The project is an investigation addressing the question: How do we use our “intuitive” hands again to make models in a digital environment while the characteristics of the simulated material can also be manipulated?

Model-making serves as an important thinking tool to help designers find new design possibilities in a hands-on process. This design is often based on a deep understanding and skillful control of materials, and the results are largely influenced by the material characteristic of the chosen materials. While digital modeling software and programmatic thinking have prevailed in architectural design, how do we combine this hands-on approach in the intangible digital environment? At the same time, when the simulated material is no longer limited to real-world situations like how brick should be stacked or plaster should be poured, how do we incorporate such plastic material characteristics in the design process? For a long time, we are so used to walking into an art supply store or a hardware store to look for materials that can inspire us to make something novel, but now we have the capability to become a “material scientist” and define our own material that opens up the infinite possibilities in front of us. This is exciting.