Digital fabrication is a process that merges design and manufacture through the use of digital tools (software) and computer-controlled manufacturing processes. Such processes position "digital natives" in the forefront of craft and form generation. Today, engineers, designers and artists are leading the development of new sculpting, construction and manufacturing strategies. Methods such as CNC milling, laser cutting, robotic fabrication among others, allow us to materialise radical new forms inspired by biological processes, mathematics and computational geometry.
Lecturers: Luke Franzke, Clemens Winkler
Format: Hybrid
All inputs and mentoring will take place over Zoom. However, in order to use the 3D printers and to make a video recording of the final outcomes, students will be required to periodically work from the atelier or the Workshop.
Course Goals
In this course, students gain an insight into methods and techniques that blur the boundary between digital and analogue, virtual and physical. Students gain insights into principles from geometry and formation processes from nature. The course provides a number of skills that are highly transferable to various aspects of prototyping for interaction designers.
Course Structure
The course is Monday to Friday over two weeks, with the first week focuses on basic skills, and the 2nd week focuses on the main project. In the first week, students work individually to acquire basic skills. In the 2nd week, students form teams of 2 to 3 students to complete the main project.
Contents
Topic 2020
Impossible Materials?
Fictional Material/ Virtual Materials/ Wondermaterials / Quantum Mechanics
We experience a world ruled by the principles of classical physics. We can feel gravity, mass, acceleration, and observe the effects of surface tension or magnetism. Yet, the substances that surround us are made from waves and particles governed by alien rules that are completely incongruous with what we perceive. Sometimes, one thing is in two places at the same time, or perhaps everywhere all the time. Some substances behave differently if you are looking at them, and when you are not. Others interact with substances that could be kilometres away, what Einstein described as "spooky action at a distance".
In this year's digital fabrication module, we will attempt to give substance to fantastic phenomena, by creating lively physical representations of Impossible Materials that disobey the conventions of classical physics. Can they move backwards, and forwards through time? Do they split or merge universes? What possibilities exist for interaction between people and such exotic substances?
Students will create a sequence of 3D printed objects, to produce a stop-motion animation of their Impossible Materials in a real-world setting. This short animation will be supported by a brief text.
Reference Material:
- Quantum Physics:
- Animation:
- Materials:
Expectations and Grading
Grades will be based on group presentations, class participation, documentation and final work. An attendance of min. 80% is required to pass the course.
Individual Work (30%)
- Workbook documentation of exercises and minor projects from week 1
- Presentation of Minor Exercises
Group Work (70%)
- A Video Stop motion Animation using 3D printed objects.
- Presentation of process and outcomes
- Standard IAD Documentation
- Video of the final object
- Image selection
- Documentation in standard pdf format.
Final Presentation notes:
- Online format
- 5 minutes for presentation, and 5 minutes for feedback and discussion
- Explanation of the process and the thinking that brought you to this outcome
Main Project Brief
Observing
- Investigate an unlikely or unbelievable phenomenon
- Investigate biological, chemical or mathematical form generation processes
Develop a mood board (sketches, photographs, material examples)
Making
- Iterate the form generation process with physical models
- Name your material
- Write a One paragraph description of Material (CA. 300 words)
- Creating an animation series out of one iteration
Video
- Format 4:3
- Only white PLA plastic
- 12 to 24 objects 3D printed to form a cycle.
- Each object no larger than 40*40*40 mm
Stop Motion Guide:
- Use a DSLR camera
- Use Manuel Focus
- Use Manuel Exposure, with a high f-stop
- Use a tripod, and avoid moving the camera
- Avoid natural light, or work fast so the light situation doesn't change during the shoot
Time Plan
All inputs in Zoom
Workshop: 3.E07-A
Week 1 | Mo., 11.1. (zoom) | Tu. 12.1 (zoom) | We 13.1. (zoom) | Th. 14.1. (zoom) | Fr. 15.1. (zoom) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Morning | 10:00 Kick-off Digital Fabrication | 9:00 3D printer Intro 11:00 Rhino II | Grasshopper exercise continued. | 9:00 Kickoff main Project: Impossible Materials | Group Ideation |
| Afternoon | 14:00 Rhino Introduction | 13:00 Generative Design Input Grasshopper Intro | Grasshopper exercise continued. | Group Ideation | 15:00 Concept Presentation |
Week 2 | Mo. 18.1. | Tu. 19.1. | We. 20.1. | Th. 21.1. | Fr. 22.1. |
| Morning | 9:00 Mentoring | Individual Work | Individual Work | Individual Work | 9:00 Final Presentation |
| Afternoon | Individual Work | Individual Work | 13:00 Mentoring | (Luke unavailable) | Clean up and Documentation |
Notes:
https://www.virtualspace.matters-of-activity.de
https://www.ucl.ac.uk/bartlett/architecture/people/prof-marcos-cruz
https://www.ericklarenbeek.com
From clemens to Everyone: (10:17)
Fictional Material/ Virtual Materials/ Wondermaterials :)
Loss of Distance - or space zero gravity
Trans-digital materials
From Clemens to Everyone: (10:23)
https://www.virtualspace.matters-of-activity.de/annualconference/?id=0
Regine Henke und Myf Evans
Hengge
Talking about quantum physics and the impact on interaction design: Semiconductors for example
Possible self-guided excursion:
- Forrest etc.