Abstract
Until recently it was assumed that the 'digital stuff' of three dimensional digital models, although bound by the rigid co-ordinates of Cartesian space, was infinitely malleable. Now software tools can imbue digital models with simulated physical properties, making form through the relations between virtual forces. The forms generated by this process, resulting from the relations between mathematical algorithms have a bizzare birthing proces. Often ‘blobby’ or amorphous, they are startling - and strangely alluring - to a profession steeped in a history of design technique through representation which is dedicated to the idea of progressive refinement of form. Of particular interest are recent experiments with a program called 'Evolver', an interactive software tool for the study of surfaces shaped by energies and constraints. Three dimensional digital models that are able to hold the qualities of active force and material resistance suggest the possibility of a new kind of ‘hand crafted’ approach to digital design
Citation
Mewburn, I. (2004) Resisting Matter: Creating an Armature for Future Digital Practice., in Redmond, J., Durling, D. and de Bono, A (eds.), Futureground - DRS International Conference 2004, 17-21 November, Melbourne, Australia. https://dl.designresearchsociety.org/drs-conference-papers/drs2004/researchpapers/202
Resisting Matter: Creating an Armature for Future Digital Practice.
Until recently it was assumed that the 'digital stuff' of three dimensional digital models, although bound by the rigid co-ordinates of Cartesian space, was infinitely malleable. Now software tools can imbue digital models with simulated physical properties, making form through the relations between virtual forces. The forms generated by this process, resulting from the relations between mathematical algorithms have a bizzare birthing proces. Often ‘blobby’ or amorphous, they are startling - and strangely alluring - to a profession steeped in a history of design technique through representation which is dedicated to the idea of progressive refinement of form. Of particular interest are recent experiments with a program called 'Evolver', an interactive software tool for the study of surfaces shaped by energies and constraints. Three dimensional digital models that are able to hold the qualities of active force and material resistance suggest the possibility of a new kind of ‘hand crafted’ approach to digital design