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Fab-Union / Archi-Union · PROFESSIONAL · DESIGN · FAB LAB

Kunming Expo Park Visitor Service Center

Robotic Brickwork Meets a Generative 3D-Printed Canopy

Context
Fab-Union / Archi-Union — Professional Project
Role
Robotics Technology & Process Development
Year
2021
Practice
DESIGN · FAB LAB
Location
Kunming, Yunnan
Status
Completed
Aerial view of the colourful pixelated canopy winding through Kunming Expo Park

Overview

A landmark visitor service center in Kunming Expo Park combining contemporary design with intelligent construction. The facade pioneers robotic bricklaying for efficient, precise construction, while the canopy achieves an organic, flowing form through Kangaroo generative design. Its hybrid construction system fuses 3D-printed top panels, timber beams and a steel structure, realising a large-span cantilever with accurate curved geometry — a practical demonstration of customised, digital construction beyond the limits of conventional building.

Canopy structure and brick facade axonometric3D printed canopy panels in fabrication
Robotic brick facade constructionCanopy detail with timber and steel hybrid structure
Completed stacked-brick wall wrapping beneath the canopy soffitRaking view along the stacked-brick facade — each course offset by the robotic laying pattern
Visitor center during construction — brick base walls and the red steel canopy frameMain entrance with finished brick piers and the canopy overhead

Responsibilities

  • Co-development of the ABB robotic bricklaying system, production-path file output and fabrication SOP
  • Specialist detailed drawings for the brick and canopy systems
  • Material R&D combining brick, mortar and recycled waste based on robotic craft
  • EDM and point-cloud-assisted positioning for 3D-print installation

Methodology

  • Multi-dimensional hyperboloid generation and topology optimisation for the canopy form
  • Colour pixel-collage algorithm assigning the canopy's gradient panel pattern
  • MR- and GIS-assisted positioning for on-site assembly