Junke Zhao

Jewelry Automata

Generative form-finding and visual computing applications for customized accessories design.

Team Member
Junke Zhao
Angie Wang
Duration
Feb 2024
Contribution
Modelling
Coding
Rendering and Animation

Background

Our interest in the concept of Cellular Automata (CA) discussed during class led us to explore some real-world application examples and products based on this algorithm. Among our findings, the 3D Printed Shoes by Francis Bitonti stood out. These shoes are examples of CA being applied to create wearable art and visually captivating designs that reflects the convergence of technology, fashion, and art. The design process involves using CA algorithms to simulate patterns that resemble natural textures, which are then materialized through 3D printing technology.

This approach results in intricate, organic-looking structures that would be difficult to achieve through traditional manufacturing methods and also embodies a futuristic vision where fashion transcends conventional boundaries, highlighting the potential of CA in pushing the limits of design.

Inspiration

Inspired by elements seen in fashion week runways and based on examples, we observed that the visual effects of CA applied to surfaces share a similar pattern with designs featuring draping elements. This similarity indicates a potential for CA in creating complex, natural-looking textures and forms in fashion and product design.

Fashion Inspiration 1
Fashion Inspiration 2
Fashion Inspiration 3
Fashion Inspiration 4

Generative Design

Inherited from the knowledge we learned during class on the Cellular Automata algorithm, we established the a similar rule set in Grasshopper. However, since we would like our project to be defined as a material and shape that can form organic connections between surfaces, our variable is actually based on input, which is the surface shape needed by the user.

In this case, our initialization steps are as follows:

Design Workflow: Curve → Pipe → Surface → Mesh → Deconstruct Mesh → Square Grid → Loop → Visualization

Final Outcomes

Mesh Design 1
Mesh Design 2
Mesh Design 3
01-Meshes
Final Design 1
Final Design 2
Final Design 3
02-Rendered Outputs