The Flagpost
Client Name: The Flagpost
Project Location: India
Built Area: 280 sqft
Project Year: 2023
Architecture Firm: Terraibe Studio,(Former Title : Antony Architects)
Chief Architect: Antony Manoj Xavier
Project Title: The Flagpost This project transforms the traditional symbol of a rosary into a vertical flag post by reinterpreting its form through modern technology and design. Each module of the structure represents an individual bead of the rosary, stacked in a rhythmic and repeating pattern. The goal was to marry traditional religious symbolism with innovative architecture, creating a contemporary representation of devotion and spirituality in the form of an architectural landmark. The entire structure is built using 3D-printed modules, fabricated with cutting-edge 6-axis robotic technology to ensure precision and efficiency in production.
Design Concept:
The design concept of the Rosary Flag Post is deeply rooted in the symbolic representation of faith, repetition, and rhythm, much like the prayers of a rosary. Each “bead” on the flag post reflects a unique modular unit that conveys a sense of continuity and progression, symbolizing both prayer and contemplation. Inspired by the repetitive nature of the rosary, the modules are aligned vertically, providing a rhythmic flow as the structure ascends.
Advanced 3D printing techniques were employed to create the modules, with the help of 6-axis robotic arms that produced each piece with extreme accuracy. This robotic precision allows for seamless integration between the beads, ensuring that the modular units connect harmoniously. The design showcases a perfect fusion of spirituality and cutting-edge technology, where the ancient symbol of the rosary is brought to life through modern manufacturing methods.
Architectural Features:
The Rosary Flag Post stands out due to its verticality and modular design. Each segment or “bead” is crafted to symbolize the distinct repetition found in religious practice, creating a visually rhythmic pattern. This stacked composition not only reflects spiritual continuity but also offers a unique visual rhythm that can be appreciated from various perspectives.
Each bead is a 3D-printed module, precisely fabricated using 6-axis robotic technology. The robotic arm’s capability to rotate and move in multiple directions ensures that each module is produced with high accuracy, maintaining the overall consistency of the structure. The seamless joints between the modules highlight the robotic precision used in construction.
The flag post structure exhibits a strong sense of linearity, with each modular bead connected seamlessly through hidden steel reinforcements. The gentle curvature and texture of the ceramic-glazed clay create an interplay between light and shadow, emphasizing the modular rhythm in both daylight and artificial illumination.
Materials and Techniques:
The primary materials used in the construction are clay with ceramic glazing, steel, and PLA (polylactic acid) for concrete molds. Each bead is 3D-printed from clay, then glazed with ceramic
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for enhanced durability and a glossy aesthetic. The use of 6-axis robots was essential in shaping these intricate modules, ensuring precise curves and seamless connections between each bead.
To achieve the intricate and consistent form of each module, advanced 3D printing and additive manufacturing techniques were employed, utilizing 6-axis robots. These robots were critical in shaping the curved modules from clay and ensuring that the ceramic glazing adhered perfectly to each surface. PLA was used as a key material in creating molds for the concrete foundation, reinforcing the base of the structure.
Steel reinforcements are embedded within the structure to ensure stability, allowing the post to remain secure while maintaining a sleek, minimalistic form. This combination of traditional materials and advanced robotic construction techniques results in a unique, contemporary architectural creation.
Keywords:
- Vertical Architecture
- Modular Design
- Rosary-Inspired
- Additive Manufacturing
- 3D Printing
- 6-Axis Robotics
- Ceramic Glazing
- Steel Reinforcement
- Contemporary Spirituality
- Clay and PLA Materials
Project Credits:
- Lead Architect: Antony Manoj Xavier,Kingsley Claudin
- Architecture Firm : TERRAIBE STUDIO
- Design Team: Yogesh
- Structural Engineer: Selvam Antony Muthu
- Contractor:T.XAVIER & CO
- 3D Printing Specialist: nouz.3d
- Location : Chennai,TamilNadu,India
- Project Year :2024.
- Photographer : Arun Siddharth