3D Printing

The Birmingham office paid a visit to Black Country Atelier to check out their modelling studios. They have extruded plastic 3d printers and laser cutters.

My first print was a lofted surface (forming the initials MD!) modelled in Rhino. Total time from modelling to finished produce was approximately 30 minutes.

The plastic is tough and comes in any colour/translucency. We'll be looking at using the laser cutter for a modelling exercise soon. It's a great resource to have on our doorstep!

Pictograms

A free set of internationally recognised pictograms, for when words fail you.

http://www.aiga.org/symbol-signs/

Also check out: http://thenounproject.com/

Retail Architecture Blog

Here's a good blog on Retail architecture (and it's not just Prada flagship stores). Starting with this post, it makes you aware of the some of the key principles of store design and, as usual, they're there to be challanged!

http://inspiredesignblog.co.uk/2009/09/29/retail-design-principles/