Open Source: MAKEZINE

I found out via youtube (researching the Arduino) about MAKEZINE.COM 

One of the many exciting projects they share was this 3D puzzle: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/12/make_projects_-_easy_3d_models_with.html

Its excellent, for example it is a great way to practice using 3D software and rapid prototyping. Even suitable for a lazer cutter. The tutorial talks about OpensSCAD (from makezine.com): 

I wrote a couple of weeks ago about the excitement surrounding Clifford Wolf's new freeware OpenSCAD program. OpenSCAD uses a cool keep-it-super-simple approach to 3D modeling, eliminating the resource-hungry what-you-see-is-what-you-get (WYSIWYG) editing environment favored by most 3D modeling packages, and replacing it with a text-based scripting environment in which models are programmed, instead of sculpted. Basically, you write a script describing your model's shape and then compile it to produce the actual model, which is then rendered onscreen and can be exported to STL format for 3D printing or other purposes.

OpenSCAD has two powerful features to facilitate this programming processes. The first is support for so-called "constructive solid geometry" (CSG) modeling, in which complex forms are built up as intersections, unions, and differences of simple primary shapes like boxes, cylinders, cones, and ellipsoids. If you've ever used the ray-tracing program POV-Ray before, this idea will be familiar to you.

The second, less-well-publicized (but perhaps equally powerful) feature of OpenSCAD is "DXF extrusion," in which OpenSCAD will import a 2D drawing in AutoCAD's popular drawing exchange format (DXF) and "extrude" it into the third dimension. OpenSCAD has support for linear extrusion, in which the resulting part has straight vertical sides, and also rotating extrusion, which results in a part with helical sides. Since a large number of models for rapid prototyping are simple extruded profiles, I expect this feature to see a lot of use.

In this tutorial, I'm going to show you how to use OpenSCAD to produce a simple 3D model by extruding a part profile produced in normal drawing software. I use Adobe Illustrator CS3 because I have access to it and am familiar with its interface, but the popular freeware drawing program InkScape will read and write DXF files natively, and there's no reason why it couldn't serve just as well if you prefer it. There are a number of other free and low-cost programs that will export DXF files. OpenSCAD's developer mentions QCAD, which is available from its developer RibbonSoft for €24.

Its basically amazing, and brilliant for any one who goes to University of the Arts who is even remotely interested in rapid prototyping. These images are all from the tutorial. It clearly describes exactly how to use the software. 

WEEK 5: CAD and rapid prototyping

On week 5 we made a visit to the 3D printing (rapid prototyping) facility in Central Saint Martins, being part of University of the Arts London fortunately means we can use this. Designing something on a 3D modeling program, be it MAYA or be it google's freeware can be processed in to physical structure.

Wikipedia: Rapid prototyping is the automatic construction of physical objects using additive manufacturing technology. The first techniques for rapid prototyping became available in the late 1980s and were used to produce models and prototype parts. Today, they are used for a much wider range of applications and are even used to manufacture production-quality parts in relatively small numbers. Some sculptors use the technology to produce complex shapes for fine arts exhibitions.

It works by 'printing' layers of plastic that are only just molten one on top of the other. It does so with two types of plastic; one which makes up the actual model and one which is a support, which is added if necessary and can be broken down in some kind of solution (revealing only the model).

This opens whole can of worms. Not only IS everything possible (regarding you master to some degree at least the basics of 3D modeling- which is very difficult I have been told or find someone to help you do it) BUT also this has introduced the possibility to make stop frame animation of a physical work, which is something I am very interested in doing at a later point while at Camberwell.

Im more determined (not just mildly interested) in learning how to use a new software, any software that can make this possible. The machinery used to develop these real models is fascinating. Theoretical and practical all in one operation! Another interesting thing about this process is that one could possibly make casts of models with plaster or clay to be filled with any other material or use 3D lazer scanning of other objects for example. Possibilities are immense. Examples below from google image search.