Form follows idea: ideation and CADCAM

Abstract

In the mid 1990s, we have seen the computer impact the architecture process in the area of 3D modeling and “visualization;” however, this 3D phenomenon, until very recently, has generally been confined to “marketing” presentations in the form of renderings and animations. In architecture, most design studios have remained isolated from the computer, typically using 2D free-hand drawings on traditional paper based media. Many have claimed the computer is a hindrance to creativity; however, some at the forefront of creativity, with technology, see the computer as not only a making “tool” but also a design “partner” in form ideation and conceptualization. This paper will analyze the advanced “digital design” process used by the writer’s student in a graduate level Digital Design II course. The student entered our “post-professional” graduate program as a means of learning more about design, technology and architecture. This provided an opportunity to do research in the area of digitally driven form concepts. For the inquiry, the student chose to use the “skyscraper” as a means of exploration for digital form generation. The student’s concept, the “female-human figure” was only feasible to translate into architectonic form using digital design techniques via 3D free-form “virtual” modeling and 3D printing “physical” modeling output. CADCAM tools proved to be empowering for the student’s exploration, learning and design creativity. With the recent emergence of both more user-friendly hardware and software, we are seeing a paradigm shift in design “ideation.” This is attributed to the evolving human-computer-interface (HCI) that now allows a fluidic means of creative design ideation, digital representation and physical making. Computing technology is now infusing early conceptual design ideation and allowing designers, and form, to follow their ideas.