A chair represents the design space for Project Dreamcatcher, Autodesk Research's Generative Design system. As a design tool, Dreamcatcher has to provide solutions that not only perform under the given load conditions, but also that satisfy aesthetic, fabrication, and comfort constraints. To generate the solution for the chair, we optimized the frame of the chair by inputting to Dreamcatcher load conditions representing the person's weight on the seat and chair backing. The loaded weight was 300lbs. To fabricate the solution, we used Fusion CAD, CAM and a CNC router. Black Walnut was used as the material. Compared to the original design, Dreamcatcher’s solution has 18% less volume and decreases the max displacement by 90.4% as well as decreases the max von mises stress by 78.6%.
What we learned from this project is that there is a new design space fueled by generative software. Today's designer is required to create forms informed by their intuition for how the design will perform under load cases. The designer then needs to evaluate their design through simulations, and continue to iterate and improve their design. Generative design tools like Dreamcatcher replace this iterative process by suggesting to the designer solutions that take into account performance. Thus, generative design tools become a collaborator in the design process, allowing the designer to explore viable solutions that meet criteria such as load conditions, aesthetics, and ergonomics.
Read more about the project here : https://www.wired.com/2016/10/elbo-chair-autodesk-...
Collaborators: Brittany Presten - Generative Design Intern, John Hutchinson and Fusion Render team- Rendering, Carl Bass- Fabrication advisor
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