Robotic BioConstruction ‐ towards Large‐scale Circular Fabrication Processes with Biomaterials in Architecture

With the goal of advancing sustainable digitisation in architecture and construction, the project aims at creating the basis for large‐scale bio‐fabrication in construction. This answers to the needs of a circular economy in construction, bringing together material science, computation, and digital fabrication with living and non‐living biomaterials.

With a faster‐growing speed, biomaterials can be an excellent alternative to construction with non‐renewable resources. Different from digital manufacturing methods using renewable materials as timber, the growth process can be incorporated into the design and production process, fully profiting from its capabilities.

Fundamental research in three main topics areas of biofabrication in construction is developed:

• BIO‐GROWTH: This considers design and fabrication processes with living materials (as i.e mycelium, algae, microbes, etc.).
• BIO‐REUSE: This considers design and fabrication processes using waste materials, with the goal of creating circular systems (i.e. plant‐based and agricultural waste, waste from shells and bones, waste wood).
• BIO‐BINDING: This considers novel principles for joining of biomaterials (i.e., bioadhesives, biowelding, form‐fit joining).

To achieve these goals, it is necessary to break through technological barriers, as biofabrication processes have unique technical requirements. This is achieved through:

• Developing a new, unique robotic biofabrication infrastructure.
• Exploring novel biomaterials, re‐use of waste materials and bio joining.
• Developing modular soft‐ and hardware for design and fabrication
• and using simulation and machine learning to predict and program material behaviour.

The outcomes of this research will advance methods for digital sustainable fabrication and bring biomaterials closer to practice, where alternative construction materials are urgently needed.