The Reproduction of Chinese Traditional Timber Structure

Yang Ting Shen, Mi Chi Wang, Lien Kai Huang, You Min Gao, Chia Chin Yen

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

In Chinese traditional timber building, “Dou-gong” stands as one of the most distinctive features to present the Chinese structure style. However, the preservation and reproduction of Dou-gong face difficulties due to the withering craftsman issue. This paper proposes a method to digitize the structure into BIM (building information modeling) and reproduce it via robot-based fabrication. By modeling these Dou-gong components with BIM technologies, we can establish a geometrical and non-geometrical 3D database. Then we use Autodesk Fusion and Grasshopper to design the robotic fabrication information whose information is transferred from 3D database models. Based on the fabrication information, including work paths and tool parameters, the KUKA robotic arm with six axes can precisely mill the wood materials into Dou-gong components without any traditional craftsman’s processing. The fabrication process we develop has produced the complete Dou-gong prototype which demonstrates the potential of robot-based craft fabrication in Chinese traditional timber structures.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHybrids and Haecceities - Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, ACADIA 2022
EditorsMasoud Akbarzadeh, Dorit Aviv, Hina Jamelle, Robert Stuart-Smith
PublisherACADIA
Pages598-603
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9798986080581
Publication statusPublished - 2023
Event42nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, ACADIA 2022 - Philadelphia, United States
Duration: 2022 Oct 272022 Oct 29

Publication series

NameHybrids and Haecceities - Proceedings of the 42nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, ACADIA 2022

Conference

Conference42nd Annual Conference of the Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture, ACADIA 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPhiladelphia
Period22-10-2722-10-29

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Computer Graphics and Computer-Aided Design
  • Hardware and Architecture

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The Reproduction of Chinese Traditional Timber Structure'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this