CDFAM Computational Design Symposium

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Berlin, 2024

Design in real-time, optimize your product, and reduce costs with unlimited iterations.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Berlin, 2024

Cognitive Design is a new generation software bridging CAD and Factory floor through manufacturing-driven design. It accelerates the design cycle of engineers through automation and makes sure all designs are manufacturable.

The CDFAM Amsterdam 2025 program brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development across all scales of application, from micro to mega.

This year’s keynotes will be delivered by Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President of Design at Samsung Electronics, and Mathew Vola, Arup Fellow of Computational Design.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Berlin, 2024

Using computational design and machine learning to optimize large-scale building designs, drawing parallels between building structures and the human body. It emphasizes the essential role of Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems, akin to a building’s vital organs. The focus is on enhancing MEP installations’ efficiency, thereby reducing energy demands and carbon footprint, crucial in sustainable architecture. The presentation will cover three key areas: optimizing ventilation ductwork to reduce spatial volume, employing 3D pathfinding for efficient data cable network layouts, and achieving optimal Wi-Fi coverage with minimal hardware. These strategies aim not only for sustainability but also for reduced construction and maintenance costs, marking a step towards more environmentally responsible architectural practices.

The CDFAM Amsterdam Computational Design Symposium, 2025 program brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development across all scales of application, from micro to mega.

This year’s keynotes will be delivered by Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President of Design at Samsung Electronics, and Mathew Vola, Arup Fellow of Computational Design.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Berlin, 2024

3D printing is dead. Like a once shiny child star, the hype has tapered and it’s time to grow up. Thankfully, it is officially out of its awkward teenage years and has graduated into adulthood as AM. 3D printing established a microeconomy built on venture capitalism, but now that the sensationalism wanes, how does the industry achieve the returns it has promised? Understanding AM’s fit in the manufacturing ecosystem is key, and it has always revolved around the same thing. Parts. 3D printing made shapes, it’s time to additively manufacture parts; and that starts with design.

The CDFAM Amsterdam 2025 program brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development across all scales of application, from micro to mega.

This year’s keynotes will be delivered by Federico Casalegno, Executive Vice President of Design at Samsung Electronics, and Mathew Vola, Arup Fellow of Computational Design.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, Berlin, 2024

The world of additive manufacturing is constantly evolving, and we are fortunate to witness its growth with new machines, faster processes, and an abundance of new materials. Design practitioners are now enabled to unleash the full potential of AM using Generative Design and Lattice structures.

Lattice structures are topologically ordered, three-dimensional, open-celled structures used by nature. Lattice structures are observed in insects, birds, bones, and plants. Lattice structures are very effective for lightweight structural panels, energy absorption devices, thermal insulation, high-performance heat exchangers, ballistic protection, and porous implants.

Simulating lattice structures is not trivial. There are many challenges in the simulation of both the beam and surface lattices. The complexity of beam lattices makes it necessary to use multiple tetrahedron finite elements to describe a single-unit lattice cell. This creates a significant challenge in simulating components with large amounts of beam lattice structures. Minimal surfaces like Gyroids, Schwarz, Lidinoid, Diamond, SplitP, and Neovius have exceptional strength, heat transfer, and manufacturability properties. However, the simulation process is challenging because these minimal surface geometries are not typical B-Rep geometry. Instead, they are generated using implicit or voxel-based modelers. This presentation will demonstrate methods to overcome the beam and surface Lattice Structures’ simulation challenges.

In modern CAD tools, it is easy to generate Lattice Structures. Typically, in the past, the designer enters the cell type (Gyroid, Diamond, Stochastic, Star beam, etc.), the cell dimension (dx, dy, dz or number of unit cells), and the component size (beam diameter, gyroid thickness, etc.). The generated Lattice geometry can be simulated, and the performance requirements are evaluated.

This presentation aims to showcase the process of simulation-driven lattices that are utilized for designing and optimizing structures based on specific performance requirements. To begin with, a Generative Design is performed using homogenized material properties. Afterward, a simulation is executed on the Generative Design geometry, and the stress field is captured. Finally, the geometry is infilled with lattices, which come with variable cell and component sizes driven by the stress field. For instance, at high-stress regions, more stochastic cells are generated, or the gyroids are thicker.

These techniques offer a cost-effective and efficient way to explore a wide range of design possibilities and ensure that lattice structures meet desired criteria during the design stage.

Keynote Presentation by Nervous System recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

Join Nervous System for an exploration of their collaborations with scientists in the realm of 3D-printed organs.  They will show how science inspires their art and design work which then feeds back into their scientific practice. The cycle continues as their work on organs contributes to their recent large scale public artworks and vise-versa. 

Inspired by natural patterns, Nervous System creates computational systems that can create a myriad of unique designs. They translate these digital designs into physical products using a mix of digital and traditional manufacturing methods including 3d-printing, casting, and laser cutting. At the heart of these systems are mathematical models of pattern formation. 

In this talk, we’ll dive into the fascinating intersection of art, science, and technology, and how Nervous System’s innovative practices are shaping the future of design and biological research.

Nervous System is a generative design studio that works at the intersection of science, art, and technology.

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

Visit CDFAM.COM to learn about upcoming events around the world.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

The 3MF volumetric extension allows for the communication of additive manufacturing data at the voxel, and/or pure implicit level unlocking complex, multi-parameter, and multi-material applications in a lightweight, open source data format.

The presentation will give an overview of the newly released specification along with example case studies for software and hardware developers, along with the value proposition for designers and engineers.

Dr.-Ing. Jan Orend is a mechanical engineer with a focus on mechatronics. He received his Ph.D. in the field of metallurgy at TU Clausthal. Since 2015, he has been working at EOS GmbH, developing software for print preparation and process control for metal and polymer 3D printing. In his free time, he also enjoys using FDM 3D printing for hobby projects.

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

Visit CDFAM.COM to learn about upcoming events around the world.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

The talk is about the on-going research efforts at ForMat (Form and Matter) Lab at Penn State University, directed by Benay Gürsoy. Benay and her team explore the relationship between matter and form, fabrication and performance mediated through the use of digital technologies. Current research in the lab includes work on adaptive robotic fabrication, and the design and sustainable production of mycelium-based building parts and structures.

Benay Gürsoy is an Assistant Professor of Architecture and the founder and director of ForMat (Form and Matter) Lab at Penn State. Her research and teaching focus is on computational making, digital fabrication, biofabrication, and shape studies. Benay completed her PhD studies in Architectural Design Computing Program at Istanbul Technical University in 2016 and was awarded the Best Ph.D. Dissertation Award by The Graduate School of Science, Engineering, and Technology. She has published and presented her research internationally and received awards, including the 2010 Young CAADRIA Award, and 2015 CAAD Futures Best Paper Award, 2021 and 2022 AIA UpJohn Research Initiatives and 2022 SOM Foundation Research Prize.

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

Visit CDFAM.COM to learn about upcoming events around the world.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

Slicelab merges advanced computational design with innovative fabrication techniques to create groundbreaking design solutions. Our foundation in architectural craftsmanship—from hand drawing and model making to woodshop, 3D modeling, and 3D printing—has cultivated a deep understanding of materiality and form. This expertise enables us to optimize problem-solving through a balanced approach to physical and digital design.As designers, we test and master a diverse array of software tools, integrating the best features to meet the unique needs of each project. This ensures our designs are both functionally superior and aesthetically compelling.In this presentation, we will showcase how our strategic use of various design tools and techniques has led to innovative results across different scales and applications. Join us to explore how Slicelab is redefining design through the seamless integration of advanced manufacturing and computational craftsmanship.

About Slicelab

Slicelab is a multi-disciplinary experimental design studio specializing in digital design and complex fabrication consulting. Their projects range across various scales and strive to balance simplicity and complexity. Founded in 2012 by Arthur Azoulai and Diego Taccioli, Slicelab has quickly established itself in the design world.

In 2015, the studio took part in the Autodesk residency at Pier 9 in San Francisco, focusing on additive manufacturing R&D. Their team brings diverse experience from international firms like Jakob + Macfarlane, Asymptote, WRNS Studio, Francis Bitonti Studio, KMD Architects, Rockwell Group, Mindesk VR, and OPT Industries.

Arthur and Diego are also involved in academia, teaching integrated product design at JWU, 3D printed wearables at AAU, and advanced 3D visualization at NYIT. They serve as visiting architecture critics at Cornell, UPenn, and RPI further showcasing their expertise in computational design for additive manufacturing.

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

Visit CDFAM.COM to learn about upcoming events around the world.

Recorded at CDFAM Computational Design Symposium, NYC 2024

Presentation Abstract

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies into design processes is revolutionizing client experiences across various industries. This presentation explores how IDEO leverages its human-centered design approach to incorporate AI and other cutting-edge technologies into client-facing projects, enhancing innovation and driving impactful results. We’ll share stories about designing for inclusivity in XR, defining new kinds of AI-native products, bringing personality and emotion to the IoT, imagining the future of healthcare and more. We’ll also highlight our practice of building and sharing provocative, low-fidelity prototypes to explore our edges, build skills, and start conversations with the industry.

Speaker Bios

Jenna Fizel is inspired by translating abstract information into tangible experiences. Jenna helps clients explore design questions through building with emerging tools like AI, XR, and digital fabrication. They believe these tools can provide new perspectives during the design process. Jenna leads an 80+ person internal group focused on making technical skills more accessible to IDEO’s diverse community. Previously, they were a partner at an agency designing physical/digital spaces for clients. Jenna also co-founded a fashion tech startup and served as CTO of an intimate apparel firm. With an academic background in computational geometry from MIT, they see software as a mode of thinking that solves problems through exploration.

Ziyuan ‘Zoey’ Zhu is a creative technologist working at the intersection of design and emerging technology. At IDEO, a global design company committed to fostering social impact with human-centric design, she helps teams tangibly explore the future of product experience with emerging technologies, including generative AI, data visualization, and XR. She was invited to give speeches at SXSW, SF Design Week, MIT Museum, International Design Conference(IDC), Design Museum Week, NY Climate Week, etc.  Ziyuan is also an affiliate researcher at MIT, leading research on integrating technology into climate education. Ziyuan holds a dual master’s degree in design study and computer science from MIT

CDFAM Computational Design Symposium series brings together leading experts in computational design from industry, academia and software development for two days of knowledge sharing and networking.

Visit CDFAM.COM to learn about upcoming events around the world.