files/pictures/picture-35.jpgPress Release from Luxology
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. – Sept. 7, 2011 – A research partnership just renewed between Luxology and UC Berkeley’s School of Architecture is pushing the boundaries of modo, Luxology's innovative 3D modeling tool. This relationship with the Industry Alliances Office of University of California, Berkeley – in place since January 2009 – is pioneering novel applications of modo in architectural research, and opening up new creative possibilities in manufacturing and design.
One of the most intriguing areas of exploration is rapid prototyping and manufacturing, which is being driven by UC Berkeley Asst. Professor of Architecture, Ronald Rael, and his students in an advanced thesis seminar. Rapid manufacturing is the direct production of finished goods using rapid prototyping machinery. Using modo’s intuitive modeling capabilities, the Berkeley team is able to pursue the rapid manufacture of previously impossible geometries, such as undercuts without tooling, by using ceramic and concrete casting techniques.
“The techniques we are developing can transform how architects and designers work,” says Rael. “modo's unique toolset and workflow provide complete freedom to create any imaginable 3D geometries, and we are able to preserve almost all of modo's incredible detail through the evolution of our process and materials. We can then quickly cast these for analysis of performance, strength, ergonomics and assembly.”
A prime example of this is Rael's most recent creation, the world's first concrete polymer 3D printed bench. Called the Seat Slug, the bench is constructed of nearly 250 unique parts, all designed in modo using a special material developed by Rael and his studio, Rael San Fratello Architects. Both visually arresting and comfortable, the Seat Slug will be on display for two years at San Francisco's Fort Mason National Park, overlooking the upcoming America's Cup race.
Rael says there is a new generation of "modo-holics" at Berkeley now. In all, modo is being taught to more than 120 Berkeley students this semester at all levels of the academic spectrum, from graduate and entry-level to dedicated engineering students. The response to modo among the student body and faculty has been very positive, even among faculty who had no past experience with 3D modeling.
“Our longstanding relationship with Berkeley helps both parties conceive new possibilities for design and architecture,” says Brad Peebler, president and co-founder of Luxology. “They are on the leading edge of architectural and design innovation, and their input is invaluable as we continue to develop modo for design challenges that were once regarded as impossible.”
About modo
modo is an innovative 3D modeling, painting and rendering software designed to accelerate the creation of world-class designs and ultra high-quality renderings. modo’s modern workflow and advanced toolset easily deliver enhanced productivity for schools and professionals working in design visualization, package design, and graphic arts. A favorite tool among many designers and artists, modo's innovative toolset offers one of the fastest paths to content creation on the PC and Mac.
About Luxology
Based in Mountain View, Calif., Luxology® LLC is an independent technology company developing next-generation 3D content creation software that enhances productivity via artist-friendly tools powered by a modern underlying architecture called Nexus®. Founded in 2002 by Allen Hastings, Stuart Ferguson and Brad Peebler, Luxology is home to some of the top 3D engineering expertise in the industry. More information on the company, its licensable Nexus technology, its flagship product modo® and a gallery of artists' images from the active modo community is available online at
www.luxology.com .
Seat Slug Project Credits
Rael San Fratello Architects, Ehren Tool, Professor Richard Shaw (Berkeley), The Department of Art Practice at The University of California Berkeley, The Hellman Family Fund, Professor Claudia Ostertag (Berkeley) and Luxology.
