Comparative study of digital texture mapping and analogue material

Abstract

Digitalization has transformed design radically in the past few decades. In the early 60's, architect Utzon had to struggle to find a feasible structural solution for the free-form curved surface that he designed for the Sydney Opera house. Four decades later, Frank Gehry could create very complex geometric models with ease. It is clear that the digital revolution is producing a similar revolution in design by providing new intellectual tools (Mitchell, 1999). Nevertheless, it is always a challenge for designers to learn and employ the new technologies to their practice. Two groups of people are involved in this revolution: the developers (software engineers) and the users (designers). The revolution cannot exist if either one is not participating. However, often a disconnection exists between them that may slow down the process.