The Potential of Reverse Engineering and Digital Fabrication for the Repair of High-Tech Architecture


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Date

2023

Publication Type

Conference Paper

ETH Bibliography

yes

Citations

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Data

Abstract

Novel façade constructions and innovative load-bearing structures of the second half of the 20th century pose new challenges for maintenance and repair. The use of advanced technology, especially in High-Tech architecture, calls for the development of specific repair methods adapted to specific building materials and construction techniques. The conservation of these aging facades, often composed of custom-made metal components, requires the production of intricate spare parts to avoid unduly replacements. Digital fabrication presents a possible solution as it allows for the resource-efficient production of complex and non-planar geometries in small numbers while remaining cost-effective. The paper explores the use of photogrammetry and laser scanning to reverse engineer spare parts, as original plans are often missing or incomplete. A complete workflow for the fabrication of bespoke metal components is described using two examples of Swiss High-Tech architecture featuring challenging structural nodes and planar aluminum panels. Finally, the feasibility of remanufacturing spare parts is demonstrated with 3d-printed models.

Publication status

published

Book title

Volume

XLVIII-M-2-2023

Pages / Article No.

303 - 309

Publisher

Copernicus

Event

29th CIPA Symposium "Documenting, Understanding, Preserving Cultural Heritage: Humanities and Digital Technologies for Shaping the Future" (CIPA 2023)

Edition / version

Methods

Software

Geographic location

Date collected

Date created

Subject

Repair; Photogrammetry; Digital fabrication; Reverse engineering; High-tech architecture; Heritage conservation; Additive manufacturing; Resource efficiency

Organisational unit

09724 - Langenberg, Silke / Langenberg, Silke check_circle
09706 - Bambach, Markus / Bambach, Markus check_circle

Notes

Funding

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