Hi MC:
This is an area where there has been some development concerning the use of RP
technologies. You're probably aware that the freeform architecture of Frank Gehry and
others utilizes RP models quite freely. Whether the technology is the enabling factor, or
vice versa is an interesting question to consider. Probably not at present, but it may be
in the future as more people get into the field starting with a CAD perspective from their
very beginning.
Take a look at the Art and Arch pages on our site. The best summary of the field, as I
recall is the stuff from the Univ of Honk Kong. You may want to contact some of the
service bureaus that specialize in the area.
RP and similar is also having an influence on the structural side of the business.
Kevin Rotheroe is the guy to speak with. See his recent patent and a paper he presented at
SFF '02 for an idea. How far along he is commercially, I don't know. There are other
patents mainly from universities that address the same issues.
Look into the work by Berok Khoshnevis and other for the direct creation of structures
by SFF. There are also a number of independent inventors working on big stuff like this.
Search the patents.
You can find references to all of this on our site.
That should get you started.
Regards,
Ed
Ed Grenda
Castle Island Co.
The Worldwide Guide to Rapid Prototyping
