Scripted materials

Abstract

Looking tofabrication technologies as a way to bridge the gap between design and execution, this research tested various methods for the digital optimization of flat sheet materials, specifically those which can be reclaimed from building and manufacturing sites. By reordering conventional design processes to begin with (reclaimed) material constraints we are looking to close the gap in the cycle of sheet material manufacturing and reduce the amountof building waste in architectural projects. This paper will discuss the process of embedding digital information and scripting processes into material systems in order to rethink the relationship between input and output in design, especially in the contextof sheet material manufacturing, reclamation, fabrication and distribution. Two projects situated within architectural design studios are cited as examples to this approach, with speculation on how the work might shift the role of 'craft' in design and fabrication processes.