Bond Architecture School robot at forefront of architectural studies

A robot that can see and sense its environment and make basic decisions based on that and other inputs could soon be a reality at Queensland’s Bond Architecture School.

ASA is one of only three architectural schools in Australia to have the cutting-edge mechanical robot and according to Bond University academics, the sky really is the limit in terms of its capability.
Architecture Faculty Assistant Professor (computational design), Jonathan Nelson, said Bond’s plan was to incorporate the robot as a fabrication and assembly tool—capable of far more complex manoeuvers  than current equipment—but also as a learning tool.
Assistant Professor Nelson said he was excited about the potential for Bond Architecture School students with the robot and its uses in the ASA building. He said there are only 30 being used in architectural education worldwide.
“Most tools have one specific function, a drill or a sander or radial arm saw which, while convenient, are useless without an operator,” he said. “The robot is more like the user of the tool, the hand that operates the drill or saw. It is basically a fully articulated arm that can move freely through space at almost any angle. Unlike other machinery, it can actually have pretty much any tool attached to it which it can then use more or less like an extremely precise person who never gets tired, or makes mistakes or complains.
The Bond Architecture School assistant professor explained that they can attach a milling spindle to the robot so it can be a sculptor, a welding gun so it can weld, a hand so it can grab and assemble things, an extruder so it can be a 3D printer and a scanner so it can record objects.
He said architecture developed tools have begun making their way into manufacturing because it is so easy to teach robots to do complex things.
Bond University’s ASA was designed by the internationally renowned CRAB Studios in London after a worldwide competition.
Dean of Bond University’s Faculty of Society and Design Professor Raoul Mortley said the facility and equipment such as the robot put Bond at the forefront of architectural studies nationally.  He said the purchase of the robot was made possible through the generous support of ASA benefactor, the founder of Sunland Group, Dr Soheil Abedian.
“Soheil Abedian has been a long time supporter of Bond University and the installation of the robot is a direct result of his ongoing generosity and vision,” he said.
“The facility will stimulate and encourage the next generation of world leading architects and the work they will produce will be cutting edge, exciting, and at the forefront of the profession.”

New Master of Architecture program at Bond University

Part of the Institute of Sustainable Development and Architecture, Architecture, the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University is offering a new Master of Architecture program for the 2014 intake.
Delivered through a comprehensive design studio environment, current issues are debated through historical and philosophical architectural thought as well as contemporary states of urban habitation, challenges to a sustainable ecology and the ramifications of modern technology. Professional architectural concerns in law, contracts and ethics are also examined which prepare students for the commercial world of architectural practice.

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Find out more about the Master of Architecture program at Bond University and about other architecture programs at Australian Architecture Schools. Contact OzTREKK‘s Australian Architecture Schools Admissions Officer Rachel Brady at rachel@oztrekk.com or call 1-866-698-7355 to find out how you can study in Australia!