Skip to content

07. Computational Couture

Weekly Quest

Week 07 by Michelle & Asli

more info on week 07

BRIEF

Disciplines as programming and electronics become highly interconnected, blurring old boundaries and merging different fields of knowledge. Fashion has been already affected by this radical change. Therefore, clothes, shoes and other accessories can now incorporate elements of hardware and software, generating a peculiar mix between fashion and computation that is incredibly fertile and inspiring. Data becomes Beauty, Interaction becomes Emotion. As a result, a new aesthetic is emerging.

REQUIREMENTS

This class requires basic knowledge of Rhinoceros, Grasshopper. Participants should bring their own laptop with a pre-installed software. The software package needed has no additional cost for the participant (Rhino can be downloaded as evaluation version, Grasshopper and plugins are free). These softwares are subject to frequent updates, so a download link to the version used in the workshop will be sent to the participants a few days before the workshop.

Inspiration
My Inspiration

Notes / Reseach
Notes from class

Parametric Deisgn 101

What is Parametric Design?

Parametric design is a design approach that involves using parameters or variables to define and manipulate elements of a design. These parameters can include dimensions, relationships, constraints, and rules that govern how a design responds to changes. In parametric design, altering one parameter can result in automatic adjustments in other aspects of the design, facilitating flexibility, adaptability, and efficient design exploration.

How do Rhino and Grasshopper apply to parametric design

Rhino and Grasshopper are indispensable tools in the textile industry, working in harmony to enable parametric design. Rhino's 3D modeling capabilities empower textile designers to create intricate patterns and fabrics. Its integration with Grasshopper, a visual scripting plugin, takes parametric design to new heights. Grasshopper's node-based interface and logic connections allow for the rapid generation of flexible textile designs, including fabric manipulation, texture mapping, and customizable patterns. Together, Rhino and Grasshopper offer a dynamic platform for textile designers to explore creative possibilities, adapt to changing requirements, and push the boundaries of textile design and production.

Pseudo Code:

is a simple way of describing a set of instructions, in plain English, to solve a given problem. In some sense, Pseudo Code, is a set of organized thoughts for solving a problem. Using Pseudo Code, users express their structured approach to solve a given problem in plain and easy to understand sentences

Open Source Comunityfor Grasshopper

Experiments
Hot Glue Hack

Attempt 01 (collab Riley)
  1. In collaboration with Riley, we designed a parametric spiked collar using rhino and Grasshopper. We created a short video to showcase our determination in attempting to print it multiple times, but unfortunately, we were unsuccessful in the end. It's all part of the learning experience:

Our final STL model for printing with Ultimaker 2+ :

Grasshopper Queen Asli helped us setting up the G-code on grasshopper, manipulating the length, shape and population density of the shape chosen: cones.

3D Prints Attempts

Objective Filaments/Machine Settings
Stars on Lycra (creating manipulation of fabric in a convex way) PLA 2.85mm color Traffic Red Speed: 100% Temp: 200°C Bed: 50°C
Machine: Ultimate 2+
Spikey Collar (w/Riley, soft spikes accessory for neck) TPU/NinjaFlex color Hot Pink Speed: 60% Temp: 200°C Bed: 70°C
Machine: Ultimate 2+
St Peter’s Basilica Floor Plan (testing PLA on mesh fabric) PLA 2.85 mm color Traffic Red Speed: 150/250% Temp: 200/250°C Bed: 50°C
Machine: Ultimate 2+
Sublimation Paper Trail (w/Riley, testing sublimation paper on flexi filament) TPU/NinjaFlex color Hot Pink Speed: 50% Temp: 250°C Bed: 70°C
Machine: Ultimate 2+
Results
Reflection

Reflecting on this week of computational couture, I had envisioned 3-D printers as real life alternatives and solutions to world issues…The reality, however, proved more challenging. 3D printers remained costly and unpredictable. It's a highly technical realm. While I understood the allure, the week felt more painful than purposeful.

After finishing my assignments and wrestling with parameters, I chose to go with the flow. I relaxed, delving into the world of 3-D printing without overthinking. I sought to grasp the intricacies of Printworks, exploring its potential.

I also embarked on an exciting journey, hacking a printer to create bio-based prints. Amid the whirlwind of learning and accomplishing new tasks, I, alongside Michele and Laura, decided to embrace 3-D printing with calm and dedication, envisioning a promising future.

Yet, it's worth mentioning that our parametric design with Riley proved time-consuming. After two failed attempts and the need to change printers and filament, we realized it would take another six hours to print. In the end, we decided to explore different designs and techniques instead.

I don't dislike 3-D printers; I was simply carried away by their possibilities. Perhaps, in time, they will become my preferred avenue for exploration. For now, I cherish the opportunity to learn, work late into the night, and revel in my independence, crafting creations with my own hands.

Favorite Outcome

In the end, my favorite outcome is the one that gave me a more rewarding sense of actually having a tangible physical object. I could wear it, touch it, and iterate on it. The hot glue hack, where I manipulated synthetic elastic fibers like lycra using a glue gun, creating creases and voluminous shapes, resulted in two different lycra shirts. This accomplishment brought me great joy. However, I also learned that not having a final, tangible outcome resides in my documentation. Who knows, perhaps in the future, I will revisit it and make it tangible and real as well.

Tools
Software's Used
Future References
Dig Deeper

bio printing soon together with Laura and Mitchelle...can't wait (will try with alginate yeast starch and who know what will be next, fascinated in exploring to print as fabric)

Hacks

Michelle told me how to upload giffs as video in order to have an optimized resolution this is the code (remember to indent th eline the middle):

Google drive tutorials rhino

Image to 3D model converters only tool

Open Source Comunityfor Grasshopper

BE CURIOUS

Join me on my adventure on Instagram and Pintrest

IG@JOINTSCIENCE

PINTREST INSPIRATIONS

© [2023] credit : ray