The topological design of sculptural and architectural systems

In my work over the past 12 years I have consistently created systems with an approach which I will describe as topological design. I have tried to capture the spirit of this work in my film, "The Ron Resch Paper and Stick Thing Film," which will be shown elsewhere in the conference. I would like to present here, and in a color slide presentation, the concept of topological design using examples from my work for clarity. I will show how the conception and fabrication of designed objects have a topological and a geometric aspect. Currently, these objects may be characterized as emphasizing the geometric aspect, by limiting an entire class of objects to be a unique one. Finally, I will show where the introduction of the computer into design and production process makes possible the topological aspect, so that the automation of custom made objects might replace a series of identical 'ready mades.'