The Hi-DARS lab (Hybrid Intelligence Design and Architectural Robotic Systems) is a design research hub dedicated to advancing the integration of Hybrid Intelligence, Architectural Robotics, and innovative Design Systems within architecture, the construction industry, and built environment technologies. By developing integrated approaches that merge human and machine intelligence, the Hi-DARS lab systematically incorporates hybrid intelligence into design and building processes while also exploring the broader socio-cultural impacts of automation, machine intelligence, and robotics. The lab emphasizes the crucial role of design-build processes as influencers in social and environmental spheres, linking practical material applications with the broader, interconnected dimensions of ecological and societal frameworks. Located at Texas Tech University’s Huckabee College of Architecture, Hi-DARS fosters national and international collaborations, aiming to create a knowledge exchange platform that enhances design and construction practices worldwide through emerging technologies and advocates for solutions that are circular, resilient, and adaptable to various geographical contexts.
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Situated within the Texas Tech University in Texas, Huckabee College of Architecture, the trajectory of the Hi-DARS Lab traces back to 2019 when it originated as DARS.hub. Initially established as an interdisciplinary unit operating within the Dessau Institute of Architecture in Bauhaus, Germany, and TU Delft, BK City Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment in the Netherlands, engaged in collaborative studios and research projects with a primary focus on integrated design and architectural robotic systems. Transitioned and evolved into Hi-DARS in 2022, the lab is building upon the cultivated experience and knowledge. Currently operating as a research lab within TTU HCoA, Hi-DARS Lab is dedicated to advancing research, education, and service in the realms of hybrid intelligence design and architectural robotic systems.
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Hybrid Intelligence, within the context of Hi-DARS lab's vision and mission, involves integrating human-machine intelligence across various levels and scales throughout design and production processes. This entails exploring and cultivating a purposeful blend of human intelligence, computational intelligence, data intelligence, machine intelligence, medium intelligence, and material intelligence. This combination is fundamental to realizing the objectives outlined by the Hi-DARS lab.
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Architectural robotics encompasses the expanding field of cutting-edge robotic fabrication utilized in construction and assembly, including the integration of robotic systems within the built environment. The focus of Hi-DARS projects and research extends beyond the technical and methodological dimensions of this discipline. It delves into the broader socio-cultural implications of Automation, AI, and Robotics, contributing a comprehensive perspective to the field.
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Design systems relate to understanding design as a socio-environmental influence across multiple macro, meso, and micro scales. To perceive design as a system is to encompass both abstract and concrete aspects. This includes attributes at the material level, such as the setup and assembly of components, and meta-level constructs present in complex ecological and social systems. These constructs are characterized by interconnected and interdependent elements, offering a comprehensive understanding of design as a system in diverse contexts.
HI-DARS TEAM
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Dr. SINA MOSTAFAVI
Director | Associate Professor
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EDGAR MONTEJANO HERNANDEZ
PhD Student | Research Assistant
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BAHAR BAGHERI
PhD Student | Research Assistant
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COLE HOWELL
Student Assistant
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BRODEY MYERS
Graduate Assistant
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CALEB SCOTT
Research Assistant
HI-DARS Former Members
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ZACHARY S. CASEY
Student Assistant
Spring 2023
TTU HCoA - AHU lab -
JESSICA STUCKEMEYER
Student Assistant
Spring 2023
TTU HCoA - AHU lab -
SEPEHR VAEZ AFSHAR
Research Assistant
Fall 2022 & Spring 2023
TTU HCoA -
SARVIN ESHAGHI
Research Assistant
Fall 2023 & Spring 2023
TTU HCoA -
ALI ETEMADI
Computational Design Researcher
External Research Collaborator, Dessau Institute of Architecture at Bauhaus -
ADIB KHAEEZ
Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Fall 2018 to Fall 2020
Dessau Institute of Architecture at Bauhaus -
VALMIR KASTRATI
Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Fall 2018 to Fall 2020
Dessau Intittue of Architecture at Bauhaus -
IWAN MAZLAN
Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Fall 2018 to Fall 2020
Dessau Institute of Architecture at Bauhaus -
NILOUFAR RAHMI
Instructor, Graduate Teaching Assistant
Fall 2018 to Fall 2020
Dessau Institute of Architecture at Bauhaus
HI-DARS Available Positions
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Graduate Research Assistant
A GRA postion is available though a funded project. If you are interested, please contact us through the contact form below on the footer of the hi-dars.org website.
LAB SPACE AND FACILITIES
Researchers and collaborators associated with Hi-DARS (Hybrid Intelligence Design & Architectural Robotic Systems) benefit from extensive access to a diverse range of research tools and facilities housed at Texas Tech University, specifically within the Huckabee College of Architecture. This encompasses dedicated research equipment such as Robotic Fabrication setups, CNC machines, Augmented Reality headsets, and Mixed Reality sets tailored for advanced design and research, with a particular emphasis on Phygital Design-Build Mediums, Circular Material Constructs, and Human-Robot Collaboration.
These facilities are crucial in supporting Hi-DARS' endeavors in research, education, and outreach activities. The current facilities include:
A KR201 robotic arm equipped with a Concrete 3D Printing head, Robotic Milling, and Robotic Hotwire Cutting capabilities.
A KR1100 Agilus robotic arm is equipped with various end effectors.
Multiple Mixed Reality headsets, including Microsoft HoloLens for Augmented Reality Design and Assembly and Meta Quest Pro for Virtual and Augmented Reality immersive experiences, design, and production.
In addition, Hi-DARS has access to the existing fabrication lab and wood workshop infrastructure at TTU HCoA. This includes a large-scale BIG REP 3D Printer and a farm of over twenty desktop 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines, and other tools.
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KR210 Equipped with XtreeE Concreted 3D Printing Head, Large Scale Milling and Large Hot Wire Cutting Bracket
KR Agilus 1100 equipped with Milling head -
INcluding Mixer, Premixer, and Mountalbe Printing head on Large robotic arms for high performance concrete 3D printing
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Including 2 Hololens Microsoft 2 head sets for AR-enabled design, production and assembly
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Including Meta Quest pro for AR VR-enabled design and immersive experience
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More information Coming Soon
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More information Coming soon
The Hi-DARS lab is actively expanding its capabilities in advanced computational design, digital/phygital manufacturing, and architectural robotics. These state-of-the-art facilities empower researchers to explore innovative avenues in the intersection of technology and design.
INSTITUTIONS AND NETWORK
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Host Institution
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Funding Organization
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Industry Partner
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Industry Partner
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Research Collaborator
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Material Support
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Research Collaborator