Machining PRAXIS in Architecture (MPA) is a course series that explores the application of computer numerical control (CNC) machines, computational methods, and machine-oriented manufacturing techniques in architectural design and fabrication.

Each year, the two consecutive MPA courses focus on a specific core subject, through which students engage with the course objectives across two semesters. Core subjects are selected based on their relevance to architectural design and their potential for further investigation and application in real-scale architectural projects.

MPA aims to develop students’ ability to integrate machining and computational processes into architectural design and to engage with materials and fabrication techniques throughout the processes of design, making, and assembly. The course therefore approaches machining not simply as a means of production, but as a potential contributor to the development of architectural ideas and design processes.

MPA also introduces students to broader approaches to computational design and machine-oriented making through the analysis of realized architectural projects. Selected projects will be examined not only from a theoretical perspective but also through a step-by-step investigation of their design and fabrication processes. By tracing specific parts and stages of these projects, students will identify the important design, material, computational, and fabrication parameters involved; examine the challenges addressed by particular techniques; and understand the reasoning behind key decisions.

Through this process, students will explore how computational methods, machines, and particularly machining technologies can actively contribute to architectural design and making, and gain a foundation for developing and applying these techniques in their own projects.

For the final presentation, you will need to select and analyse a case-study project and explain how computational design techniques were used in that project.

The class will be divided into four groups, and each group will choose one project to present. Each group will have 15 minutes for its presentation.

Schedule

We will have five weekly sessions on Wednesdays, from 4 November to 2 December, as well as two full-day workshop sessions to be held over two weekends. These workshops will take place between 6 November and the Christmas holidays.

Course Description

This semester, we will explore different concepts of computational design and making in architecture. We will begin with a brief history of computational design in architecture and then examine a range of techniques used in architectural design and fabrication.

We will cover topics including additive manufacturing, subtractive manufacturing, and the use of robots in architecture. The aim is to give you an understanding of how these techniques can support and expand architectural design and making.

Workshops

The two workshops will focus on:

1. Advanced operation of 2.5-axis machines, such as laser cutters and paper-cutting machines (approximately 6 hours).
2. Machining operations and the use of 3-axis CNC machines in architecture (approximately 8 hours).

These workshops will help you gain a better understanding of how computational design techniques can be applied to architectural fabrication.