Editing landscapes: Experimental frameworks for territorial-based robotic fabrication

Abstract

With the advent of on-site robotic tools, they can be deployed for editing landscapes – defined as the modulation of grounds with a high degree of sensitivity to matter and form. The paper contributes a theoretical grounding and two experimental frameworks for territorial-based robotic fabrication. Each experimental framework supports a robotic capacity for informing and forming grounds, demonstrated in relation to extreme territories using simulation setups. The frameworks include (1) a layer-sensitive modulation for protecting topsoil and (2) a performance-based robotic forming for creating wind barriers. For each framework, the paper proposes a setup, an exploration method, and an evaluation process. Drawing on the presented frameworks, the paper outlines three potentials of territorial-based robotic fabrication: the capability to modulate grounds vertically, the possibility to perform cross-scalar forming, and the opportunity to form dynamic, performative landscapes. The paper concludes with potential ways in which robotic tools could be leveraged for advancing precise landscape editing across scales.