Integrating Robotic Drawing into Blended Design Studio Education in Hong Kong

Integrating robotics and automation technologies into architectural design and fabrication is an emerging field with immense trans formative potential. Robotic fabrication techniques broaden new horizons for architectural representation, allowing the creation of intricate detailing, complex geometries, and precise design execution. This technological advancement, however, also necessitates the development of innovative skills and knowledge among architecture students to harness these capabilities effectively. The workshop described in this research serves as a gateway, introducing students to the fundamental principles of robotics, including robot arm kinematics, end-effector positioning, motion planning algorithms, and trajectory generation. It adopted a project-based learning approach, where students developed their parametric design scripts and delved into robotic drawing and movie-making using physical models from their studio projects. Throughout the workshops via physical and virtual environments, students were encouraged to embrace an exploratory and research-oriented mindset, viewing the exercises as opportunities for experimentation and learning rather than solely focusing on producing a final output. This approach fosters interdisciplinary collaboration between architecture, engineering, and computer science disciplines, empowering students to critically analyze the outcomes of robotic drawing and fabrication and their implications for architectural representation.