Tectonic Formation Lab

This project by RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab, comprises two interdependent 3D printed systems: a primary sand-printed structural form produced through large-scale binder-jet; and a secondary layer of translucent, robotically extruded polymer. The binder-jet components draw on the tectonic and fabrication logic of Tectonic Resonance (2024, Snooks + Harper @snooks.harper ) and were printed by Voxeljet in Suzhou. The plastic printed elements extend an 11 year lineage of printed projects by the Tectonic Formation Lab and were fabricated by SEU Architecture | Lab of Architectural Algorithms & Applications (Lab.AAA), who collaborated on the development of the project. PROJECT CREDITS RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab in collaboration with SEU Architecture | Lab of Architectural Algorithms & Applications (Lab.AAA) Design Director: Roland Snooks Generative Design Development: Marc Gibson Design Team: Roland Snooks, Marc Gibson, Rose Kang, Jackson Bi Project Coordinator (SEU): Dasong Wang Robotic Polymer Printing: Dasong Wang, Haopu Wu, Yuting Zhao, Yingxu Wang, Ruoxian Li Project initiation (SEU): Prof. Peng Tang, Prof. Hao Hua, Prof. Biao Li, Dr Dasong Wang. Project Support: Southeast University (SEU) School of Architecture, RMIT University School of Architecture and Urban Design, Jinan Zhonghong Intelligent Technology Co.，Ltd.-济南忠鸿智能科技有限公司，Polymaker Co.，Ltd.- 苏州聚复科技股份有限公司，Voxeljiet China Co.， Ltd. （Suzhou）- 苏州维捷三维打印有限公司，i. Fusion Design &Manufacturing Co.， Ltd. （Nanjing）- 融境智造（南京）科技有限公司. #tectonicformationlab #rmitarchitecture #algorithmicdesign #3dprintedbuilding #robotic3dprinting

This new project by the RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab, expands on a lineage of research that synthesises generative design with fabrication-aware material systems, developing new tectonics that are simultaneously structural and expressive. The project developed in collaboration with SEU Architecture | Lab of Architectural Algorithms & Applications (Lab.AAA) comprises two interdependent printed systems: a primary sand-printed structural form produced through large-scale binder-jet fabrication; and a secondary layer of translucent, robotically extruded polymer louvered fins. At its core, the project is structured through an agentBody tectonic logic, in which six interacting agentBody components negotiate their behaviour to produce a differentiated, self-supporting structural diagrid. The intricate geometric articulation was created through a painterly formation process using Aurora, an interactive multi-agent software developed by Marc Gibson, continuing the lab’s long-standing experimentation with behaviour-driven, emergent design methodologies. The installation was generously supported by South East University, where it is installed in Nanjing. PROJECT CREDITS RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab in collaboration with SEU Architecture | Lab of Architectural Algorithms & Applications (Lab.AAA) Design Director: Roland Snooks Generative Design Development: Marc Gibson Design Team: Roland Snooks, Marc Gibson, Rose Kang, Jackson Bi Project Coordinator (SEU): Dasong Wang Robotic Polymer Printing: Dasong Wang, Haopu Wu, Yuting Zhao, Yingxu Wang, Ruoxian Li Project initiation (SEU): Prof. Peng Tang, Prof. Hao Hua, Prof. Biao Li, Dr Dasong Wang. Project Support: Southeast University (SEU) School of Architecture, RMIT University School of Architecture and Urban Design, Jinan Zhonghong Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. - 济南忠鸿智能科技有限公司, Polymaker Co., Ltd. - 苏州聚复科技股份有限公司, Voxeljet China Co., Ltd. (Suzhou) - 苏州维捷三维打印有限公司, i.Fusion Design & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Nanjing) - 融境智造（南京）科技有限公司

This new project by the RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab, expands on a lineage of research that synthesises generative design with fabrication-aware material systems, developing new tectonics that are simultaneously structural and expressive. The project developed in collaboration with SEU Architecture | Lab of Architectural Algorithms & Applications (Lab.AAA) comprises two interdependent printed systems: a primary sand-printed structural form produced through large-scale binder-jet fabrication; and a secondary layer of translucent, robotically extruded polymer louvered fins. At its core, the project is structured through an agentBody tectonic logic, in which six interacting agentBody components negotiate their behaviour to produce a differentiated, self-supporting structural diagrid. The intricate geometric articulation was created through a painterly formation process using Aurora, an interactive multi-agent software developed by Marc Gibson, continuing the lab’s long-standing experimentation with behaviour-driven, emergent design methodologies. The installation was generously supported by South East University, where it is installed in Nanjing. PROJECT CREDITS RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab in collaboration with SEU Architecture |  Lab of Architectural Algorithms & Applications (Lab.AAA) Design Director: Roland Snooks Generative Design Development: Marc Gibson Design Team: Roland Snooks, Marc Gibson, Rose Kang, Jackson Bi Project Coordinator (SEU): Dasong Wang Robotic Polymer Printing: Dasong Wang, Haopu Wu, Yuting Zhao, Yingxu Wang, Ruoxian Li Project initiation (SEU): Prof. Peng Tang, Prof. Hao Hua, Prof. Biao Li, Dr Dasong Wang. Project Support: Southeast University (SEU) School of Architecture, RMIT University School of Architecture and Urban Design, Jinan Zhonghong Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd. - 济南忠鸿智能科技有限公司, Polymaker Co., Ltd. - 苏州聚复科技股份有限公司, Voxeljet China Co., Ltd. (Suzhou) - 苏州维捷三维打印有限公司, i.Fusion Design & Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Nanjing) - 融境智造（南京）科技有限公司. #tectonicformationlab #rmitarchitecture #algorithmicdesign #3dprintedbuilding #robotic3dprinting

The RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab in conjunction with Boeing has developed an innovative composite robotic fabrication process by merging large-scale 3D printing with Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP), to enable the creation of lightweight, reinforced architectural skins. Tailored Fibre Placement (TFP) is a high-tech embroidery method that precisely places carbon fibres onto a glass fibre substrate, creating strong, lightweight composite preforms optimized for structural loads. While traditional composites rely on costly moulds that limit design flexibility, 3D printing enables complex, customized ‘sacrificial formwork’. These prototypes demonstrate how the 3D printed plastic shell acts as a substrate, or sacrificial formwork, onto which structural carbon fibre is laminated. This novel approach enables the construction of geometrically intricate, materially efficient, and visually rich forms—high-performance architecture where structure and ornament are fundamentally intertwined PROJECT CREDITS Ghost Tectonics, 2025 RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab Design: Roland Snooks Research: Alan ‘Ho Kyeong’ Kim, Roland Snooks, Phillip Crothers, Stuart Bateman. Project Development: Alan ‘Ho Kyeong’ Kim, Mandisa Sarker, Ryan Justice, Patrick Green, Steffi Sum Yee Li, Matthew Handoko, He Huang, Ashlin Cam. TFP Production (IPF and Hightex): Axel Spickenheuer, Dirk Feltin, Stefan Friebe. Fabrication and Assembly Assistants (RMIT University School or Architecture and Urban Design): Ho Yeon Yoo, Yuanyuan Sun, Julien Finti, Ryan Justice, Hussain Asghar, Rui Shane Song, Jessica Thomson, Lachlan Buckley, Celine Blanco, Duc Vu, Dale Manandic, Jackson Le, Jatan Shah, Xingyu Hao, Zhen Zhang, Ned Daniels, Rui Tong Li, Shirin Killinc. RMIT STEM Workshop Team: Paul Muscat, Nav Lokugalappaththi, Michael Delaney. Developed and supported by: RMIT University, Boeing Aerostructures Australia, Hightex Dresden, IPF - Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden The project was developed through the RMIT-Boeing Alliance.

Only two days left of our latest exhibition: ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. Sculptures Grown on Computational Skeletons  “Stunning work. Thought provoking and resonant. Coupled with beautiful sound design this is a highlight not to miss at #melbournedesignweek2024 “ — @ewanmceoin , Senior Curator, @ngvmelbourne 
 ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. 23 May - 1 June 2024  NGV Melbourne Design Week  Presented in Hanover House Sruli Recht x Tectonic Formation Lab  Project Team: Sruli Recht, Roland Snooks, Jackson Bi, Mark Edgoose, Marc Gibson, Hesam Mohamed @srulirecht @rolandsnooks @tectonicformationlab @jacksonhexin @theedgoose @marcwgibson @hesam_mohamedd @rmitarchitecture   Photography @earlcarterstudio Original composition by Valgeir Sigurdsson @valgeirs . Supported by: Melbourne Design Week, RMIT University @rmituniversity , and presented in Hanover House @beta_sthbnk . We would like to deeply thank: NGV, Ewan McEoin, Simone LeAmon, Maksim Valentin Recht, Megan Herbert, Miho Leitch MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK AND THE VICTORIAN DESIGN PROGRAM ARE INITIATIVES OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATIVE VICTORIA  #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV #ABYSSICIDE

Take an immersive glimpse at our latest exhibition: ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. Sculptures Grown on Computational Skeletons  
“We never thought that we could actually damage the ocean, it was so huge, unthinkable, like damaging a star. Now we have people around us, expecting to outlive the great barrier reef. To outlive massive glaciers. To witness the vanishing of endless species. The enlightenment told us nothing was holy, everything could be quantified, mapped and measured. Nothing was sacred, except the logo. The fashion industry is a symbol of our destructive creativity. If we zoom out, it is a suicidal nature of a species, sacrificing the fundaments of our existence. The ABYSSICIDE garments ask us if they are a logical response, if in the end we will start to understand, something is bigger than us.” — @andimagnason 2024 ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. 23 May - 1 June 2024  NGV Melbourne Design Week  Presented in Hanover House Sruli Recht x Tectonic Formation Lab  Project Team: Sruli Recht, Roland Snooks, Jackson Bi, Mark Edgoose, Marc Gibson, Hesam Mohamed @srulirecht @rolandsnooks @tectonicformationlab @jacksonhexin @theedgoose @marcwgibson @hesam_mohamedd @rmitarchitecture   Filmed by @raphaelrechtproductions Original composition by Valgeir Sigurdsson @valgeirs . Supported by: Melbourne Design Week, RMIT University @rmituniversity , and presented in Hanover House @beta_sthbnk . We would like to deeply thank: NGV, Ewan McEoin, Simone LeAmon, Maksim Valentin Recht, Megan Herbert, Miho Leitch MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK AND THE VICTORIAN DESIGN PROGRAM ARE INITIATIVES OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATIVE VICTORIA  #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV #ABYSSICIDE

LAUNCHING TODAY: ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. Sculptures Grown on Computational Skeletons  It’s the dark. Ever so sharp. The low glowing lines slide over me.  Bright, a wandering stripe.
 Shadows, slow grinding,  And the light, gliding and white. I’ve picked the place, anchored, in-state.  I sit, and I bait.
 The shoreline won’t wait. It rises and takes, While I shiver and state:
 “Let the waves ride,  let the water roll.
 Watch the ocean’s rise,  while the heat takes it all.
 I’ve timed out the minutes, as the land gave up howling.
 While slowly I put on,  these garments for drowning. ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. 23 May - 1 June 2024 NGV Melbourne Design Week Presented in Hanover House Follow the link in bio to RSVP Sruli Recht x Tectonic Formation Lab Project Team: Sruli Recht, Roland Snooks, Jackson Bi, Mark Edgoose, Marc Gibson, Hesam Mohamed @sruli_recht @rolandsnooks  @tectonicformationlab  @jacksonhexin  @theedgoose  @marcwgibson  @hesam_mohamedd  @rmitarchitecture Photographed by Marinó Thorlacius @marinothorlacius . Original composition by Valgeir Sigurdsson @valgeirs . Supported by: Melbourne Design Week, RMIT University @rmituniversity , and presented in Hanover House @beta_sthbnk . We would like to deeply thank: NGV, Ewan McEoin, Simone LeAmon, Maksim Valentin Recht, Megan Herbert, Miho Leitch MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK AND THE VICTORIAN DESIGN PROGRAM ARE INITIATIVES OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATIVE VICTORIA #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV #ABYSSICIDE

Abyssicide /ə’bis-ə-sīd/n The deliberate and anthropogenic destruction or killing of the oceans. ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. 23 May - 1 June 2024 NGV Melbourne Design Week Presented in Hanover House Follow the link in bio to RSVP Sruli Recht x Tectonic Formation Lab Project Team: Sruli Recht, Roland Snooks, Jackson Bi, Mark Edgoose, Marc Gibson, Hesam Mohamed @srulirecht @rolandsnooks @tectonicformationlab @jacksonhexin @theedgoose @marcwgibson @hesam_mohamedd @rmitarchitecture Photographed by Marinó Thorlacius @marinothorlacius . Original composition by Valgeir Sigurdsson @valgeirs . Supported by: Melbourne Design Week, RMIT University @rmituniversity , and presented in Hanover House @beta_sthbnk . We would like to deeply thank: NGV, Ewan McEoin, Simone LeAmon, Maksim Valentin Recht, Megan Herbert, Miho Leitch MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK AND THE VICTORIAN DESIGN PROGRAM ARE INITIATIVES OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATIVE VICTORIA #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV #ABYSSICIDE

NEW SRULI RECHT EXHIBITION: ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. Sculptures Grown on Computational Skeletons This installation, an atomic collision of material design, advanced technology, and new ritual, unfolds at Hanover house, showcasing transformative sculptures and ritual objects, the first unveiling of a material poised to redefine a future of renewable materials. This month, that of May, we invite you to experience our newest body of work ABYSSICIDE - Garments For Drowning In. 23 May - 1 June 2024 NGV Melbourne Design Week Presented in Hanover House Sruli Recht x Tectonic Formation Lab Project Team: Sruli Recht, Roland Snooks, Jackson Bi, Mark Edgoose, Marc Gibson, Hesam Mohamed @sruli_recht @rolandsnooks @tectonicformationlab @jacksonhexin @theedgoose @marcwgibson @hesam_mohamedd @rmitarchitecture Filmed by Marinó Thorlacius @marinothorlacius . Original composition by Valgeir Sigurdsson @valgeirs . Motion graphics @peiter Supported by: Melbourne Design Week, RMIT University @rmituniversity , and presented in Hanover House @beta_sthbnk . We would like to deeply thank: NGV, Ewan McEoin, Simone LeAmon, Maksim Valentin Recht, Megan Herbert, Miho Leitch MELBOURNE DESIGN WEEK AND THE VICTORIAN DESIGN PROGRAM ARE INITIATIVES OF THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT THROUGH CREATIVE VICTORIA #MelbourneDesignWeek #NGV #ABYSSICIDE

TBA // WIP render of Abyssicide Sruli Recht X Tectonic Formation Lab with RMIT Architecture | Roland Snooks Announcement coming soon for our new commission @sruli_recht @rolandsnooks @tectonicformationlab In this phase of the development we have been copper forming and some other processes I don’t really want to share with you yet because it is a mystery and not knowing things builds anticipation. Medium: @gravitysketch Rhino @mcneel.europe , Grasshopper @rhino_grasshopper_parametric , With: @jacksonhexin , @theedgoose , @marcwgibson , @christopher.r.ferris , @hesam_mohamedd , @corlissxian , @matty__fuller , Tristan Janle, @nic_bao , @ethan.liu.gn , @xxbillzxy , @ccynthiacx #srulirecht #danceswithplanes #art #avantgardefashion #biodesign #collection #contemporaryart #craft #dezeen #fashiondesign #handcrafted #highsnobsociety #hypebeast #luxury #patternmaking #productdesign #postapocalytptic #sustainable #sustainablefashion #technology

metal 3D printed prototypes in the lab @tectonicformationlab . . #architecture #3Dprint #wirearcadditivemanufacturing #additivemanufacturing #3dprintedbuilding #3dprinting #algorithmicdesign #computationaldesign #rmitarchitecture #rmit #advancedmanufacturing #roboticfabrication #robotsinarchitecture #robotic3dprinting #melbournearchitecture #melbournearchitects

3D printed polymer prototypes in the lab @tectonicformationlab . These are printed in PETG using a robot mounted polymer extruder. . . #architecture #3Dprint #additivemanufacturing #3dprintedbuilding #3dprinting #algorithmicdesign #computationaldesign #rmitarchitecture #rmit #advancedmanufacturing #roboticfabrication #robotsinarchitecture #robotic3dprinting #melbournearchitecture #melbournearchitects