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01 Digital Wood Fabrication (Photo)_Precise Scanning, Cutting, and Designing_Yang Zhao.jpg
Digital Wood Fabrication

Ithaca, New York

Project Type:  Experimental Size:  1,000 sqft Year:  2017 Awards:  Spectacular Innovation Award 1st Prize Sustainability in Architecture Architizer A+Awards Special Mention Today, most wood components for construction are produced through industrial fabrication, with standardized sizes, species, and colors that strip away the natural variation and organic beauty of timber. This uniform approach limits the species of wood that can be used, meaning only a fraction of available tree trunks are ultimately processed into building products. During construction, additional waste is generated due to the mismatch between standard pieces and diverse project needs. As a result, the industrial model of wood production often falls short in efficiency and fails to fully harness the material’s inherent potential. Yet, trees in their natural form are rarely straight or uniform—they grow with curves, varying dimensions, and intricate internal structures that evolve over time. If these natural forms were embraced, especially with the aid of digital simulation and robotic fabrication, they could inspire entirely new architectural possibilities. This studio’s experimental work aims for the complete utilization of irregular, curvy raw wood to create architectural curvature. By leveraging advanced technology, the project explores how natural forms can be preserved and transformed into unique, functional structures—maximizing material use while unlocking the full creative and structural potential of wood.

Project Details

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