A Multi-resolution Design Methodology Based on Discrete Models

The use of programming languages in design opens up unexplored and previously unworkable territories, mainly, in conventional architectural practice. In the 1990s, languages of continuity, smoothness and seamlessness dominated the architectural inquiry with the CNC milling machine as its manufacturing tool. Today’s computational design and fabrication technology look at languages of synthesis of fragments or particles, with the 3D printer as its fabrication archetype. Fundamental to this idea is the concept of resolution–the amount of information stored at any localized region. Construction of a shape is then based on multiple regions of resolution. This paper explores a novel design methodology that takes this concept of resolutions on discrete elements as a design driver for architectural practice. This research has been tested primarily through additive manufacturing techniques.