Research based teaching as a model for developing complex pre-cast concrete structures

This paper describes the potentials of utilising research-based
teaching as a method for developing advanced concrete structures in an
architectural context. A novel technique for casting concrete elements in
PETG plastic is described as a body of research that formed the basis of a
case in which master students assisted in the development and realisation of
an amorphous, catenary grid-shell. Development in many areas
simultaneously was essential for the success of the case studies, which
made them suitable for a research-based teaching setup, where didactic
considerations on a general and specific level were important: On a general
level, three didactic tools were used: the first being the presentation of
knowledge generation as something that happens between researcher and
student. The second involved presenting students with a narrow focus
before presenting a wide one, and the third: viewing the teaching studio as
an interdisciplinary laboratory. On a specific level, didactic considerations
involved a division of responsibility into smaller areas of investigation,
allowing the students to conduct relevant experimentation while negotiating
other areas of the research. Also, the presentation of the concept
of tectonics provided a means for discussion, evaluation, and qualifying of
decisions.