Manufacturing Material Effects: Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture

Architecture as a material practice implies that making the close engagement of material is intrinsic to design process. Making is increasingly being mediated through information that directs machines to shape materials and modify their properties. Innovative new techniques based on digital technologies are redefining the relationship between design and fabrication, enabling material explorations from the earliest stages of design and throughout the production process. As a consequence, material effects, such as pattern, texture, relief, or varied properties, are becoming more customary in contemporary architecture as a means to manifest design intent on building surfaces. As surfaces become more complex in their form, shape, composition, and appearance, the manufacturing of material effects becomes a locus of design and production efforts. Manufacturing Material Effects features the design and research work by some of the leading designers, makers, and thinkers today. The book presents: Emerging collaborative design and production practices based on innovative and experimental processes of material exploration New forms of architectural production Various computationally numerically controlled (CNC) processes of shaping and reshaping which enable designers to craft material effects Theoretical positions from all stages of the design and production process This highly illustrated volume brings together a wealth of information and numerous examples from contemporary practice. It forms a useful guide for both students and practitioners interested in the design, development, fabrication, and assembly of highly intricate projects that are grounded in innovative explorations of both "old' and "new' materials.Kolarevic, Branko is the author of 'Manufacturing Material Effects: Rethinking Design and Making in Architecture' with ISBN 9780415775755 and ISBN 0415775752.