Exploring CAD’s sculptural possibilities

By Shawna Kulpa

A complaint still heard about computer-aided design (CAD) software programs is that they’re capable of creating only blocky, cookie-cutter designs that lack any organic feel. And perhaps that was true of the earliest CAD programs that were put to use in the industry. But technology has come a long way since then.

This month I spoke with two designers who are working to prove that CAD is capable of creating anything and everything they can imagine. The two men couldn’t be more different: One imports his hand-drawn designs into CAD so his original vision is maintained; the other creates a basic design idea in CAD, then sculpts it until he arrives at something he likes. In both cases, the results show just how far CAD has come: From lifelike sea creatures to asymmetric skull designs, you’re sure to be inspired.