DIGITAL FABRICATION & IMPLICATIONS FOR K-12 ART EDUCATION

By Shaunna Smith

DIGITAL FABRICATION

A design process that involves the creation of vector-based designs which are cut on fabrication machines. Using subtractive methods, this process is primarily based on the concept of designing aggregate pieces that are then assembled to create a 3D structure.(AKA “Fabbing”, “FabLab”)

• Positive & Negative Space• Structural Integrity• Porosity & Repetition• Parametric Design• Pattern• Aggregate Pieces

EXPLORE CONCEPTSdigital fabrication process

BRAY’S CROSSING: NEW HOPE HOUSINGdigital fabrication + public art

2D

2D

K-12 CULTURAL PAPERCRAFTPapercraft & Cultural Expression: Design a paper cut out that expresses a cultural theme• This lesson allows for exploration in comparing and contrasting Mexican Papel

Picado and Polish Kurpie Wycinaki …two similar cultural expressions from opposite regions of the globe.

• Inspiration: Bray’s Crossing New Hope Housing• Relatable: Students can relate to such objects either by being a part of the

Mexican American culture or by seeing them integrated as decoration around town. This allows for deeper cultural exploration, as well as positive and negative space, and other design elements and principles.

2D

NEW GROTTOdigital fabrication + public art

3D

DORNOB FLAT-PACK FURNITUREdigital fabrication + functional design

3D

K-12 PROBLEM-BASED LEARNINGRecyclable Functional Design: Design a functional chair out of recyclable cardboard• This lesson in real-world digital fabrication design involves the ability to

design 2D aggregate pieces to create something that is greater than the sum of its parts.

• Inspiration: Dornob Flat-Pack Furniture. • Relatable: We all have furniture, therefore this is something that is easy for

students to relate to. Linking it to social issues, such as recycling and functional design allows students to explore ways to creatively think outside of the box and explore modern design.

3D