Informed tectonics in material-based design

The development of digital design and fabrication technologies is enabling an expanding inter-relationship between technology and design. Material-based design is defined as a computational informing process that enhances the integration between structure, material, and form within the logic of fabrication technologies. The term informed tectonics is introduced as a central concept in material-based design. The current research aim is to formulate taxonomy based on a series of selected case studies embedded in the context of current knowledge. The taxonomy is derived from observations and critical analysis of case studies. Through the comparative analysis of selected case studies of material-based design in research and practice, conceptual models processes and principles have been identified and formulated.

► Computational media is enabling a growing inter-relationship between technology and design. ► Material-based design is a digital process embedded in the logic of fabrication design. ► The term informed tectonics is defined as a central concept in material-based design. ► Material-based design models are identified through analysis of selected case studies.