Digital Ceramics

3 units

The production of ceramic building materials spans from individually constructed and handcrafted to industrial and mass produced. Some of the earliest examples of permanent structures include clay-based building components. At the turn of the century, the Hydraulic Press Brick Company in St. Louis was the most innovative brick company in world, producing 100 million bricks per year by 1900. The abundance of clay and the affordability of bricks contributed to the longevity of building stock, where even modest homes had ornamental bricks, corbeling, recesses, and extensions. Historically, fired clay building components were valued for their strength, modularity, fire resistance, raw material availability, and aesthetics. Ceramic building units are pervasive in their use in the built environment, but they have been underappreciated in contemporary architecture practice. Digital Ceramics examines new possibilities for masonry and ceramics in architecture through computational design and digital fabrication. Algorithmic design techniques, digital fabrication, and ceramic research will be merged for the design and production of nonstandard ceramic components in aggregated assemblies. Readings, tutorials, and guest lectures throughout the course will focus on innovations in digital technology, digital fabrication, advanced geometry, and material practices. Student work will include the creation of 3D-printed and/or CNC-produced molds and slip-cast ceramic components. Additional course work will include drying and firing clay components, staining and glazing techniques, and clay body research. Students will also be introduced to ceramic 3D printing during the course. Digital Ceramics confronts the seemingly disparate modes of physical making and digital form-giving with the introduction of a new material system that expands the aesthetic and performative potential of aggregated enclosure assemblies. In recent digital discourse, we have seen the ability for endless variation and customization through the use of parametric design software. This course intends to underscore a thoughtful consideration of the relationship between technology and adaptability. Through material behavior and calibrated irregularities, we have the capacity to make each component unique. Experience with digital modeling (Rhino) and digital fabrication is strongly encouraged.