Ceramic profile extrusion: New tooling approaches to re-appropriate the use of a heritage medium in architecture

Jorgensen, Tavs

Abstract

The ceramic medium is extremely prevalent in our build environment. This medium is used in architecture in a myriad of applications in the shape of: bricks, cladding, roofing and tiles for interior/exterior surfaces. The use of red terracotta is characteristic for heritage buildings in the UK and the Victorian era, in particular, could be argued to embody the panicle of the utilization of ceramics in architecture.
The core principles employed in the production of architectural ceramic components have not altered significantly for many decades with techniques such as pressing and extrusion among the most prevalent. Extrusion is an extremely efficient production method which dates back to the 17th century and still remains a highly utilized process for the production of bricks and other architectural products. However, the extrusion method is generally used to produce standardised linear sections and innovation with this method of production has been very limited in recent years. Advances in new digital fabrication technologies, including 3D printing, has to date had limited impact on the field of architectural ceramics and combining digital technologies with the ceramic profile extrusion process present significant innovation opportunities. This paper covers practice-based research that explores this particular combined research space.
In particular, this research seeks to investigate how rapid workflows can be developed that seamlessly link computer designs with digital fabrication technologies establish new approaches for creating extrusion tools (dies). The research also seeks to investigates how curved and non-linear shapes can be produced through the application of robotic technologies. The overall aim is to establish low cost tools and processes that enable rapid realisation of designs in ceramic medium – thus presenting new creative and sustainable opportunities for the use of ceramics in architecture.
The project is funded AHRC with leading industrial companies as collaborating partners; including Wienerberger, Sibleco and Arup.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: CONNECTIONS: EXPLORING HERITAGE, ARCHITECTURE, CITIES, ART MEDIA
• Start Date: Jun 29, 2020
• End Date: Jun 30, 2020
• Deposit Date: Jul 13, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 14, 2020
• Keywords: Ceramics, Extrusion, Innovation, Digital Fabrication
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/6242062
• Publisher URL: https://architecturemps.com/canterbury-conference/