Towards Baroque Tendencies: digital fabrication approach to architectural design
Towards Baroque Tendencies: digital fabrication approach to architectural design
Speaker:
Prof Paul Loh and David Leggett
Summary:
This lecture examines a material-based approach to architectural design by Melbourne-based design and fabrication studio LLDS. It presents a series of innovative research investigations that integrate advanced manufacturing into standard construction processes, exploring how digital fabrication and robotic manufacturing challenge current practice to produce craft, ornamentation, and spatial complexity—towards a contemporary Baroque expression.
By embedding precision and intelligence within conventional building systems, the work demonstrates how highly articulated details can be delivered efficiently and within an economy of means. Among the studio’s recent projects, Northcote House serves as a case study for rethinking craft, material expression, and the evolving relationship between technology, construction, and architectural practice. The lecture coincides with the launch of the book Baroque Tendencies: The Making of Northcote House (URO).
This talk was delivered online on 16 March 2026. Talk duration is 51 minutes.
Speaker Bio:
Dr Paul Loh is co-founder of LLDS, Professor of Architecture, and Head of the Abedian School of Architecture at Bond University. A UK-registered architect, his award-winning built and research work is widely published. His research explores cognitive engagement through digital fabrication and robotics in design practice.
David Leggett is co-founder and Practice Lead of LLDS, and a registered architect in Victoria and the United Kingdom. His work focuses on material-based research, particularly architectural detailing, fabrication, and assembly. In practice, he specialises in delivering innovative technical solutions that strengthen design clarity and realise clients’ visions.
CPD Details:
This talk is offered as a formal CPD activity for architects, mapped to performance criteria PC18 and PC28 in the Australian 2021 National Standard of Competencies for Architects.
A copy of the CPD questions can be accessed here. If you take notes in digital format during the video, you will be able to copy/paste your answers into the questionnaire at the end.
Upon completion of the video, a link to the CPD questionnaire will be unlocked. Submit your answers via that link to earn 1 formal CPD point and receive your certificate for record-keeping purposes. Note: The questionnaire link will only load if the video is viewed from this webpage. If you navigate to YouTube to view the video, you will not be able to access it.