Behavioral Fabrication

The Behavioral Fabrication seminar introduces a new methodology for digital design and fabrication. Contrary to traditional notions of design, behavioral strategies for fabrication are not based on the execution of a priori defined abstract plans, such as detailed digital design models, but are based on the concept of execution of tasks. Tasks represent design intentions and unfold in a non-deterministic way based on the constant interaction of the machine/robot/agent with the material and its environment through sensor-actuator feedback.

This course will introduce the topic of behavioral fabrication and related computational techniques:

Agent-based Modeling
Mobile/ Behavioral Robotics
Methods for sensing, communication and tracking

At the core of the research lie the analysis, abstraction, translation and implementation of fabrication-oriented behaviors for the production of physical prototypes. Students are expected to have a high degree of proficiency in computer programming (either in C# or in Python). It is recommended to take this course after having taken Computational Design and Digital Fabrication, also offered by ICD.

In this semester, we will combine elements of "asynchronous" and "synchronous" teaching in order to cover the different teaching formats, such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, Q&As, desk crits, and reviews. The weekly live sessions are mandatory to attend. Preparation work for the live sessions will be provided through ILIAS. In between live sessions, we will be available through Webex Teams, where you can ask specific questions about lectures, assignments, and seminar logistics.