Digital Fabrication and Tree Waste: experimental use of subtractive and additive technologies in the urban furniture modeling process

• Grant number: 23/01932-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: August 01, 2023
• End date: July 31, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Industrial Design - Product Design
• Principal Investigator: Tomas Queiroz Ferreira Barata
• Grantee: Joana da Silva Thomaz
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, product design demands in-depth investigations into the possibilities arising from digital processes and subtractive and additive prototyping technologies. This research proposal aims to promote experimental processes through the use of digital fabrication, parametric modeling and wood from urban pruning activities, carried out at Cidade Universitária Armando de Salles Oliveira (CUASO) at the University of São Paulo (USP). The research methodology is organized in the following main stages: a) theoretical foundation through systematic literature review (SLR) and narrative review; b) selection of waste from pruning and suppression processes available at CUASO; c) development of projects focusing on organic forms through parametric modeling software; d) carrying out experiments with subtractive and additive rapid prototyping equipment and technologies in the laboratory, and e) proceeding with the collection and analysis of data from the materials selection stage and from the design and production development process. The methodological procedures of the research will use virtual manufacturing processes, through parametric modeling software, to analyze creative possibilities in sawn and turned wood, wafers and glued laminated wood (MLC) panels, with a focus on the use of organic forms applied to reduced-scale models of street furniture. At the end of the research, it is intended, as a result, to develop alternatives for the use of digital manufacturing technologies using wood from urban pruning and other materials. Still as a product of the research, it is intended to present tabular results regarding the productive and design process, as well as graphic pieces and models of urban furniture on a reduced scale, in the field of product design.