Exploring phygitalisation : the synergetic role of interactive materials and digital information in design participation enhancement

Abstract

This research centers on examining how the fusion of digital and physical tools and knowledge (Phygitalisation: Physical-Digital Interaction) might inform the future deployment of indigenous materials (e.g. bamboo) in both manufacturing and construction projects. The aim is to improve traditional construction which is an inefficient, un-systematic way of making complex parts, without real-time, context-aware visualization of design or feedback, often resulting in resource-wasteful construction practices. By utilising design methods and combining virtual technologies, this cluster of experimental projects examine how to construct parameters for material use and how these can be digitally modelled and adapted while engaging clients, makers and users equally in the participatory and co-design processes and thereby increasingly shift the design agency into a more accessible, responsive and dialogic relationship. This research comprises a sequence of five experimental projects, including a successful GRF (Ref. No. 15604423), value HK$1,200,000, focusing specifically on the use of indigenous bamboo and exploring modelling parameters for bamboo (see outputs 3, 4 and 5 in this body of work). This sequence of projects and practices associated with ‘Phygitalisation’, specifically the design and combination of software applications and processes, has the potential to unlock new opportunities for forms of public, user and client engagements, and how this immersive modelling of products and spaces remains responsive and adaptive in real time to optimise flexibility and efficient material use. The methods and methodology of this research combine 3D scanning, discrete design, topology optimisation and Extended Reality (XR) techniques augmented in dialogue with professionals, clients, users and makers. The research results are promoted through academic sharing and commercial collaboration. Future research aims to focus on knowledge dissemination and how these processes reposition design professional in the shaping of physical and virtual environments.