rat[LAB] – Research in Architecture & Technology
What is rat[LAB]?
rat[LAB] is an architectural research cell based out of
London, United Kingdom, envisioned in
Summer 2012, by architects and researchers Sushant Verma and Pradeep
Devadass, during their course of post-graduation studies (Em.Tech.) at The Architectural
Association (AA) School of Architecture, London. The rat[LAB] focuses on
research agenda centred around integration of technology in architectural
design, with a focus on materiality, complexity science and emergence,
operating at multiple scales in architecture and urbanism.
The research cell intends to function as a collaborative and
inter-disciplinary laboratory facilitating design research that leads to novel
spatial tectonics and smart built environments. The focus is on generative
system development at the initial phase, leading to an architectural or urban
intervention / application of the same, at a later phase of open-ended
research.
The current
research agenda
The current research
is based on adaptive [skins] which is focused on development of building skins
at architectural scales, with a focus on smart system development integrating
smart materials and smart geometries, through an evolutionary process using
genetic algorithms for optimization, with respect to structure,
environment and spatial effects.
About the
researchers
Sushant Verma is an Indian Architect who earned
his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.)degree from SSAA, New Delhi
with a Gold Medal Award for his Design Research and Thesis in 2010. He started
working as a part-time assistant architect with Design Consultants (India) Pvt.
Ltd. in 2007 and started his collaborative research firm named studio[2121]architecture in
2008. His constant involvement with reputed architectural firms like Mani
Chowfla Architects, New Delhi and M:OFA Studio (Manifestation of Fluid
Architecture), New Delhi has allowed him to gain experience of projects with
varied scale and program.
Presently, Sushant is pursuing Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree
in Emergent Technologies & Design (Em.Tech.) from The
Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture, London. His current
research interests are focused on relationship studies between simplicity and
complexity in architecture, continuing his published work on Plectic
Architecture. His parallel on-going research focuses on ‘super-complexity’ in
architecture with digital-analogue fabrication and computation as primary
aspects.
Pradeep Devadass is an Indian Architect who
earned his Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree from RV
School of Architecture, Bangalore in 2011. He has been involved with reputed
architectural firms like Mathew & Ghosh Architects, Bangalore and RSP
Design Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore and has worked on a number of medium and large scale
projects in India.
He is currently pursuing Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree
in Emergent Technologies & Design (Em.Tech.) from The
Architectural Association (AA) School of Architecture, London. He is also
working as an assistant in Digital Prototyping Lab at the AA, with a good
knowledge and experience of prototyping tools such as 3D printing, CNC Milling
and Laser Cutting. His research interests revolve around digital fabrication
techniques and computational tool development for architecture.
