We are excited to welcome Alicia Nahmad Vazquez, Founder and CEO of Circular Factory, to our upcoming Hi-DARS talk. Her work explores the intersection of robotics, digital fabrication, and material practice, with a focus on technologies that augment human craft rather than replace it. Through projects spanning architectural pavilions, robotic installations, and full-scale construction systems, Nahmad Vazquez bridges traditional building cultures with advanced fabrication methods, creating context-specific and resilient modes of making architecture.
#
* This Hi-DARS talk is part of the ARCH 5604 M.Arch graduate studio and welcomes all TTU students, along with individual online participants from other institutions or independent practitioners.
Alicia Nahmad Vazquez is an architectural designer, researcher, and entrepreneur whose work has been exhibited twice at the Venice Biennale and recognized internationally, including the award-winning Knit Candela project. As Founder and CEO of Circular Factory—a distributed robotic timber micro-factory platform—and creator of Tierra Zen, a line of digitally fabricated curved-timber cabins, she integrates design, fabrication, and local skills into holistic living environments. Alicia serves as Associate Professor at the University of Calgary, co-directs the Laboratory for Integrative Design, and is a Visiting Professor at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania. She holds a PhD and M.Arch degrees from Cardiff University, AA School of Architecture.
📸1. Venice Biennale 2023, Beyabu prototype by The Circular Factory, design ZHACODE
📸 2. Alicia
📸3. & 7. Knit Candela: BRG, ZHACODE with R-Ex
📸4. Learning from Candela: R-Ex, ZHACODE with Knut Brunier
📸5. & 10. TopOpt Shell: R-Ex, ZHACODE with Chikara Inamura, Asbjorn Sondergaard & Joshua Zabel
📸6. Kalla: R-Ex with University of Westminster and Vishu Bhooshan
📸8. FIAB Robot Drawings: Laboratory for Integrative Design, U. of Calgary
📸9. Tierra Zen cabins by The Circular Factory
#HiDARS #TexasTech #TTUHCoA #roboticfabrication
Today, architecture is redefined by modular construction, providing local labour and communities with the tools to thrive🧱
▫ The University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) collaborates with the city, startups, and industry partners to develop mass-customised, modular systems designed for disassembly, reuse, and reconfigurability, integrating digital design tools and circular economy principles. These modules can transform idle urban spaces into multifunctional community hubs, enhancing sustainability, liveability, and economic growth.
@ucalgarysapl@ali_nv
▫ (Im)Possible Density by @groarchitects explores flexible, sustainable housing solutions in the New York City area through micro-housing, modular construction, and adaptive reuse. The projects focus on small, efficient units that maximise density while fostering community through shared amenities. 79 prefabricated units are designed as stand-alone modules with cantilevered forms that minimise visual impact while providing storage.
▫ Hyperlocal Workshop / @handoverprojects developed H_arbor, a modular, earth and rubble-based shelter system designed for rebuilding war zones and housing displaced refugees. Its H-shaped support structure acts as a framework for adaptable building elements, allowing standalone units or series configurations to create housing, community, or commercial spaces. Utilising locally abundant materials, it enables rapid, low-resource construction with basic training for local labour.
Discover more about modular architecture in #TimeSpaceExistence2025 ✨
#ModularArchitecture #ModularConstuction #SustainableArchitecture #TimeSpaceExistence2025 #ECCItaly #TimeSpaceExistence #Venice
Two years ago, the @circular.factory team, together with the amazing students and faculty of @iaac_mrac , set out to try something in our microfactory in Roatan — to take raw laurel logs from the island and turn them into architecture using robotics, craft, and a lot of teamwork.
The workflow involved scanning twisted trees and feeding them into a custom-made digital workflow to adaptively fit them into the pavilion structure, then milling each piece and assembling them into a timber pergola for the local community.
So proud of what we built together.
And so grateful to everyone who was part of it 💛
#roboticfabrication #localmaterials #digitalcraft #architecture #digitaldesign #designbuild #microfactory #roatan #timberdesign #digitaltimber #circularfactory
#localcraft #localmaterials #digitalcraft #technologyforsocialinnovation
Congratulations to Dr Arman KhalilBeigi @armanbeigi for successfully defending his PhD dissertation! I am very proud of him and wish him all the best in his future professional and academic endeavors!
Arman is my first PhD graduate since I started @ucalgarysapl in 2020
PhD title: Gamified Design Configurator: A Performance-Aware, Data-Driven Framework for Enabling Informed Decision-Making by Non-Experts in Early-Stage Design
Special thanks to the PhD committee members a Prof Dr Brian Sinclair, Prof @joshtaron , @vishubhooshan , Prof Barry Waylant and to PhD examiners @biaynabogosian & @minusarchitecture
.
📸 @mahdiyar.esmailbeigi
.
.
#phddefense #hci #🧠🤖 #gameengines #architecture #digitaldesign
Honoured to exhibit at #venicebiennale2025 #PalazzoMora as part of #TimeSpaceExistence with our project:
Hybrid Structures for Urban Regeneration
Our installation, fabricated by The Circular Factory, explores hybrid timber-metal systems for adaptive urban spaces. The prototype features:
🌲 Laminated timber arch
⚙️ Curve-creased folded aluminum formwork
🪨 Concrete casting with circular design principles
Part of our ongoing research in modular, reusable kits of parts for urban transformation—turning vacant lots into vibrant community hubs.
🔧 Designed by:
@zhcode
👷Engineering by:
@fastepp
Prototype in collaboration with
@ucalgarysapl
Grateful to @ecc_italy for bringing together such inspiring exhibition
#VeniceBiennale2025 #TimeSpaceExistence #DigitalFabrication #SustainableArchitecture #CircularDesign #MaterialInnovation #RoboticFabrication #HybridStructures #DigitalTimber #CurveCreasedFolding
Did you know that a team from @UCalgary is in Venice right now preparing for the most prestigious exhibition of architecture in the world? A #UCalgarySAPL team led by @ali_nv was invited by @ecc_italy to exhibit their prototype project, Hybrid Structures for Urban Regeneration, at the international #BiennaleArchitettura2025 which opens to the public on May 10. This project is the culmination of a three-year collaboration with @zhcode@circular.factory@fastepp and @integrative_design
It applies a transdisciplinary approach to challenges @cityofcalgary faces with rapid development and growth, requiring customizable, efficient structures incorporating innovative and high-quality materials that can be reused, reconfigured and recycled.
The Biennale is open through Nov 23, so if you’re heading to Italy this year, you might want to check it out!
Credits:
Design:
Zaha Hadid Architects Computation and Design Group (CODE)
Digital Fabrication , Production, Robotic Manufacture:
Circular Factory
Structural Engineering:
Fast + Epp
Prototyping, Documentation, and Multi-Media:
The University of Calgary School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape - Laboratory for Integrative Design
Title:
Hybrid Structures for Urban Regeneration
#BiennaleArchitettura #Urbanism #Architecture #Design
From our Material Agencies II Fall Studio: MSD-RAS students are pushing the boundaries of digital fabrication by combining cutting-edge robotics with the timeless materiality of wood. This project focuses on functionally graded timber structures, utilizing advanced computational design, robotic milling, joinery strategies and adaptive lamination techniques to enhance timber’s structural performance and aesthetic possibilities. By exploring the unique properties of different wood species, such as density, grain orientation, and flexibility, the students are developing innovative workflows that integrate material intelligence with sustainable design strategies.
Students:
Fitrat Ali @fitrat.ali.jamali
Gee Gejing @geegejing_yi
Kristyna Wang @kristynack
Lucy Rong @lucyyy_yz
ARCH 8011 Material Agencies _ Fall Semester
Instructors:
Alicia Nahmad Vazquez @ali_nv
Patrick Danahy @pdanahy
TAs:
Mahsa Masalegoo @mahsamasalegoo
Jean-Nicola Dackiw @jndackiw
Soroush Garivani
Master of Science in Design: Robotics and Autonomous Systems (MSD-RAS)
MSD-RAS Program Director: Robert Stuart-Smith @robstuartsmith
ARI Robotics Lab Operators: Nicholas Sideropoulos @nsid_ , Shunta Moriuchi @m0rishun
Weiztman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
@weitzman_arch@weitzman_school@weitzman_msdras
#studiowork #roboticfabrication #3dprinting
✨ where the magic starts ✨
.
Calculating, laminating, cutting and milling takes place in the cell before the frame parts move for panel assembly and finally get integrated into a full cabin assembly.
Timber frames will be put together onsite for install. The art is in get calculations, geometry development and machining to ensure that when things come together they seamlessly fit ✨✨🤖
.
.
#glampingcabin #timbercabin #digitaltimber #robotmachining #robotmilling #digitaldesign #project #microfactory #woodworking #construction #timber #timberdesign #computationaldesign #technical
2025 has been to a manic start with our machines and shop running full time 🤖🤖💪🏼🚀 .
2024 was an amazing year and beyond what we could’ve dreamt it to be and we are very much grateful for it. It was the first official year of CF01 @circular.factory first microfactory located in @prosperahn running in full production mode using our software platform and integrated hardware.
These are just some highlights, but don’t be fooled that it was all ‘good’. There were countless exhausting days, very long nights, thousands of dollars lost, and a couple of breakdowns where we thought we couldn’t keep going. But we kept pushing forward and are starting 2025 with a very positive mind.
��- We built over 200 facade louver components that were delivered and installed in @dunaresidences , the highest building in Roatan.
��- We delivered over 300 pieces of customised furniture for the Verandas hotel including tables, headboards and more
��-Our software platform was tested with projects containing 100s of different timber elements and customised processes
��-We got to partner with academic institutions that we dreamt about collaborating with to research and build raw- timber structures testing #local materials and #digitalprocesses @iaac_mrac
��- Our team grew from 4 people to over 15 with a strong female presence in the shop
��- We started production of our signature glamping cabins which will start shipping soon
��Thank you to our investors and collaborators for providing the knowledge/ wisdom/ support that helped make this all happen 🚀🚀
��.
We are incredibly grateful for the best team we could ask for who helps keep the ship afloat !
.
We can’t wait to see how 2025 develops as we start shipping our glamping cabins and expand our micro factory model into new markets with CF02 and beyond 🦾💪🏼
#woodworking #digitaltimber #microfactory #digitalplanning #roboticfabrication #woodshop #business #startup #smallbusiness #digitalfabrication #timber #wooddesign #digitaldesign #dfma #research_development #construction #futureofconstruction #timberconstruction #facadedesign #computationalgeometry #virtualdesign #programming #futureofwork #projects
From our Material Agencies II Fall Studio: MSD-RAS students are pushing the boundaries of digital fabrication by combining cutting-edge robotics with the timeless materiality of wood. This project focuses on functionally graded timber structures, utilizing advanced computational design, robotic milling, joinery strategies and adaptive lamination techniques to enhance timber’s structural performance and aesthetic possibilities. By exploring the unique properties of different wood species, such as density, grain orientation, and flexibility, the students are developing innovative workflows that integrate material intelligence with sustainable design strategies.
Students:
Carina Joseph @carinajoseph
David Chen @david831128
Huiyan Gong @huiiyyag
Freda Odonye @frxddxrl
ARCH 8011 Material Agencies _ Fall Semester
Instructors:
Alicia Nahmad Vazquez @ali_nv
Patrick Danahy @pdanahy
TAs:
Mahsa Masalegoo @mahsamasalegoo
Jean-Nicola Dackiw @jndackiw
Soroush Garivani
Master of Science in Design: Robotics and Autonomous Systems (MSD-RAS)
MSD-RAS Program Director: Robert Stuart-Smith @robstuartsmith
ARI Robotics Lab Operators: Nicholas Sideropoulos @nsid_ , Shunta Moriuchi @m0rishun
Weiztman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania
@weitzman_arch@weitzman_school@weitzman_msdras
#studiowork #roboticfabrication #3dprinting #timber
This video summarises the content of ARCH8011, focusing on the MATERIAL AGENCIES: ROBOTICS & DESIGN LAB at the University of Pennsylvania, where I served as a teaching assistant. The studio is led by Alicia Nahmad, an associate professor at the University of Calgary.
The studio emphasizes design from a wood-centered perspective, specifically exploring Functionally Graded Timber Structures. Students reassessed the properties of wood in relation to digital fabrication tools and machines, enabling mass customization at a higher level of resolution, including the inner composition of laminates. The aim was to engage with advanced digital timber manufacturing in a tangible and innovative way by developing a toolkit that integrates tectonics, material properties, and constructability as parameters of the robotic fabrication process.
We explored robot behavior and fabrication sequences, which included considerations of parts, interfaces, joinery, and all the processes required to transition from raw material to finished product, taking into account both human and machine tasks. Additionally, students developed speculations on machinic setups for wood processing. They also engaged with 5-axis robotic milling operations, considering multiple materials with different properties and adjusting corresponding tool speeds and settings accordingly.
Overall, it was a wonderful experience for both the students and me as we explored timber construction and robotic fabrication methods.
Program: @weitzman_msdras
Program Director: @robstuartsmith
Instructor: @ali_nv
TF: @mahsamasalegoo , @jndackiw , Soroush Garavani
Lab Managers: @nsid_ , Shunta
Students:
@8192rz@qingyang_xx@beikel_jrn@burcugocen@carinajoseph@david831128@frxddxrl@huiiyyag@fitrat.ali.jamali@geegejing_yi@lucyyy_yz@kristynack@congrui.g@daxler_zou@jiaming_li99@shea_zzzzz
#architecture #arch #bestarchitecture #architecturestudent #construction #digital_materiality #functionally_graded_materials #topology_optimization #digital_timber #Robotic_fabrication #architectural_geometry #robotics #system_design #kit_of_parts #digital_fabrication #laminated_timber #Lamination #CLT
This fall I had the opportunity to run a 8-week design research studio @weitzman@msdras ( master in robotics and autonomous systems) program exploring functionally graded timber structures using traditional craft techniques and 5 and 7-axis robotic milling. Building on previous work, the research studio showcased the ongoing potential of customized timber laminations and natural materials through digital fabrication. Students built on traditional timber craftsmanship to inspire and develop modern architectural methods through customized laminated structures.
🙌🏻 massive thanks to UPenn Weitzsman MSDRAS and specially program director Robert Stuart-Smith @robstuartsmith for the kind invitation and for making this incredible experience possible! Also big thanks to everyone involved!
Students: Daxler Zou, Burcu Goen, Carina Joseph, Congrui Gao, Jiaming Li, Siyao Zhang, Fitrat Ali, David Chen, Beikel Rivas, Freda Odonye, Kristyna Wang, Lucy Ring, Gee Gejing, Zintong Reng, Huiyang Gong, Qinyang Xu
TAs: @mahsamasalegoo , Jean-Nicolas Dackiw, Soroush Garivani
ARI robotic lab operators: @nsid_ and Shunta Moriuchi
#digitalfabrication #architecturalinnovation #digitaltimber #roboticfabrication #functionallygradedmaterials #timberlamination #robotics #sustainableconstruction #roboticmilling
