In 1953, Konrad Wachsmann imagined a single universal structural element that, if mass-produced, could be used in building construction for every conceivable purpose. Even after more than 60 years, his notion of a modular, coordination based system has not been implemented and current building structures are based on the Dom-ino system (1914) or steel-based post and beam system with conventional bolt/weld connection. Despite significant development in digital and manufacturing technologies, we are simply adding new subcomponents to the primary building system. Current smart fabrication techniques with advanced digital design tools allow us to revisit Wachsmann’s holistic approach for a unit-based ‘part-to-whole’ system. The seminar will explore the chapter ‘Dynamic Structure’ in the book, The Turning Point of Building: Structure and Design[1], produce ideas of novel prototypes and fabricate innovative ‘part-to-whole’ system. For this project-based seminar, the teams will use extensive 3d modeling and 3d printing using equipments in SMART space with a minimum cost of filaments. Successful projects will be submitted to Laka Competition ’21 Architecture that Reacts.

[1] Wachsmann, Konrad. The Turning Point of Building: Structure and Design. Reinhold Pub. Corp., 1961: 194-201