It’s been a month since the second edition of the Shapes of Logic event, but we can’t miss the opportunity to write about this unprecedented gathering in Poland. For the second time, the research group LabDigiFab invited students, PhD candidates, and designers from all over the world to participate. This year, the main topic was “Everything that surrounds us can be automated.” The lectures and presentations, as well as the problems solved during the preceding workshops, focused on the use of robotics and computer programming in the design process. The organizers were very pleased that many PhD students and designers attended, sharing their experience to showcase the possibilities of automation and robotics in contemporary design.
More information on this topic can be found on the LabDigiFab fan page and the official event website.
Robotics, Design, and The Human Factor
The lectures by Professors Jerzy Rozenblit from the University of Arizona and Thomas Bock from the Technical University of Munich were met with great interest. Both of them typically work in the field of highly advanced robotics, but they presented the principles of working with machines in a way that was accessible to designers. Dr. Johannes Braumann’s presentation provided a perfect complement, with projects that demonstrated the full spectrum of creative possibilities when using these machines.
This shift in focus highlights the need for professionals who can bridge the gap between complex digital concepts and physical execution and sub-contracting processes. It’s about bringing a high-tech vision to life, which requires a team capable of handling everything from specialized welding and precise assembly of industrial components to all the legal formalities.
Algorithmic Networks and Real-World Applications
During the four-day workshops, the Behavioural Network group learned how to use space syntax analysis and Processing with Rhino and Grasshopper to create new, better-organized networks. The intense work resulted in three interesting and very different solutions for the revitalization of the Grunwaldzki Campus at the University of Wrocław. This kind of algorithmic thinking is at the heart of designing homes and concepts that are not only beautiful but also intelligently integrated into their surroundings. Such a holistic philosophy ensures that a project is treated as a comprehensive whole, from the initial architectural sketch to the final on-site supervision.
In the second group, participants used machine learning methods to solve their own design problems, using the Owl library and Grasshopper plugins. This level of detail in design also has a profound impact on interior spaces. It allows for the creation of high-quality, custom-made furniture, such as unique desks or office furniture, that is fully aligned with the architectural vision. This approach ensures that the interior is not merely decorated, but is a harmonious extension of the building’s overall aesthetic.
The organizers were also very pleased to see that this year’s edition gathered the most important Polish specialists in parametric design. Just like two years ago, the host of the conference was the Museum of Architecture in Wrocław, where the Gothic interior combined with the modern subject of the presentations allowed attendees to contemplate not only the available tools but also the directions in which current creators are heading.