Generative Design Strategies for Customizable Prototypes: Academic Research and Entrepreneurial Education

This chapter shows some results of academic research and didactic activities about innovative design and productive processes based on modeling and digital fabrication integrated strategies. The results of these experiments are customizable lamps prototypes. Digital modeling is based on algorithmic-generative visual scripting approach and geometric theories to manage primitive or complex shapes and patterns to optimize digital manufacturing. The following paragraphs and sub-paragraphs describe a prototypes collection designed, manufactured, and assembled by students on their first experience in VPL and digital prototyping. Lamp prototypes are made using additive and subtractive techniques according to different shaping approaches. The main goal of this academic approach is to collaborate in design and architectural geometry research field: the main goal is to support training and entrepreneurial activities of students aimed at management of complex data systems according to new potential of digital tools for advanced shaping, new manufacturing processes, and ecological strategies.