QUESTIONS + ANSWERS
MATERIALS + METHODS
- Under “Materials + Methods” section in REPEATregulations, it lists “suggested materials and digital fabrication processes.” While the list consists of suggestions, are entrants limited to these materials and fabrication processes?
- No. However, the suggested materials and digital fabrication processes are those that are commonly available in Houston. If a registrant chooses other materials and/or fabrication processes, they need to evaluate the feasibility of their implementation and availability within Houston.
- Is the ability to laser cut material available? If so, what type of laser cutting equipment is available?
- Houston has a wide array of fabrication facilities. You are bound by cost constraints in your choice of machining and materials. Laser cutting of thin gauge sheet metal is highly recommended. Typical sheet size is 5′x10′.
- Can we use screws, steel cables and lashing turnbuckles?
- Yes, but only internal to the proposal itself, not to attach to any existing structures.
- Material wise, can we use aluminum sheet, stainless steel sheet? Can metal sheets be on rollers of Cold-bend?
- All of these materials are permitted. Hand break for bending sheet metals is encouraged over machine bending. Material selection and fabrication must take into consideration the budgetary constraint.
- Can we combine aluminum, stainless steel and timber?
- Any material combinations are permitted, however, dimensional lumber (as opposed to rough timber) is recommended.
- What software are the fabricator shops using? What are the deliverables: 2D 3D?
- Fabricators read vector files in .dwg format. In the jury phase of the competition you are not required to produce these types of drawings. Every team is allowed one presentation board. The deliverables expected of the winning team will depend of the processes embedded in their proposal. The winning entry will produce 3D digital models and 2D cut files, parts lists and assembly diagrams as necessary. As an example: to maximize efficiency the winner will be expected to nest profiles and ‘clean-up’ drawings by reducing the number of discontinuous segments.
- Are we fabricating this elsewhere and shipping it for assembly or are we using Houston-based facilities for the fabrication?
- The project will be fabricated, assembled, installed and exhibited in Houston after being developed with digital fabrication files extracted by the winning team with consultation from TEX-FAB during the design development process. The proposal should consider the assembly as a process that can easily executed and reversed so that the project can potentially be packaged and shipped to designers. A 1000 USD stipend is payable to the winner/s for travel and/or shipping.
- What are the fabrication capabilities for the local facilities? Up to what thickness can they laser cut aluminum? What are their bed sizes?
- Sheet aluminum or stainless steel laser cutting is available for 24 gauge up to 1/8″ thick nesting on 5′x10′ sheets, above that we recommend waterjet for plate in larger sheet sizes if necessary. While very thick materials can be cut, it may be cost prohibitive. You are expressly asked in this competition to find an economy of means and methods in all facets of the proposal.
COMPETITION SITE
- Is the site denoted within the given site plan the exact location or just an example of given constraints? In other words, can we move the centroid of the min/max extents somewhere else on the floor?
- No, The site is fixed.
- Does the circular plan only define the zone of the base, or the 3D volume meaning no materials should protrude the cylinder based on the circles?
- The 15′ diameter inner circle designates the area for the primary footprint of the proposal to be constrained within. The other 25′ diameter circle provides a limit for any secondary projections, supports or extensions to be within. This area should also be interpreted as a circulation zone with basic accessibility addressed by the designers.
- Any height constrains?
- No height limit is set. The design proposal height should be a function of structural stability of the work itself or from a plinth, base or wall support only. Design should not require a ‘manlift’ or scaffolding to assemble.
- Can the enclosure touch the balustrade on upper levels?
- No attachment to the atrium walls or ceiling is allowed. No element can extend beyond the maximum build zone indicated.
BUDGET
- Is there a recommended budget for the cost of materials?
- Estimated value of the winning entry is 10,000USD. This would include material, fabrication, labor, and installation costs.
- What are there limits of monetary budget, or quantitative amount for the materials that can be used for the competition?
- There is a reciprocal balance between money and material type. The more expensive the material type the less money that can be allocated towards fabrication labor or vice-versa. Each registrant and team should seek an appropriate balance towards the material selection, the fabrication method and the assembly complexity of the proposal.
DESIGN PROPOSAL
- Is the structure we create able to be inhabited, or rather, can occupants walk on a designated path through the structure?
- Habitation is not a requirement. Interaction is allowed, however, safety of the design is paramount and must comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) path of travel requirements.
- Can this be a full enclosure with “walls” and a “ceiling?” In this case, would a structural engineer need to approve the safety of the ceiling?
- A full enclosure is permitted, though not encouraged. No electrical lighting is permitted. The proposed structure should not require a structural engineer. However, you may include a structural engineer on your team.
- Is there any functional requirements to the enclosure?
- You establish the function. Consideration must be made if a specific use is proposed for safety and must comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) path of travel requirements.
PRESENTATION FORMAT
- How many panels are supposed to be submitted?
- One 24×36 portrait orientation board. Please refer to the ‘Submission Procedures and Links’ document for all other information.