A «True» 3D World Arrives

Introduction:

• This lecture explores the evolution from 2D to 3D design, emphasizing the shift from describing objects to creating and processing them in a true 3D world.

• The discussion connects this development to historical innovations and contemporary digital tools, highlighting their impact on architectural design and conceptual thinking.

From 2D to 3D:

1. Leonardo’s Legacy:

   • The initial 2D vector paradigm allowed for coordinates (XY) to locate and move entities on a plane.

   • Leonardo imagined extending this to a 3D plane (XYZ), introducing depth and creating a 3D wireframe cube where points, lines, and vectors could exist in space.

2. Conceptual Extension:

   • The transition from 2D to 3D is not a paradigm shift but an extension of the vector world’s logic.

   • Layers, parameterized transformations, and efficiencies from 2D remain integral in the 3D context, but with added power and complexity.

Creating, Not Describing:

1. Shift in Approach:

   • The focus moves from describing pre-existing objects to actively making and constructing them.

   • Making involves a process-driven attitude, requiring logical operations and a sequence of actions.

2. Boolean Operations:

   • Boolean operations form the foundation of 3D object creation:

     • Union: Combining two objects to create a single form.

     • Subtraction: Carving one object with another.

     • Intersection: Creating a new object from the overlapping area of two objects.

     • Difference: Leaving only the non-overlapping portions of two objects.

   • These operations allow for complex, constructive manipulation of 3D forms.

3. Keywords and Actions:

   • Terms like "carving," "subtracting," "intersecting," and "folding" describe the verbs of 3D construction.

   • These actions translate conceptual ideas into tangible digital operations.

Historical and Artistic Context:

1. Richard Serra’s Influence:

   • Serra’s "Bible of Words" encapsulates 70 terms related to sculptural construction, emphasizing the artistic foundation of 3D operations.

   • These terms inspire architects and designers to think creatively about constructing and manipulating space.

2. Lofting in Design:

   • Lofting, derived from shipbuilding and stereotomy, involves drawing full-scale templates for curved forms.

   • This technique connects historical craftsmanship to modern 3D modeling, illustrating the continuity of construction logic.

Movement and Transformations in 3D:

1. Role of Movement:

   • Movement constructs dimensions:

     • A point’s movement creates a line.

     • A line’s movement generates a plane.

     • A plane’s movement produces a volume.

   • Complex movements result in intricate geometrical forms.

2. Extrusion and Revolution:

   • Extrusion involves extending a shape along a path to create 3D forms (e.g., frames or beams).

   • Revolution generates shapes by rotating profiles around an axis, commonly used in creating cylindrical or spherical objects.

Beyond Realism in 3D Models:

1. Conceptualizing Space:

   • The purpose of 3D modeling is not to replicate reality but to interpret and reimagine space critically.

   • Luigi Moretti’s model of Borromini’s Baroque church illustrates this approach, focusing on empty spaces and conceptual abstraction.

2. Andrew Sanders’ Digital Baroque:

   • Sanders uses point clouds to create non-realistic, critical interpretations of Baroque architecture, showcasing the potential of 3D technology for innovative spatial exploration.

Key Takeaways:

1. 3D Creation Over Description:

   • The true 3D world emphasizes making and constructing, moving beyond mere representation.

2. Boolean and Transformative Operations:

   • Boolean logic and movement-based transformations form the core of 3D design, offering a wide range of creative possibilities.

3. Art and Architecture Fusion:

   • The fusion of sculptural logic and digital tools fosters a new language for architectural and spatial creation.

Conclusion:

• The lecture highlights the evolution of 3D thinking in architecture, from historical techniques to contemporary digital modeling.

• It challenges architects to use 3D tools not just to mimic reality but to explore new conceptual and spatial realms.

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