Summary:
The readings by Doscher, Minutillo, and Spalter & Wesley discuss how technology has changed the face of design construction, whether in its final stages or early modeling stages. Automatic fabrication devices used for rapid prototyping, computer-numerical-control (CNC) milling, stereolithography, laminated object manufacturing (LOM), fused deposition modeling (FDM), and selective laser sintering (SLS) all contribute to today’s design fabrication technology. “Automatic fabrication includes all automated processes for fabricating 3D objects from raw materials” (Burns, 1993). “Stereolithography involves the use of lasers to solidify layers of clear or colored resin”, resulting “in amber-colored, lightweight and translucent, and quite strong” physical models (Spalter & Wesley, 1999). The process of LOM stacks and laser cuts material (Spalter & Wesley, 1999). “Instead of hardening a resin to create solid material for each layer, LOM starts with solid layers of material, most often plain butcher paper, and then cuts away the unnecessary areas. Heat is used to fuse the layers” (Spalter & Wesley, 1999). “FDM is a robotically guided extrusion machine” (Spalter & Wesley, 1999). Materials such as plastics are extruded through a tip to place the material “where the object should be solid and cross-hatching looser areas or using a different substance for areas that will be removed later (Spalter & Wesley, 1999). SLS “is a laser sintering process” that fuses spliced sections of a model from powder layers (Spalter & Wesley, 1999).
Contextualize:
The application for automatic fabrication methods within Interior Architecture would be greatly advantageous to Interior Product Design. This is evident especially in the articles by Doscher and Minutillo where they demonstrate the successfulness of 3D printers and CNC machines in the product development and construction processes. In order to get a true hands-on feel for a product, designers develop numerous physical models. However, now 3D printers allow for a machine to handle the physical construction of the model, saving and freeing up time and “design thinking” (Doscher, 2004). The possibilities are endless for producing full-scale and smaller scale models, especially when the fabrication processes are used in conjunction with building information models to provide for more in-depth product development information.
Argument:
Though the automatic fabrication processes discussed enable designers to dedicate more time to other design issues, the model constructs from these machines will still need to be understood, revised, and explored. The systems are still human operated, so in order to achieve an accurate portrayal of an interior product, designers must be informed about the operations and limitations of the machines. This knowledge will push the design and the designer’s imagination further, while at the same time allowing for informed choices to be made. In all, the possibilities of the 3D modeling processes to help problem solve, construct, and produce a more fluid design process are endless.
Evidence:
Doscher and Minutillo have cited instances where automatic fabrication machines provide for smoother design development and construction. Doscher (2004) states, “it is imperative that we have tools that enhance the designer's ability not only to conceive complex forms, but also to think intelligently about how the final product is made”. Therefore, an informed designer’s thinking starts and aims directly for the most successful solution. The 3D modeling devices increases the accuracy of the modeled products (Doscher, 2004). The machines also lead to success for the final construction of a product. Since must of the product construction occurs off-site, the dominant activity on-site is installation (Minutillo, 2009). Even complex designs are capable of being successfully constructed off-site and later installed on-site. This is in large part due to the ability of automatic fabrication to help with troubleshooting and with communication amongst a design team. This communication occurs “as design progresses and multiple schemes are developed in parallel, scale building models are "printed" and sent to the remote locations” (Doscher, 2004). Thus, various design decisions, by different designers, in different locations, can be made based upon the same models, at the same time within a design phase.
Burns, M. (1993). Automated Fabrication: Improving Productivity in Manufacturing. Prentice Hall.
Doscher, M. (2004, September). Morphosis Prints Models. Architecture Week. Retrieved February 7, 2011, from http://www.architectureweek.com/2004/0915/tools_2-1.html
Minutillo, J. (2009, September). When the Whole Is Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts. Continuing Education Center. Retrieved February 7, 2011, from http://continuingeducation.construction.com/article.php?L=5&C=588&P=1
Spalter, A., & Wesley, A. (1999). 3D Input and Output. In The Computer in The Visual Arts (pp. 317-321). Longman Inc.
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