3D modeling systems provide the user with a variety of tools for generating digital models of almost arbitrary shape and complexity. However, these models may have to be adapted in order to facilitate manufacturing. A prominent example is the rationalization of free-form architecture. Here one re-computes the geometry, so that it remains close to the original design but also meets requirements on panel types, aesthetics of the panel layout, production cost and others. Rationalization requires the solution of often highly nonlinear and computationally expensive optimization problems. We have developed efficient algorithms for rationalizing freeform architecture, and we will further extend our methodology towards other applications, where the process from design to production is not straightforward. Ultimately, we aim to supersede costly re-computation through the development of fabrication-aware shape modeling tools.
Design to Production
