SCULPTURE

Resolution is a growing tension for architects. In the building information modeling era, 3D scanning and cloud point based modeling is the norm. However, as architects, we seem to accept that the scan to model workflow is the most efficient and accurate option. How accurate is it though? Is the efficiency worth the inaccuracy?

Questioning like this is what prompted this study into digital resolution degradation of 3D models. While we generally accept that physical forms lose matter over time, we tend to think of digital matter as eternal.

It is true, digital form is not at the behest of the natural environment. Digital information does perish though, as evident by this piece. Compression is an erosion that is occurring in the digital verse. Whether trying to or not, the noise filters that are applied to a 3D object are not within your control.

When scanning this flower and then casting it, the general outline remains. Yet, with each passing process, details are lost. Edges are less crisp. Petals are lost into the void. Surfaces become hardened. The final object is recognizable, but not exact.