Hybrid culture : a digitally fabricated environment customised component design

Abstract

Throughout history, western culture has had minimal influence on Indigenous Polynesian and Japanese Architecture.

Current advances in the technological age are playing a major part in traditional building techniques used by Polynesians and Japanese. It seems traditional building methods have been set aside, to accommodate newer, updated building processes which still result in an aesthetically similar form.

Modular Architecture is developing into a more influential and common style, allowing the architect to manipulate the built form by exploring new connection methods and developing new methods of construction. Modular Architecture limitations can be pushed further due to the advances in technology and digital fabrication. At present, the increase in prefabricated building components being used in Pacific Island Architecture is directed at minor building additions or building components.

Recent predictions indicate that these regions will be hit harder in the future by natural disasters, so solutions to provide shelter and protection has become of high importance.

In this project the main objective is to create a series of prefabricated building models that are influenced by Polynesian and Japanese methods of construction, by examining, formulating and articulating connections that combine traditional Polynesian and Japanese joinery methods; Thus providing an opportunity to study the similarities between traditional Polynesian marine technology and building methods.

This will showcase a series of connections that are adaptable to the multiple building designs and distinguishing indigenous architectural aspects. Major emphasis will be placed on traditional joining methods; how they can be simplified, combined and manipulated by digital fabrication, to create efficiency in the construction process. This will be followed by a report on results from strength testing the capabilities of the structure and the performance of the joints, which is very rarely done in architecture