SKILLS | PROCESSING / ILLUSTRATOR / DIGITAL FABRICATION / VISUAL DESIGN / PARAMETRIC DESIGN

ArcWaves is a parametrically designed, digitally fabricated piece derived from Marius Watz’s explorations of the Arc Algorithm. It is a three dimensional manifestation of the algorithm coded using Processing in Eclipse with Watz’s ModelBuilder library, a tool for designing 3D models. Some pieces were prepared using Adobe Illustrator, but all parameters were determined by the algorithm. The sculpture was cut out of Baltic Birch plywood using a CNC techno router. Each of the triangles that make up the three dimensional aspect are modular and fit in place without adhesives.

My intention was for the piece to exploit the inherent beauty and simplicity of the Arc Algorithm, while taking advantage of the natural qualities of plywood. I chose not to incorporate data as a parameter in order to focus fully on the form. Once the piece was complete, I incorporated lighting in order to exaggerate the shadows cast by the sculpture’s 3D elements and emphasize the complex geometry.