Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

This research summarises recent advances in our thinking about space and place, and seeks the potential opportunities for customisation and taking ownership of these spaces to create socially engaging, collaborative environments for the creative city. Using street art and graffiti culture as a model for creative inclusivity, this research explores the effects of new forms of data collection and configuration and the design opportunities they present. In doing so, this research hopes to promote discussion and debate into how we may use new media such as 3D printing and computer-generated imagery to make provocative statements and elicit responses. To explore 3D printing as a means of customising and taking ownership of space, this research identifies recurring themes in traditional 2D media, including manifestations of 3D and 4D media in urban spaces. A taxonomy of precedents combined with a technology review and observational research in the field, provides a context for researching through design in the form of iterative physical experimentation and reflection. Beginning with abstract experimentation, the first stage of testing digital making technologies identifies opportunities provided by different software, materials, scanning, and 3D printing, at all scales and resolutions. By applying the knowledge gained from the abstract experimentation and observational research, different issues surrounding the urban context are identified and responded to using 3D technologies. These responses are carefully articulated to ensure they are not only ‘of the street’ but also ‘of the technology’ and thereby serve as examples of ‘making meaning’ through 3D media in an urban context.