Technology alone is not a revolution.
The real revolution lies in the emotions that technology can produce. Machines, software and fabrication processes are only meaningful when they become tools for creating experiences, memories and connections. Artifacts are at the service of emotion.
This idea is at the core of what I call Technoemotional Design.
The term Technoemotional was originally coined in 2006 by journalist and gastronome Pau Arenós to describe a new generation of cuisine that used technology not as an end in itself, but as a means to provoke intellectual and emotional responses. The diner became an active participant in the experience.
I believe design can operate in the same way.
To create meaningful work, designers, artists and architects must understand the tools they use. Mastery of technology is essential—not to follow its rules, but to understand its possibilities and limitations well enough to challenge them. Technique and emotion must fit together like a dovetail joint.
It is easy to become fascinated by a new software, machine or fabrication method. Sometimes so fascinated that we forget everything that came before: our experiences, our culture, our intuition and our personal history.
It is very important to be up-to-date but remember that to be original you need to go back to the origin. Back to your origin, your colours, your feelings and then, understand why you are where you are.
Only then, you will be original.
In Atelier Professor Cuevas we explore this intersection between computational design, geometry, digital fabrication and human experience.
Biography
Diego García Cuevas (@professorcuevas) is an architect, designer, researcher and educator based in Madrid.
He holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Valladolid and a Master’s degree in Biodigital Architecture from the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya. A long-time Rhinoceros user, he became an Authorized Rhinoceros® Trainer through McNeel Europe in 2008.
He currently teaches at Universidad Europea, where he coordinates the Architectural Geometry course and teaches design, drawing and parametric design. He is also a visiting lecturer at other schools of architecture and design.
Diego is the author of Advanced 3D Printing with Grasshopper: Clay and FDM and co-founder of Controlmad Advanced Design Center in Madrid.
Through Atelier Professor Cuevas, he develops bespoke furniture, spatial installations and experimental design projects that combine computational design, digital fabrication and traditional craftsmanship.