The experimental ASK ROBO studio is situated at the intersection of mechatronics and architecture. The kinetic, performative aspects of design together with basics of robotics are briefly addressed first, with the review of the relevant precedents and writings. The studio format is set to integrate distant, until recently, disciplines of mechatronic and architecture. Design problem is set to explore conceptual construction of responsive environments in order to improve the quality of life and urban infrastructure. ROBO studio addressing
real world problems will broaden design scope through a more speculative exploration of new technologies.

The notion of ARCHITECTRONICS, derived from consideration of kinematics, mechatronics and robotics in architectural design, is not yet fully established. Architectronic practice of design in a networked environment is explored in groups. ASK students work in
collaboration with few mechatronic students to produce drawings, computer simulations, animations, and working scale prototype models of selected fragment of their designs. The goal is to bring together students of architecture and engineering to probe the possible
application of mechatronics to architectural design practice. Each group of students will benefit from the approach, knowledge and experience of the other: the architectural students providing the functional, social, cultural and aesthetic framework, and the engineering students providing the basic technical knowledge, with the end project resulting from the feedback and learning which result from the process. For modeling use of Inventor, SolidWorks or Rhino with
Grasshopper is anticipated, as well as use of Firefly, that enables a direct connection between the Arduino micro-controller and the Rhino/Grasshopper environment. Real-time data flow between the digital and physical worlds is to be explored, deployment of sensors and actuators in the prototypical model expected. The use of remote
sensors including exploration of Pachube can be also considered.

The aim of this ROBO studio is to experiment and explore. More detail : project topics are to be published at the later date once the extend of the resources and support is confirmed. Studio might consider the responsive building envelope system with design and modeling of fragment sensored to perform. The situated project should formatively adjust itself acc. to the dynamic criteria derived from human or environment interactions. Examination of contested public infrastructure as the new civic space and its kinetic transformation
can be also undertaken.

ROBOATRIUM The ASK Experimental Studio design problem set for this community is situated in the familiar ground. The informal back courtyard bound by Koszykowa Main Building and Oficyna building at Lwowska street serves today as casual outdoor social space, parking and garden. Here it is to be upgraded and turned to the formal academic quadrangle, kind of central courtyard used year around as multipurpose space of the faculty called for purpose of this project Atrium.

Space will be used not only winter as garden and summer outdoor space. It might be also used for congregation, lectures and exhtibitions making work of Faculty of Architecture more accessible to public. It will be accessible throughout the year and serve as prototype urban courtyard and example for other city areas. After introduction of initial design ideas students will work in groups on the project development including simulation and visualization of proposals. Then the best designs will be selected for the prototyping stage.

The focus of the studio is the schematic design of modular system for long span urban roof system and further detail resolution in form of kinetic prototype model of its fragment. FESTO support at this last phase is eagerly anticipated and welcome. The Atrium project is proposing upgrading and roofing Faculty of Architecture courtyard at Koszykowa 55 but it will also serve also as a model for adaptive urban roofs in general.

The convertible landscape enclosure will permit change of its physical porosity depending on the use, function and outdoor condition. The contemporary building enclosure of the public space does not have to be any longer solid and static but can be made dynamic and adaptive. The resulting geometry of the urban roof system is produced with mass customization tools and made out of the small modules that are performative and transformative. This ambition calls not only for algorithmically generated design, but also for its integration w/ other disciplines like classical mechanics, mechatronics, material science, environmental sciences and social context.

Design, fragment prototype and its programming will be done collaboration with ASK and Gradute Students of PW Mechatronic Faculty. ASK students are expected to participate on a regular basis and will be evaluated during the studio. FESTO participation in this proposal will be publicly acknowledged in all publications as co-author of any prototypes resulting from the project.