Dubai, Jan. 27 - 30, 2016
// Abstract
In traditional design processes, materials are typically assigned after the creation of a 3d form in order to fulfill certain structural and aesthetic requirements. In this linear process, material and structure are treated as disintegrated constituents of the design object. This tradition, that typically employs a homogeneous material distribution, advocates the division of form, structure, and materials.
The availability of increasingly advanced computational tools initiated new processes that allow computational simulation of material distribution based on applied forces. Design process will depart from the traditional linear path to propagate into deeper ecology with degrees of autonomy that provide complex feedbacks. Objects and systems are not anymore simple assemblages of static parts with applied materials, but are generated from interrelations of manifold of forces and material properties. The designer role has thus been shifted from merely using tools to construct a 3d model, to establishing a loop dialogue with their creative and autonomous possibilities.
Materialize workshop aims to explore the relationship between form generation, materials, and applied forces. This process, that is referred to as topological optimisation, seeks to optimise material distribution within a certain boundary condition. It thus entails a shift from traditional form finding techniques to processes of a generative and performative nature by assuming a seamless integration of geometry, material, and performance.
We will be exploring matter and agents behavior through Grasshopper (with Millipede, Anemone and Cocoon plugins), interrogating the aesthetic potential of Topological Optimization and Multi-Agent Systems to generate material-driven adaptive structures. This workshop will introduce the starting knowledge for further research on the subject of materiality as a design input that informs form generation. We will be following up on this subject in future workshops, and towards building a full scale installation of an adaptive structure next year that integrates matter with geometry and fabrication logic.
This workshop will be a gateway for further research on the subject of materiality as a design strategy that informs form generation. We will be conducting further research on the subject in future workshops and towards building a full scale installation of an adaptive structure that integrates matter with geometry and fabrication logic.
// Learning Objectives:
The workshop objective is to develop a design sensibility based on material topological optimization that is driven by a negotiation between matter and applied forces to generate material-driven adaptive structure.
Set in a real design environment, the workshops will explore:
// Methodology
We will be spending the first 2.5 days exploring the tools and the different techniques of working with Millipede plug-in to generate mesh-based optimized structures and to explore its potential to inform material-based design process. We will also be exploring agents-based systems to inform the generation of topologically optimized forms of a variety of scales. Topological optimization will be achieved in response to the selected manifold of applied forces and the selected methodology. In the evening of the third day we will introduce participants to the techniques and methodologies to prepare their model for the 3d Printer. We will learn how to prepare the Gh/Rhino file and set the relevant parameters of the model to be ready for 3d printing. We will also explore the potential and limitations of the current 3d printing technology.
// Design Exercise
In the afternoon of the third day, participants will be divided into groups to develop their own concept. The design intent will be focused on the process of generating topologically optimized complex systems from the embodiment of different forces. Participants will test the application of different methodologies to generate a variety of artefacts that reflect the groups' concepts.
In addition to the technical part, the workshop will also include lectures on the subject by Andrea Graziano, and Zayad Motlib.
// Daily Schedule
Will be announced soon.
// Software & skills:
Basic modeling skill in Rhino, and intermediate to advanced level in Grasshopper are required. Participants should bring their own laptop with pre-installed software (software download links will be given after subscription).
// Tutors:
Andrea Graziano- Co-de-iT (GH & design tutor).
Zayad Motlib - d-NAT (GH & design tutor).
// Venue:
Will be announced soon.
// Calendar & Timetable:
The workshop will have the following timetable:
Jan. 27- 10:00 -19:00 lesson + tutoring
Jan. 28- 10:00 -19:00 lesson + tutoring
Jan. 29- 10:00 -19:00 lesson + tutoring
Jan. 30- 10:00 -19:00 tutoring + Presentation and Crit + Certificate ceremony
// Subscription fees:
For participants who register by 21 Jan, 2016, we offer an EARLY BIRD rate of:
E.B. – Educational* : AED 1,700
E.B. – Professional: AED 2,700
Recent Graduate Special Rate: AED 2,200
Special Rate for Group of 3 People:
E.B. – Educational* : AED 4,500
E.B. – Professional: AED 7,500
Recent Graduate Special Rate: AED 6,000
After 21 Jan, 2016 STANDARD fees apply:
STANDARD fees – educational* : AED 1,900
STANDARD fees – professional : AED 3,000
Recent Graduate Special Rate: AED 2,500
* Full time students, researchers & PhD (proof of status required).
The deadline for registration is 24 Jan, 2016 The workshop will be activated with a minimum number of 12 participants.
// Application:
To register please e-mail: contact@d-nat.net
// Organized by:
This workshop is organized as a collaboration between d-NAT andCo-de-iT .
// Note:
Participants who are qualified to apply for this workshop should have either passed one of our previous workshops or should have an experience working with grasshopper..