Mr Qianbin Xu
Research Project:
Reconfigurable Architecture through Computational Design: A flexible timber design system combining discrete timber blocks and mortise-tenon joints.
Project description:
This research explores the revival of traditional Chinese timber frames and mortise-tenon joints in contemporary architecture using computational design. By applying rule-based shape grammars and discrete strategies, the study develops a flexible timber design system for reconfigurable spaces. It also integrates digital design data into the fabrication process using advanced manufacturing techniques like robotic milling, combined with augmented reality for assembly. Through experimental design in Chinese rural areas, the study investigates the potential for reconfiguration and adaptability, resulting in the development of a new discrete timber prototype for contemporary architecture.
Researcher biography:
Qianbin Xu is a PhD candidate in Architecture, specialising in computational and generative design for digital timber construction. He holds a five-year Bachelor of Architecture from China and a Master of Architecture from RMIT University, Australia. His research integrates computational design, digital fabrication, and sustainable construction, advancing innovative approaches to timber-based architectural systems.
Research interests:
Computational Design; reconfigurable and discrete architecture; combinatorial design systems; digital timber construction; mortise–tenon joinery; rule-based generative design; and digital fabrication.
Principal supervisor:
Associate Professor Frederico Fialho Leandro Alves Teixeira
Conference papers:
Xu, Qianbin, Teixeira, Frederico Fialho, and Shafiei, Maryam (2025). Rule-based generative design principles for discrete mortise-tenon timber assemblies. 43rd Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2025), Ankara, Türkiye, 1–5 September 2025. Ankara, Türkiye: Middle East Technical University, Department of Architecture. https://conf.dap.tuwien.ac.at/preprints/ecaade2025/ecaade2025_194.pdf
Xu, Qianbin, Teixeira, Frederico Fialho, and Shafiei, Maryam (2024). Exploring rule-based discrete timber design with mortise-tenon joints. 29th International Conference of the Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia (CAADRIA 2024), Singapore, 20–26 April 2024. Hong Kong, China: The Association for Computer-Aided Architectural Design Research in Asia. https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.caadria.2024.1.313
Xu, Qianbin, Teixeira, Frederico Fialho, and Shafiei, Maryam (2023). Frameworks in flexible timber design systems combining mortise-tenon joints and discrete timber blocks. 41st Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe 2023), Graz, Austria, 20–22 September 2023. Graz, Austria: Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe. https://doi.org/10.52842/conf.ecaade.2023.1.283
Book Chapter:
Digital twin computing for urban intelligence. (pp. 185–207) edited by Saeid Pourroostaei Ardakani and Ali Cheshmehzangi. Singapore, Singapore: Springer Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8483-7_9
Contact email:
qianbin.xu@student.uq.edu.au
External Profiles