PARA 3D 2.9 (beta)

Interesting generative design plug-in developed by Ali Torabi

PARA 3d is a scripted plug-in for 3DS MAX which enables users to create parametric digital models and animations using all excessive modeling features of 3DS MAX and additional controllers available in the plug-in.

Link to PARA 3D website

AVATAR - MSc Architectural Design

The MSc Architectural Design (AVATAR) is a one-year full-time and two-year part-time course that encourages students to develop a speculative and experimental approach to architectural design through the use of advanced digital tools and techniques.

The course is designed for students of architecture and related disciplines, who wish to continue their academic, intellectual and professional skills beyond the requirements of their professionally recognised qualification.

The course promotes an experimental and speculative approach to architecture and provides the skills for the production of theoretical, analytical and critical studies on and in advanced architectural design. It aims to address and redefine new trends and knowledge in the field of architecture and offers a postgraduate design framework strongly supported by theoretical components.

Students are embedded within one of the Diploma in Architecture Units run by members of the AVATAR research group. They are encouraged to develop a personal focus and an independent research position within the Unit framework.

AVATAR is an acronym for Advanced Virtual and Technological Architecture Research, the AVATAR research group was founded by Professor Neil Spiller in 2004.

The programme is not validated by a professional body and does not provide exemption from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Part 2 professional examination or from the Architects’ Registration Board (ARB) Part 2 prescriptions.

The aims of the programme are:
- To develop research concerning the impact of advanced technology on architectural design, and to contribute on a discussion on issues such as aesthetics, philosophy and cybernetics.
- To concern itself with the technologies of virtuality (exploring fully immersed, mixed and augmented environments); Time based digital media (film, video and animation), Nano and bio technology (micro landscapes and architecture, ethics, sustainability and ecology), reflexive environments and cybernetic systems.
- To posit new aesthetic systems and codes of representation for architecture, interior design, multi media design and graphic design.

Link to AVATAR webpage

[DAP]3

Some interesting resources are available on this website.

Link to [DAP]3 website
Link to 'TouchOSC Reader' post

Robots In Gastronomy

'Robots In Gastronomy is focused on publishing news on the integration of personal robots in gastronomy.'

Link to 'Robots In Gastronomy' blog

geometrydepth

'geometrydepth.com is an independent and collaborative initiative for research and education in current design strategies and computational tools. Our teaching methodology focuses on direct technology transfer. We currently approach and explore the possibilities of parametric formgiving, complex geometry, surface topology and custom-coded solutions for design.'

link to 'geometrydepth' website

EvoluteTools Primers

Evolute provides two Primer Manuals.

The EvoluteTools Primer, written by Kris Hammerberg, is intended to be the ultimate starting point for new users of EvoluteTools, as well as a reference for more experienced users, while the EvoluteTools Scripting Primer, written by Marko Tomicic, aims to introduce users to the new possibilities within the EvoluteTools scripting interface, and to showcase how to take advantage of them with the many example scripts included. 

Both Primers, along with all example files, are available for free in Evolute Learning Center.

Spider for Rhino

The Spider for Rhino is a plug-in created for the purpose of the specific and research oriented project. Originally it was used for the modelling of large web-like elastomer assemblies. It is conceived as a design tool and a tiny contribution to the fast growing field of architectural research aiming at better enacting of material behaviour within geometric modelling. The plug-in focuses on elasticity and allows for a simple simulation of approximate material properties. The idea is based on the simplified version of Hook’s law and relies on the particle-spring systems commonly used for creating physical simulations. Material properties, such as reversible deformation range and elastic modulus, are parametrically controlled to allow for iterative testing of different building materials. We hope this may open the door to other research related to optimization and form-finding. 

Spider for Rhino is developed by Djordje Stojanovic

Link to 'Spider for Rhino' plug-in on food4Rhino

Oliver David

Interesting blog held by Oliver David

Link to Oliver David blog
Link to 'Connecting Intelligence' post

Benjamin Dillenburger

Link to Benjamin Dillenburger website

Softkill Design - Protohouse

Softkill Design is a collaboration between Nicholette Chan, Gilles Retsin, Aaron Silver and Sophia Tang.  We are a London based team of architects and designers researching new methods of generative design for additive manufacturing.

Softkill Design developed the Protohouse project:

The Protohouse investigated the architectural potential of the latest Selective Laser Sintering technologies, testing the boundaries of large scale 3D printing by designing with computer algorithms that micro-organize the printed material itself.

Link to Softkill website
Link to 'Protohouse' project blog