PhD position in Design and Robotic Fabrication of Integrated 3D Printing Facades

PhD position in Design and Robotic Fabrication of Integrated 3D Printing Facades

The research group Gramazio Kohler Research, Chair of Architecture and Digital Fabrication, situated at the Institute of Technology in Architecture (ITA), Department of Architecture at ETH Zurich, seeks a highly motivated PhD candidate to work on the subject of design and fabrication of integrated 3D printing facade systems.

This PhD research project is situated at the Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research Digital Fabrication (NCCR DFAB) – an interdisciplinary research programme that aims at fostering a digital building culture and development of innovative design methods and construction technologies for architecture, engineering and construction.

The project involves the development of prototypical, innovative facade elements with customized environmental properties. Building upon the ongoing project Integrative Façade Systems within the NCCR DFAB, this project concerns a hybrid lightweight facade system composed of structural timber elements and 3D-printed facade components, which is fully disassemblable and/or made of recyclable parts and materials. The doctoral thesis will be pursued in collaboration with research colleagues from other groups at ETH Zurich and HSLU specializing in the facade’s environmental performance assessment and custom 3D printing setup development. The project will start upon mutual agreement, earliest by October 1st, 2022.

Within this interdisciplinary endeavor, you will co-develop methods to integrate the timber structures with 3DP facade elements, their constraints and specific requirements. Your research will encompass the facade’s computational design, constructive detailing, automated data generation for 3DP and CNC timber processing and full-scale architectural demonstration. Your work will entail the development of software tools, architectural design, as well as physical experiments and prototyping. The project aims to culminate in a large-scale demonstrator to be fabricated in the Robotic Fabrication Laboratory (RFL) at ETH Hönggerberg.

ETH Zurich is a family-friendly employer with excellent working conditions. You can look forward to an exciting working environment, cultural diversity and attractive offers and benefits.

We are looking for a talented and motivated architect and researcher with architectural practice experience and with outstanding skills in computational design, 3D printing and robotic fabrication as well as with constructive detailing and planning. We expect programming experience (e.g. Python) and strong analytical as well as architectural skills. The candidate must enjoy research by design and through physical experimentation.

You should be fluent in German and English, demonstrate a high level of initiative and independence, and enjoy working in a diverse and interdisciplinary research team. Applicants must hold a Master’s degree acquired at university level (equivalent to the FHEQ-Level 7) in architecture or related fields.

ETH Zurich is one of the world’s leading universities specialising in
science and technology. We are renowned for our excellent education,
cutting-edge fundamental research and direct transfer of new knowledge
into society. Over 30,000 people from more than 120 countries find our
university to be a place that promotes independent thinking and an
environment that inspires excellence. Located in the heart of Europe,
yet forging connections all over the world, we work together to
develop solutions for the global challenges of today and tomorrow.

We look forward to receiving your online application containing the following documents:

• Letter of motivation
• CV
• Portfolio of your work in academia and practice
• Contact details of at least two references

Please apply exclusively via the ONLINE APPLICATION PORTAL.

Applications sent by e-mail or postal services will not be considered. To learn more about us, please visit the websites www.gramaziokohler.arch.ethz.ch  and www.dfab.ch . Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Aleksandra Apolinarska, [email protected] (no applications).