Embedding Designed Deformation: towards the computational design of graded material components.

Recognising that the process of making materials affords opportunities not available when using existing natural or off-the-shelf materials, the focus of this paper is upon abstraction strategies by which the mechanical properties of composite materials might be engaged within digital architectural models. A proof of concept is developed around the process of designing, making and simulating a graded thermoplastic mono-composite sheet, which exhibits controlled deformation under loading.