An ongoing software development project investigating the use of pattern transformation and layer-based manufacturing to define new tactile and performative qualities.

By transforming perforation patterns across a surface, the structural and tactile properties of a mono-material object can be varied according to specification. This addresses the limitations of material expression imposed by rapid prototyping systems which can only produce parts in a single material.

Taking these principles into three dimensional structures, cellular solids can be generated with similar variation in performance characteristics. Cellular solids are materials like wood, foams and bone which have complex microstructures that give them unique performance qualities.

Potential applications range from implantable cell scaffolds to superlight aerospace components. Working with the insight that the basic qualities of cellular solids constitute a generic design problem, regardless of application, this project explores different techniques for their design and fabrication. The larger aim is to try and explore how designers can find applications of their skills beyond consumer products in fields such as technical research.