Oxman IASS2015_final_paper Edited

Proceedings of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2015, Amsterdam Future Visions 17 - 20 August 2015, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

MFD: Material-Fabrication-Design: A Classification of Models from Prototyping to Design RIVKA OXMAN Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning Technion Technion ITT, Israel [email protected]

Abstract In this paper we formulate and define a novel conceptual schema termed MFD: MaterialFabrication-Design. MFD is defined as a computational informing process that enhances tectonic relationships between structure and material within the logic of fabrication technologies. This research investigates, explores and formulates the transition towards the integration of computationally informed processes in design. Beyond simply exemplifying these phenomena, the research explores the state of the art, and formulates and explicates the impact of these developments on theories, knowledge and the processes of design. Through comparative analysis of selected case studies of Material-Fabrication-Design the research identifies and formulates emerging design models, design principles and techniques. By undertaking systematic research into the development of fabrication technologies, their relationship to design, and their diverse strategies we identify the diverse set of Material-Fabrication-Design (MFD) models that represent this innovative field. Keywords: material, materialization, materiality, morphogenesis, form finding, parametric design, fabrication, 3D printing, robotics.

1. Introduction Beyond the first classical integrations of CAD/CAM, the continued evolution of digital fabrication media has produced a new symbiosis between technology and design. This symbiosis has now driven the emergence of broad changes in the coming into existence of a “material praxis” as a dominant phenomenon of the last two decades. The digital technological revolution has provided a set of design affordances that have transformed design culture in all of the diverse fields of the design discipline.

Proceedings of the International Association for Shell and Spatial Structures (IASS) Symposium 2015, Amsterdam Future Visions

Among the influence of emerging technologies is the potential of a central set of research issues related to material computation and fabrication technologies to change processes of design. The evolution of the field of MFD is the result of the continuous independent development of each of the three fields: material, fabrication, and design. The supporting factor in the acceptance and advancement of these sub-fields of design has been the simultaneous emergence of environmental theories of ecology, sustainability, performative design, and natural design. These theories have supported a new pragmatism that has replaced the formal and representational emphasis of a prior generation. Within the framework of this new media integration as one of the foundations of researchbased design in architecture, it is possible to theorize, define concepts, principles, and design principles of diverse models of MFD. The development of computational media and digital technologies is enabling new processes of design integration and collaboration due to the growing inter-relationship between design and technology. As a result, the convergence of architecture, engineering, and materialization technologies is today creating a new material praxis in design (Oxman and Oxman [1]); (Oxman and Oxman [2]). Based upon advances in computational technology design is now informed by structural and materialization processes. Digital media is now extending possibilities of both formal and material production and designers are expanding the scope of design by making decisions related to choice of material and production method from conceptual design to production. This development is breeding a conceptual shift within the disciplines of architectural and engineering design using generative processes and materialization methods. This shift is now followed by experimental research in both academia and practice reported in books and conference proceedings (Oxman and Oxman [1]; (Oxman and Oxman [2]); (Carpo [3]); (Dunn [4]); (Beorkrem [5]); (Sheil and Glynn [6]), (Sheil and Glynn [7]).

2. Background By undertaking systematic research into the study of the chronological development of manufacturing (Kieran and Timberlake [8]) and fabrication technologies (Iwamoto [24]), their strategies and their relationship to design, the research will identify unique Material-Fabrication-Design (MFD) models exemplified and demonstrated by leading case studies. This section lists, defines and briefly presents the development of three main classes of design materialization. In the following sections of the paper we explain, and discuss the development of the technological transition in the relationship between design and fabrication techniques. The development and the impact of materialization technologies is defined and discussed below, including the following classes: Rapid-Prototyping-Technologies; Fab-Lab-Laboratories; and MaterialFabrication-Design. 2.1. Rapid-Prototyping Within the past two decades digital fabrication technologies have influenced a culture of “making” within the various design disciplines. In the following sections the technologies and their impact on design are briefly described.


2.1.1. Rapid-Prototyping technologies Processes of manufacturing and rapid prototyping (RP) employing fabrication technologies were recognized as an integral component in design and a significant technology for design (Kieran and Timberlake [8]). Technologies of Rapid Prototyping (RP) were defined as a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model, part or assembly by computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data. 2.1.2. Fab-lab laboratories The next development in this field was characterized by the emergence of Fab-Lab centers for fabrication and manufacturing in both academia and practice. Fab-lab technologies usually include a suite of technologies for additive and subtractive strategies such as: Laser-cutter for 2D and 3D assemblies, orthographic projections and doubly curved surfaces; 3D printing; Laser Sintering CNC (computer numerically controlled) cutting, sectioning, contouring and milling machines; Robotics, etc. The aim of the Fab-Lab suite of technologies was to develop a laboratory environment to support design experimentation with cutting-edge rapid prototyping and fabrication technologies. These modeling techniques support the linkage between the digital and the physical model in design by creating information that is translated directly into the control data that drives the digital fabrication process for integrating design, fabrication and manufacturing in a single process (Shea and Cagan [9] (Sass and Oxman, [10]), (Kolarevic and Malkawi [11]), (Kolarevic and Klinger [12]). 2.1.3. Materialization models of design Today, there exists increasing interest in the active role of material computation and fabrication technologies in design motivated by new developments such as industrial robots and 3D material and multi-material fabrication machines. These developments are beginning to strengthen the powerful inter-relationship evolving between design and technology. This evolution is characterized by the emergence of experimental research devoted to exploring novel Materialization Models of Design. These are models of design in which the potential of material design and fabrication is a major factor in the design concept. Furthermore the logic of material tectonics, experimentation with new materials and materialization principles are becoming integrated within the rationale of emerging digital design processes thus enriching the integration of new strategies of design and production (Glynn and Sheil [7]); (Menges [13]); (Gramazio and Kohler [14]); (Schodek et. al. [15]); (Oxman N. [16]; [17]).

3. MFD: Material-Fabrication-Design 3.1. Introduction In this research, a new conceptual framework termed Material Fabrication Design (MFD) is proposed to analyze, to define and to test operative models of MFD. The goal of the research is to investigate, explore and formulate the transition of materialization technologies and their impact on design. By undertaking systematic research into the definition of concepts; the chronological development of fabrication technologies and their different strategies, the


research will identify and formulate unique Material-Fabrication-Design (MFD) models exemplified by selected case studies. Material Fabrication Design is defined as a computational informing process that enhances the design of tectonic relationships between structure and material within the logic of fabrication and robotic technologies (Menges [13]); (Oxman N [16]; [17]); (Oxman [19]). The formulation of terms and conceptual definitions of concepts and principles are derived from theoretical studies and critical analysis of selected case studies. Through the comparative analysis of selected case studies of material-fabrication design in research and practice, conceptual MDF models will be defined and formulated by distinctive concepts and principles. The following examples demonstrate different MFD models (figures 1-6) that integrate the three components of Material, Fabrication and Design. These three components of MFD are briefly described as follows: 3.2. MFD models of design: introduction 3.1.1. Material This convergence of digital design, materialization processes, and fabrication technologies is breeding an expansion of material design research and practices in architecture as well as in traditionally more industrial and craft-oriented design fields such as industrial design, fashion design and jewelry design. The first model of material design is the based on the technological extension of traditional models of design based on well-understood traditional materials, (Addington [20]), (Shröpfer [21]), (Barkow [22]), and their relationships with form, structure and construction in design. Beyond this, newly emerging models of architectural design emphasize the synthesis of new digital techniques, material design and fabrication technologies in experimental models of design. Material-based design is becoming a dominant design model among experimental professional practices characterized by making through experimentation of materialization and fabrication design (Barkow [22]). The discourse on materials includes terms such as smart materials, responsive materials, etc. To a great extent in architecture this material experimentation relates to design of the building envelope and structural systems. Material design has developed beyond traditional design of the building envelope to become a model for complex three-dimensional structural and spatial orders reported and analyzed in recent publications (Shröpfer [21]). 3.1.2. Fabrication Beyond the traditional understanding of the term material, the concept of Material Systems design has become an important component in all fields of design. The return of design to its material sources through material-based design and fabrication as a design process has raised issues related to fundamental considerations of our existing models of material systems.


With this shift towards a new interest in material in design, the concept of tectonics has begun to provide important contributions to theories of material-based design. In prior work (Oxman [19]) we have expanded the classic term Tectonics as understood in the modern period, (Frampton [18]) and introduced the new term: Informed Tectonics. The term represents the significance of informed processes and flow of information that digitally supports the integration of design, materialization and fabrication of form, structuring and material principles in material-based design. The origin of current fabrication technologies can be traced back to the evolution of computer technologies associated with automation and production of the final stages of design and to the first CAD/CAM systems (Schodek et. al. [15]). Processes of rapid prototyping (RP) employing fabrication technologies were recognized as an integral component in design and a significant technology that supports digital design integrating computational models of fabrication and manufacturing in a single process (Shea and Cagan [9]); (Sass and Oxman [10]). The integration between digital modeling and physical modeling through fabrication has been developed as a unique topic in recent years. The ensemble of digital fabrication media (3D printers, routers, robotics, etc.) has evolved rapidly in both fabrication and manufacturing. Virtually all schools of design as well as most professional offices now use some form of fabrication and manufacturing media. As the professional command of 3D computational media in design has evolved in recent years, fabrication has become integrated with 3D modeling to create a strong materials oriented suite of computational design media. 3.1.3. Design Today, material and fabrication inform design through digitally mediated relationships. Fabrication forms and concepts have begun to influence design concepts (Gramazio and Kohler, [23]); (Iwamoto, [24]). We not only design within the potential of fabrication, but buildings are designed within the design logic of fabrication. For example: (Mayer, [25]); (Scheurer, DESIGN-TO-PRODUCTION, [26]). In MFD the understanding of the role of the concept, Material System is essential. A material system reflects the relationships and the mapping of material properties; material performance; material behavior; and materialization strategies and techniques (fabrication, robotics etc.). Understanding the role of particular material systems and the choice of material-based design strategies replaces the strokes of the pencil in paper-based design. Material systems is a key concept in the MFD approach. To understand the MFD models there is a need to appreciate the desired relationships between material and technological strategies and the technique of the selected technology in each single model. For example: (Menges [13]); (Gramazio and Kohler [23]); and (Oxman N [16]). The dialogue between generative code, material, fabrication, and machine represents both new knowledge and new skill.

4. MFD Research 4.1. MFD research: objectives and goals The complex and evolving relationship between technology and design has implications for changes in knowledge and theory as well as for the definition of MDF models and processes of design.


The research defines, formulates, and documents models of Material-Fabrication-Design (MFD). The research defines the field with respect to its theoretical content as well as its cultural, industrial, and professional implications for change, employing architectural and industrial design as the research context. Through the comparative analysis of selected case studies of material-fabrication-design in research and practice, conceptual models, processes and principles will be identified and formulated. The objectives are described below. 4.1.1. Background Define and present the professional and industrial implications of technologies based upon a survey and analysis of recent literature such as: Kieran and Timberlake, 2004; Hopkinson, Hagus and Dickens, 2006; and Deamer and Bernstein, 2010. 4.1.2 Theoretical Studies Theoretical studies of concepts and principles of design processes provide a clear definition and explanation for terms such as: material, materiality, materialization and material system. These terms are essential for design thinking in MFD and the formulation of design strategies. Study the evolution of material-based design in different periods based on available research materials as well as through interviews with key figures that represent design research and design practice. The field has already produced an array of diverse contextual terms and design terminologies such as: digital materiality; digital morphogenesis etc. However, these required contextual clarification and explanation (for example: form finding, digital tectonics, topological optimization, morphogenesis etc. 4.1.3. Methodology: empirical survey and analysis of selected case studies There is a need to define, classify and compare the developments of the diverse case studies over the past two decades through a survey of manufacturers and histories of these technologies, selection and analysis of case studies demonstrating particular principles and issues. There is a need for the formulation and exploration of the integration of material and fabrication strategies through systematic comparative analysis of leading precedents as a scientific basis. Case studies have been selected on the basis of their contributions to new knowledge, models, concepts, and principles of MFD design. The selection was based upon key projects and experimental works that have been published/presented each of which represents distinctive and meaningful comparative categories and criteria as part of their contribution to the ontological foundations of the MFD approach. The following are illustrated examples of selected case studies that represent our approach to MFD models of design: Figure 1: Figure 2: Figure 3: Figure 4:

Structural design, by fabrication strategy (sectioning): Metropol Parasol / Jürgen Meyer Parametric design, by fabrication strategy (sectioning): Bench by Oleg Soroko. Structural design by CNC: Yeoju Golf Club / Shiguru Ban, Architect / Design-toproduction. Robotic design by flying robotic technology: / Gramazio and Kohler, Architects, ETH Zurich.


Figure 5: Figure 6:

3D Printing Design: Beast / variable property guided by load mapping / Neri Oxman, Mediated Matter Group, MIT Media Lab / Craig Carter, Material Science. Pavilion design by robotic technology: Toroidal Pavilion / Achim Menges (ICD) and Jan Knippers (ITKE), both of University of Stuttgart.

Figure 1: Fabrication Strategy “Diversity of Sectioning” Left: Metropol Parasol, Jürgen Mayer, 2011, detail Right: Metropol Parasol, Jürgen Mayer, 2011, layout for laser cutting of model

Figure 2: Structural-Design by fabrication techniques “Diversity of Sectioning” left : Parametric Bench by Oleg Soroko right: Metropol Parasol, Jürgen Mayer, 2011, detail


Figure 3: CNC Design left: Yeoju Golf Club, Shiguru Ban, Architect, 2008 and DESIGNTOPRODUCTION, Zurich right: Detail Construction Photo, Yeoju Golf Club, Shiguru Ban, Architect, 2008 and DESIGNTOPRODUCTION, Zurich

Figure 4: Robotic-Design Design by encoding materiality and flying robotic technology Assembled Architecture, Gramazio and Kohler, Architects, ETH Zurich, 2011-2012


Figure 5: 3D Printing-Design Variable property guided by load mapping left: Pneuma, Imaginary Beings Series, Collection of Centre Pompidou, Paris right: Beast, digitally fabricated chaise built to customized fit and load Neri Oxman, Mediated Matter Group, MIT Media Lab; with Craig Carter, Material Sciences, MIT, 2012

Figure 4: Robotic Design left: Construction photo of Toroidal spatial structure pavilion, University of Stuttgart, 2010 Right: Photo of Pavilion Model Achim Menges, Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and Jan Knippers, Institute of Building Structure and Structural Design (ITKE), both of University of Stuttgart


4.1.3. Validation of finding Substantiation of initial research findings with respect to the validation of findings: in addition, subsequent research will be undertaken through interviews with key researchers, designers and architectural practitioners in the field in order to substantiate and expand initial research findings with respect to the validation of final categories and models of MFD. This group will include architectural researchers in academic contexts, experimental practices, new professional specializations, etc. 4.1.4. Conceptual schema Conceptual schema for the comprehensive set of MFD models is being developed. The role of the conceptual schema is to organize and classify the design principles, the categories and the classes of MFD models. Formulations of MFD models of design represent the unique concepts and categories of each model, established through analysis of selected case studies and interviews. MFD models are defined by demonstrating the integration of principles and strategies of material-computational design and fabrication techniques. MFD models are presented and illustrated using a presentational format in order to demonstrate and compare diverse principles and strategies of the integration of material fabrication and design in engineering and architecture. 4.1.5. Schematic illustration format In addition shared formats and illustration techniques of MFD models are developed. The illustration format will enable demonstration, documentation and re-use to support the development of knowledge this field.

Acknowledgement This paper presents part of on-going research that has been submitted as a research proposal for an ISF Grant.

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