Three dimensional modelling

This signifier includes designs performed in a full three dimensional environment, where volumes and surfaces are present at all times, instead of mere abstractions in a 2D plane. Stereotomy’s rich heritage in 2D drawings intended for design and representation is a consequence of how three dimensional models, while also a valid approach, were hardly practical and mainly used for didactic purposes (Calvo López, 2011).

Three dimensional design only became feasible with the introduction of computer systems capable of recreating virtual 3D environments where geometric entities can be easily created and manipulated. Although different paradigms of 3D modelling exist (such as polygon modeling, curve modeling or digital sculpting), our main differentiating factor is the way the model is generated within the computer. The terms computerization and computation (Terzidis, 2003) are helpful in this task and are explored below.