APPLIED: Research through Fabrication

OVERVIEW

Within the field of architecture, exploration involving parametric modeling and digital fabrication – what we will call computational fabrication – is both wide and varied. There is no standard of how the technology is developed or no singular focus on how it will impact the design process or the construction of buildings. And yet there is growing evidence the application is quickly evolving in a variety of unique directions. From novel geometries and innovative structures to improved material and environmental performance it is clear there is a focused agenda towards a more rigorous implementation of the digital toolset.

The impetus for this development is coming simultaneously from three positions that collectively provide a critical nexus in the field of computational fabrication: First, the professional demands for buildings to have greater performance capacity, stylistic coherence, and economic efficiency; second the academic realm where experimentation, research, and theory, continue to push technological exploration forward; and third, industry where innovative development is both an economic imperative and a generative vehicle for technical application and testing. From each of these positions, applied research is gaining traction as a critical and vital part of connecting the design process into a deeper knowledge base of information that is raising the intelligence and thus efficacy of architectural design. Whether following traditional models of research or pioneering new forms of hybridized working models between these three categories, those working within this field are now able to activate a broader and more fully coordinated spectrum of information about the design decision making process.

We seek research proposals that actively connect academia, the profession and the fabrication industry. As a center of gravity the proposals must illustrate work of designers who are forming an integrated relationship between disciplines in the area they practice and build. As this is a “design to fabricate” competition, TEX-FAB will match our network of fabricators and consultants with the projects that best manifest research through computational fabrication and apply it toward more intelligent integers of materiality and construction. Through a panel of experts we propose to identify projects that warrant a higher degree of realization and exhibit them to foster a discussion that engages an audience in our region and beyond. From this selection a final project will be selected and optimized with a team of experts for the purpose of full-scale production.

APPLIED is a two-stage international design competition established to foster the deeper developments within the field of computational fabrication. We are soliciting design proposals that further existing research, by enabling prototyping at a larger scale or full scale, and proposals to jumpstart new research and design concepts

CRITERIA

You are encouraged to submit your design proposal in either of two categories: Continuing Research or Speculative Proposals.

Continuing Research is a category that seeks to enable a more specific and regimented design research project already underway. Encompassing all works that are at a significant stage within their development that warrant a substantial shift in the scale and or material usage to further the research. This includes any and all previously funded work at any stage of development.

Speculative Proposals is a broad based category with the intent to kickstart a design research project. It is an open category and freely interpretable. New ideas, or concepts are welcome and present the entrant an opportunity to further develop their ‘flash of genius’. Furniture, structures, products or any other project qualifies for this category with or without a specific site. No previously funded research work may be submitted.

WINNERS + MENTIONS

APPLIED is a two-stage competition. In the first stage a total of 4 selections that will be awarded a 1000 USD stipend to further develop their project in a scale model (2 selections from the Continuing Research category and 2 from Speculative Proposals category). For the second stage, the models with revised boards will be juried in Dallas, Texas August 2012 (a shipping fee stipend of 250 USD will be provided) with the announcement of a winner made public in August 20.

The final winning entry will be built, exhibited in Dallas/ Ft. Worth, Texas for the 4th annual TEX-FAB event and subsequently given to the Winner. The design and fabrication of the piece will be commissioned by TEX-FAB with the support of our competition sponsors. No additional design fee will be paid, however a 1,500 USD stipend will be awarded for travel to Dallas/ Ft. Worth to partake in the installation of their work, present the design on the day of the opening. Approximate value of winning proposal in materials, fabrication and labor is set at 10,000 USD.

Honorable mentions will be awarded at the discretion of the Jury. All mentions will be exhibited at the APPLIED exhibition in San Antonio, Texas in April 2012 and the following year in Arlington, Texas February 2013.

REGISTRATION FEE

Continuing Research 100 USD per design proposal Speculative Proposal 100 USD per design proposal

REGISTER - http://tex-fab.net/category/compete-applied/

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UPDATE: The deadline has been extended to June 2nd, 2012.