AA DLAB

21 July – 08 August 2025

PROGRAMME

In its 20th year, DLAB is a three-week programme taking place at the AA London HQ’s unique atmosphere.

DLAB experiments with the integration of advanced computational design, analysis, and large scale prototyping techniques. The programme continues to build on its expertise on complex architectural design and fabrication processes, relying heavily on materiality and performance. Autumn DLAB brings together a range of experts – tutors and lecturers – from internationally acclaimed academic institutions and practices, Architectural Association, Zaha Hadid Architects, among others.

The research generated at DLAB has been published in international media – ArchDaily, Archinect, Bustler – and peer-reviewed conference papers, including SimAUD (Simulation in Architecture and Urban Design), eCAADe (Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe).

In 2025, AA DLAB will explore the intersection of sustainability, material re-use, and advanced fabrication by focusing on the integration of robotic 3D printing and the upcycling of materials. The objective of this exploration is the innovative use of 3D printing to bridge the gaps between found materials, transforming them into cohesive architectural structures. The research agenda highlights the reduction reduces material waste by integrating discarded or locally sourced elements into the design process. By leveraging the precision and adaptability of 3D printing, the research aims to demonstrate how advanced technologies can advance sustainable practices of building environmentally conscious structures.

The programme enriches the academic experience with a series of expert-led lectures and industry visits that provide students with valuable insights into the architectural profession. Lectures from renowned practices such as Grimshaw Global, Foster + Partners, PLP Labs, Mamou-Mani Architects, AKT II, BuroHappold Engineering, Zaha Hadid Architects, and TU Delft have previously been featured.

Student life at DLAB is active and engaging, thanks to its London base, which offers access to one of the most dynamic architectural hubs in the world. Participants benefit from the city’s vibrant architectural scene, including office visits to leading firms and exposure to cutting-edge practices.

The programme is structured in two stages:

PART 1 – participants are introduced to core concepts of material processes, computational methods and digital fabrication techniques. Basic and advanced tutorials on computational design and analysis tools are provided. The programme performs as a team-based workshop promoting collaboration, research and ‘learning-by-experimentation’.

PART 2 – participants propose design interventions based on the skills and knowledge gained during phase 1 and supported by scaled study models and prototypes. The fabrication and assembly of a full-scale architectural intervention with the use of robotic fabrication techniques will then unify the design goals of the programme.

PROMINENT FEATURES

  1. Teaching team: DLAB tutors are selected from recent graduates / current tutors at the AA and the small student ratio (5:1) allows for personalized tutorials and debates.

  2. Facilities: AA’s cutting-edge facilities used for the fabrication of physical outputs and prototypes on a 1:1 scale. Digital Prototyping Lab (DPL) offers laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3d printing facilities, and two KUKA robotic arms.

  3. Computational skills: The toolset of DLAB includes but is not limited to Rhinoceros, Processing, Grasshopper and various analysis tools.

  4. Theoretical understanding: Dissemination of fundamental design techniques and relevant critical thinking methodologies through theoretical sessions and seminars.

  5. Professional awareness: DLAB performs as a simulation of the professional environment due the priority given to team-based design approach. Participants range from 2nd year students to PhD candidates and full-time professionals.

  6. Robotic Fabrication: According to the specific agenda of each year, scaled working models are produced via advanced digital machining tools, followed by the fabrication of 1:1 scale prototypes with the use of KUKA KR60 and KR30 robots.

  7. Lecture series: A series of lectures conveying the diverse expertise of professionals from some of the world’s leading practices in the areas of digital design and fabrication techniques.