The Application of Robotic Fabrication in Reinterpreting Traditional Chinese Joinery: The Dougong Capitol

The Dougong (bracket set), consisting of wooden blocks (Dou) and bow-shaped brackets (Gong), is a typical structural element in traditional Chinese timber buildings. Its primary function is to transfer roof loadings to pillars. Applying the Dougong in contemporary design offers significant advantages, including cultural continuity, sustainability, and seismic performance. However, its complex geometries, installation methods, and connections make their use in contemporary timber architecture challenging. Robotics have been increasingly adopted in timber architecture in recent decades, opening new possibilities for reinterpreting the Dougong. This paper presents a file-to-fabrication framework for applying the Dougong in contemporary design. A column was used to test the feasibility of the workflow. The paper also emphasises the crucial role of human-robot cooperation in minimising collisions caused by differences between the positions of components in the real lab and Rhinoceo3D. It also proves that a workable gap between the tenon and mortise could maximise the success rate of its robotic fabrication and ensure the stability of the column.