Material Units : Uploading information into matter via stimuli and the challenges of determining feedback

Blaney, Adam (2021) Material Units : Uploading information into matter via stimuli and the challenges of determining feedback. In: Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe, 2021-09-08 - 2021-10-10, University of Novi Sad.

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Abstract

Associative and generative design processes are capable of creating complex digital models, which can have their digital material properties (size, aesthetics, performance) infinitely adapted or radically transformed, relative to design demands, if they remain in their digital environments. Imagine, if physical materials and structures had these abilities, where design updates could be uploaded into a structure's physical material makeup at molecular resolutions. This could begin to enable a physical structure's matter to be reprogrammed so they can adapt across their length scales with high sensitivities and multi-material properties. To leverage these abilities, novel design and fabrication processes need to be developed, which enable interrelationships between design parameters, assembly mechanisms and material properties. This paper presents key findings and implications of two final prototypes, from a series, which developed a design and fabrication approach termed tuneable environments that enables interrelationships and design information to be uploaded into matter at granular resolutions.