PP97: Architectural Modeling of Components in Composite Materials for Temporary Shelter Facilities
A Chaves, G Furtado, J Lino3

The PP97 had, for its object and title, the "architectural modeling of components in composite materials for temporary shelter facilities”, and its development comprised several disciplines (architecture, design, engineering, etc.). The results and targets included a computer modeling and a prototype with its components, as well the strategies outlined for their manufacture and distribution. Overall, the study was structured into three areas or components - “project”, “manufacture” and “analysis / dissemination” - which were developed interactively in two phases.
The area of research "project" involved the conception/designing of installation for temporary shelters facilities, its components, configurations and conditions of assembly by the user. The relevance of the proposed solution was thus identified and in order to be used for instance in the context of social action. The concept of the product, based on the idea that the construction materials could reuse abundant and wasted materials for the production of the temporary shelters by applying expeditious construction techniques, was also defined. The study was carried out by, at first, a formal and geometric speculation, followed by the accomplishment of designs with all the necessary detail, and later, studies with 3D computer modeling.
This was preceded by the accomplishment and coordination of computational models with 3D CAM in the area of research "manufacture”. Production techniques with composite materials, which enabled collaboration with INEGI, were studied, and several series of experiments were performed. These were later and more swiftly continued at the FAUP. For their relevance, composite materials consisting of waste (rubble, etc.) and binders (polymers, etc.), as well as additive and subtractive techniques of rapid prototyping with milling and “MakerBot” machinery´s model / formwork were selected. In accordance with what was expected, prototypes of the shelter facility and its components were accomplished, which tried to simulate the conditions existing in-situ for the manufacture and assembly. Collaboration with the workshop of printing techniques of FBAUP has been also developed, exploring the graphic treatment of the installation components and envisioning ways of appropriation by the user.
This stage consisted of a brief "analysis" functional and aesthetic, which, for example, enabled collaboration with designer Dirk Lloyens of ESAD / UM, comprising an environmental analysis of light and heat. In parallel, strategies related to the "spread" of the investigation of PP97 and its products were outlined. On one hand, the discussion of an "application" that uses the channels as a means of social or marketing, etc. On the other hand the "advertisement" in both scientific and general contexts. This fostered, in the first case, collaboration with the Porto GAS group, including the carrying out of investigations and the outlining of lines of action. In the second case, presentations and an exhibition at “Galeria dos Leões” were carried out (RUP).
In short, the investigation conducted allowed for the projection of a versatile installation for temporary shelter facilities, composed of several architectural components, modeled with the computer support of CAD-CAM. The established process for manufacturing these components included mold / formwork and rapid prototyping, as well as composite materials made with matrix and specific binders. Finally we have developed an analysis of the product and outlined the strategies for its “spread” and commercialization.