University of Florida Workshop on Parametric Surface Fabrication

Designing and constructing curved surfaces for architecture relies on parametric modeling and decomposition of the surface into constructable components. This workshop uses a combination of tactile and digital methods to convey lessons of defining a curved surface, converting it to facets, designing connectors, fabricating and accounting for tolerances for assemblies, and exploring other forms.

Steps are:

1. Assemble a model with Joker toy.
2. Construct a digital model of the Joker toy assembly.
3. Examine and modify the digital components in the Joker toy.
4. Extract parts lists, laser cut sheets, and 3D print files.
5. Explore other form-making strategies
1. Blended sweeps
2. Nodes and orientation
3. Adaptive components
1. Sweeps
2. Dimensionless rigging
4. Divided lines and ruled surface
1. Catenary
5. Striated and waffle surface
6. Patterned surfaces: Bricks
7. Patterned surfaces: Shingles
8. Patterned surfaces: Facets
1. Extrusions
2. Tolerances
3. Chamfering
9. Patterned surfaces: Smooth surfaces
10. Deformed surfaces with attractors, reactors, and iterators
1. Weaves
2. Waves
3. Gravity
6. Make something!