MacRaild Dig Fab and Parametric Modelling Lunch and Learn

- Brian Kuck

Laser Cutting

CNC Milling

Digital Fabrication

History Lesson:

FAST FORWARD 60-75 years:

Materials

Laser Cutting

Architect

Materials

Cut:

around 1900 Scientific Management and Taylorism revolutionized production

Cutting of flat material with a laser beam controlled in the X & Y directions. Z direction is used to adjust for variety of material thicknesses. Precision generally to 0.005". Can cut vector or raster with output directly from CAD

From the Greek word 'Arki' meaning Chief

Computer technology has both introduced the microprocessor AND made computing technology more affordable!

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CNC Milling

1950

• Acrylic
• Chipboard
• Basswood
• Styrene
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Plywood
• Plastics

• MDF
• Plywood
• Metal
• Wood
• Plastic
• Foam
• Rigid Insulation
• High Density Foam Insulation

The Greek word 'Teckton' meaning Builder

Theory of management that analyzed and synthesized workflows with the goal to improve economic efficiency, particularly labor productivity

Computer controlled router with variable bits and multiple axis control. 3, 4, 5, axis machines for more control. Subtractive process that allows refinement for smoother surfaces.

Unlike humans who create efficiency through repetition, computers receives input parameters, processes, and produces output.

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3D Printing

1971

'Arkiteckton' meaning Chief Builder

Machine lays down very thin layer of material that is heated and pulled through extruder, as the material cools it gains strength. Machine creates support material when needed during printing process.

Etch/Score:

A person's default is to generate something that is easy and repeatable. The computer has no default and therefore can generate anything with relatively the same amount of ease.

Robotic Arm

Assembly Line becomes common place in manufacturing in part because of Henry Ford and the production of the Model T

• All Above
• Metal
• Glass
• Wood

As a result, the output is the efficient part of the equation, it's the input that takes the time to design!

Output not directly from CAD. Use 3D models and third party plug-ins

How Digital Fabrication Allows Architects to be Chief Builders again

"WTF is 'scripting' and why do I care?"

Simply, it's giving an input, establishing a function, and receiving an output.

Robotic Arm

3D Printing

Services

• thingiverse.com
• shapeways.com

Can have any number of ends placed on the arm to allow the machine to serve multiple functions from cutting to drawing to placing bricks.

Materials

How does this relate to design?

Use 3D models and third party plug-ins. Note these models must be watertight and well constructed.

computer coding

Bookshelf:

OK, I repeat...How does this relate to design?

Contour v 1.0

Does the computer replace the designer?

There are certain things a computer does well...mostly process data. There are things a computer doesn't do well...make decisions not based in strict rationality.

The goal is to design input parameters and allow them to change or be modified in order to have the computer generate a lot of options/variations/prototypes from which we as designers can make decisions from.

Is this giving up too much control to the computer?

It also allows mass customization because of digital fabrication techniques

In the end, that decision lies within the designer, but I would make the assertion that this methodology is not dissimilar to that used by those who created physical models to test their designs.

A handrail customized YOUR hand

The lead designer/principal would give direction [input parameters] to a team member [computer] for them to follow in order to generate the design.

One of the differences is that with parametric design, we can create efficiencies because using the computer in conjunction with digital fabrication techniques, we can generate a lot more models a lot faster!

Problem: Too many books, not enough space

Jakob + MacFarlane

Loewy Library

Create Surface

Collect Information:

Catalog Books + Dimensions

Generate Curves

THANKS!

Design Script

Final Design

Other Scripts