Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. 3D design introduction -- Introduction to three-dimensional design -- Looking -- Attentive observation -- Similarities and differences -- Connections -- Touch -- Tactile sensation -- Context -- A shaping force -- Site specific -- Learning -- Becoming informed and aware -- 2. Ideas and approaches -- Introduction -- Research -- Process -- The vessel -- Nature -- Tools -- Extending capability -- Transformation -- Transcending physicality -- Variation and deformation -- Altering form -- Thinking in series -- Focused investigation -- Conceptual strategies -- The idea becomes a machine that makes the art -- Play, invention, problem solving -- Discovery -- Simplicity -- Reductive sensibility -- Sketching, model making, and prototypes -- Ideation -- Detail -- Close attention -- Meaning and value -- An interpretive act -- Sources -- Generating creative energy -- Nature -- Geometry and mathematics -- Culture -- Worldview -- Belief systems -- Modernism -- Postmodernism -- 3. 3D design elements -- Introduction -- Form -- The cube -- Mass and space -- The art of the hole and the lump -- Line -- A point set in motion -- Plane -- The two-dimensional element -- 2D to 3D -- The relationship of the planar to the dimensional -- Surface qualities -- Texture -- Color -- Light -- Chromatic luminosity -- Time and motion -- Kinetic structure -- 4. 3D design principles -- Introduction -- Organization -- Unity -- Gestalt -- Unity and variety -- Dynamic partnership -- Repetition -- Visual and structural -- Modularity -- Pattern -- Ordered repetition -- Rhythm -- Fluid form -- Illusion of motion -- Origin and implementation -- Balance -- Actual and implied -- Symmetry -- Correspondence across a divide -- Asymmetry -- Dynamic form -- Harmony -- Unity, balance, order -- Proximity -- An organizational tool -- Emphasis -- Contrast -- Proportion -- Ratio -- Scale -- Comparative size -- The miniature -- Monumental --

5. Material -- Introduction -- Material carries meaning -- Workability -- Ease of use -- Material -- Bamboo -- New materials -- Technological development -- Sustainability -- Reuse and green design -- 6. Structure -- Introduction -- Structural principles -- Structural economy -- Efficient form -- Tension and compression -- Physical forces -- Joinery -- Structural connection -- Transformers -- Collapsible and expandable structure -- 7. Function -- Introduction -- Utility -- Design and art compared -- Art -- Form and function -- Style -- Signature and typology -- 8. Figuration -- Introduction -- Representation -- Illusion -- Camouflage -- Art and architecture -- 9. Forming and fabrication -- Introduction -- Making -- Basic forming -- Additive -- Subtractive -- Constructive -- The found object -- The readymade -- The altered readymade and bricolage -- Bridging art and life -- Art and everyday experience -- Hybrid form -- Blurring boundaries -- Industrial methods -- The machine aesthetic -- Computer aided design -- The future is here -- Replication technologies -- Basic and traditional -- New approaches.