Betterment Laboratory 2023 - Convergence
𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 – 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵, 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 & 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽
Participants: Cheng Yang, Tsai | Kuan Wen, Lin | Han Wen, Liu | Shih Chi, Huang | Shu Fan, Tsou | Tzu Hsuan, Li
A Material Research Laboratory led by Wendy Teo Atelier
2023 Betterment Laboratory is Borneo Laboratory annual endeavor to weave a three-way collaboration among community, architect and education. Through enabling community conversations and architectural innovations, the collaboration intends to foster meaningful networks and discourse for students to explore in academic and real-world. Apart from researching on the ecosystem of a diverse range material and realising the full-scale structure as the annual key manifestation of the annual workshop, we also explore the architectural research potentials with Artificial intelligence assisted process. This process will be presented in this book as an invitation for further discussion, with diverse selection of available AI tools and with their potential analysed for the purpose. In 2023, this six-month workshop carried out intensively in both Taiwan and Borneo, with Feng Chia University Architecture Department and Borneo Laboratory in Think & Tink as its incubation location. Through the support from Taiwan Architectural Research Funding and BESarawak, the project managed to have 3 physical joint workshop sessions in February, April and July, 2023.
𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 | 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯 |
Borneo Laboratory Annual Workshop with Feng Chia University "Convergence: Research & Development in Materiality with Artificial Intelligence Assisted Process" unveils a diverse range of research and development endeavors, showcasing the immense potential of AI in unlocking new possibilities within architectural materials. Through meticulous experimentation and collaborative efforts, each project explores the impact of AI on material exploration, pushing the boundaries of design and construction. From the repurposing of textile waste to the exploration of futuristic thin-shell structures, these endeavors delve into the transformative power of AI, shaping the way we approach materiality in architecture. "Convergence" is an outcome of a six-month research laboratory focused on Materiality, Architectural Innovation, and Community. This collaborative initiative, co-organized by Feng Chia University and Borneo Laboratory since 2022, forms an integral part of the credited design studio course within the university's fourth-year Architecture Department. The studio led by WTA in 2023 embraces a forward-thinking approach, recognizing the immense architectural opportunities presented by artificial intelligence, digital fabrication, situated knowledge, and sustainable materiality. With a vision to enable architectural potentials within the community, the project seeks to bridge the gap between innovative design and the needs of the local context. "Convergence" also seeks to be a testament to the collective efforts and shared vision of students, educators, and the community. Through immersive exploration and hands-on experiences, the project showcases the architectural innovation in creating positive change and fostering sustainable development.
