rocker-lange blog

We’re excited to share that Christian J. Lange was recently featured on the newly launched ARCHITALKS podcast, which explores innovative voices and ideas shaping the future of architecture.

In this episode of ARCHITALKS, Christian J. Lange, Associate Professor (Teaching) in the Department of Architecture and lead of the Faculty Robotic Fabrication Lab at the University of Hong Kong, and principal investigator of the Reformative Coral Habitat Project, speaks on the collaborative research effort between the Robotic Fabrication Lab and the Swire Institute of Marine Science at HKU. We discuss his research interest in clay and 3-D printing technology and computational design, the challenges with design and fabrication, working with marine biologists and reflect on the potential applications beyond the coral reefs project for architecture, landscape design, and coastal protection in a climate change vulnerable region.

We invite you to listen to the full podcast here.
https://www.arch.hku.hk/event_/architalks-ep-6/

We are pleased to announce that Christian J. Lange, Associate Professor at the University of Hong Kong’s Department of Architecture, was recently featured in the South China Morning Post for his ongoing research in robotic 3D-printed concrete.

The article highlights Lange’s upgraded fabrication lab—located in a former car park on the HKU campus—where his team is pushing the boundaries of automated construction using industrial robots and an advanced 2K concrete printing system. The lab builds on Lange’s earlier work with 3D-printed terracotta reef structures and now explores architectural applications ranging from large-scale landscaping elements to future building components.

While the technology has shown great promise, the article also outlines the challenges faced in commercializing the research, including difficulties in securing funding and engaging with private developers. Despite these hurdles, Lange continues to advocate for the role of digital fabrication in transforming Hong Kong’s construction practices and is committed to scaling the technology through further experimentation and public realm projects.

We invite you to read the full article here.
https://sc.mp/ix6b5?utm_source=copy-link&utm_campaign=3251685&utm_medium=share_widget

We’re pleased to announce Christian J. Lange’s latest exhibition at PMQ, marking the culmination of his doctoral research completed at RMIT University in spring 2023. Titled Autobryksformation: Towards a New Approach to Brick Expressionism | Methods for Unique Idiosyncrasies in Architectural Material Systems | A Practice in the Making, the exhibition introduces audiences to Lange’s innovative exploration of robotic 3D printing with raw clay. Spanning six years of research at the intersection of architecture and advanced fabrication, the show presents a rich body of work through full-scale prototypes, material experiments, and visual documentation—reimagining the potential of ceramic building components in the architectural landscape.

Abstract:
With a focus on robotically controlled 3D printing methods, this exhibition reflects on the past six years of Christian J. Lange’s research, which culminated into his Ph.D. at RMIT in 2023.
Using raw clay as a base material to innovate form, function, and ornament of architectural ceramic building components, the work on display oscillates between his research in the Robotic Fabrication Lab and his teaching at HKU. The two arenas have become the dominant modes of operation to advance the creative work and constantly influence each other through their specific relationship. The exhibition combines and displays the various projects and approaches in these two streams accumulated throughout the years via physical models, 1:1 scale prototypes, video footage, drawings, and photographs.

Rethinking and revitalizing the 7000-year-old material system of brick, and in particular the brick special (bespoke brick) and other means of ceramic components, the research in this exhibition addresses new modes of production that explore innovative structures, novel performances, and unplanned surface expressions. The work offers alternative answers and applications to the generic, standardized building systems that dominate most of today’s built environment, constrain architectural creativity, and limit innovative design approaches.

The exhibition reveals Lange’s particular approach in this research territory via four lenses that will give a unique insight into the work that offers material solutions for architecture that can be more specific and expressive. The explorations with design-built projects, prototypes, and material experimentations on display unfold and contextualize the methods of making developed successively over time.

Exhibition designed by:
Dr Christian J. Lange

Assisted by:
Adeline Chan

Project Collaborators:
Donn Holohan
Holger Kehne
Dave Baker
Lidia Ratoi
Phil Thompson

Research Assistants:
Tony Lau, Anthony Hu, Teego Ma Jun Yin, Ernest Hung Chi Lok, Chau Chi Wang, Ren Depei, Mono Tung, He Qiye, Henry Ho Yu Hong, Kristy Chow, Pamela Maguigad, Kevin Xi Lin, Nicholas Lau, Leung Ka Chi Alvin, Liu Oui Desmond, Samuel Tam, Tam Chi Yan Jack, Hu Chi Hing Jason, Dominic Co, Chen Jiaao, Chan Ka Chun Tom, Lau Ngai Lam Ellen

Students:
Alexandra Bedin, Milan Nushev, Wiley Ng, Alfred Mak, Shu Ting, Qu Tao, Soo Yeon Bong, Jing Lun Zhao, Jing Jiang, Yingxin Wu, Ho Ka Wing Karen, Cheng Tak Hei Ivan, Victoria Dong, Nicole Biewenga, Fan Xinkai, Hu Chi Hing, Lin Xuancheng, Fan Taiwen, Hong Chen, Lai Chu Tung Jetson, Liu Pui Hang Des¬mond, Wang Youlin, Yam Ka Kit, Chan Ka Chun, Co Dominic Lim, IP Chung Ming, Lau Ngai Lam Ellen, Ma Chun Hon, Tam Chi Yan, Tam Shing Yat, Wang Yi Xiao, Wong Suet Ying, Chan Kwun Kit, Huang Shidan, Liu Tsz Shing, Liu Tsz Yeung, Ng Jian Yao, Tse Wang Chun, Zhang Houzhe, Zhu Chenglin

Venue:
H310, 3/F, Hollywood (Block B), PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street
Central, Hong Kong

Date:
21-Dec-2023 – 11-Jan-2024
11:00 am – 8:00 pm

“I am very proud that we finally finished the installation of our upgrade for the Robotic Fabrication Lab at HKU. It took a while but the result has been rewarding.

“Here the official text:
The Robotic Fabrication Lab at the Faculty of Architecture of The University of Hong Kong has undergone a transformative expansion, showcasing cutting-edge advancements in the latest robotic fabrication technology.

“The Lab now proudly houses two large-scale robots mounted on tracks, representing a significant leap forward for the Faculty’s research activities in robotic fabrication. These state-of-the-art robots are equipped with diverse end-effectors that can be changed seamlessly and instantaneously, demonstrating remarkable application versatility.

“The introduction of these advanced robotic systems marks a pivotal moment for the Faculty’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological innovation within the architectural field. Incorporating robots on tracks with quick-change mechanisms amplifies the scale of fabrication and enhances accessibility for our researchers and students.

“The Lab’s emphasis on adaptability is particularly significant, as the robots’ ability to swiftly switch between different functions – concrete printing, clay printing, pick & place solutions, welding, and many more – enables a broad spectrum of fabrication techniques for our various research activities. This versatility opens up new possibilities for architectural experimentation and pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved in terms of design complexity and material construction.

“The upgrade of the Lab has been initiated and planned by Christian J. Lange, Leader of the Robotic Fabrication Lab, together with team members Jacky Chu and Mono Tung.

“From more than 5,400 entries from 90 countries to Dezeen Awards this year, the tidal stool project is one of 15 sustainability projects that are in the running to win an award later this year in the sustainability categories.” Thanks to the team @ Robotic Fabrication Lab | Faculty of Architecture | The University of Hong Kong and at our collaborators at the Centre for Chinese Architecture and Urbanism, HKU.
So, if you have time, please vote for us!!!!!

For more information on the project, please use the following link:
https://www.dezeen.com/awards/2022/shortlists/tidal-stool/

To vote, please use the following link:
https://www.dezeen.com/awards/vote

Vote closes 10th October. Thank you!

I am thrilled to report that two projects that came out of the Robotic Fabrication Lab at HKU in the past two years have been long-listed in this year’s dezeen awards. The “Reformative Coral Habitat” project made it to the sustainable design list, while the Tidal stool has been selected for both the sustainable design category and the furniture design list. Congrats to the teams.

For more information on the projects, please use the following links:
www.dezeen.com/awards/2022/longlists/tidal-stool
www.dezeen.com/awards/2022/longlists/reformative-coral-habitats-reef-tiles

The Tidal Stool | A shoreline intervention through a robotic 3D terracotta printing method

I am happy to report the recent installation of a set of tidal stools on the shoreline of Kuk Po village, Sha Tau Kok, Hong Kong. The stool is part of a larger project on the revitalization of of the village and is a critical commentary on the common practice of how we deal with shorelines in Hong Kong.

Rather than separating through an artificial intervention, the project brings together two different ecologies, the anthropocentric and the natural environment. Both are the beneficiaries of its functional design approach. With its intricate spaces and crevices, the stool provides for many creatures hide-outs from predators and enhances the ecology of the shoreline. During high tide, the stool is partially submerged in the water. During the low tide, it invites the villagers and its visitors to take a break and enjoy the beach.

Overall, the team produced 30 unique stools with different heights for different users and varying degrees of surface complexity. The goal in producing the multiplicity of solutions was to understand which geometry would, in the end, perform best for the natural environment. All stools were produced using a standard industrial robot. The stools were made using a unique mix of terracotta clay, which is very suitable for natural habitats due to its Ph-level. So, in case the stools deteriorate over time, they get back to nature without any harm.

Funding body: Kuk Po Vision | Country Conservation Office

Project Credits:
Robotic Fabrication Lab | Faculty of Architecture | The University of Hong Kong

Christian J. Lange (Team Leader)
Weijen Wang (Team Leader)

Team:
Chen Zhaowei
Yin Fangyi
Chan Ching Yin

Finally this collaborative project between the Robotic Fabrication Lab and SWIMS at HKU moved out of the lab. The team in the Robotic Fabrication Lab was responsible for the design and the fabrication of the tiles, working hard to ensure an even quality of the tiles. Here you see loosely assembled 72 of the final 100 tiles which were delivered yesterday. Let’s hope they will perform well on Hong Kong’s seabed.