Digital Design and Fabrication investigates the transformation of concept design to production within contemporary digital media. Situated at the threshold between virtual and physical, design information and artifacts, it is comprised of both design computation methods as well as material fabrication techniques.
Learning Objectives
Apply scripting and parametric modeling to construct designs in CAD environments.
Synthesize designs using physical tools and learn a scalable method of production.
Communicate design methods and ideas physically opposed to verbally.
Directly manufacture designs with rapid prototyping and CAD/CAM manufacturing tools.
Measurable Outcomes
Acquire a broad base of knowledge in areas of digital design and physical production.
Learn methods of design production with digitally driven machines (e.g., CNC routing, Laser Cutting, Waterjet Cutting, FDM, 3D printing).
Apply CAD based methods to generate designs with scripting, surface and solid modeling programs.
Prerequisites
Introduction to Design Computation
Software & Hardware
Course workshops require the use of laptops with Windows 10. Students shall install Rhinoceros 6 / Grasshopper [>] and Fusion 360 [>] before the first workshop session. Additionally, you need to install Python 3.9 [>] and Shopbot Control Software 3.8.5 [>]. For software assistance please contact the IT support helpdesk.
Recommended Readings
Schodek, D., Bechthold, M., Griggs, J. K. and Kao, K. (2004) Digital Design and Manufacturing: CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design, Wiley.
Kolarevic, B and Klinger, K (eds) (2008) Manufacturing Material Effects, Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture, Routledge.
Howes, P. and Laughlin, Z. (2012) Material Matters: New Materials in Design, Black Dog Publishing.
Lefteri, C. (2007) Making It: Manufacturing Techniques for Product Design, Laurence King Publishing.
Attendance in lectures and workshops is mandatory. Missing three or more sessions will result to an official warning letter and reduction of course participation component. If unwell, please notify the instructor via email, prior to the session being unable to attend; not after.
Deadlines for assignments, except the term project, are on Mondays before the lecture session, unless extension is granted to ease FabLab facilities congestion and/or address technical challenges such as machinery failures. Do not send assignment reports via email. Use the upload links provided in the assignment briefs. Late submission will result to 10% grade reduction for every day past the submission deadline.
Failure to comply with the report specifications will result to 10% grade reduction. Please use the python3 script [>] for quality control prior to uploading your pdf document.
Material wastage, inappropriate garbage disposal, facilities destruction, unsafe use of machinery and fabrication tools, will result to 20% grade reduction per associated assignment.
Unscholarly acts including plagiarism, cheating, double booking FabLab slots, inappropriate behavior towards classmates or SUTD staff will result from 50% grade reduction to completely failing the course.
