Course blog up and running for Intro to RoboFab

Here is a link to the course blog.  We are aggregating all of the student work on the site too.

Intro to Robotic Fabrication

Course Blog up for Generative Design Computing

Here is a link to a site that will aggregate all the student work from the seminar:

Generative Computing Winter 2014
Taubman College of Architecture

Folding Techniques in Rhino for UG2

Here is a link to a video tutorial to supplement a workshop that I did for the UG2 Design Studio.  The assignment asks the students to consider the role of folding as a technique.  Click the image to launch the video.

 

Exciting Courses this Term

I'll am super excited to be teaching two digital design courses this term at Taubman College:

-Intro to Robotic Fabrication: this course will be using an Agilus work cell to explore the potential for digital fabrication and manufacturing tools to re-inform our understanding of architectural models as tools for design speculation.

-Generative Computing: this course will build on the successes of the Virtual Engagement seminar offered to the MS_DT students but will intensify the discussion of randomness as a tool for the production of multiple and varied populations of design.

Holiday Reading

Here is some of what I am up to as I unwind over the holidays:

MS_DT Virtual Engagement Seminar

The Fall semester is just about wrapped up and as I complete the grading for the MS_DT core seminar, I wanted to share the student blogs.  Embedded within these blogs are new takes on the evolving assignments and tutorials, there are some new tools and workbenches that have been explored, and a few very fresh digital design approaches.  Enjoy the work.

Ana     Chris     David     Emad     Han-Yuan
Punam     Mengqi     Pandush     Yi


Here is a link to the one page course description.

Using Random Rules to Generate Form

Here are images of a new project where random rules are used to size and orient a box with one open side.

A hybrid design powercopy is used in a part body. Each solid powercopy is located in a framework with one insertion point. A design table pulls random numbers from an excel file. Missing boxes are dropped out with another random rule that allows for some of the boxes to be made interactive (hidden).

Below are additional iterations from a different perspective. The framework is also quite flexible so that can be manipulated by user inputs.

Here is a link to a zip file with the catpart file, the design table excel file, and a txt file with the rule I used to randomize the orientation and size of the boxes.

CATIA - Design of Experiments

This tutorial explains how Design of Experiments works with CATIA.  This automates the creation of a large population of design solutions based on selected parameters.  Click HERE for the tutorial.

Follow up questions to the Framework Tutorial

I received a few follow up questions to the Framework Tutorial.  As a result, here is a quick video explaining a few simple tips and tricks:
-parametric control of planes
-how to make an n-gon and control it parametrically
-describing coupling in multi-section surfaces

Here is the link to the new video.

Another School Year Begins

We are gearing up for the start of another school year.  I am teaching the Virtual Engagement Seminar for the MS_DT crew once again this year.  Stay tuned for the work from the new MS_DT cohort.

More Fun with Catia Optimization

In an effort to re-familiarize myself with the catia optimization tool for class this week, I spent some time this weekend using it to develop a family of forms.  The function controls 14 different variables and solves for a ratio of volume to surface area.

This experiment builds on what I learned in an earlier tutorial posted here.

New Knowledge Pattern Work

Work continues this semester with the MS_DT group at Michigan.  The Virtual Engagement core seminar is using Digital Project to investigate various computational methodologies.  In an effort to stay slightly ahead, I have been brushing up on knowledge templates and scripting in DP.

Here is a slideshow of a recent file that uses one surface to drive the UDFs and another surface on the interior to control the depth of the UDFs. 

Menotme Nearing Completion

We will be setting Menotme on Thursday in Detroit for Dlectricity.

 

BLU - Studio Complex receives award

Here is a link to the Metal Mag announcement.  The Haney Studio Complex received an honorable mention in the residential category of the annual Metal Magazine Awards.  The studios make use of a folding structural steel frame, light gauge steel framing, and a galvanized metal rain screen.

Change of Direction

I have accepted the role of Vice President for Design and Creative Director for Blu Homes.  As part of this change, I am stepping down as co-principal of PLY Architecture.

Paramod.net should receive more frequent updates as the creative outlet for my technological preoccupations that have been fueled by teaching and practicing.  The continued and intensified role at BLU will be sure to advance my investigations into digital design and manufacturing.

Here is a link to the BLU press release.

Lecture in Boulder on April 16

Karl will be presenting the work of PLY and related digital design and fabrication research at the University of Colorado Boulder on April 16th. 

Drawing Generation in Digital Project - Revised

Updated tutorial for generating drawings in Digital Project.  The older tutorial seems to be out of date with the new version of DP.

20 minute video tutorial for making linked drawings from 3D geometry.  Click the image to launch the video.

click to launch video

Parametric Double Negative Study

Here are a couple of simple double negative studies using digital project.  A parameter drives the location of one of the intersected voids.

Karl will be lecturing at Roger Williams in October

I will be lecturing at Roger Williams University on October 19th.  Here is the lecture series postcard.  The lecture is through the architecture school and will be open to the public.

Ayaka Sushi wins Metal Mag Interiors Award

Ayaka Sushi won the metal mag interiors category for the custom ceiling designed for the project.  The awards issue will be published in the September issue.

To see the other projects and to learn more visit:
Metal Mag Awards announced