RP in art and conceptual design

This paper is a conclusion to one of the forum topics: “RP for Art and Conceptual Design” in the 2001 “Future of RP” Web conference. Art and conceptual design are often regarded as good places to apply concept‐modelling technologies. However, the response from the forum and the author’s observation reveal that the use of RP in art is limited to be used as “print‐out”. The use of RP in conceptual design is even more limited. A comparison between RP and conventional modelling techniques is made. The paper goes on to postulate that, the obstacle to adopting RP to art and conceptual design is rooted in common characters of commercial RP systems that are incompatible with the creative process.