Research assistant for the Kagome Architectures project

at  KADK

The Royal Danish Academy – Architecture, Design, Conservation invites applications for a 2-year, full-time position as a research assistant for the Kagome Architectures project.
Kagome Architectures is new research project funded by the Carlsberg Foundation under a 5-year Semper Ardens Accomplish grant awarded to Prof. Phil Ayres. The project will investigate the direct application of tri-axial weaving principles to solid timber with the objective of making structurally performing lattices at architectural scale. The key novelties of this approach will be the ability to make structures without the need of mechanical and chemical fixings within the lattice, and the ability to achieve free-form geometries using straight stock timber. A core challenge of the project, and the focus area of this position, is the development of structurally performing junctions for axially extending timber members, thereby overcoming a 3m length fabrication constraint and allowing them to be woven together in large lattices. We are looking for a person with a strong professional research profile who is committed to leading the delivery of results, producing new knowledge through practice-based enquiry and contributing innovative thinking in this specific track of the research project.
The vacant position is affiliated with the Institute of Architecture and Technology, within the recently established Chair for Biohybrid Architecture. We hope to fill the position by 1st January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter.

QUALIFICATIONS

As a minimum, you hold a relevant master’s level degree in architecture or equivalent education.

We also expect that you:

• Have prior experience working on medium-term funded research projects.
• Have a track record of participation in scientific writing demonstrated by publication.
• Can demonstrate skilled timber craftsmanship, with particular focus on junctions and detailing.
• Can demonstrate strong competencies with digital modelling and FEM simulation
• Have strong competencies in scripting (C# and/or Python are essential)
• Can demonstrate prior experience in leading research work packages and integrating findings with a broader research team.

• Research and/or artistic research in the focus area of the position, in collaboration with relevant external institutions, enterprises and networks nationally and internationally, as well as with the other R&D areas at the Institute and the Royal Danish Academy as a whole.
• Designing weaver junctions with particular attention to tectonic, performance, fabrication and assembly constraints.
• Integrating junction developments within larger digital models.
• Defining and executing a systematic testing campaign to determine the viability of the junctions, following relevant standards.
• Leading report, scientific paper (conference and journal) writing.
• Regular interfacing of insights and developments with the rest of the project team in an iterative and cumulative manner