Bone-inspired ceramic hollow columns (topology-optimized, robotically fabricated) paired with a kinematic canopy system that adapts to sunlight and wind. Published in the IASS 2024 Symposium.
As computational research assistant at Rice University 2021-2024, collaborating with Professor Juan Jose Castellon.
This research explores innovative approaches to designing and fabricating segmental ceramic hollow columns that integrate structural and ecological functions. Inspired by Miguel Fisac’s pioneering work, the project employs a topological optimization process to refine column geometry, balancing structural performance and aesthetic expression. The methodology combines subtractive manufacturing techniques with robotic precision, enabling modular adaptability and efficient material use.
The research extends to include a kinematic canopy system, which integrates with the column structure to enhance its functionality and adaptability. Leveraging digital twin technology, the project simulates and visualizes the kinematic stages of a moving adaptive canopy. Using advanced computational tools like Kangaroo for Grasshopper, the research conducts form-finding and dynamic simulations to optimize the canopy’s motion and structural behavior — ensuring the canopy can adapt to environmental conditions (sunlight, wind) while maintaining structural stability and aesthetic coherence.
The research was published in the paper: Segmental Ceramic Hollow Structures: Prefabricated Post-tensioned Columns for Ecological Urban Infrastructures (IASS 2024 Symposium).
Inspiration
The research is inspired by the natural evolution process observed in bones, where material and voids are strategically distributed over generations. This adaptation to environmental conditions reflects an intrinsic balance of strength and efficiency — a principle the column design reproduces through computational topology optimization.
Topological column form-finding
The column geometry is refined through iterative topology optimization, producing a family of variants that balance structural performance with material efficiency. Voids are introduced where material is structurally redundant; mass is preserved where forces concentrate. The process yields a design catalogue of optimized shapes.
Ceramic columns design catalogue with optimized shapes
The optimization process yields a family of variants, each structurally viable and aesthetically distinct.
Robotic-arm simulation and fabrication (with Ceramica Cumella)
The segmental post-tensioned columns are fabricated via subtractive robotic manufacturing, in collaboration with ceramic manufacturer Ceramica Cumella. The fabrication pipeline moves from digital simulation → robotic toolpath → physical ceramic output.
Fabrication video: youtube.com/watch?v=ATiN7TGZwvQ
Kinematic canopy form-finding
The canopy system is designed as a digital-twin simulation using Kangaroo for Grasshopper. The form-finding process couples physical simulation with environmental inputs — sunlight and wind — so the canopy can adapt its geometry while remaining structurally stable. The canopy integrates seamlessly with the column capital as a single adaptive pavilion.
Canopy video: youtube.com/watch?v=ne-7-3s7RPQ
Outcomes
- Peer-reviewed publication at IASS 2024 (International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures)
- Full design catalogue of optimized column variants with fabrication documentation
- Working robotic-fabrication pipeline — simulation → physical production
- Kinematic canopy digital twin with environmental responsiveness
- Flagship portfolio piece — the only published research on this portfolio, spans parametric design + digital fabrication + computational research
Links
- IASS 2024 paper
- Notion page (full process documentation)
- YouTube — robotic column fabrication
- YouTube — kinematic canopy form-finding
Related cards
- [[2021-2024-Rice—membrane-form-finding]] — parallel Rice parametric studio work
- [[2025-Spring—generative-urbanism]] — Rice architecture studio work
