Research cluster
3D Digital Production Research at University College Falmouth
A growing number of designers and makers are extending their autonomous control over the process of designing and manufacturing products through the creation of digital information, and use of computer numerically controlled machinery. Their often idiosyncratic and sometimes subversive use of these technologies is resulting in the creation of new forms and processes. This innovative work challenges our cultural understanding of the parameters of hand and mass-manufactured production.
Research into 3D Digital Production combines the cultures of designing through making and product design in an exploration of digital technologies in the development of innovative design products and processes. The research cluster is supported by a suite of cutting edge 3D digital production technologies housed in the custom built Design Centre on the University's new Tremough campus, and brings together post doctoral and post graduate practitioner-researchers working individually and as a team.
In January 2005 the cluster held their first symposium, Autonomatic (
www.falmouth.ac.uk/autonomatic) at which they launched the Autonomatic 3D Digital Design Research Compeition. The winners who will recieve £2000 to carry out their proposed research project, access to the research studio and the 3D Digital Production Technologies in the Design Centre, are detailed below.
Tavs Jorgensen, Exploring digital interfaces between human gesture and 3D CAD software.
This project explores the potential for developing a more direct, physical interface with CAD software through the use of human gesture in the generation of 3D CAD data. Jorgensen is a freelance ceramic designer based in Exeter, UK and works extensively with Dart Pottery in Devon, UK. He will be presenting a paper about his research at the "In the Making" conference to be held at Royal Academy of Fine Arts, School of Architecture in Copenhagen, Denmark, 29-31st of May 2005 (
http://www.nordes.org/.)
Dr. Justin Marshall, Contemporary Decorative Plasterwork: a collaborative research project with Hayles and Howe, ornamental plasterwork specialists, Bristol, UK.
This project explores the role of a designer-maker in developing innovative products through the integration of CAD/CAM technologies with the traditional skills and processes used in the ornamental plasterwork industry. Marshall is an independent artist and ceramicist based in Bristol, UK. He has a PhD entitled, The Role and Significance of CAD/CAM Technologies in Craft and Designer Maker Practice; with a Focus on Architectural Ceramics (1999)
David Emblin, Old and New, Lost and Forgotten: creating new lives for lost and forgotten objects through
contemporary and traditional craft.
This short project explores the use of CAD/CAM technologies in the re-creation/re-invention of lost, missing or forgotten elements of existing artefacts. Emblin is a freelance 3D Designer with experience of working with mixed media based in Falmouth, UK. He will be embarking on Masters level study in Design Products at the Royal College of Art in October this year.
If you are a designer, maker or manufacturer interested in this area of research, please contact the 3D Digital Production research cluster leader, Dr Katie Bunnell on 01326 370497 or email katie.bunnell@falmouth.ac.uk with any project inquiries, or let us know if you would like to be included on our mailing list for future research events.
