Digital Fabrication: Strategies for Design

The content for the class is based on digital fabrication strategies developed and practiced over the past 15 years at Ilan Dei Studio. Using Rhino 3D modeling and CAD/CAM software we will explore the various methods of digital fabrication and how it affects the design process based on those guidelines. The five scenarios that dictate the fabrication process are Slice, Fold, Tile, Skin, and Carve.

Slice – Similar to taking a section of a building, a slice is cutting your digital model to create a 2D view that can be processed by a computer driven cutting machine.
Fold – Based off of the techniques of origami, folding starts with a flat surface and creases the plane at different angles and directions to create a much stronger 3-Dimensional object out of a material that had very minimal rigidity as a single plane.
Tiling – Using multiples of the same or similar objects to create a multiplying effect. This is the same process used for generations with traditional tiles; however with digital modeling technology we can now explore new ways of creating complex geometries that are modular and repeatable.
Skin – The skin refers to a surface that is unstable on its own or in an unstable arrangement, such as a flat plane or unmixed base materials (i.e.: resin, catalyst and fiber glass). Similar to folding, when manipulated by molding or forming, the surface becomes rigid and stable
Carving – The same as traditional sculpting but with digital tools. This process uses digital modeling and computer driven machines to cut away from materials to create nearly anything imaginable.

This two-day workshop will cover the various types of digital fabrication and what advantages each process can offer. It will detail the proper setup techniques, both in the field, and on the computer, as well as basic software and formatting tutorials. The goal of the workshop is to educate designers and builders on the recent developments in production and craftsmanship, and to bridge the gap between the worlds of design, construction and fabrication. Each digital fabrication method draws its roots from traditional practices of building and making and utilizes computer technology as a tool with tremendous possibilities in those processes. 

Dates: 6/19-6/20, 9am to 6pm

Visit http://www.ilandeistudio.com/blog/ to learn more and register for classes!