What I did in Week 02

This week's focus centered on deepening understanding of 2D and 3D CAD principles. We explored various digital modeling platforms and emphasized preparing and optimizing graphic outputs in efficient media formats.

Assignments for the week:
  • Model (raster, vector, 2D, 3D, render, animate, simulate, ...) a possible final project.
  • Compress images and videos, and post a description with design files on the class page.

Computer Aided Design

These are the pages and files associated with my Week 02 work.

Computer Aided Design 2D

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) represents one of the foundational pillars of FabLab practice, bridging the gap between conceptual intent and physical fabrication. Within the FabLab methodology, CAD tools are not merely drafting instruments — they function as generative environments where ideas are tested, refined, and translated into precise digital geometries ready for machine execution. The ability to model in three dimensions, simulate structural behavior, and iterate on formal decisions before committing to material production is what makes CAD indispensable in this workflow. Every cut, joint, and component originates as a digital decision, meaning that the quality and rigor of the design process directly determines the outcome of fabrication. This section documents the initial geometric explorations and spatial intentions developed for the final project, using CAD as the primary thinking tool — a space where form, function, and fabrication logic converge before any physical process begins.

BOT01 BOT01view BOT02 BOT02view

Step 1 · Geometry Exploration on Autodesk Revit3D

The initial geometric exploration was carried out in Revit, a platform deeply integrated into my daily architectural workflow and one that exemplifies the potential of computer-aided design as a generative tool in early-stage product development. The design intent deliberately departed from anthropomorphic references, pursuing a formal morphology capable of communicating the assistant's functional identity through geometry alone — a spatial language that signals purpose and intelligence without humanoid representation. Its parametric environment made it possible to model functional components in three dimensions, test spatial relationships, and evaluate how each element fits within the overall assembly, while enabling the systematic testing of innovative geometries for formal coherence and component hierarchy. Working within this CAD-driven workflow provided real-time feedback on proportions, clearances, and structural logic, making it an effective instrument for pre-dimensioning the design and understanding the mechanical behavior of the system before committing to a final form. This computational approach allowed morphological decisions to be tested progressively, ensuring the resulting formal language satisfies both functional criteria and operates as a legible communicative device — one that orients the user through the internal logic of its geometry rather than cultural or figurative convention.

CADWorkflow w0206 CADWorkflowexportw0206 CADWorkflow w0207

Step 2 · Export to AutoCAD for model testing.

With the spatial dimensions established, the workflow shifted to AutoCAD to translate the 3D understanding into precise 2D layouts. This transition was made possible in part by Revit's versatile export capabilities, allowing geometry developed in three dimensions to be seamlessly transferred into a CAD drafting environment across formats such as DWG and DXF. In preparing files for laser cutting, 2D geometry is assigned specific color attributes that communicate fabrication instructions directly to the machine — red lines define cut paths while black lines indicate engraving areas, translating design intent into a clear operational language the laser cutter interprets with precision. These technical drawings served as the basis for cutting and assembling physical model pieces, enabling a hands-on exploration of the design at scale and validating decisions through a tangible artifact.

Editing features Editing extra

Step 3 · Design & Campus life.

The third dimension of this exploratory phase considers the relationship between the object and its intended context. The final product will be located at Universidad Indoamérica's Tech Campus — a dynamic, multi-disciplinary environment that houses the laboratories, workshops, and fabrication spaces serving the university community. This setting imposes a broad range of functional demands, as the campus brings together students, educators, and practitioners with diverse and simultaneous needs. The design must therefore be conceived not as a static solution but as an adaptive artifact, capable of responding to the varying rhythms and requirements of a highly active academic and technical environment. Understanding this context from the outset ensures that spatial, ergonomic, and operational considerations are embedded into the design logic from the beginning.

Computer Aided Design 3D

CADWorflow W0205 CADWorkflow w0206

Step 4 · Integrated terminal for commands.

Cmd+J opens the integrated terminal at the workspace root, allowing git status, git add, and file utilities without leaving the editor.

Git integration Git extra

Step 5 · Source Control with Git.

The Source Control view connects VSCode with GitLab. From this panel I can stage changes, write commit messages, and push or pull updates.

Computer aided design notes

CAD covers both 2D drawings and 3D volumes, each with different tools and workflows.

2D: raster and scan

2D tools

Image formats

PNG vs JPG: PNG is better for technical images; JPG is better for lightweight visual documentation.

Image conversion and compression

On macOS, use the terminal and ImageMagick to batch convert and compress images.

# convert PNG to JPG:
convert input.png output.jpg

# convert all PNGs to JPGs:
mogrify -format jpg *.png

# convert SVG to PNG at 1000 DPI:
convert -density 1000 -units PixelsPerInch input.svg output.png

# compress JPG to quality 50% width 1000:
convert input.jpg -quality 50% -resize 1000 output.jpg

# compress all JPGs to quality 50% width 1000:
mogrify -quality 50% -resize 1000 *.jpg

3D and parametric design

In this initial phase I used Revit3D to model the environment with which my creative assistant will interact.

Vector and 3D tools

Parametric ideas

Parametric design: changing one parameter value updates the whole model. A single slot size defines all joints, making it easy to adapt to different materials and kerf.

2D to 3D transitions

Interchange formats

Applications and engines

Audio and video notes

Tools and workflows for audio and video editing and encoding for web documentation.

Editing tools

AI tools: Emerging AI systems for 2D and 3D generation require attention to copyright and licensing.

Evidence (images)

Replace placeholder images in images/week2/ with screenshots documenting Week 02 CAD work.

2D software

2D software trying

Raster and vector tests for drawings and exports.

Compression

Image and video compression

Before and after results with ImageMagick and ffmpeg.

3D modeling

3D software trying

Testing FreeCAD, Blender, and parametric workflows.

Sketchfab

Sketchfab uploads

Publishing 3D models for online viewing.

Next step

With a basic CAD toolkit and media workflow in place, the next weeks will connect these tools to digital fabrication processes and more detailed project development.