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H. Schmiedhofer, Martin Reis, S. Flöry, F. Rist, G. Suter:
"A Framework for Linking Design and Fabrication in Geometrically Complex Architecture";
Talk: Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture Conference, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 2014-10-23 - 2014-10-25; in: "Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture Conference", (2014), 9 pages.

While the development of specialized geometric
design tools for geometrically complex architecture
becomes increasingly common, an easily accessible
link to fabrication processes is still missing.
Common approaches to link design and fabrication
suffer from various inefficiencies. We present a fabrication
planning framework capable of extending
specialized geometric design tools to seamless
digital chains that directly connect designer and
CNC fabrication machinery. By integrating design
and fabrication planning processes, our framework
avoids common data exchange problems and allows
for feedback on fabrication planning results at
design time. In combination with a geometrically
versatile representation of physical parts, we
achieve a reusable solution that is applicable to the
diverse requirements of geometrically complex
architecture. In this paper, we present the concept,
design and implementation of our solution together
with experiments and results.

While the development of specialized geometric
design tools for geometrically complex architecture
becomes increasingly common, an easily accessible
link to fabrication processes is still missing.
Common approaches to link design and fabrication
suffer from various inefficiencies. We present a fabrication
planning framework capable of extending
specialized geometric design tools to seamless
digital chains that directly connect designer and
CNC fabrication machinery. By integrating design
and fabrication planning processes, our framework
avoids common data exchange problems and allows
for feedback on fabrication planning results at
design time. In combination with a geometrically
versatile representation of physical parts, we
achieve a reusable solution that is applicable to the
diverse requirements of geometrically complex
architecture. In this paper, we present the concept,
design and implementation of our solution together
with experiments and results.

Geometrically Complex Architecture; Digital Fabrication; CAD/CAM; CNC Machining; Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP).