Group Research Project 

1. Select a technology that you'd all like to learn more about: 

3D scanning/photogrammetry and 3D printing. 

2.  Select a common "theme" or "concept" that appeals to everyone:

Sculptural detailing in architecture.

3.  Pare your ideas down to a "researchable question" that can be stated in one sentence:

How can we use 3D scanning technology to capture organic volumes and textures from nature and combine them in 3D modeling software to create architectural details for facades, columns, light filtration, furniture, and wall/ceiling textures? 

4.  Assign tasks to each member of the team:

Timothy: Research real life precedents of biomimicry and 3D printing in architecture.

Cade: Begin searching for real life objects to scan, such as plants and fungi with interesting shapes and patterns, animals, rocks, or any natural phenomena that can be translated into sculpture.

5.  Create a timeline for concept development, process, and production

• Research precedents, real life applications, and uses of 3D scanning and printing technology. 

(Feb 29 - March 13).

• After completing research, decide what application would best suit our idea. Is it better suited as something decorative, like a wall feature, or could it be utilized in a more practical way like in furniture or light filtration? 

(March 13).

• Scan chosen objects and clean up resulting models in 3D modeling software like Blender or Rhino.

(March 13 - March 20).

• Using various scans of objects, begin to manipulate and combine models to create interesting designs and textures. 

(March 20 - March 27). 

• Possible real life assembly/display. If possible, discuss how actually fabricating our designs could work. Could we somehow secure access to the proper equipment for a 3D print at a large scale? What materials would we use? How much would it cost? If necessary we could produce smaller scale prototypes/models. 

(March 27).

• Create the final product using 3D printing technology. 

(March 27 - April 25).

6.  Create a plan for documenting the process and product and exhibiting the final work.

We will record our experiences as we move forward with the project, making note of any changes to our end goal or roadblocks we encounter along the way. We will record our process for constructing our designs and eventually create a final exhibition of our work and the journey we took to get there.

7.  Exhibition of final project (April 25 - April 30)