Being

The notion of being is used, instead of ‘human’, to define the user in the process of making. There are many different interpretations of the word but briefly refers to a real or imaginary living creature or entity, especially an intelligent one. While the term, ‘human’ solely includes homo-sapiens, ‘being’ accepts the possibility of a bot or an AI (Artificial Intelligence) to be incorporated in the definition. Unlike our previous inventions, AI is, arguably, the most or perhaps the only smart one, as it has the capability of perceiving its environment and taking actions that maximize its chance of successfully achieving its goals. The term “artificial intelligence” is often used to describe machines (or computers) that mimic “cognitive” functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as “learning” and “problem-solving”. A quip in Tesler’s Theorem says “AI is whatever hasn’t been done yet.”

Therefore, in this study, it becomes essential to consider the role of an AI that can run the algorithm without a human’s physical presence. With the advancement in technology, it becomes our responsibility to face the changes and shape it as humane way as possible, because that’s what we have been doing for ages. Humans have used anything that came their way and made it into something that defines us, be it stone, wood, iron. The challenge is to shape the AI but, not let it take entire control over the operation.

Algorithm

To briefly describe, an algorithm is a system to solve a given problem processing through a lot of steps to give the most efficient single or multiple choices of solutions. In a computer or machine language, it is a set of rules which has established parameters (constants and variables), and constraints. These rules have certain strengths and obstacles, that every user needs to face to make the algorithm reach its full potential.

Computational Design

The physical craft of design needs to be translated into a language that can be processed by the computer. Earlier, these used to be 0’s and 1’s. But, with the advancement in technology, the complex input has been hidden and made more user friendly with software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhino, VRay. These are very diverse and aids from the concept stage to the final processed output. The only major difference is in a designer’s approach towards a project, that has to be more procedural in the digital realm.

There are a number of strengths that one can rely upon while designing through machines;

  • Precision;

  • Visual Complexity;

  • Generative;

  • Parameterization;

  • Documentation

With the advantages comes the obstacles;

  • Formalizing complex problems;

  • Creating singularities;

  • Selecting a final design

Digital fabrication

It is the process of using computer-aided technology to generate design which is then translated to machine language to fabricate the object. Some form of CAD file is generally required to control a computer numerical control (CNC) machine, enabling digital fabrication. There are two primary forms of digital-fabrication manufacturing, additive and subtractive. Subtractive processes machine apart by removing pieces from the original material and include tools like laser cutters, CNC milling machines, and vinyl cutters. Additive processes create a part by incrementally adding successive layers of material. 3D printers, inkjet printers and CNC embroidery machines are most commonly associated with this type.

There is one big challenge when it comes to fabrication; the precision. Every material, such as wood, cloth, leather, paper, etc, has a margin of error; the thickness and texture; which often is neglected while designing and creates havoc during the assembling part. This is one of the few problems that must be encountered and solved at the preparatory stages.