Daniel Fernández

My professional experience and interests are mainly oriented in computed assisted form finding and automated machine manufacturing.

I studied Architecture and Urbanism in Mexico City and since early on in my career I have been fascinated with emergent systems and bottom-up design strategies and how to identify, study and replicate them.

I have been lucky to implement this approach professionally. First, in structural analysis, replicating biological systems such as the ones insects use to shape their exoskeleton in a way that make it stronger or more flexible. Second, in design theory, to code space-filling optimization algorithms that replicate the way some flower organelles organize their seeds to optimize the use of material on a CNC bed layout.

Most of my work has been around designing museography for interactive children’s museums, and in the past years also manufacturing structures using digital fabrication techniques for museums, and other public spaces. Besides designing the product and the manufacturing process, I often design, code and build the automated machines that I use for production.

Projects gallery and software at:
https://www.dfmd.mx

daniel@dfmd.mx

Form finding through generative design

View from inside the science exhibition, Design and manufacture of parametric structure, Los Mochis Children's Interactive Museum
View from inside the science exhibition
Design and manufacture of parametric structure
Los Mochis Children's Interactive Museum

Thinking about Architecture as some intrinsic or emergent system of nature allows us to reduce some of its properties into fundamental variables that can be understood through mathematical models. In this sense, architecture should be shaped alongside scientific knowledge. The scale we have reached as humanity and the amount of information we have gathered about ourselves and our surroundings allows us to use some of the most advanced problem solving techniques, such as genetic algorithms and neural networks into real practical design applications.

View from the main hall of the science exhibition, Los Mochis Children's Interactive Museum
View from the main hall of the science exhibition
Los Mochis Children's Interactive Museum

I have worked designing and optimizing panelized structures through genetic algorithms. I think the valuable part in using this approach is that it can include a multitude of dimensions in the design process, in this case, a form finding algorithm. Sometimes this complexity resembles the way nature systems stabilize through time.

When combined together, these complex dimensions, namely strength, the use of materials and the manufacturing process, result in a nearly optimal solution, without the need to fully grasp the complexity of the whole system. I usually work with Python and Rhino Grasshopper to model these geometrical algorithms.

Interactive evolutionary example in Grasshopper, Unevolved v.s. Evolved structural organism
Interactive evolutionary example in Grasshopper
Unevolved v.s. Evolved structural organism

Digital manufacturing

Linarand's Research & Development Workshop
Linarand's Research & Development Workshop

Regarding hardware, I have worked with multi-axis CNCs, lathes and 3D printers. Since parametric manufacturing often involves thousands of different parts that need to be assembled together, I like to control my workshop machines remotely, whenever possible, through a RPI, Arduino or some privative board. This allows me to handle multiple machines and manufacturing lines simultaneously in a single project.

I treat each production step as an independent IOT client that can be controlled and monitored in real time through a server. I usually work with a web-app I coded myself that allows me to quickly deploy or implement the automation for the manufacturing process. This app, in simple words is a g-code file hosting cloud server with a network of connected production machines that can be controlled through a node.js connection.

Initial stage of the cloud server user interface
Initial stage of the cloud server user interface

Automated conveyor belt cutter controlled through the cloud server
Automated conveyor belt cutter controlled through the cloud server

I developed this web-app from the bits and pieces of software that I wrote for some of my parametric projects. It has proven to be a very efficient tool. I was awarded in 2015 for this web-app with an entrepreneur seed investment prize, in Mexico City. This fund concluded in the creation of two manufacturing companies that run up till today. It is now available as an open-source repository, always in the hope of been furthered developed by the community.

This intrinsic relationship between the machine and the design has allow me to focus on designing efficient and low cost structural geometries by implementing heuristic optimization algorithms. I apply this kind of approach from small scale industrial design to lightweight parametric roofing and façade structures.

I like to think of this line of work as unique in the way it implements industrial manufacturing automation and parametric design. Somehow I think joining them together may be a way in which we let science permeate more honestly into our everyday design thinking and help future generations make efficient and smart choices regarding the way we use our planet resources.

CV (en)

Daniel Fernández Marmissolle-Daguerre

https://www.dfmd.mx/

Education

  • Universidad Iberoamericana | Architecture and Urbanism | Bachelor’s Degree
    2006-2011 Mexico City https://ibero.mx

  • Universidad Iberoamericana | Generative Design Processes by Pablo Kobayashi | Certificate Degree
    2011 Mexico City https://ibero.mx

Skills

Software / Hardware
  • Languages: Python, JavaScript, HTML, C++, (FS)
  • CAD/CAM (Primary - Design): Rhino3D + Grasshopper + RhinoPython, Fusion + Python, Revit
  • 3D Design (Fluent - Integration): SketchUp, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Solid-Edge, Blender
  • Prototyping: Processing, Flex-hopper, Unity, OpenGL, Arduino, Raspberry Pi
  • Automation: Festo, Haas, ABB, Stratasys, Dremel, Kuka, Igus
  • Cloud APIs: Amazon AWS, Google Cloud Platform
  • Suites: Microsoft Office, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop)
Languages
  • Spanish (Native or Bilingual) / English (Full Professional)

Professional experience

  • Research and Development | Linarand
    2014-2019 Mexico City http://linarand.com.mx

    • Team manager of the automation team in the manufacturing division for industrial conveyors in the pharmaceutical and food sectors
    • Research and development in new automated manufacturing processes for plastic parts machining and industrial belts
    • Manager of the plastic and aluminum machining workshop with Haas machinery (four-axis lathe and milling machine) for the manufacture of mechanical parts of machinery used in production lines
    • Parametric and digital design and manufacturing branch coordinator for new industrial clientele
    • Design and manufacture of CNC machinery for cutting and drilling industrial conveyor belts
    • Architectural design and construction supervision for new workshops
    • Development, programming and maintenance of the server for automated management of machinery, codes, sales and inventory
    • Development, programming, and maintenance of the “LinCAM” plug-in for Rhino 3D CAD/CAM
    • Training and courses for personnel in the use of new CAD/CAM and Automation technologies

  • Founding partner - Chief Technology Officer | SPK Automation
    2013-2017 Mexico City http://www.spkautomatizacion.com

    • Design and manufacture of 3-axis CNC machines for sale to the public and for internal company use
    • Design and programming of the platform for process automation, administration, workshop and sales
    • Concept development for capitalization through seed investment funds
    • Responsible for promotion and diversification of products in industrial design exhibitions
      • Abierto Mexicano de Diseño (2014, 2015 and 2016 edition)
      • National Institute of the Entrepreneur INADEM (2015)
      • Lean Play MASISA (2015)
      • Start Up Mexico SUM 5th Generation (2015)

  • Responsible for architectural and parametric design | Sietecolores
    2012-2013 Mexico City http://sietecolores.mx

    • Design and conceptualization for museum layout
    • Conceptual and executive design of self-supporting parametric structures
    • Drawing of architectural executive plans
    • Drawing of technical drawings for the manufacture of industrial mechanisms
    • Modeling and conceptual rendering for the sales department

  • Architectural design | Gaxiola Arquitectos
    2010-2011 Mexico City http://www.gaxiolaarquitectos.com

    • Production of architectural and executive plans for urban housing
    • Design of concept sheets for sale and client design approval
    • Construction supervisor

Independent projects

Printable 3d System Covid19
Process design and mold fabrication | Open source project by Ariel Rojo
2020 Mexico City https://www.arielrojo.com/en/printable-3d-system-covid19
Mold production and automation process design for replicability of covid19 auxiliary respiratory mask project coordinated by Ariel Rojo Design Studio
Xcaret Precious Plastics
Machinery and manufacturing design | Lei de Landero Quintana
2020 Quintana Roo https://www.florafaunaycultura.org/espacios/5/cc-tulum/
Machinery design, conceptualization and site implementation of the project https://preciousplastic.com for the recycling of plastic on the beaches of the natural reserve of Tulúm for a non profit organization
Meditation Room
Parametric design and manufacturing of modular coating | Sietecolores
2019 Guadalajara http://wokivia.com
Executive design, production and assembly of CNC machined parametric coating for children's museum exhibition
Geodesic
Structural análisis and modular system design | Sietecolores
2018 Mexico City http://data.sedema.cdmx.gob.mx/museodehistorianatural
Design and manufacture proposal of geodesic sphere for rehabilitation contest at the Natural History Museum of Mexico City
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
Parametric design and manufacture | Sietecolores
2017 Saudi Arabia http://sietecolores.mx/en/Proyectos/king-abdulaziz-center-for-world-culture
Parametric design and manufacture of the main structure of the early childhood exhibition at the Center for World Cultures in Saudi Arabia by Snøhetta
Trapiche Interactive Children's Museum
Parametric design and manufacture of lightweight auto-sustainable structures | Sietecolores
2016 Sinaloa http://sietecolores.mx/en/Proyectos/trapiche/
Design, manufacture and assembly of three parametric structures. The first one in aluminum called 'Magic Planet', The second one called 'Radio Cabin' made of wood and composite aluminum and finally 'Bed of Nails' only in wood
Acertijo Interactive Children's Museum
Parametric design and manufacture of circular handrail | Sietecolores
2016 Durango http://sietecolores.mx/en/Proyectos/acertijo/
Design, production and assembly of CNC machined parametric handrail for the central exhibition of the Gomez Palacio state museum at Durango

Awards

Professional published software

Volunteering

CV (es)

Daniel Fernández Marmissolle-Daguerre

https://www.dfmd.mx/

Educación

  • Universidad Iberoamericana | Arquitecto Urbanista | Licenciatura
    2006-2011 Ciudad de México https://ibero.mx

  • Universidad Iberoamericana | Procesos Generativos de Diseño | Diplomado por Pablo Kobayashi
    2011 Ciudad de México https://ibero.mx

Herramientas

Computación
  • Lenguajes: Python, JavaScript, HTML, C++, (FS)
  • CAD/CAM (Primario - Diseño): Rhino3D + Grasshopper + RhinoPython, Fusion + Python, Revit
  • Diseño 3D (Fluido - Integración): SketchUp, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Solid-Edge, Blender
  • Prototipado: Processing, Flex-hopper, Unity, OpenGL, Arduino, Raspberry Pi
  • Automation: Festo, Haas, ABB, Stratasys, Dremel, Kuka, Igus
  • Cloud APIs: Amazon AWS, Google Cloud Platform
  • Suites: Microsoft Office, Adobe (Illustrator, Photoshop)
Idiomas
  • Español (Nativo) / Ingles (Profesional)

Experiencia profesional

  • Gerente de Investigación y Desarrollo en Automatización de Procesos | Linarand
    2014-2019 Ciudad de México http://linarand.com.mx

    • Líder del equipo de automatización en la división de fabricación de transportadores industriales para los sectores farmacéuticos y alimenticios
    • Investigación y desarrollo en nuevos procesos de manufactura automatizada para maquinado de piezas plásticas y maquila de bandas industriales
    • Coordinador del taller de maquinado de plástico y aluminio con maquinaría Haas (torno y fresadora de cuatro ejes) para la fabricación de piezas mecánicas para maquinaria utilizada en líneas de producción con grado sanitario
    • Coordinador de nuevos clientes y proyectos en el sector productivo paramétrico y de manufactura digital
    • Diseño y fabricación de maquinaria CNC para corte y perforación de bandas transportadoras industriales
    • Encargado de diseño arquitectónico y supervisión de obras para nuevos talleres
    • Desarrollo, programación y mantenimiento del servidor para la gestión automatizada de maquinaria, codigos, pedidos e inventario
    • Desarrollo, programación y mantenimiento del plugin “LinCAM” para generación de códigos-g CAD/CAM para Rhino 3D
    • Capacitación y cursos para el personal en el uso de nuevas tecnologías CAD/CAM y Automatización

  • Socio fundador - Jefe de Tecnología | SPK Automatización
    2013-2017 Ciudad de México http://www.spkautomatizacion.com

    • Diseño y fabricación de máquinas CNC de 3 ejes para venta al público y uso interno de la empresa
    • Diseño y programación de la plataforma para automatización de procesos, administración, taller y venta
    • Desarrollo de concepto para capitalización a través de fondos de inversión semilla
    • Responsable de promoción y diversificación de productos en exhibiciones de diseño industrial
      • Abierto Mexicano de Diseño (edición 2014, 2015 y 2016)
      • Instituto Nacional del Emprendedor INADEM (2015)
      • Lean Play MASISA (2015)
      • Start Up México SUM 5a Generación (2015)

  • Responsable de diseño arquitectónico y diseño paramétrico | Sietecolores
    2012-2013 Ciudad de México http://sietecolores.mx

    • Diseño y conceptualización de exhibiciones
    • Diseño conceptual y ejecutivo de estructuras paramétricas autoportantes
    • Dibujo de planos ejecutivos arquitectónicos
    • Dibujo de planos técnicos para fabricación de mecanismos industriales
    • Modelado y renderizado conceptual de estructuras y espacios museográficos para venta

  • Diseño y dibujo arquitectónico | Gaxiola Arquitectos
    2010-2011 Ciudad de México http://www.gaxiolaarquitectos.com

    • Producción de planos arquitectónicos y ejecutivos para vivienda
    • Diseño de láminas conceptuales para venta y aprobación de diseño
    • Supervisión de obra

Proyectos independientes

Printable 3d System Covid19
Diseño de proceso y fabricación de molde | Open source project por Ariel Rojo
2020 Ciudad de México https://www.arielrojo.com/en/printable-3d-system-covid19
Diseño ejecutivo y manufactura de molde para la fabricación de la mascarilla auxiliar respiratoria diseñada por Ariel Rojo
Xcaret precious plastics
Diseño ejecutivo y conceptual | Lei de Landero Quintana
2020 Quintana Roo https://www.florafaunaycultura.org/espacios/5/cc-tulum/
Diseño ejecutivo de maquinaria, conceptualización y readaptación en sitio del proyecto https://preciousplastic.com para el reciclado de plástico en las playas de la reserva natural de Tulúm y primer propuesta de producto
Cuarto de pensar
Parametrización, diseño ejecutivo y fabricación de recubrimiento modular | Sietecolores
2019 Guadalajara http://wokivia.com
Diseño ejecutivo, producción y montaje de recubrimiento paramétrico maquinado en CNC en forma de escamas para exhibición museográfica infantil
Geodésica
Análisis estructural y diseño ejecutivo de geodésica | Sietecolores
2018 Ciudad de México http://data.sedema.cdmx.gob.mx/museodehistorianatural
Propuesta ejecutiva de esfera geodésica para concurso de rehabilitación 2a etapa museográfica del Museo de Historia Natural de la Ciudad de México
King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture
Diseño ejecutivo y fabricación de estructura paramétrica para museo | Sietecolores
2017 Arabia Saudita http://sietecolores.mx/en/Proyectos/king-abdulaziz-center-for-world-culture
Parametrización y manufactura en CNC de la estructura principal de la exhibición para la primera infancia del Centro para las Culturas del Mundo de Arabia Saudita diseñado por la firma arquitectónica Snøhetta.
Museo Interactivo Trapiche
Diseño integral de estructuras autoportantes a través de distintas estrategias de panelización | Sietecolores
2016 Sinaloa http://sietecolores.mx/en/Proyectos/trapiche/
Diseño, manufactura y montaje de tres estructuras paramétricas. La primera en su totalidad de aluminio, Magic Planet, La segunda Cabina de Radio de madera y aluminio y por último Cama de Clavos en madera únicamente
Museo Interactivo Acertijo
Diseño conceptual, diseño ejecutivo y fabricación de barandal paramétrico | Sietecolores
2016 Durango http://sietecolores.mx/en/Proyectos/acertijo/
Diseño, producción y montaje de barandal paramétrico maquinado en CNC para exhibición central del museo estatal de Gomez Palacio, Durango

Premios

  • Mención honorífica | Universidad Iberoamericana | Licenciatura
    2011 Ciudad de México https://ibero.mx

  • Fondo de inversión | Fondo MasisaLabs 2015 | Incubación de empresa en desarrollo de tecnología para maquinado
    2015 Ciudad de México https://mexico.masisa.com

  • Patrocinio | Convocatoria 5a Generación StartUp Mexico | Campaña para la obtención de financiamiento a través de fondos de riesgo
    2015 Ciudad de México https://www.startupmexico.com

Software profesional publicado

Voluntariado