Week 02 — Computer-Aided Design
Week Reflection
This week was especially interesting, enjoyable, and challenging. Exploring the possibilities of digital modeling to achieve organic forms proved to be far more complex than it initially seemed. I began by experimenting with simple and more rigid geometries, exploring radial structures and modular repetitions. These initial explorations helped me understand how curves and surfaces behave within the digital environment.
The process became an intentional exploration of the available tools to achieve the form I was seeking. I tested different operations and combinations to create smoother transitions and more natural curvatures. After multiple iterations, I developed a petal form with an organic character that conveys lightness, movement, and sensitivity. The model was then translated into 2D vector geometry to evaluate its fabrication feasibility and organize the components required for production. This step revealed how three-dimensional form must be simplified and structured for digital cutting processes.
Finally, rendering the model allowed me to evaluate materiality, depth, and the interaction of light with curved surfaces, helping to assess the aesthetic presence of the object before physical fabrication. This process demonstrated that digital design is not linear: it requires exploration, iteration, and a continuous dialogue between form, technique, and perception.
Learning Outcomes
- Evaluate and select 2D and 3D software
- Demonstrate and describe processes used in modelling with 2D and 3D softwares
- Demonstrate image and video compression
Design and Fabrication Workflow
1. Conceptual Geometry Exploration
The process began with the exploration of forms inspired by natural structures, particularly the radial organization of flower petals and leaves.
The exploration focused on:
- radial symmetry
- modular repetition
- layered structures
- opening and closing possibilities
Sketching helped reveal how a simple form can evolve into a dynamic system.
2. 3D Modeling and Fabrication-Oriented Design
The explored geometries were translated into the digital environment using Rhinoceros 3D, where surfaces and volumes were developed while evaluating fabrication feasibility.
During this phase:
- base curves and radial axes were defined
- surfaces were generated using operations such as loft and sweep
- proportions and thicknesses were evaluated
- tolerances and joints were considered
- the model was divided into manufacturable components
- formal variations were explored considering assembly and movement
After modeling the individual petal, several tests were performed to replicate and arrange the element radially. Using the tools like Polar Array function in Rhinoceros, the petal was duplicated and distributed around a central axis to explore symmetry, density, and spatial balance.
Different quantities and rotation angles were evaluated to understand how repetition influences the perception of movement and volume. This process allowed the form to evolve from a single component into a cohesive radial system, reinforcing both the organic character and the potential mechanical behavior of the structure.
3. 2D Vector Preparation (Rhino → Illustrator)
The geometries were exported from Rhino and refined in Adobe Illustrator to prepare them for fabrication.
The preparation included:
- cleaning duplicated lines
- organizing layers for cutting and engraving
- adjusting line weights
- optimizing tool paths
4. Visualization and Rendering (KeyShot)
The 3D model was exported to KeyShot to generate realistic visualizations that helped evaluate form, materiality, and perception.
This stage included:
- applying materials to simulate real finishes
- exploring lighting to emphasize volume and depth
- analyzing how light interacts with curved surfaces
- producing renderings to communicate the design
Compressed Files
To optimize the loading speed of the website and keep the repository size manageable, all media files were compressed before being uploaded.
Images were resized when necessary using the online tool BeFunky. This allowed reducing the image dimensions while maintaining enough resolution to clearly document the fabrication processes and results.
Videos were compressed using CapCut>, which helped reduce the file size without significantly affecting the visual quality. This made it possible to include video documentation while keeping the website performance efficient.
Finally, larger sets of files such as design files, project folders, and fabrication resources were compressed using 7-Zip. This tool was used to create compressed archives that can be easily downloaded from the documentation pages.
These compression steps help maintain an organized repository and ensure that the documentation remains accessible and efficient to load.
Parametric Design Exploration
As part of the parametric design exercise, I explored the use of Grasshopper for Rhino to generate parametric geometries. Grasshopper is a visual programming environment that allows designers to create algorithmic models by connecting components that control geometry and parameters.
In this experiment, I tested a parametric definition that generated radial patterns using points distributed from a central coordinate system. By adjusting parameters such as radius, spacing, and the number of elements, the pattern could change dynamically.
Although I was able to generate different variations of the pattern, the final result did not fully work as expected and the geometry was difficult to control. This experiment helped me understand the basic logic of parametric workflows, including how parameters influence geometry and how visual programming can be used to explore design variations.
Even though the final geometry was not used in the fabrication process, this exercise was useful to better understand the potential of parametric design tools such as Grasshopper.
Reflection
This week provided insight into how an idea evolves from hand sketching to a digital model prepared for fabrication and visualization. Iteration was essential to move from rigid geometries toward more expressive organic forms.
Download Files
The design files used in this assignment can be downloaded below.