algorithm
In the context of digital design, an algorithm is a series of clearly defined instructions that enable a computational procedure to be carried out. Algorithms are intrinsic to digital design software with different platforms enabling varying degrees of potential interaction with the computer script itself.
Boolean logic
This type of algebra underpins computational programs, machine code, and assembly languages and differs from the more commonly used elementary algebra since it specifically deals with the values 0 and 1. These may be thought of as two integers, or as the “truth” values false and true respectively. In either case they are referred to as binary digits or bits, in contrast to the decimal digits 0 through to 9.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
The use of a software program as a tool to design an object. A CAD file is required to control a CAM machine.
Computer-Aided Manufacture (CAM)
The use of computer software to control a machine tool or process. A CAM machine requires a CAD file to work from.
Computer-Aided Three-dimensional Interactive Application (CATIA) modeling
CATIA enables surfacing, reverse engineering, and visualization solutions to create, modify, and validate complex innovative shapes. The software allows the designer to fabricate 3-D components, using 3-D sketches, from sheet metal, composites, molded, forged, or tooling parts up to the definition of mechanical assemblies.
Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD)
This is a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to solve and analyze problems that involve fluid flows. The development of advanced software platforms has enabled this information to be visualized and the effects predicted in a very precise manner.
Computer Numerical Control (CNC) milling and routing
CNC milling and routing machines can cut three-dimensional objects or surfaces, using a CAD file, from a solid material such as wood, aluminum, polystyrene foams, and carbon fibers. The machines can cut along three or more axes simultaneously, enabling 3-D forms to be created.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
This is a software platform that facilitates detailed visualization of where structures bend or twist, and indicates the distribution of stresses and displacements. Such software may also enable specific properties to be examined including thermal, fluid, and dynamic structural environments. In the context of digital fabrication, FEA can be very valuable in producing stiffness and strength visualizations and therefore also in minimizing weight, materials, and costs.
laser cutting
A laser cutter can slice through a material or engrave a pattern onto its surface using a CAD file. The technique can be used to sculpt a range of materials, including plastics, textiles, wood, board, and paper.
meshes
These provide a method for generating complex geometry and are typically polygonal or polyhedral. In either type, the mesh approximates a geometric domain through an arrangement of “vertices,” “edges,” and “faces” that combine to define the shape of the desired object.
morphogenesis
The evolutionary development of form in an organism, or part thereof, is known as morphogenesis. By understanding that living organisms may be viewed as systems—and that these evolve their often complex forms and behavioral patterns as a result of interactions between their components over time–dynamic, biological growths and transformations may also be simulated within digital design processes.
Non-Uniform Rational Basis Spline (NURBS)
NURBS is a mathematical model typically used in digital design for generating and representing curves and surfaces. This type of curve provides both considerable flexibility and precision for handling both analytic and free-form shapes and provides an effective design tool for integrating complex geometry within architectural design.
parametric design
Parametric design enables the designer to define relationships between elements or groups of elements, and to assign values or expressions to organize and control those definitions. It addresses the constraints of traditional CAD operations as—instead of the designer interacting directly with individual design elements—it creates a series of relationships allowing elements to connect and build up the design. The designer may, at any time, alter the values or equations that form the relationships between elements and the effects of these changes will be incorporated across the entire system.
plasma-arc cutting
This is a process typically used to cut steel and other metals. An inert gas is passed through a nozzle at high speed and in conjunction with an electrical arc, which turns some of the gas into plasma that is at such a high temperature it can cut through the metal.
rapid prototyping
Rapid prototyping machines “print” in three dimensions from a CAD file. The object is built up layer-by-layer; each new layer is bonded or melted into the previous one. Rapid prototyping can be undertaken in a variety of different materials, for example: polyamide powder or nylon, plaster bonded with glue, photopolymer resin, bronze alloy, steel, stainless steel, or cobalt chrome. Types of rapid prototyping include:
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), which prints three-dimensionally using a variety of metals, including bronze alloy, steel, stainless steel, and cobalt chrome.
• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), which forms layers by extruding small beads of thermoplastic material that hardens immediately after extrusion.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which builds three-dimensionally using a polyamide powder.
• stereolithography, which uses a vat of liquid UV-curable photopolymer and a UV laser to form layers of cross-section on the surface of the liquid which are incrementally cured through exposure to the laser’s light.
• 3-D printing, which prints three-dimensionally using a plasterbased material bonded with glue.
3-D scanning
A 3-D scanner digitally records the three-dimensional properties of an object to create a CAD file. The digital object can then be manipulated or recreated. A digitizing arm is a type of 3-D scanner.
voxel
A voxel, also known as a volumetric pixel or Volumetric Picture Element, is a volume element that represents a value on a regular grid in 3-D space.
water-jet cutting
A water-jet cutter uses a fine jet of water, mixed with abrasive matter, to cut a range of hard materials, including iron, steel, titanium, stone, concrete, glass, laminated wood, mirrors, and composite resins.
Aldersey-Williams, H. & Antonelli, P. [eds] (2008) Design and the Elastic Mind. The Musuem of Modern Art (New York).
Aranda, B. & Lasch, C. (2006) Tooling. Pamphlet Architecture no. 27. Princeton Architectural Press.
Ayres, P. [ed.] (2012) Persistent Modelling: Extending the Role of Architectural Representation. Routledge.
Barkow, F. & Leibinger, R. (2009) An Atlas of Fabrication. Architectural Association.
Burry, M. (2011) Scripting Cultures: Architectural design and programming. John Wiley & Sons.
Callicott, N. (2001) Computer-Aided Manufacture in Architecture: The Pursuit of Novelty. Architectural Press.
Chaszar, A. [ed.] (2006) Blurring the Lines. Wiley-Academy.
Coates, P. (2010) Programming.Architecture. Routledge.
Colletti, M. [ed.] (2010) Exuberance. John Wiley & Sons.
Corser, R. [ed.] (2010) Fabricating Architecture: Selected Readings in Digital Design and Manufacturing. Princeton Architectural Press.
Cruz, M. & Pike, S. [eds] (2008) Neoplasmatic Design. John Wiley & Sons.
Dunn, N. (2010) Architectural Modelmaking. Laurence King.
Frazer, J. (1995) An Evolutionary Architecture. Architectural Association.
Freyer, C., Noel, S. & Rucki, E. (2008) Digital by Design: crafting technology for products and environments. Thames & Hudson.
Glynn, R. & Sheil, B. [eds] (2011) FABRICATE: Making Digital Architecture. Riverside Architectural Press.
Gramazio, F. & Kohler, M. (2008) Digital Materiality in Architecture. Lars Müller Publishers.
Hensel, M., Menges, A. & Weinstock, M. (2004) Emergence: Morphogenetic Design Strategies. John Wiley & Sons.
Hensel, M. & Menges, A. (2006) Morpho-Ecologies. AA Publications.
Hoverstadt, L. (2009) Beyond the Grid: Architecture and Information Technology. Birkhäuser.
Iwamoto, L. (2009) Digital Fabrications: Architectural and Material Techniques. Princeton Architectural Press.
Kieran, S. & Timberlake, J. (2004) Refabricating Architecture. McGraw-Hill.
Kolarevic, B. [ed.] (2003) Architecture in the Digital Age: Design and Manufacturing. Spon Press.
Kolarevic, B. & Klinger, K. [eds] (2008) Manufacturing Material Effects: Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture. Routledge.
Lally, S. & Young, J. [eds] (2007) Softspace: From a Representation of Form to a Simulation of Space. Routledge.
Leach, N., Turnbull, D. & Williams, C. [eds.] (2004) Digital Tectonics. Wiley-Academy.
Littlewood, D. [ed.] (2008) Space Craft: Developments in Architectural Computing. RIBA Publishing.
Lynn, G. (1999) Animate Form. Princeton Architectural Press.
Meredith, M. & Sasaki, M. [eds] (2008) From Control to Design: Parametric/Algorithmic Architecture. Actar.
Oxman, R. & Oxman, R. [eds] (2010) The New Structuralism. John Wiley & Sons.
Picon, A. (2010) Digital Culture in Architecture: An Introduction for the Design Professions. Birkhäuser.
Pottmann, H., Asperl, A., Hofer, M. & Kilian, A. (2007) Architectural Geometry. Bentley Institute Press.
Reiser, J. & Umemoto, N. (2006) Atlas of Novel Tectonics. Princeton Architectural Press.
Schröpfer, T. (2011) Material Design: Informing Architecture by Materiality. Birkhäuser.
Sheil, B. [ed.] (2008) Proto Architecture: Analogue and Digital Hybrids. John Wiley & Sons.
Sheil, B. (2012) Manufacturing the Bespoke: Making and Prototyping Architecture. John Wiley & Sons.
Spuybroek, L. (2004) NOX: Machining Architecture. Thames & Hudson.
Terzidis, K. (2003) Expressive Form: A Conceptual Approach to Computational Design. Spon Press.
Terzidis, K. (2006) Algorithmic Architecture. Architectural Press.
Thomas, K. L. (2007) Material Matters: Architecture and Material Practice. Routledge.
Woodbury, R. (2010) Elements of Parametric Design. Routledge.