The name "Math-Morph" combines the notion of “mathematic” with the notion of “morphology”. This website document the ongoing research of Prof. Ming Tang on the digital fabrication, the biological and mathematical driven form generation, and digital representation.  This research project is funded by 2009 SCAD president fellowship.

The influence of digital media and information technology on architectural education and practice is increasingly evident. Digital technology has reconditioned the design process, established new processes and techniques of fabrication, and influenced how we operate as architects. Today, architectural design and building construction are increasingly aided by and dependent on digital technology, which allows architects to foresee the appearance and predict the performance of proposed buildings. This project proposes an interdisciplinary research in digital fabrication of unconventional 3D forms on the level of conceptual design, in order to explore their features in interacting with people and their potentials of being used as architectural forms. It describes an experimental approach facilitating 3D form design, visualization and communication. The expected outcome a permanent commercial hosting website providing free tutorials and learning resources on digital fabrication and virtual visualization for students majoring in architecture, interior design, industrial design, furniture design, Jewry and metal design, and sculpture.

Step 1----Form generation

First, a series of computer models were generated by computer algorithms, cellular automation, and mathematic equations using Maya and Houdini programs.

For instance:

sin(2*x) * cos(y) * sin(z)
+ sin(2*y) * cos(z) * sin(x)
+ sin(2*z) * cos(x) * sin(y) - 0.06 + cos(2*x) * sin(y) * cos(z)
+ cos(2*y) * sin(z) * cos(x)
+ cos(2*z) * sin(x) * cos(y)

will generate the following form

Step 2---Digital fabrication

First, a series of computer models were generated by computer algorithms, cellular automation, and mathematic equations using Maya and Houdini programs. These computer models were fabricated as physical prototypes by the Stratasys FDMTM (Fused Deposition Modeling) systems, CNC machine, and laser cut machines available at SCAD. The purpose of this part is bi-fold. It does not only inspire designers for the use of unconventional 3D forms in architectural design, which has traditionally been restrained by difficulties in design and visualization, but also tests the possibility of these unconventional 3D forms in being manufactured as physical prototypes.

 

Step 3---Virtual visualization

As a counterpart of the physical exhibition, the computer models created in step 1 were  published in a virtual reality (VR) environment supported by web 3D technology, game engine and other real time rendering tools, which allow viewers to interact with these 3D forms in real time.

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Integrated with a diverse array of emerging technologies and methods from digital computation, the proposed project will be interdisciplinary architectural research, which explores the potentials of unconventional 3D forms being used in architectural design, and describes a practical way to use a low cost digital fabrication and virtual reality (VR) system for 3D design.

Ming Tang. LEED AP
http://ming3d.com

Director of Electronic Design.
Professor. Dept. of Architectrue Design.
Savannah College of Art and Design