Wall Built Entirely by Robot / Pike Loop by Gramazio & Kohler

Home » architect » Wall Built Entirely by Robot / Pike Loop by Gramazio & Kohler

Wall Built Entirely by Robot / Pike Loop by Gramazio & Kohler

David McFadden | architect | September 17, 2009

pike-loop-by-gramazio-kohler-2
Once again the folks at RADDblog post an exciting story about architecture & design. Look at this beautiful brick wall built by a robot, allowing the designer to realize designs advanced in computer aided design programs directly to the construction process with no compromise. Later this month the robot will build another wall in Manhatten. Lean about it below.

pike-loop-by-gramazio-kohler-1

pike-loop-by-gramazio-kohler-sq1

pike-loop-by-gramazio-kohler-4

From RADDblog

Construction will begin on a wall to be built entirely by a robot – designed by Swiss architects Gramazio and Kohler – in New York later this month. The same robot, R-O-B, was used to construct the award-winning Structural Oscillations installation at the 2008 architectural biennial in Venice. The new sculptural brick wall – called Pike Loop – will be constructed on Pike street, New York, in full public view over a period of four weeks. Construction will commence on 29 September. The robot has been mounted on a low-bed trailer, allowing it to manoeuvre along the wall as it places more than seven thousand bricks. The wall is the next step in three years of research into full-scale digital fabrication in architecture using industrial robots, conducted by the architects at ETH Zurich. Gramazio and Kohler will also be exhibiting their research at the Storefront for Art and Architecture gallery in New York.

Share with your colleagues

About the author

Drawing upon original ideas and extensive personal and professional experience in the field, David McFadden crafted this article to explore the untapped potential of making historic architectural masterpieces more sustainable. After working at various design practices—both full-time and freelance—and launching his design firm, David identified a significant gap in the industry. In 1984, he founded Consulting For Architects Inc. Careers, an expansive hub designed to align architects with hiring firms for mutual benefit. This platform enables architects to find impactful design work and frees hiring firms from the time-consuming cycles of recruitment and layoffs. David’s innovative approach to employer-employee relations has brought much-needed flexibility and adaptation to the industry. As the Founder and CEO, David has successfully guided his clients and staff through the challenges of four recessions—the early ’80s, early ’90s, early 2000s, the Great Recession, the pandemic, and the current slowdown due to inflation and high-interest rates.

4 Responses to "Wall Built Entirely by Robot / Pike Loop by Gramazio & Kohler"

Wil Cozad October 17, 2009

damn nice wall! what are the costs?
consulting4architects October 19, 2009

Not sure of the costs. No Union dues though!
Dustin November 18, 2009

The day will come when a generation will be able to operate the highly technical equipment (ie the robots) to produce things far superior to the traditionally highly skilled craftsman. The question is when will the robots be able to add the imperfections that make so many building elements stand out from the rest today and over time :). Just because something can be created perfectly does not mean it is as perfect as adding in an imperfection to it. Either way – terminator here we come.
Dan March 12, 2011

Nice. And it has the human touch. My contractor forgot to cement the bricks in several places as well 😛