6. Computational Couture¶

Research & Ideation¶

This week in Fabricademy has been the toughest for me so far. I started the course with zero experience in 3D software or parametric design. So, first, I want to explain what parametric modeling actually means.

Parametric Design¶

According to literature, parametric design can be defined as a process based on an algorithmic approach that expresses parameters and rules that, together, can define, encode, and clarify the relationship between designer’s intent and design response (Caetano et al., 2020; Touloupaki and Theodosiou, 2017). This method mainly involves a flexible way to describe and generate geometry through scripting—by connecting decision variables and constraints (the parameters) to shapes, creating interdependencies between elements, and defining how those elements transform. It gives you real-time control over forms and parts, so you can explore many options at once and find solid answers to tricky problems.

In short, the word parametric comes from math and means using adjustable variables to change an equation’s outcome So, parametric design is basically math-driven design: you express relationships between elements as tweakable parameters, then adjust them to build complex shapes based on those linked values.

Julia Körner ¶

Julia Körner. Lamella Series 2022

Thank you, Fabricademy, for this week and for the opportunity to get to know Julia Körner. If one were to explore parametric design, it would be possible to focus solely on her portfolio—and that alone would be enough to grasp the full diversity and limitless possibilities of this technology.

Julia Körner.ARID Collection Re-FREAM Project Digital Vogue 2020

3D design in fashion feels quite controversial to me. Yes, it can be visually striking—but why do we really need it? When looking at Julia Körner’s work, that question simply doesn’t arise. This is a case where technology exists not just for the sake of progress, but where, in the hands of a creator, it becomes a tool for making something truly beautiful.

Julia Körner. Setae Jacket for Chro-Morpho Collection by Stratasys 2019

Hannah Soukup ¶

Hannah Soukup. Insides. Spring/Summer 2014

Hannah Soukup's jewelry collection is a fascinating example of how parametric algorithms can create super intricate and geometrically complex designs. She brilliantly combines modern computational tools with traditional handcrafting techniques to produce one-of-a-kind rings, bracelets, and necklaces. Her work clearly demonstrates the potential of parametric design in jewelry-making: it allows for endless unique variations while keeping the production process efficient and scalable. It's a perfect blend of tech innovation and artisanal skill—basically, jewelry from the future with a handmade soul.

Hannah Soukup. Insides. Spring/Summer 2014

Nerveus system¶

A collection of 3-dimensional cellular jewelry inspired by the microscopic shells of radiolarians. The complex forms were created through simulations of the physical forces in a cellular network. Each piece is built up layer by layer using 3d-printing. You can use our interactive webGL app to morph, twist, and subdivide; transforming a simple mesh to a complex patterned structure.

Designs are available in 3d-printed nylon, 3d-printed stainless steel, and sterling silver cast from 3d-printed wax. The intricate bi-layer forms would be impossible to create by traditional manufacturing methods.

Experience with BeeGraphy ¶

Logic of BeeGraphy BeeGraphy is a cloud-based software platform for parametric and computational design, primarily aimed at creating 2D and 3D models. It uses a visual programming interface, similar to tools like Grasshopper (for Rhino) or Dynamo (for Revit), where users build models through a node-based system rather than writing code. The core logic revolves around data flow and parametric relationships:

Node-Based Workflow: Each "node" represents a specific function, operation, or data type (e.g., generating geometry, performing mathematical operations, or exporting files). Nodes have input ports (usually on the left) for receiving data and output ports (on the right) for sending results. Users connect nodes with "wires" to define how data flows from one operation to the next, creating a directed graph that computes the model step by step.

Data Handling: Nodes often handle lists or trees of data implicitly (e.g., a grid node might output multiple points, which downstream nodes process as a collection). Geometry is built hierarchically: starting from primitives (points, curves, surfaces), applying transformations (extrude, union), and ending with outputs like 3D solids or exportable files.

Features and Purpose: It's web-based, requiring no installation, and supports real-time collaboration via shared links. Models can be shared without exposing the underlying logic, and users can even monetize them through an integrated marketplace. It's geared toward designers, architects, manufacturers, and hobbyists for creating customizable products, such as 3D-printable objects or product configurators. Outputs can include production-ready formats like STL for 3D printing or CNC machining.

The overall philosophy is to make complex computational design accessible and visual, emphasizing relationships between parameters and forms rather than explicit coding.

Beegraphy has quite nice tutorials to help working in this software.

I created a parametric model in BeeGraphy that generates a hexagonal grid of circular surfaces, extrudes them into 3D solids (cylinders), and combines multiple such sets into one unified solid ready for STL export.

Overall Workflow in Brief

Generate a hexagonal grid of points.
Place circular surfaces at those points (with adjustable radius).
Extrude the circles into 3D volumes (with adjustable height).
Repeat the process for several layers or variations.
Union all extruded solids into a single coherent geometry.
Export the result as an STL file.

The model is fully parametric: you can change grid size, circle radii, and extrusion heights via sliders, and the geometry updates instantly. This creates a customizable honeycomb-like pattern of extruded circles, perfect for 3D printing or design exploration.

Then we proceed with printing¶

Next, we open the slicer. I used OrcaSlicer. We select our printer. We have a Creality Ender-3 V3 KE.

We choose the required filament — PLA — and check the other settings.

We export the G-code.

We find the desired file in the printer's window and select our file (g-code).

On the printer we put the needed filament and heat the nozzle up to 220°C.

We proceed with printing.

By Mariam Baghdasaryan

After the first layer is printed, we stretch the fabric over the printer's bed and secure it on all sides with clips.

Then continue printing.

By Mariam Baghdasaryan

After printing is finished we need to tear off our print from the bed.

By Mariam Baghdasaryan

Below is the result of our experience of creating parametric design in BEEGRAPHY software.

Experience Geomentric Nodes in Blender¶

Geometry Nodes – Step-by-Step Guide (Working with Geometry)

For my work I followed this tutorial.

1) Setup Blender & Geometry Nodes

Open Blender (v3.1+ recommended).
Select your model and add a Geometry Nodes Modifier in the Modifier panel.
Click New to create a node tree.
Switch the editor to Geometry Node Editor.
You should see Group Input and Group Output nodes by default.
Save your Blender file.

2) Import or Prepare Geometry

If you have an external model, go to File → Append and import mesh geometry (e.g., a triangulated object).
Place it in the 3D Viewport.
Make sure the base object has a Geometry Nodes modifier applied.

3) Start Modifying Geometry

Remove or bypass the default Group Input geometry temporarily:
Disconnect the geometry output from the Group Input node.
Add a new geometry stream:
Add nodes like Mesh to Points, Transform, Join Geometry, etc.
Connect them so the geometry flows from input → modifiers → output.
Triangulate the Input Mesh:
Use the Triangulate Node if needed to breakdown faces into triangles.
Many procedural effects work better on triangular meshes.

4) Create Procedural Structures

Use Attribute nodes (like Position, Normal, Random) to drive variations.
For displacement and noise effects:
Add Noise Texture node → plug into Set Position.
Adjust noise scale to get desired distortion.
To generate new geometry:
Use Distribute Points on Faces.
Instance other objects on those points with Instance on Points.
Combine original and generated geometry using Join Geometry.

5) Fine-Tune Parameters

Add Input nodes (Value, Vector) for sliders:
Example: control displacement amount with a Value Input.
Group common parameters for easy editing:

6) Preview & Render

In the 3D Viewport, switch to Rendered view to see effects live.
Use Subdivision Surface or Adaptive Subdivision for smooth results.
Tweak lighting and camera for final render.

Tips (from general Geometry Nodes principles) - Node Workflow Basics - Group Input: starts geometry pipeline. - Pocessing Nodes: modify or generate geometry (transform, noise, distribute). - Join Geometry: merges streams. - Group Output: final geometry sent back to Blender.

Common Node Types You’ll Use Node Purpose Mesh to Points Converts mesh faces to points for scattering. Set Position Moves vertices procedurally. Noise Texture Adds procedural variation. Join Geometry Combines multiple geometry outputs.

As well as the first project of Beegraphy, we proceed with generating G-code in OrcaSlicer.

For this object we add supports as on screen bellow.