Project Description
The MARS Pavilion is a proof of concept for integrating robots into the construction industry. Industrial robot arms manipulate fabric sleeves, creating an adjustable formwork into which concrete is poured. Every component is unique to exhibit the flexibility of the workflow. The overall geometry is designed to be a compression structure, thus a catenary is used in the same way Gaudi inverted his chain models to derive arches. Steel fiber is introduced in lieu of rebar, yielding exceptional compressive, tensile and flexural strength. A uniform steel connection detail is used throughout, creating a consistent means for assembly. The pavilion made its debut at the Amazon MARS Conference in Palm Springs, in March 2017 after years of design research. Future applications of the technology include building facades and bespoke furniture. Further development is underway.