Name: Math Whittaker
DOB: November 1994
Place of Birth: Maidstone, United Kingdom
Occupation: Studying Master of Design, Harvard University
I am drawn to natural phenomena and structure both for my initial inspiration as well as developing my design process. Through parametric design techniques I draw on the power of computational systems in managing great quantities of information in order to design objects with both high levels of complexity and organisation. I write algorithms which often mimic natural process such as magnetism or evolution through these algorithms I “grow” the designs in the computer to produce forms which I would otherwise be impossible to produce.
This process allows for fast development and optimisation as well as producing original forms. I applied these techniques to fashion, architecture, furniture, lighting and jewellery both in collaborative projects and on my own. In order to produce the designs I use various digital fabrications techniques including 3D printing and robotic manufacture, these techniques allow me to be far more experimental in the design stage as they are often able to produce forms which would otherwise be either impossible or impractical. Within my own practice I am also interested in developing my own manufacturing techniques and have worked on developing robotic methods for cutting and bending metal as well as designing my own 3D printer.
The insight I gain through developing these manufacturing processes informs my design process as I am more aware of the capabilities of these technologies. I studied for my B.A in Three dimensional design at Manchester school of Art in which I developed both my design and making skills. I am now studying for a Masters of design studies specialising in technology at Harvard University in the United States, through this I aim to develop my skills in computation design and digital fabrication. My interests as a designer meet at the intersection between design, science, technology and mathematics.
In my final project at Manchester I designed a coffee table inspired by particle physics. I looked at diagrams produced in cloud chambers which were early particle detectors, and the way particles behaved in magnetic fields and mimicked the behaviour through an algorithm to produce 2D patterns. These were then manipulated using information contained within the patterns to produce 3D forms, which were then run through an evolutionary solver to find the most appropriate forms for a coffee table. The design was then sectioned up and cut using a CNC router and slotted together to produce a frame. The glass sheet on top was designed to give the appearance of precariousness as a reference to the sub atomic particles which were used as my inspiration.
