Fully Funded PhD Position at KU Leuven University 2017

Published by Verce Arsovska

Deadline: 11 September 2017
Open to: people with experience in technical aspects of multiple fields
Benefits: fully funded PhD position

Description

The Faculty of Engineering Sciences of KU Leuven University (Belgium) has an opening for a fully funded Ph.D. position with a research theme that relates to the emerging practice of:

  • robotic architecture;
  • robotic fabrication;
  • robots in architecture.

Its research requires the cross-disciplinary synthesis of knowledge from:

  • architectural design;
  • human-computer interaction;
  • robotics.

The overall aim is to develop new kinds of interfaces that facilitate the iterative design of true-size, physical objects of architectural elements via interactive robotic actuation. More specifically, new “human-prototype” interfaces that are embodied via the physical prototype itself, rather than using the common approach of 3D modeling and/or virtual simulation will be created.

The position will involve a variety of tasks, such as:

  • the development of digitally mediated interfaces for robotic actuation;
  • the fabrication of physical demonstrators of architectural scale;
  • their scientific evaluation via case study research, all alongside collaborations with relevant industrial partners.

The applicant will also be expected to help in the teaching of related units.

The project is an interdisciplinary initiative of the research group Research[x]Design (prof. Andrew Vande Moere, Department of Architecture) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (prof. Herman Bruyninckx) at KU Leuven.

The research unit of prof. Vande Moere at Research[x]Design (RxD) of the Department of Architecture adapts a research-oriented approach to investigate the new opportunities of emerging technologies. The research has focused on themes related to visualization design, interaction design, physicalization, media architecture, urban informatics, and digital fabrication. The research consists of developing new kinds of interfaces that facilitate the iterative design of true-size, physical objects of architectural elements via interactive robotic actuation. More specifically, we will create human-robot interfaces that are embodied via the physical prototype itself, rather than using the common approach of 3D virtual modeling and simulation.

Eligibility

The position will be suitable for someone with experience on the technical aspects of one or more of the following areas, or demonstrate the ability to acquire sufficient skills in all these areas:

  • human-computer interaction (HCI) (e.g. tangible, embedded and embodied interaction);
  • digital or robotic fabrication;
  • computer science (e.g. computer vision, machine learning, robotics);
  • design science (e.g. architecture, parametric design, 3D modeling).

The student should have sufficient academic achievements to be accepted as a Ph.D. student at the KU Leuven Arenberg Doctoral School of the Faculty of Engineering Sciences.

Benefits

The project is a joint, interdisciplinary initiative of the research group Research[x]Design (prof. Andrew Vande Moere, Department of Architecture) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering (prof. Herman Bruyninckx) at KU Leuven.
Key facts:

  • Duration of the scholarship: 2 x 24 months, with probation period;
  • Expected start date: 01 November 2017 or soon after;
  • Expected closing date for applications: 31 August 2017 or after a suitable candidate has been found

How to apply?

The last deadline for applications is 11 September 2017, or after a suitable candidate has been found. 

Short-listed candidates will be asked to fulfill concise assignments to test their proficiency.

For more information please visit the official website.

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