BEND will explore the formal potential of designs produced using CNC Wire Forming machinery. It is the first of a series of workshops coupling parametric tools with a specific industry fabrication process. The workshop will begin by introducing participants to parametric geometry and investigate the language of wire forms through a pair of physical prototypes designed and documented using grasshopper and built using a two axis wire-bending jig. Finally participants will be asked to speculate on the advantages of using a CNC driven process and more advanced parametric tools through short design esquisses, culminating in the fabrication and installation of the final design and exhibition at the studio space.

The Experimental Design Lab, or the Ex-Lab, is a design and research collective that promotes creative utilisations of computation in art, architecture, engineering and related design disciplines. Based in Melbourne, Australia, the collective organises experimental collaborative research projects and exploratory workshops that focus on learning through making with digital fabrication at its core.