Under the Canopy: From Forest Geometry to Structural Form
This hands-on and discussion-based workshop challenges participants to explore how raw, irregular timber, often treated as leftover material, can be integrated into future construction. The use of irregular natural materials in architecture has the potential to expand design expression while reducing environmental impact. Through alternating expert inputs and hands-on activities, including 3D reconstruction and a design exercise, the workshop introduces key challenges and opportunities from a structural perspective. Inputs on geometry, structural practice and robotics establish a shared understanding, which is then used to collectively discuss how emerging technologies can support the adoption of raw timber in industry.
Tutors
Simon Griffioen (Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, Amsterdam, Netherlands)
Simon is a researcher, teacher, and architect specializing in digital fabrication. At the Robot Lab of the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, his current research explores how leftover branches and forks can be used in construction with the help of digital (production) tools.
Kevin Moreno Gata (RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany)
Kevin is an architect and researcher at RWTH Aachen University (Chair of Structures and Structural Design) and holds a doctoral degree in timber design. His work lies at the intersection of computational modelling, structural design, and digital fabrication, investigating how naturally grown timber can serve as a basis for load-bearing structures.
Tatsuki Fujiu (Summum Engineering, Rotterdam, Netherlands)
Tatsuki is a structural engineer at Summum Engineering, bridging sustainable timber and earth design with advanced digitalization. I push the boundaries of computational design by developing custom tools and integrating AI-driven workflows to automate and optimize complex structural systems.