The Intelligent Fabrication Workshop 2024 will take place from June 13th to June 21st, focusing on the innovative application of biomaterials in construction. Following a century dominated by materials like iron, steel, and concrete, the construction industry is witnessing a renewed interest in natural materials. However, biomaterials often exhibit poor performance in bending, necessitating a strategic approach to decomposing forces into tension and compression to optimize their use: +/-. Given the current environmental challenges, it is imperative to design thoughtfully and consume less material: +/-.

Throughout the workshop, students will handle the material directly, experimenting with its properties and testing various connection concepts. This hands-on approach aims to fully utilize the strengths of biomaterials, overcoming their limitations through innovative design while emphasizing efficiency in material usage.

Wicker, traditionally used for crafting and furniture, is now being explored for its architectural potential. This resurgence aligns with the global call for sustainable, low-carbon materials, marking a shift towards more inclusive and holistic design approaches. Combined with wood, students will study wooden bar assemblies with wicker in the manner of Le Ricolais, investigating the interplay between these materials to create innovative, sustainable structures. The workshop will also address the challenge of solar filtering, ensuring structures are not only functional but also environmentally responsive.

Students will explore parametric modeling using Karamba 3D, a structural analysis tool within Grasshopper, running in Rhinoceros 3D. This digital investigation will be complemented by hands-on testing, focusing on its properties and connection methods.

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Since its inception in 2016, Intelligent Fabrication Workshop has featured a lecture series with leading academics and practitioners in digital fabrication and natural material construction. This year's series, part of ongoing research at LEAV on "experience/experimentation" by Dr. Stéphane Berthier and Klaas De Rycke, will provide insights into the latest innovations, welcoming essential speakers in the field. Photo from the latest edition: an extract from what the workshop can promise.

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