MAS ETH DFAB 2025 Thesis Projects

The MAS ETH DFAB participants have presented their final thesis projects, building on research from NCCR DFAB and exploring the future of digital design and fabrication. Alongside collective works such as Glatsch in Mulegns, a colorful gelateria constructed with Hollow Core technology, and Cadavre Exquis, a chain of interlinked timber structures, the class developed eight individual theses. Each project extends ongoing research into new directions, testing how architecture can adapt to technological change, material scarcity, and ecological concerns.

The MAS ETH DFAB class 2024-25 inside of the Gelateria Glatsch next to the Tor Alva. Photo by Stefan Kaiser

The projects range from conceptual explorations to hands-on material and fabrication studies. Humanoid Futures for Architecture (Lais Hotz, building on research by Petrus Aejmelaeus-Lindström, Inés Ariza, Yijiang Huang, GKR) reflects on how humanoid robots might be integrated into architectural contexts. Design and Fabrication of Mosaics from Discarded Tiles with Earth Formwork (Spyridon Pyrgiotis and Ioanna Tatouli, building on research by Dominik Reisach, Megi Sinani, Ming Yang Wang, Sukhdevsinh Parmar, DBT) develops a robotic method for embedding irregular ceramic tiles into shaped earth formwork to produce concrete panels with mosaic finishes. Resource-aware Design for Reclaimed Timber (Daniela Larbalestier and David Villegas, building on research by Oliver Bucklin, GKR) introduces a computational workflow for reusing slender timber elements, while Robotically Extended Craftsmanship (Konstantina Laki & Guillem Hernandez Camarasa, building on research by Ananya Kango, Gergely Barna, Panayiotis Papacharalambous, GKR) proposes a marking-based system to guide robots through traditional hand markings.

A final project includes a demonstration with a GoFa robot. Photo by NCCR DFAB

Other projects explore material innovation and design intelligence. Robotic Braiding: Bio-fabricated Scaffolds for Integrated Double Ceilings (Nicolas Boscoboinik & Alim Battal, DBT) combines robotic braiding with mycelium growth to produce biodegradable acoustic components. Feed or Judge? Guiding Generative AI Agents in Architectural Design(Marc Ribert & Pleum Pongpisal, building on research by Anton Savov, Angela Yoo, Che Wei Lin, DBT) investigates how multi-agent AI systems can generate facade designs. Co-designing Assembly and Collaborative Robot Behaviors(Bob Yen Ting Liu, building on research by Yijiang Huang, CRL) develops strategies for multi-robot cooperation in the construction of modular scaffolding systems. Post-Processing Approaches for Impact Printed Structures (Jim Sian Chen & Dalila Romero Zenker, building on research by Kunal Chadha & Lauren Vasey, GKR) examines how compaction and insulation can enhance the structural and thermal performance of impact-printed earthen buildings.

Find out more about the MAS ETH DFAB programme at ETH Zurich here.