GUAN LEE AND DANIEL WIDRIG
DIGITAL MANUAL
Methodology
These digitally modelled designs can be hammered into their metallic equivalent under the skilful hands of artists in the workshop. Experienced craftspeople subdivide given geometries into segments to be formed, welded and polished. Each step of this process requires years of training and practice. This is the opposite of de-skilling due to the introduction of digital technology, as the fabricators decipher details of production. One can argue that this is an effective way to sustain manual skills through a collaboration between digital and hand modelling. A visit to see the craftspeople at work allowed for a deeper understanding of how digital designs can be approached by respecting both the limitations and boundaries of a craft.
1. Research trips to digital or craft-based art and architecture fabricators, including metal forging, casting, stone carving and brick laying, in the UK, Europe and China
Different fabrication experiments and prototypes involving digital tools such as robotic arms and CNC milling were explored at Grymsdyke Farm in Buckinghamshire. Experienced brick layers like David Hussey, mould makers like Martin Hanson, carpenters and several material scientists visited the farm to instruct and oversee projects. Collaborations were formed with foundries and manufacturers in China to understand the scaling-up of processes. Exchanges of skill and research took place in design and fabrication institutions, including: · ETH Zurich. A leading institution in robotic fabrication and digital technology; · Factum Arte, Madrid, Milan and London. The company has a research wing on advanced 3D scanning and art conservation; · Jianye Mould Maker, YuYao. The manufacturer uses both digital and traditional methods for plastic injection mould manufacturing; · Swan Foundry, Banbury. One of the UK’s few remaining sand-casting facilities · Tany Foundry, Hangzhou. Specialising in the fabrication of large-scale public art, this foundry works with digital technology and traditional fabrication techniques.
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Attachment references a fabrication process studied at Tany Foundry in Hangzhou. The foundry specialises in forming metal sheets to a digital model.
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