The Digital Fabrication Laboratory is the Research Group of the Center of Studies in Architecture and Urbanism (CEAU), at the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Porto (FAUP) dedicated to investigating the use of advanced digital technologies in the field of architectural design and construction.
The DFL is dedicated to revolutionising the field of architecture through the utilisation of advanced technologies, which can greatly expand design possibilities and facilitate unconventional production methods. This influence extends from the scale of material components to the building and urban scale, shaping architectural practices in innovative ways.
With a multidisciplinary approach, the DFL focuses on the development of independent and collaborative R&D projects with industry partners. This is complemented by the promotion of educational activities, university outreach, and dissemination efforts.
Based at FAUP, the DFL seeks to empower students, architectural designers, and industrial companies through the seamless integration of cutting-edge technology in the design process.
Driven by creativity, innovation, and environmental responsibility, the DFL endeavors to play a role in fostering a more sustainable and inclusive built and natural environment (#NEB).
Acknowledging the intersection of the digital, material, and biological realms in our contemporary age, the DFL aims to position itself as a globally recognized laboratory thinking and shaping a brighter future for the profession, the society and the planet.
Projects
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Teaching
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Supervision
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Services
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Publications
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Events
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
The DFL takes pride in its significant milestones and successful endeavors, showcasing a track record of excellence in various domains, with both national and international recognition:
⦁ The first research group in Portugal investigating robotic fabrication in architecture;
⦁ Creation of the research group in 2013;
⦁ Organization of the eCAADe SIGraDi 2019 joint conference which gathered more than 300 researchers to FAUP;
⦁ The leading research group investigating the use of cork in architecture;
Digital Design
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Digital Fabrication
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Digital Simulation
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.
Bio/Material
The DFL can develop unique design projects to demonstrate the application in practice of some concepts, processes or technologies developed in the research activity.