intelligence in order to build efficient structures using salvaged, recycled or raw materials, and to achieve high quality design at low cost. Observation Two lines in 3 dimensional space sharing a common endpoint are planar. By creating a simple joint to connect 2 pairs or 2 triplexes of planar tubes it is possible to accommodate planar tubes to produce a stable structural unit.  The joint consists of two ‘flat’ easy to produce elements and can adapt to different diameters and lengths of tubes.  It is therefore possible to connect paper or bamboo tubes of random sizes that are ‘at hand’. Process The sizes of the available tubes are submitted to the manufacturer on a spread sheet.  A computer program computes the necessary calculations in order to distribute the tubes optimally within the constraint of the eventual form.Each single element of the joint connecting any variety of tubular elements can be described by four to six parameters: - two or three angles between two or three planar elements being connected, - two or three diameters of the elements being connected.The geometries of the elements for assembling the joints are the outputted from the computer program. Then ‘flat’ elements can be produced using a CNC (numerically controlled) machine.  Only a 2 dimensional cut is needed and can be produced by a laser cutter or milling machine.

Describe the critical need your solution addresses.

An MDF prototype of a joint have been built and the computer program controlling the system is at the early stage of development.  A proof of the concept (prototype) has been made and is in the process of being tested.
Further research is required and it is expected that a multidisciplinary team of architects, computer programmers, structural engineers and building materials specialists will be formed around this research programme.To facilitate full scale prototyping and testing access to a machine/manufacturing facility will be required.
These are the areas that require research and testing;
• Form finding – how to compromise a brief, site conditions and available, random material by the use of a computer program
• Joint material and the most efficient and fastest way of cutting
• Structural engineering of the resulting structures
• In the field applications of the system.

Explain your initiative in more depth and its stage of development.

Comprehensive, ecologically responsible, feasible and replicable
The solution relies on ubiquitous technology and salvaged, recycled or raw materials resources. 
Anticipatory
Solutions are no longer possible to develop or describe by use of conventional media. The approach of conventional paper-based architectural representation is no longer effective.  This project requires that a different architectural design method is utilized  where all elements respond to changes in the environment and within the structure; a unified system.  This system requires control by numerical and abstract rules and by logical extension, will incorporate digital fabrication. Verifiable
We believe that following further research and development the concept will withstand rigorous empirical testing.

How does your strategy and approach respond creatively and comprehensively to key issues?

Marcin Wojcik is an architect with a special interest in computer-aided architectural design. His capacity of tackling complex tasks with the use of advanced technology was proven through his participation in the widely exhibited ('IMM Cologne - Future Point 05', Swissbau 05 in Basle, ETH Zentrum in Zurich 2004) and published (Detail 12/2004) pavilion project that utilised the ‘digital chain’ concept to produce real life artifacts.  Currently Marcin is undertaking a search for research funding via the Dublin Institute of Technology where he is employed as Computer Applications and Design Studio tutor.  Various funding strands are available for consideration.