For my final project, I aim to merge my current doctoral research with the technical possibilities of digital fabrication. My goal is to design and build an interactive installation or micro-architecture situated either in an interior space or the exterior garden of the college where I am currently conducting my research.
The core of this artifact is to create a "living" space that interacts with its users—specifically children. I want to explore how a physical structure can influence or reflect childhood emotions through sensory inputs and outputs, such as: Interactive Lighting: Responsive color palettes based on movement or touch. Kinetic Elements: Subtle physical shifts or modularity that adapt to the user. Atmospheric Design: Creating a sense of sanctuary or play through geometry and materiality.
For this second assignment, I decided to bridge my previous design experience with the new tools I am mastering. I worked on a project that I have partially developed: The Design of an External Student Commons for a University.
My design workflow is strongly influenced by my architectural background and by the way I learned to think through drawing. For me, design always starts in 2D. I need to see proportions, alignments, and dimensions clearly before moving into space. Once the structure feels correct, I gradually shift into 3D to test scale, atmosphere, and materiality. The process is dynamic rather than linear. I constantly move between drafting, modeling, and refining. Sometimes I return to 2D after seeing something in 3D that does not feel right spatially. This back-and-forth method helps me maintain technical precision while still allowing room for creativity and experimentation.
One important aspect of my workflow is linking AutoCAD drawings into Revit. This allows me to preserve the precision of my 2D drafting while quickly translating it into 3D space. It creates a strong connection between technical accuracy and spatial visualization. When Revit becomes too restrictive for complex forms, I switch to Rhino to model specific components. After refining the geometry, I may export it back or use it as a reference. Finally, I return to AutoCAD for the “make-up” phase — adjusting line weights, cleaning drawings, and preparing final 2D outputs.
Each program has clear strengths and limitations:
AutoCAD: Maximum precision and speed in 2D; limited spatial experience in 3D.
Revit: Excellent for BIM coordination and technical documentation; sometimes too rigid for experimental geometry.
Rhino: Ideal for complex and organic forms; integration with BIM workflows can require additional effort.
Overall, my workflow reflects both my architectural training and my need for balance between control and exploration. I rely on precision in the early stages and flexibility in the later ones.
My favorite phase is definitely post-production and rendering. When I'm short on time, I usually work with Lumion using the LiveSync feature with Revit. It's incredibly efficient because I can see the materials and lighting change in real-time as I adjust the model. Once the base render is ready, I take it into Photoshop for post-production. This is where the project really comes to life—adding textures, atmosphere, and those small details that make the image feel "alive." The only struggle here is the file size; Photoshop files can get very heavy, which isn't ideal for web documentation. To keep everything organized for presentations, I use InDesign. Instead of pasting images, I link them to keep the file manageable. However, for this Fab Academy documentation, I’ve had to be extra careful with web optimization. I’ve reduced the image sizes and set the resolution to 72 DPI, ensuring that the webpage loads quickly without losing the essence of the design. This allows me to overlay my visuals onto the website template smoothly without crashing the browser.
... fast, easy, and intuitive. Thanks to LiveSync, you can visualize high-quality environments in real-time, avoiding more complex workflows.
...it offers so many tools and filters that allows to add the textures and atmosphere needed to make my images truly come alive.
...using tool 'Export for Web'or reducing the resolution to 72 DPI and adjusting the quality to keep the files light without losing detail."
...the result of this entire process, showinghow the design will look and feel once the interactive lighting and materials are brought to life.