Description:
Key Words:
computational geometry,mathematical transformations,topology,morphing
Required Skills:
Proficient in Rhinoceros, Basic Understanding of Parametric Modeling
Required Software:
Rhinoceros (RhinoScript or Python) and Adobe Creative Suite
Required Hardware:
None
Maximum number of participating students:
16
Cylinders, spheres and cubes are a small handful of shapes that can be defined by a single word. However, most shapes cannot be found in a dictionary. They belong to an alternative plastic world defined by trigonometry: a mathematical world where all shapes can be described under one systematic language and where any shape can transform into another. This workshop systematically lays out a basic foundation for using mathematical transformations as design tools. In general, students will learn how to design with parametric equations — one way of defining values of coordinates (x, y, z) for shapes with parameters (u, v).
First, students will learn how to manipulate two-dimensional shapes with mathematical transformations. Next, students will learn how to embed two-dimensional profiles into three-dimensional shapes. Other topics, such as combining transformations and taxonomies will also be introduced. Lastly, students will be taught how to record design iterations through ghosted wireframe drawings. These representational abstractions of doubly curved surfaces will be viewed as objects-to-think-with... somewhere between dreams and reality.
This workshop is intended for architects, designers, engineers and anyone with the curiosity to understand the link between shapes and the equations behind them.