CDFAM Computational Design Symposium – Details, episodes & analysis

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

KPF’s computational geometry processes, whether generating complex building components, documenting, optimizing, rationalizing, or form-finding, consistently rely on a set of core common methods.

Across geometrically and computationally diverse projects, we have identified a repeated pattern and codified 5 distinct methods that form the logical underpinning of almost every bespoke computational task. These methods—data branching, point sorting, plane-based calculation, cross-referencing, and surface rebuilding—form the foundation of our architectural geometric computation process, much like the unseen bulk of an iceberg beneath the water’s surface.

The majority of the work in each computational project involves a combination of these five methods; only after establishing these foundational logics can we implement the bespoke computational logic that handles the specific geometric tasks.

Despite their apparent simplicity, these core functions can become extraordinarily complex in large projects due to the vast number of conditions and edge cases which require our core methods to be standardize and scalable. As project complexity increases, these elemental functions become much more important than bespoke computational logics to ensure that all geometric conditions are accounted for. In this presentation, we will define the main foundational methods of computational geometry and then use several geometrically and logically diverse megaprojects to illustrate how these foundational methods form the majority of the computational logic in each.

Through classification and case studies, we will codify the core geometric computational methods required to develop any large architectural project at scale

Speaker Bio

Madeleine Metawati Eggers is a computational design specialist at KPF who specializes in parametric modeling and computational problem solving on large-scale and complex buildings. As a core member of the KPF computational design team, she has worked with leadership to guide the computational design team’s role in the office as collaborators in the design process, particularly in representing qualitative design problems such that they can be solved computationally.

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

Visit CDFAM.COM to learn about upcoming events around the world.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

Prosthetic sockets for people with amputation are traditionally provided using a manual, plaster-based process where the clinician captures the shape of the limb using a plaster cast, makes modifications to this surface to load and off-load particular biomechanical regions, before this modified shape is used as the base to fabricate the final device.  

While digital processes have been around for several decades, which use 3D scanning and surface-based sculpting tools to replicate the traditional processes, using this digital record to learn from and support the socket design processes has been limited. With increasing adoption of 3D printing in the industry, the need for data to support in device design and fitting is increasing. 

Radii Devices are a UK-based startup using machine learning techniques to learn from historical records and support fitting of these devices within a clinical setting. By providing clinicians access to this technology at the point-of-care, their aim is to provide an improved fitting process for both clinicians and prosthetic users. 

Speaker Bios

Nathan Shirley, Lead Computational & Industrial Designer, HP Computational Design

Nathan helps lead a tactical Design, Engineering, UX and SW team that implements mass customization design engines for HP’s 3D printing customers. We operate as a highly specialized consultancy to help them navigate the complex design and integration path to customizable production at scale in Multi-Jet Fusion, HP’s industrial 3D printing Technology. We focus mainly on Medical & Consumer Body Fitment use cases like orthotics, prosthetics, eyewear, footwear and performance sporting gear, as well as on engineered lattice meta-material behaviors.

Joshua Steer, PhD is the Founder and CEO of Radii Devices Ltd.

He completed his PhD in the Bioengineering department of the University of Southampton, UK in 2019, where he continues as a Visiting Research Follow. His prior academic research and subsequent work at Radii focuses on using software and data, such as 3D scans, to support the fitting of Prosthetics and Orthotics, and has contributed to 17 peer-reviewed journal articles. He collaborates on projects with multiple partners including the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Advanced Manufacturing and National Health Service in the UK.

Full Presentation on Youtube

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

This recording of Natalie Alima, a pioneering figure in the convergence of biology, robotics, and computational design from Biolab + Adidas presenting at the CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium, held in New York City in 2023. Presentation

Title: Interspecies Forms: Robotic Feedback Systems, Mycelia Growth & Computational Form: Redefining Design through Biological Integration

Abstract: Natalie Alima, a leading innovator at Biolab + Adidas, delivers a thought provoking presentation on 'Interspecies Forms' – a groundbreaking exploration of the integration of robotic feedback systems, mycelia growth, and computational form in design. Alima presents her in-depth research and experiments with mycelia – the root structure of mushrooms – and how its interaction with robotic systems and computational design methods can lead to novel design forms. Through her work, Alima challenges traditional design boundaries and introduces a new realm where biology, robotics, and computational design interplay to create sustainable and adaptive design solutions.

Audience: This presentation is specifically designed for professionals, researchers, and academics in the fields of computational design, additive manufacturing, biological design, and robotics. Individuals intrigued by the intersections of biology, robotics, and computational design will find this presentation particularly enriching.

Please note: The CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium is a prestigious forum for the exchange of knowledge and expertise among specialists in computational design and additive manufacturing. This recording is shared for educational and professional development purposes.

Francis Bitonti, working at the intersection of computer vision, synthetic data, and computational design at Lexset, presentation at the CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium, held in New York City in 2023.

Abstract: Francis Bitonti, CEO and co-founder of Lexset, explores the transformative capabilities of computer vision and synthetic data in the realm of computational design in his presentation titled 'From Simulation to Reality'. Bitonti delves into the practical applications of these technologies, showcasing how the convergence of computer vision and synthetic data can turn digital simulations into tangible realities. Bitonti offers an in-depth view of these technologies' role in advancing computational design, illustrating their potential with real-world examples from his work at Lexset.

His presentation outlines the potential challenges and solutions associated with implementing these technologies, providing a comprehensive overview of this cutting-edge field.

Audience: This presentation is tailored for professionals, researchers, and academics in the fields of computational design, additive manufacturing, computer vision, and synthetic data. Individuals with an interest in understanding the practical applications of computer vision and synthetic data in computational design will find this presentation highly beneficial.

Please note: The CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium is a renowned platform for the exchange of knowledge among specialists in computational design and additive manufacturing. This recording is intended for educational and professional development purposes.

Recorded live at CDFAM June 14-15 2023, NYC.

Recorded live at the CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium June 14-15 2023, NYC.

Recorded at CDFAM 23 Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium.

This recording features Marek Moffett, co founder and CINO of General Lattice at the CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium, held in New York City in 2023 Presentation

Title: Digital Materials – Geometry and Data Combined

Abstract: Marek Moffett, co-founder of General Lattice covers Digital Materials, Material Library, Material Integrator, and the Wilson Airless Prototype.

Audience: This presentation is aimed at professionals, researchers, and academics in the fields of computational design, additive manufacturing, material science, and data integration. Those interested in the integration of geometry and data with digital materials will find this presentation immensely beneficial.

Recorded live at the CDFAM Computational Design (+DfAM) Symposium

Mark Burhop, Research Engineer and 2022 Inventor of the Year at Siemens has been helping to advance techniques to create and communicate geometry in a programatic manner that may actually help to ‘make complexity free’.

Recorded live at CDFAM 23 in NYC

With a background in both mechanical and biomedical engineering, Matt Shomper has designed some of the most advanced medical devices produced using 3D printing. Possessing deep expertise in engineering metamaterials through computational design, as well as experience in navigating complex designs through the FDA approval process, Matt has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with computational design and additive manufacturing.

With his newly launched consultancy, ‘Not A Robot,’ Matt offers advanced engineering services in the design of not only products but also the systems necessary to build computational workflows for medical devices and beyond.