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6. Computational Couture

describe what you see in this image

Where fashion meets computation, new digital design methodologies emerge. This week we entered the world of parametric design. Parametric design uses algorithms and parameters to create models and patterns where one change automatically updates the entire design.

In this unit, we learned to use Rhino (powerful 3D software) & Grasshopper (a plug-in for parametric design). Such computational tools enable fashion-tech designers to create intelligent textiles and wearables that extend the human body. Programming and electronics interconnect with design for expression (wearable art, custom jewelry, etc.), interaction (responsive to the environment, others), and function (e.g. clothes for health and sports).

References & inspiration

I am fascinated by the mesmerizing "randomness" of veronoi patterns.

A voronoi diagram is a type of diagram where a number of points are scattered on a plane and divided into n number of cells, which enclose a region of the plane closest to each respective point. Voronoi diagrams are found in nature, architecture and art.

~ From The Fascinating World of Voronoi Diagrams

La Pedrera gates by Antoni Gaudi, Florescence Onata by Nervous System, dress by Iris Van Herpen:

La Pedrera gates, Florescence Onata, dress by Iris Van Herpen

Dress by Iris Van Herpen:

Dress by Iris Van Herpen

Projects employing parametric design by Julie Koerner:

Projects by Julie Koerner

Research & learning

Rhino 3D software icon

My process was to learn basics of Rhino 3D software and Grasshopper parametric design, then try 3 paths:

  • Rhino model > 3D print
  • Sketch > vector > Rhino > 3D print
  • Learn to make a Voronoi pattern in Grasshopper > Rhino > 3D print

Rhino & Grasshopper basics

Goal: Learn Rhino 3D software and Grasshopper plug in. Wow, hard goal, given that I was flying solo this week (“at my lab/home”). So many tutorials, and each one felt like climbing a mountain in the dark. I needed my learning community! I was very proud of my first steps in working with algorithms in this basic circle, below. :)

Circle model tutorial

I moved on to other basic shapes, distorting shapes ... and a mess of spaghetti, too:

Basic shapes and spaghetti mess

I made these boxes (shown on the left in Rhino) in Grasshopper (shown on the right) without ever "touching" Rhino. Crazy, huh? When designing in Grasshopper, you're typically laying out the instructions and parameters from left to right. I found it super helpful to label the steps (numbers, points, etc.).

Basic shapes and spaghetti mess

There is soooo much functionality possible within Grasshopper. I found it helpful to keep this Grasshopper icons window open as a holistic reference to all the categories and sub-categories.

Grasshopper cetegory icons


Assignment
  • Create samples/swatches of 3D printing as fabric or on fabrics and a 3D/parametric model
  • Document the concept, sketches, references also to artistic or scientific articles on 3D printing and parametric modeling
  • Design a parametric model using Grasshopper3D or Blender (or alternative parametric software) and upload the 3D design file + required parametric files
  • Check out the full weekly assignment here.
get inspired!

Check out and research alumni pages to better understand how to document and get inspired



Voronoi panel

Goal: Work with an existing complex 3D model — understand it, manipulate/adjust it, export and print it. √ Check.

Voronoi panel stl file and 3D print


Voronoi Panel by Kim Ducharme on Sketchfab


Circles analog sketch

Goal: Go from analog image or sketch > vector > Rhino > 3D print - Start with a sketch > bring it into Illustrator to create a vector saved as an .svg > bring it into Rhino > adjust dimensions, thickness > export GL code to Prusa slicer > 3D print.

I did not have time to take this all the way to 3D printing. I look forward to experimenting with printing on different fabrics when I get back to Artisans Asylum in Boston.

Circles pattern


Voronoi attractor point variations

There were many trial prints before having this sweet success!


Voronoi Panel by Kim Ducharme on Sketchfab

Here is the printed veronoi swatch in different lights. It's fabulous!

Veronoi prints in different light

Veronoi prints in different light

Veronoi prints in different light

Tools

3D Models

upload the 3d models of MakeHuman, Final 3d modelled body, 3D Scans, etc use the fabrication files at the bottom of the page to link and upload models, referencing them with a footnote

Dita's Gown by Francis Bitonti Studio on Sketchfab

Fabrication files

  1. File: 3d modelling of mannequin ↩

  2. File: Laser cut sheets ↩

  3. File: additional models ↩