Indigenous parametricism - Material computation: The implementation of a collaborative indigenous domain based research lab

The use of computational formats and digital tools including machine fabrication by indigenous people worldwide to augment traditional practices and material culture is becoming more and more commonplace. However within the practice of architecture while there are indigenous architectural practitioners utilizing digital tools, it is unclear as to whether there is motivation to implement traditional indigenous knowledge in conjunction with these computational instruments and methodologies. This paper explores how the tools might be used to investigate the potential for indigenous development, cultural empowerment and innovation. It also describes a general methodology whereby capacity can be shared between academia and indigenous groups to foster new knowledge through a recently implemented indigenous focused design research entity, SITUA. The importance and significant research potential of what we term 'domain based research' is reinforced through the exploration of emergent materials and building systems located within specific tribal domains. A recent project employing 3D clay extrusion printing is used to illustrate this approach.