Computer-generated physical modelling in the early stages of the design process

Abstract

This paper illustrates some of the opportunities arising from the introduction of computer-generated physical modelling 1 1 This notation of what may be commonly referred to as Rapid Prototyping was found by the author, for the first time in William J. Mitchell, ‘Change, Time and Speed’, Thresholds no. 16, Dept. of Architecture, MIT, 1998. in the early stages of the architectural design process. The use of this technology in the design process differs from previous research and practise in that it looks at the use of computer-generated physical modelling recursively in design process rather than as a means to create a final presentation model [W.J. Mitchell, M. McCullough, Digital Design Media, Van Nostrand Reihnold, New York, 1994]. Previous research in the field by the author identified recursive strategy in the design process as the area in which computer-generated physical modelling offers unique opportunities to the designer. Three unique advantages in the use of computer-generated physical modelling technology are illustrated by three case studies. These advantages are: (1) understanding kinetic design, (2) understanding design involving complex geometry and (3) understanding design at the interface with the human body.