Algotecton

This work introduces an approach to the computational design and fabrication of complex polyhedral structures that leverages both parametric flexibility and modular logic, suitable for rapid prototyping. The methods presented codify material, geometric, and mechanical constraints in a flexible language of design components forming the basis of a generalizable material and device-specific design system. Extending the geometric and tectonic possibilities of flat-cut assemblies, the approach addresses local deformations through adaptive joint design and facilitates processes of bottom-up design exploration that advance in parallel with their tectonic resolution. The work illustrates the approach by documenting the system’s computational and material logics, a series of prototypes, and a full-scale installation based on the Wearie-Phelan structure, an aperiodic space-filling geometric construct that approximates the geometry of foam.