Over 100 iterations and studies which challenges, and produced through, the premise of digital production and analogue tooling, Digital Novelty is a series of design-research that is an intersection between of platonic solids and the notion of basic geometric shapes, assisted by 3D modelling software (Rhinoceros 3D), 3D printing technologies (additive manufacturing processes), and hand-drawn inked on vellum exercises. The research and development of Digital Novelty – Crystallised Geometrics reveals itself through a feedback system that carefully interrogates a simple method of production and design.

 

The topic is most relevant where the discussion around production (i.e.: rapid-prototyping) now encompasses a larger (more public) commercial audience—discussions about reducing the labour force and production line to enable the greater diversity and dissemination of digital and systematic design technologies to the individual. 

Although the computational design community has in the past two decades concentrated on the ‘style’ of the ‘form,’ from ‘parametricism’ to ‘algorithmic’ design, current discussions have moved beyond form: indeed, the discussion has surpassed form: where form is largely irrelevant within this new horizon and generation of self-organised designers. Logic and the possibility of developing with consequence could potentially become the new ‘form’.

 

The larger predicament within the new form of open-sourced computational design is the ability to control the corporate dealer within the production of larger grass-roots developers.  From the standpoint of commercialisation and commoditisation, even to the point of capitalization of resources, there is a serious impediment within the architectural and computational design community of open-sourced digital development.

 

Digital Novelty – Crystallised Geometrics are a series of novel experiments produced as an Open Studio Design Residency Research work towards the Cité Internationale des Arts Paris. The final work will be produced for an Exhibition in Paris, and further publication of a book based on the research/designs.