design of interlocking systems, exploring the benefits and

challenges of utilizing robotic fabrication in maritime applications.

Key topics include:

○ Overview of bio-informed interlocking systems.

○ Introduction to grid-based modeling for interlocking modules.

○ Core principles of nonplanar and multi-axis strategies in 3D

printing.

● Session 2 (Online) - 4 hours

Date: October 10th

Description:

Building on the initial session, participants will delve deeper into

the customization of interlocking components through morphing and

adaptation techniques. This session emphasizes modeling strategies

tailored for 3D printing, with a specific focus on optimizing designs

for robotic fabrication processes. Attendees will learn:

○ Advanced morphing techniques for component adaptation.

○ Best practices for modeling interlocking panels for 3D printing.

○ Insights into setting up models for nonplanar and multi-axis

printing.

[Week 2 - Individual/Group Experimentation] (October 17-21)

● Session 3 (Online) - 4 hours (Optional)

Date: October 17th

Description:

An optional support session designed to assist participants during

their experimentation phase. This session offers additional guidance on

refining workflows and troubleshooting challenges that may arise during

individual or group experimentation. Depending on progress, the session

may also explore:

○ Advanced workflows for multi-axis robotic fabrication.

○ Personalized feedback on participant designs and toolpaths.

○ Exploration of refined strategies for interlocking systems.

[Week 3 - Live Sessions] (October 28-30)

● Session 4 - Additional Tutorials + Physical Prototypes

Date: October 28th

Description:

This live session provides additional tutorials focused on advanced

robotic fabrication techniques and the initiation of physical

prototyping. Participants will have hands-on access to robotic arms and

multi-axis 3D printing setups, allowing them to translate their digital

models into physical prototypes. The session covers:

○ Step-by-step guidance on setting up robotic 3D printing.

○ Techniques for managing nonplanar and multi-axis print paths.

○ Starting the prototyping phase with instructor support.

● Session 5 - Assisted Design Work + Physical Prototypes

Date: October 29th

Description:

Participants will engage in assisted design work, receiving direct

support from Alessandro Zomparelli and workshop assistants. This

session focuses on refining designs and optimizing the printing process

for interlocking systems. Key activities include:

○ Continued prototyping of interlocking panels.

○ Collaborative troubleshooting and optimization of fabrication

strategies.

● Session 6 - Assisted Design Work + Physical Prototypes

Date: October 30th

Description:

The final session wraps up the hands-on component of the workshop, with

participants finalizing their physical prototypes. This session offers

a platform for reviewing and critiquing the completed interlocking

panels, providing feedback and insights on the fabrication process.

Activities include:

○ Final assembly and evaluation of interlocking prototypes.

○ Group presentations and feedback on design approaches.

○ Discussion of potential applications and future directions for

robotic fabrication in maritime infrastructure.

//Certification

A certificate of completion will be supplied for each successful participant.

//Contact

Email: [email protected]

Host or Publisher FIU Architecture