Computational Design: NEXT is a joint effort by some of the world’s leading experts in computational design to create an online learning platform that serves as a full-fledged online conference. Computational Design: NEXT 15, a two-day interactive online conference, happened on Saturday and Sunday, December 16 – 17, 2023.

The conference started with the introduction of Hamid Hassanzadeh, Founder and Creative Director of Parametric Architecture, and Micheal Pryor, CFO of Design Morphine.

On the first day of the conference, Harlen Miller, an associate designer at UNStudio Amsterdam, gave a talk. He shared his personal perspectives on the legacy workflow at UNS, showcased UNStudio’s construction projects, and provided insights into the idea-building process. Harlen also highlighted how these projects could significantly impact cities and explained how UNS works with communities to create them together.

He is interested in exploring the intersection of various disciplines, including architecture, industrial design, and shoe design. He collaborated with UNITED Nude as a part of UN Studio. During this collaboration, he pointed out how the process of shoe design is similar to that of architectural design. He also emphasized the importance of designing for different scales.

Denisa Duncat is an expert in computational design, architecture, and 3D modeling. She has created a fascinating tutorial on how to design a structure using Blender. In her tutorial, Denisa shares her techniques on how to use Blender to create complex designs that push the boundaries of what is possible with digital modeling and animation. She also provides some hints on designing a pavilion using Blender.

Marco Vannuci is an architect who specializes in parametric and associative design methodologies, with a particular focus on automation and artificial intelligence. He shared his vision on design and presented a few inspirational projects he has worked on. During his presentation, he showed how they incorporate geometry, nature, and fractals into their designs. Also, he shared a few insights on AI and how to use AI tools as a computational designer.

Onur Yüce Gün is a professional who specializes in computational design, architecture, and education. He has a unique approach to design that involves a fusion of traditional styles, such as oil painting, with machine learning. His work demonstrates an exceptional ability to blend his artistic talent with his technical expertise to create stunning and innovative designs. He is particularly interested in pattern creation, such as facade design, rather than constructing physical structures.

Claudia Campuzano is an expert in computational design. She walked us through the process of designing a body extension using the Grasshopper and Pufferfish plugins. Claudia explained how these tools can be leveraged for fashion design projects. Additionally, she shared her techniques on how to animate designs using Premier Pro, and how to add materials using Keyshot.

Unlike the other speakers, Joe Bogusky’s background is different as he is a biomedical engineer who has spent several years working in the medical industry. His expertise lies in medical devices and robotics, and during his presentation, he showcased how robots can be effectively used in medical industries. He presented the project he had worked on and how robotic technology can greatly improve medical procedures.

He shared his experience with computational design tools to advance and refine robotic surgical instruments. Joe’s presentation was even more interesting in that he presented a different point of view on the use of robotics, 3d visualization, and other technologies commonly used in architecture and construction projects. Like designers, he also uses Rhino and Grasshopper to design these devices.

On the second day of our conference, we had the opportunity to learn from Federico Borello, a co-founder and director at ENCODE. Borello shared insights into the process of developing innovative projects in the sector, from the initial design stage to the final construction. He shared with us the various techniques and methods used, giving us an understanding of the entire process.

AbdulAlim U-K is an architectural designer and entrepreneur who created a tutorial on basic-level AI design workflow. In his tutorial, he showcased his works, AI design tools, and general information about Midjouney. He also demonstrated using other tools such as Krea.AI, Photoshop Beta, and Runway ML for video generation.

Aida Rasouli Saani is a multi-disciplinary designer and concept artist, and she presented on AI generative tools and their impact on architecture and design. She talked about her observation, AI generative tools, traditional methodologies, and thinking methods. She presented how she uses different AI tools for creating her designs, and she shared some tips about designing by using AI.

During this break, two of the conference participants showed their works and had a discussion with Hamid and Micheal on their projects. Jacob Lehrer, a student from MIT, showed his works on light show set design by using Grasshopper. After Jacob, Kevin Batternay showed his works from his portfolio, he should generative custom G-Code to create topology for architectural models with CNC.

Kirah Cahill is a computational designer who created a beginner-friendly tutorial for Houdini. In the tutorial, she recreated an intricate organic object using Houdini’s toolset and explained the entire process step by step.

Dustin White is a designer and instructor at Florida Atlantic University. He presented on material-based computational design strategies. He showcased some of the projects he collaborated such as architecture, lighting, and product design. He explained how they use robots and other technologies. He showed how they use AI for 3D printing. Process: AI pattern, map, 3d printing on stone.

Hamid Hassanzadeh, Founder and Creative Director of PA, and Michael Pryor, Design Director of DesignMorphine, launched the Computational Design: NEXT 16. The registration period has begun! Computational Design: NEXT 16 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 – 21, 2024, and will feature a variety of workshops, panel discussions, technology demos, and presentations.

Click here to register and see the complete Computational Design: NEXT 15 conference recordings.