Participatory Processes and Digital Fabrication: A Pilot Case Study at the Technical University of Crete by

The Process

efharis_gourounti — 2023-09-11 20:16:03 UTC

In the initial stages of information gathering, the study team invited students from all active student groups of the University to participate in the formation of an open group, with the common goal of utilizing the spaces of the University for the benefit of the students. The participants helped identify and select the first study area, followed by an analysis of spatial dynamics and potential uses for it. The next steps included participatory workshops and seminars for design testing, experiments with digital and analog models, prototype construction, and evaluation.

The result of the above is the design and implementation, in a 1:1 scale, of a transformable construction system for small-scale compositions, designed to be constructed exclusively with wooden pieces and able to serve multiple purposes according to users' needs. It consists of assembled wooden nodes and beams, cut with a CNC router, in sizes proportionate to the human body, while being complemented by a surface system.

During this process, the participating users experimented with the construction system both at the model level and at its actual scale. Together, they created an initial composition, which was further processed by the study team, with the aim of piloting its installation in the selected area of action.

The goal of the team through this action is to provide a durable yet adaptive spatial system, encouraging students to take initiatives in shaping the space that surrounds them daily. In this context, the long-term goal of the project is to provide a comprehensive methodology along with design tools that will help non-designers assess, intervene, and utilize underused public spaces in their cities.

Key Design Objectives

efharis_gourounti — 2023-09-11 20:18:55 UTC

Modular, allowing for an easy adaptation to the site requirements and consequently to the changing needs and preferences of the students.
Accessible, that is simple in its core, so that users can directly understand, modify and use it, without prior expert knowledge.
Lightweight, so that the individual parts can be transported on site without effort for an assembly process that does not require the help of a professional construction crew.
Sturdy, so that it is able to withstand all weather conditions, as part of the campus's outdoor equipment, as well as demanding use.

Haptics

efharis_gourounti — 2023-09-11 20:30:03 UTC

The system is constructed entirely of plywood, which has a unique and unified visual and tactile result. The core grid serves as the foundation, with a variety of wooden joints connecting other parts together, supporting a 3d puzzle-like assembly process. The students can then use other default surfaces to complete their designs. Any elements that adhere to the grid's proportional dimensions can be integrated into the system.

efharis_gourounti — 2023-11-03 16:05:14 UTC

Participatory Design Workshops _Timeline:

efharis_gourounti — 2023-11-03 16:10:06 UTC

efharis_gourounti — 2023-11-03 16:51:19 UTC

Info!

efharis_gourounti — 2023-11-04 10:22:47 UTC

This is part of our thesis project for the award of the degree of Architecture from the Technical University of Crete.

Led by Efcharis Gourounti and Christos Ivopoulos with the support of the Transformable Intelligent Environments Laboratory (TUC TIE Lab).

It explores the experimental collaboration of Participatory Practices and Digital Fabrication techniques for the activation of underused public spaces. Based on the low interaction of students with the open spaces of the Technical University of Crete, a pilot application of the above research is implemented in the university campus.

Thesis Paper (Greek):

https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.96779

Research Paper (Greek):

https://doi.org/10.26233/heallink.tuc.96412

Project Publications (English):

Archisearch

GradReview

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The Idea

efharis_gourounti — 2023-11-20 08:03:33 UTC

Rooted in an exploration of tactical urbanism and participatory design methods, this project aimed to develop a series of steps and tools intended as a viable solution for “reclaiming” public spaces, signifying a deliberate effort to address the lack of qualitative engagement in certain areas.

With the belief that involving end-users is crucial for the potential sustainability of the overall design proposal, we pivoted towards the advancement of participatory tools with digital fabrication techniques, as we’ve recognized their transformative potential to heighten engagement and enrich the overall project experience.

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Design Proposal for the University's Campus

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