Innovative Surface Structures.
Abingdon: Taylor & Francis, 2008

Recent innovations in computational techniques, material systems and fabrication processes have revolutionized the design and construction of surface structures. Powerful analysis tools now enable architects and engineers to create new surface forms, predict their behavior and devise efficient manufacturing strategies. Digitally supported design and fabrication technology has unfolded new potential to realize complex structural surface shapes.
Innovative Surface Structures is an in-depth introduction to the fundamentals of surface structures, and provides the techniques and knowledge necessary to design folded plates, shells and tensile membranes in a broad variety of materials. The book looks at some of the most innovative structures and technologies to date, demonstrating their use of materials in creating successful surface architecture.
The book is structured in four parts. The first familiarizes the reader with the topic of surface structures, tracing the long-standing correlation between innovative design and construction technology, and the evolution of structural surfaces. The second provides an introduction to tensile membranes, covering the different types of membrane systems as well as related design methods, materials and construction techniques. The third focuses on rigid surfaces – folded plates and shells. The fourth part introduces emerging technologies such as adaptivity, self-monitoring systems, nanotechnology and photovoltaics. There are case studies throughout demonstrating the use of innovative materials and approaches.

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Structures (6th edition).
Co-author with Schodek, D. Upper River Saddle: Prentice Hall, 2007

Structures (6th edition) is the leading textbook on the topic in the U.S. The 6th edition includes a new layout and format, as well as new case studies and examples.The CD contains interactive learning environments and a structural analysis software.

Surface Structures in the Digital Age.
In: Lloyd-Thomas, K. (Ed.): Material Matters; Architecture and Material Practice. London: Routledge. 2006

Surface Structures in the Digital Age presents research in parametric design and fabrication processes for rigid structural surfaces - shells and folded plate systems.

Digital Design and Manufacturing: CAD/CAM Applications in Architecture and Design
Daniel Schodek, Martin Bechthold, James Kimo Griggs, Kenneth Martin Kao, Marco Steinberg
John Wiley & Sons, November 2004

Digital Design and Manufacturing explains what CAD/CAM technologies are all about and how they can be used in the design and production process. Several architectural case studies are provided and examples from the world of industrial design and product design are discussed, as are issues related to the design of parts and assemblies for automated manufacturing and assembly. More technically oriented chapters cover how to implement CAD/CAM technologies in architecture, including software and digital modeling, computer numerical control (CNC) machines, as well as the manufacturing processes and systems.

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Dance Space
Werner Sobek, Martin Bechthold, Christine Lemaitre, Dewi Schönbeck
Graduate School of Design, Design and Technology Report Series 2008

This publication documents research on deployable, lightweight structures. The student work shown was developed in jointly taught studio at Stuttgart's Institute of Lightweight Structures and Conceptual Design (ILEK) and at the GSD. Students proposed original solutions for a mobile dance theatre for a site in Boston and one in Stuttgart, developing folded origami-like structures, fabric systems, pneumatic environments and other innovative systems.

Coffee, Cake, CAD/CAM: Reinventing the Urban Diner
Martin Bechthold, James Kimo Griggs
Graduate School of Design, Design and Technology Report Series 2003 - 03

How do digital design and manufacturing technologies impact design and design practice? A studio taught by the authors at the Graduate School of Design pursued this question by re-visiting an urban type - the diner. Students used parametric design software to generate schemes for 5 different sites in the Boston area. Physical prototypes served as a proove of concept for innovative construction approaches and new materials.

New Technologies in Architecture II & III:
Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques
Martin Bechthold, Kimo Griggs, Daniel L. Schodek, Marco Steinberg
Graduate School of Design, Design and Technology Report Series 2003

Two one-day symposia continued the inquiries initiated in a groundbreaking symposium, held at the Harvard Graduate School of Design in 2000, addressing new developments in computer-aided design and manufacturing technologies and exploring how design and design practice are affected. Both symposia were structured around case studies and cross-disciplinary discussion, bringing together leading individuals and companies currently engaged in the field. The presenters included architects, engineers, manufacturers, contractors and artists--all of whom engage these emerging technologies in new and innovative ways.

New Technologies in Architecture:
Digital Design and Manufacturing Techniques
Martin Bechthold, Kimo Griggs, Daniel L. Schodek, Marco Steinberg
Graduate School of Design, Design and Technology Report Series 2000

First International Conference
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
October 2000 Proceedings

New developments in the field of Computer-Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have impacted the automotive, aerospace and marine industries. Industrial design and consumer product development and production has been equally affected by these technologies. Architecture has so far been relatively uninfluenced by these advanced digital tools.

An international symposium in October 2000 at the Harvard Graduate School of Design sought to both investigate the current state of this technology and to explore potential future developments and their implications on architecture and design practice. By bringing together leading individuals and companies currently engaged in the field, the organizers were seeking to challenge today's design paradigms and initiate a discussion on the potential applications of digital and manufacturing techniques in architecture. The illustrated proceedings contain summaries of all presentations and panel discussions.