Robots use recycled bricks to build sinuous and striking Shanghai art studio
A crack team of robots have comprehensively renovated a community art gallery in Shanghai, predominantly using recycled bricks.
The innovative project is the work of Chinese design studio Archi-Union Architects, who programmed the robots to build a new exterior facade for the West Bund Art Exhibition Area in the city’s Xuhui district.
Grey-green bricks were taken from the existing gallery building, which had been deemed unfit for purpose, and carefully placed by a series of mechanical arms to construct a curving, heavily textured exterior.
Advanced digital fabrication technology, developed by robotics studio Fab-Union, was used to map out the complex masonry of the building. According to Archi-Union, the resultant “manipulated form” could not have been achieved through traditional construction methods.
“Introducing robotic technology into building construction is the most exciting part of this project, and it is an innovation in how we use basic building elements,” the studio’s lead architect, Philip F. Yuan, told CLAD. “As Mies van der Rohe said: ‘Architecture starts from putting two bricks together.’
“Material and construction is the basis of architecture, but robotic technology can revolutionise how we approach that. The combination of traditional culture and modern technology has many possibilities. Instead of doing some cold, theoretical research, we want to apply this technology. This project provided a good opportunity for us to show our work.”
The 199sq m (2,100sq ft) gallery is owned by artistic group Chi She, who wanted the small space to feel expansive and harmonious like their creative work.
In response to this brief, Archi-Union elevated the roof of the original building using a lightweight wood structure, and installed a series of skylights. This provided “a delicate and abundant compound art space for various artistic events and unpremeditated communication.”
The cost of the project was just US$220,000 (€206,800, £180,000).
Yuan said that robotic construction can “meet the requirements of the new era” by allowing us to use traditional and recycled materials in ways that were previously impossible.
He added: “This project uses the dilapidation of old bricks, coordinated with the intricate curving wall display, to narrate a story of people and bricks, machines and construction and design and culture.
“This story will remain here as long as the shadows of the external walls spread out under the setting sun.”
Robotics architecture design Shanghai Chi She Archi-Union Architects'The fourth industrial revolution is underway': Achim Menges launches robot-built pavilion at V&A
Robots build sea urchin prefab pavilion using biomimicry
UAE’s first Dior Spa debuts in Dubai at Dorchester Collection’s newest hotel, The Lana
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
From Nobu Restaurants and Ian Schrager’s latest hotel to Imagination Playgrounds and the set design for The Rocky Horror Show, US architect and designer David Rockwell always keeps it fresh. He tells us the secrets of his creativity