(6) Digital Design - Trevor Morse

In recent years computers have become a mainstay within the architectural world. Modeling and rendering software has made the process extremely easy to create and to communicate with clients. Today, the use of computers is reaching even further with even more technology being developed such as 3D printers and CNC machines, both of which allow architects to add new elements of design and functionality to their work. Currently a group of designers in Switzerland have been working on a project for a courthouse that uses triangle panels in order to complete an "inner facade." This design was created digitally using the design software Rhino 3D. The facade was then divided up into a series of panels ranging in size in order to fit to the different rooms. The construction of the panels was also done digitally through a CNC machine, allowing for precision when designing the acoustic abilities of the facade. The technology that is being used in this design is making its way into smaller  projects like single family homes and community living. What this allows ultimately is endless possibilities, affordable construction and most of all money being saved.