Sunday, April 5, 2009
Further Personal Progression...
The article mentioned before mentions Neil Gershenfeld and he gives a fascinating talk on TED.com that is well worth watching... check it out!
Personal Project Progression
This is an interesting article which Murali sent me regarding the implementation of Digital Fabrication into "third world" environs. This applies to my interest so far as a social response to contemporary fabrication means. The article is entitled "MIT fab labs bring 'personal fabrication' to people around the world."
April 27- May 1
Monday :: April 27, 2009
Today was the first day of personal projects. Sara, Alana and Brad went today. They went pretty well. I was especially interested in the work Brad did. His responsive building facade utilized his work in Processing. I wish there might have been stronger ties between the beer making process and the facade.
Wednesday :: April 29, 2009
Today I went for my personal project. I presented on an extension of the work that I had done last semester in the BIM course I took. I found that this project was very fulfilling in that it took past work to the next level while also drawing strong ties between two courses I have taken, adding to the richness of my learning experience.
Friday :: May 1, 2009
Today the final group of personal presentations went today. My group member Mark Morris presented and gave a compelling presentation regarding the modeling technique he has used for site topographies. Although I was familiar with his work, it was great to see the culmination of all he had learned while also seeing the process he had gone through to get there.
Today was the first day of personal projects. Sara, Alana and Brad went today. They went pretty well. I was especially interested in the work Brad did. His responsive building facade utilized his work in Processing. I wish there might have been stronger ties between the beer making process and the facade.
Wednesday :: April 29, 2009
Today I went for my personal project. I presented on an extension of the work that I had done last semester in the BIM course I took. I found that this project was very fulfilling in that it took past work to the next level while also drawing strong ties between two courses I have taken, adding to the richness of my learning experience.
Friday :: May 1, 2009
Today the final group of personal presentations went today. My group member Mark Morris presented and gave a compelling presentation regarding the modeling technique he has used for site topographies. Although I was familiar with his work, it was great to see the culmination of all he had learned while also seeing the process he had gone through to get there.
April 20-24
Monday :: April 20, 2009
Today the responsive environments group facilitated conversation but most of the class time was dedicated to the discussion of how it related to architecture. Although this is very interesting to me I also would like to learn how it might have implications in other areas of study. Overall a good class with thoughtful discussion.
Wednesday :: April 22, 2009
Today the responsive environments group presented. There PowerPoint was very interesting and I was engaged to see different ways (practical and artistic) that it might be engaged. The whole issue of fiber-optics also interests me. I know it has been around a while, but how might it be used in an interactive environment more effectively or in new ways?
Friday :: April 24, 2009
Today the responsive environments group lead again. We spoke about the spread and use of such environments but I kept wondering how useful they are or what level of involvement I would wish to see them have in our society. Perhaps there is a balance to be had: many of the more practical applications seem useful.
Today the responsive environments group facilitated conversation but most of the class time was dedicated to the discussion of how it related to architecture. Although this is very interesting to me I also would like to learn how it might have implications in other areas of study. Overall a good class with thoughtful discussion.
Wednesday :: April 22, 2009
Today the responsive environments group presented. There PowerPoint was very interesting and I was engaged to see different ways (practical and artistic) that it might be engaged. The whole issue of fiber-optics also interests me. I know it has been around a while, but how might it be used in an interactive environment more effectively or in new ways?
Friday :: April 24, 2009
Today the responsive environments group lead again. We spoke about the spread and use of such environments but I kept wondering how useful they are or what level of involvement I would wish to see them have in our society. Perhaps there is a balance to be had: many of the more practical applications seem useful.
April 13-17
Monday :: April 13, 2009
Today Joe came to answer any questions we might have regrading Processing. Several of us shared our work that we have done thus far. We also went over the reading for the emerging visualization group. I brought up a question I had relating to the reading. I was wondering what it would take to make much of what has been invented in vogue.
This is the code I worked with:
This is what I was able to produce using Processing:
Wednesday :: April 15, 2009
Today we looked at how everyone did in their own personal exploration of Processing. It was cool to see how quickly everyone began to catch on to the concepts. This seemed to demonstrate how easy the interface is and how it could be catered for designers. My project wasn't the most exciting but I did learn a lot using it. It will be neat to see how it might make its way into future projects of mine.
Friday :: April 17, 2009
Today we had the speaker from Columbia speak. It was somewhat interesting but I still had trouble seeing how it went beyond models and into the real world environment. Joe and I helped lead class discussion. One question that I asked was in regards to the waste that is a byproduct of using digital fabrication and how that had been calculated into his equations for the efficiency of his projects. He said he had not ever considered it.
Today Joe came to answer any questions we might have regrading Processing. Several of us shared our work that we have done thus far. We also went over the reading for the emerging visualization group. I brought up a question I had relating to the reading. I was wondering what it would take to make much of what has been invented in vogue.
This is the code I worked with:
This is what I was able to produce using Processing:
Today we looked at how everyone did in their own personal exploration of Processing. It was cool to see how quickly everyone began to catch on to the concepts. This seemed to demonstrate how easy the interface is and how it could be catered for designers. My project wasn't the most exciting but I did learn a lot using it. It will be neat to see how it might make its way into future projects of mine.
Friday :: April 17, 2009
Today we had the speaker from Columbia speak. It was somewhat interesting but I still had trouble seeing how it went beyond models and into the real world environment. Joe and I helped lead class discussion. One question that I asked was in regards to the waste that is a byproduct of using digital fabrication and how that had been calculated into his equations for the efficiency of his projects. He said he had not ever considered it.
April 6-10
Monday :: April 6, 2009
Today the virtual environments group led a discussion around our experiences in Second Life. We went over the results to the scavenger hunt... I didn't do too well. We also discussed the potential applications of a virtual environment.
Wednesday :: April 8, 2009
Today was the first day of the emerging visualization group. They began by presenting a summative PowerPoint presentation on the subject. I found it was particularly interesting that the origins of the emerging visualization was in military aplications; simualting attacks to gun turrets.
Friday :: April 10, 2009
Today we watched a Ted.com video on the "sixth sense." This proposed product seems to have a lot of potential and derived substantial conversation. I was concerned about the feasibility of projecting an image on any surface since a projected image's visibility is dependent on relative illuminance (i.e. it would have to be brighter that the sun to be visable in daylight). Beyond that I feel that this ability to obtain with such emmediacy would be very beneficial.
Today the virtual environments group led a discussion around our experiences in Second Life. We went over the results to the scavenger hunt... I didn't do too well. We also discussed the potential applications of a virtual environment.
Wednesday :: April 8, 2009
Today was the first day of the emerging visualization group. They began by presenting a summative PowerPoint presentation on the subject. I found it was particularly interesting that the origins of the emerging visualization was in military aplications; simualting attacks to gun turrets.
Friday :: April 10, 2009
Today we watched a Ted.com video on the "sixth sense." This proposed product seems to have a lot of potential and derived substantial conversation. I was concerned about the feasibility of projecting an image on any surface since a projected image's visibility is dependent on relative illuminance (i.e. it would have to be brighter that the sun to be visable in daylight). Beyond that I feel that this ability to obtain with such emmediacy would be very beneficial.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Digital Fabrication: Personal Project
For my personal exploration into digital fabrication I am interested in building on past explorations into prefabricated housing for those in substandard living conditions. This past project can be viewed in depth by visiting "The Rio: A study in BIM and Small PreFab Housing." One key aspect that was missing from this project was connection details that would help it to be easily and securely fastened.
Research:
:: case studies of similar projects
:: existing wood connection brackets
:: examining other means of digital fabrication (for steel)
:: examining how CAD and CAD-CAM interface for such applications
Deliverables:
:: PowerPoint/presentation on process and outcomes
Research:
:: case studies of similar projects
:: existing wood connection brackets
:: examining other means of digital fabrication (for steel)
:: examining how CAD and CAD-CAM interface for such applications
Deliverables:
:: PowerPoint/presentation on process and outcomes
March 30- April 3
Monday :: March 30, 2009
Today Murali was sick but the class was led by the emerging visualization group. It was quite fascinating. Perhaps what was most interesting was how an "immersive environment" was used to train gunners in World War II by using projections of incoming assaults.
Wednesday :: April 1, 2009
Today we discussed the reading for emerging visualization. In doing so we were able to discuss what meaning we attributed to the phrase "virtual reality." Do we think that you have to wear a large projector headset or can just sending an email classify as writing and sending a hand written letter?
Friday :: April 3, 2009
Today we went to the "Hive" and met with Eric Hodgson and saw the work he is doing with virtual reality. Here we had a chance to experience a virtual environment and learn about how this particular environment works. It was of particular interest to see how the enviornment constantly is reorienting the user through slight adjustments so that they do not run into walls or leave the phyical confines of the actual space.
Today Murali was sick but the class was led by the emerging visualization group. It was quite fascinating. Perhaps what was most interesting was how an "immersive environment" was used to train gunners in World War II by using projections of incoming assaults.
Wednesday :: April 1, 2009
Today we discussed the reading for emerging visualization. In doing so we were able to discuss what meaning we attributed to the phrase "virtual reality." Do we think that you have to wear a large projector headset or can just sending an email classify as writing and sending a hand written letter?
Friday :: April 3, 2009
Today we went to the "Hive" and met with Eric Hodgson and saw the work he is doing with virtual reality. Here we had a chance to experience a virtual environment and learn about how this particular environment works. It was of particular interest to see how the enviornment constantly is reorienting the user through slight adjustments so that they do not run into walls or leave the phyical confines of the actual space.
March 23-27
Monday :: March 23, 2009
During today's class we discussed the reading covering a broad history of digital fabrication. It was interesting the conversation that arose. We discussed how people relate to a digitally fabricated object verse a hand crafted object. We also were able to discuss how our knowledge of the process a computer must take to actually mold, carve, build something affects how we approach a design problem with a computer.
Wednesday :: March 25, 2009
Today we led the class in discussion regarding the recently completed digital fabrication project. For the most part we received good feedback. We assembled the final project and passed it around. During this class we were also able to field questions regarding digital fabrication as a whole and cover a number of interesting case studies.
Friday :: March 27, 2009
Today we were able to discuss the current status of our research projects with our piers. Here is a synopsis of others projects:
Mark is interested in personal fabrication. He had originally looked into creating a file that he could sell and others could "print" on the CNC router. He has now looking at the emergence and future projection of "desktop fabrication."
Lee is interested in how digital fabrication has affected the development and production of gulf clubs. He intends to took at several case studies and report on his findings.
During today's class we discussed the reading covering a broad history of digital fabrication. It was interesting the conversation that arose. We discussed how people relate to a digitally fabricated object verse a hand crafted object. We also were able to discuss how our knowledge of the process a computer must take to actually mold, carve, build something affects how we approach a design problem with a computer.
Wednesday :: March 25, 2009
Today we led the class in discussion regarding the recently completed digital fabrication project. For the most part we received good feedback. We assembled the final project and passed it around. During this class we were also able to field questions regarding digital fabrication as a whole and cover a number of interesting case studies.
Friday :: March 27, 2009
Today we were able to discuss the current status of our research projects with our piers. Here is a synopsis of others projects:
Mark is interested in personal fabrication. He had originally looked into creating a file that he could sell and others could "print" on the CNC router. He has now looking at the emergence and future projection of "desktop fabrication."
Lee is interested in how digital fabrication has affected the development and production of gulf clubs. He intends to took at several case studies and report on his findings.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Unclear...are the class facilitators supposed to post daily responses??
Monday :: March 16, 2009
Wednesday :: March 18, 2009
We introduced our group project by offering a PowerPoint on Digital Fabrication and introducing the class project (everyone was pretty excited when they thought that they all got to print silhouettes of my head on the laser printer, unfortunately for the masses they just get to print their own silhouettes).
Friday :: March 20, 2009
Today we went to the Engineering Building to get an overview of the Fab Lab. We were able to see examples of work that were created on the different machines and were able to print a few silhouettes on the laser cutter. All in all, a good interesting day!
Wednesday :: March 18, 2009
We introduced our group project by offering a PowerPoint on Digital Fabrication and introducing the class project (everyone was pretty excited when they thought that they all got to print silhouettes of my head on the laser printer, unfortunately for the masses they just get to print their own silhouettes).
Friday :: March 20, 2009
Today we went to the Engineering Building to get an overview of the Fab Lab. We were able to see examples of work that were created on the different machines and were able to print a few silhouettes on the laser cutter. All in all, a good interesting day!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bottle Project Reflections
Briefly summarize your struggles, adjustments you had to make to your process once you started implementing your vision within the software:
Originally we had assumed that it would be difficult to create the geometry required for a bottle in Revit. As we began to work with the program we realized that, although it did not have the modeling depth of some other pieces of software, it offers a basic array of modeling tools: extrude, sweep, loft, et cetera. We eventually decided to draw the profile of the bottle and revolve it around a central axis.
Another issue we were confronted with was the difficulty of working with parametrics within Revit. This was the primary software strength we were using Revit for, so it was imperative that it functioned properly. Revit has two different parametic “referencing” available to the user. One type is a “Reference Line,” which allows the user to snap and lock elements of their work to a one-dimensional, line in space. The other type is Revit’s “Reference Plane,” which exhibits the same properties of the “Reference Line” but allows for objects to lock and snap to a two-dimensional plane. Where we ran into difficulties was with actually locking elements of our bottle to the reference lines and planes. We found that this locking must occur immediately after a line or shape has been drafted for this option to be available. This has obvious limitations in regards to a flexible design process. Instead it forced us to determine from the onset what lines and shapes needed to be locked.
Do you think your outcome would have been different if you designed without using the software?
Surely our design was greatly influenced by the software that we used. Our intent was to capitalize on the parametric capabilities of the software. Although it could be considered that Revit’s limited three-dimensional modeling tools limited our potential design solutions, we viewed Revit as an advantageous design tool that allowed us to manipulate our final design in a way that would have been impossible in other 3D modeling programs.
Is your model in its present state easy enough to tweak? For example, if your client or user research suggests modifications, how comfortable you feel with doing so?
As aforementioned, the entire basis of our project was to create a fully customizable bottle. This was facilitated through our use of parametrics and therefore we would feel quite comfortable adjusting our design to our client’s needs, even if the changes altered the bottle’s form.
Are there certain changes that are easy to make than others (for example, changing color)?
It is relatively easy to change any aspect to our model. The element properties manage allows for a vast range of adjustments from line weights to color changes, to rendering options. Additionally, we are able to easily make geometric alterations.
Are there things that require substantial effort (for example changing the shape of the bottle from circle to square)?
This specific example might require some effort but by changing our modeling technique from revolving to extruding, this design change could be relatively easily accommodated. Perhaps the most difficult thing to change would be if the client would desire a more amorphous design solution. We also acknowledge that this problem would most likely inherent to all parametric modeling programs.
Compare your project/process with that of your peers. What aspects do you like about yours in particular. Talk about some of the aspects you liked in others (be specific).
We particularly enjoyed the parametric qualities of our project/process. We find that this was an especially advantageous aspect of our project. Compared to groups that used Maya and Rhino, we felt that our design process was different because we were not able to rapidly manipulate and experiment with three-dimensional forms within the software in the early design phases. Instead, we were forced to much of our preliminary designing by hand. We felt that our project and process was stronger in its technical considerations/tolerances than other programs, specifically the groups using SketchUp.
Originally we had assumed that it would be difficult to create the geometry required for a bottle in Revit. As we began to work with the program we realized that, although it did not have the modeling depth of some other pieces of software, it offers a basic array of modeling tools: extrude, sweep, loft, et cetera. We eventually decided to draw the profile of the bottle and revolve it around a central axis.
Another issue we were confronted with was the difficulty of working with parametrics within Revit. This was the primary software strength we were using Revit for, so it was imperative that it functioned properly. Revit has two different parametic “referencing” available to the user. One type is a “Reference Line,” which allows the user to snap and lock elements of their work to a one-dimensional, line in space. The other type is Revit’s “Reference Plane,” which exhibits the same properties of the “Reference Line” but allows for objects to lock and snap to a two-dimensional plane. Where we ran into difficulties was with actually locking elements of our bottle to the reference lines and planes. We found that this locking must occur immediately after a line or shape has been drafted for this option to be available. This has obvious limitations in regards to a flexible design process. Instead it forced us to determine from the onset what lines and shapes needed to be locked.
Do you think your outcome would have been different if you designed without using the software?
Surely our design was greatly influenced by the software that we used. Our intent was to capitalize on the parametric capabilities of the software. Although it could be considered that Revit’s limited three-dimensional modeling tools limited our potential design solutions, we viewed Revit as an advantageous design tool that allowed us to manipulate our final design in a way that would have been impossible in other 3D modeling programs.
Is your model in its present state easy enough to tweak? For example, if your client or user research suggests modifications, how comfortable you feel with doing so?
As aforementioned, the entire basis of our project was to create a fully customizable bottle. This was facilitated through our use of parametrics and therefore we would feel quite comfortable adjusting our design to our client’s needs, even if the changes altered the bottle’s form.
Are there certain changes that are easy to make than others (for example, changing color)?
It is relatively easy to change any aspect to our model. The element properties manage allows for a vast range of adjustments from line weights to color changes, to rendering options. Additionally, we are able to easily make geometric alterations.
Are there things that require substantial effort (for example changing the shape of the bottle from circle to square)?
This specific example might require some effort but by changing our modeling technique from revolving to extruding, this design change could be relatively easily accommodated. Perhaps the most difficult thing to change would be if the client would desire a more amorphous design solution. We also acknowledge that this problem would most likely inherent to all parametric modeling programs.
Compare your project/process with that of your peers. What aspects do you like about yours in particular. Talk about some of the aspects you liked in others (be specific).
We particularly enjoyed the parametric qualities of our project/process. We find that this was an especially advantageous aspect of our project. Compared to groups that used Maya and Rhino, we felt that our design process was different because we were not able to rapidly manipulate and experiment with three-dimensional forms within the software in the early design phases. Instead, we were forced to much of our preliminary designing by hand. We felt that our project and process was stronger in its technical considerations/tolerances than other programs, specifically the groups using SketchUp.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Digital Fabrication: Printing Reality
Links to interesting articles:
New Scientist: Desktop Fabricator May Kick-Start Home Revolution
Links to interesting websites:
MOMA: Home Delivery
FACIT: We Print Houses
Generator.x: Art From Code
Columbia: Digital Fabrication
Digital Fabrication
Case Study:
Project Ideas:
New Scientist: Desktop Fabricator May Kick-Start Home Revolution
Links to interesting websites:
MOMA: Home Delivery
FACIT: We Print Houses
Generator.x: Art From Code
Columbia: Digital Fabrication
Digital Fabrication
Case Study:
Project Ideas:
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Early Explorations into the Bottle Competition
We worked with some preliminary sketches to develop a bottle design for the "Designed 4 Life" pillbox competition.
Bottle Case Study: Sigg
Bottle Case Study: Aquafina
Bottle Concept
Motive: Our motive is to create a water bottle that conceals the pills required for the treatment of HIV, internally. The bottle's appearance would be typical of a most commercially produced disposable water bottles but would contain a central pill chamber.
Method: We wish to explore the use of parametrics to obtain a basic bottle form that can be easily customized to the particular needs of the user. The medium we will be using is Revit. We have used various video tutorials to help expand our understanding of Revit's 3D modeling capabilities. One such resource is "VTC Computer Software Training." We intend to use the "Revolve" tool to created an editable family within the software.
Expected Outcome: Our expected outcome is, as aforementioned, an editable bottle that can be easily customized. We also intend to expand our knowledge of Revit's ability to create a three-dimensional editable object and convey this knowledge to our piers.
Bottle outline prior to "Revolve"
Bottle outline after "Revolve"
Bottle axon after "Revolve"
Bottle Case Study: Sigg
Bottle Case Study: Aquafina
Bottle ConceptMotive: Our motive is to create a water bottle that conceals the pills required for the treatment of HIV, internally. The bottle's appearance would be typical of a most commercially produced disposable water bottles but would contain a central pill chamber.
Method: We wish to explore the use of parametrics to obtain a basic bottle form that can be easily customized to the particular needs of the user. The medium we will be using is Revit. We have used various video tutorials to help expand our understanding of Revit's 3D modeling capabilities. One such resource is "VTC Computer Software Training." We intend to use the "Revolve" tool to created an editable family within the software.
Expected Outcome: Our expected outcome is, as aforementioned, an editable bottle that can be easily customized. We also intend to expand our knowledge of Revit's ability to create a three-dimensional editable object and convey this knowledge to our piers.
Bottle outline prior to "Revolve"
Bottle outline after "Revolve"
Bottle axon after "Revolve"Timeline:
02.18.2009 - Early Design Sketches (2hrs billable)
02.19.2009 - Revit Explorations (4hrs non-billable)
02.20.2009 - Working Out Details and Problems Discovered in Early Explorations ( 6hrs non-billable)
02.22.2009 - Work to Create Final Model (4hrs billable)
02.23.2009 - Render Final Model and Begin Assembling Project Boards (3hrs billable)
02.24.2009 - Finalize Project Boards and Prepare for Printing (1hr billable)
02.25.2009 - Send to Printer
Bibliography:
"Designed 4 Life"
"Non-Object Bottle Design"
"Revit"
"Sigg Water Bottles"
"VTC Computer Software Training."
02.18.2009 - Early Design Sketches (2hrs billable)
02.19.2009 - Revit Explorations (4hrs non-billable)
02.20.2009 - Working Out Details and Problems Discovered in Early Explorations ( 6hrs non-billable)
02.22.2009 - Work to Create Final Model (4hrs billable)
02.23.2009 - Render Final Model and Begin Assembling Project Boards (3hrs billable)
02.24.2009 - Finalize Project Boards and Prepare for Printing (1hr billable)
02.25.2009 - Send to Printer
Bibliography:
"Designed 4 Life"
"Non-Object Bottle Design"
"Revit"
"Sigg Water Bottles"
"VTC Computer Software Training."
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
3D Modeling Software
I have spent quite a bit of time researching different 3D modeling programs that I have not yet had an opportunity to use. Although I have prior experience with AutoCAD, Maya, FormZ, Bonzai, and Revit, I have not had the chance to use several programs that interest me. One such program is SketchUp. It is very common and fairly basic, yet I have not had a chance to work with it. I also have an interest in learning how to model in Rhino. I am still looking for one more piece of software... perhaps Catia... but we will see.Monday, February 9, 2009
Robert Lang: Idea + Square = Origami
Robert Lang offers interesting insight into the limits of paper and the extents of digital technology in developing forms. Here is a link to an interview of his on Ted.com.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
What's Left to Invent?
We have completed our video and are really pleased with the results...especially the guest appearance of one of our very own, Murali Paranandi. This research has forced me to consider, not only what has been invented, but what is yet to be invented. Woody Norris is quoted as saying "Almost nothing has been invented yet." This is a difficult thing to wrap our heads around yet also a really exciting prospect. It is quite in contrast to the former US Patent Officer, Charles Duell, who is proportedly quoted as saying "everything has been invented."
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Office Space
We have spent quite a bit of time as a group researching output devices. It is really amazing to begin to see all of the different ways printers have evolved and all of the different forms that they have evolved into. We also know the great frustration we have with a printer that is not working properly. For all the great advancements in printing technology, both 2D and 3D, there is always room for improvement. The final scene in "Office Space," I believe, encompasses this.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Visual History Film
Today we received our first assignment in the form of a short film reviewing the history of hardware technologies. Our group is Mark, Max, and Me. We are looking at output devices such as 2D and 3D printers, et cetera.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Illustrator: the Path to Greatness
Illustrator was originally introduced by Apple Macintosh in 1986 as a commercial version of Adobe's private font development. The program was initially geared toward typesetting and logo design. The first Windows version was introduced in 1989 as Illustrator 2.0. Illustrator is the sister program of Photoshop, yet its graphic advantages are in its ability to work with vector based graphics.
Release Date History
Illustrator 1o Interface
CS4 Interface
Release Date History
Illustrator 1o Interface
CS4 InterfaceFriday, January 16, 2009
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