rotobrick
DumoLab Research
Biomaterial Brick Exploration
Fall 2024
In collaboration with Yuwei Yang, Sahil Shah, Nathan Huynh
Critic Laia Molgas-Soldevila
This study proposes an eco-friendly biomaterial and innovative fabrication system that utilizes rotational molding derived from product manufacturing techniques. It addresses the waste generated by single-use molds and replaces plastics and other non-biodegradable materials with a sustainable alternative for both building construction and product design. The use of rotational molding has yet to be utilized in the field of biomaterial research and pushes beyond the limitations of planar surface fabrication. This process utilizes the scientific method as a systematic process of research and experimentation of both material matrices and formal geometry. Primary challenges included management of moisture control and application of rotational molding using the robotic arm for ease of mass production. Research was conducted on the ratio, shrinkage, and viscosity of material blends and their structural capacity within a variety of mold shapes. Success was found with both gelatin and hide glue as animal-based material blends paired with conic and cylindrical molds utilzing a yoshimura folding technique.
Studies resulted in translucent bio-composite structures fabricated with robotic arm technologies. There are many opportunities for field application of the Rotobrick as a translucent screening method.






