The shape of things to come

摘要

At a time when non-rectilinear forms are becoming increasingly common in architecture, it's essential to gain a better understanding of the geometry that is used to generate them. Advanced geometrical concepts come into play as soon as you pick a cad tool that plots anything more complex than an ellipse. The curve, 3D surface and solids tools in any cad application make it easy to generate, modify and dis-playblobby shapes. But how about understanding what is going on in the background as these shapes and forms are created? How can they be accurately controlled and set out for fabrication?