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.

Know more about HKU ARCHITECTURE GALLERY “Autobryksformation”
Website: www.arch.hku.hk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/archhku
Instagram: @hkuarchitecture