Mesh is a structural network composed of interconnected elements, typically forming a regular pattern of polygons or other geometric shapes, widely utilized across various design disciplines. In architectural and industrial design contexts, mesh serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, providing strength while maintaining visual lightness through its open framework. The concept originated from ancient textile weaving techniques but has evolved significantly through technological advancements in materials science and manufacturing processes. Contemporary applications of mesh in design range from lightweight furniture structures and architectural facades to digital 3D modeling, where it forms the foundational framework for creating complex geometric forms. The versatility of mesh structures allows designers to achieve optimal material efficiency while maintaining structural integrity, making it particularly valuable in sustainable design practices. In digital design, polygonal meshes constitute the backbone of 3D modeling and computer-aided design (CAD), enabling the creation of complex surfaces through vertices, edges, and faces. The implementation of mesh in modern design has been recognized through various platforms, including the A' Design Award competition, where innovative applications of mesh structures in product design and architecture regularly demonstrate its continuing evolution and importance. The mathematical principles underlying mesh structures, such as topology and tessellation, contribute to its widespread adoption in parametric design and generative architecture, while its inherent properties of transparency, strength-to-weight ratio, and modularity make it an essential element in contemporary design solutions.
structural design, geometric patterns, material efficiency, digital modeling, architectural elements
Mesh is a term used in various fields of design, particularly in graphic design, 3D modeling, and architectural design. In its most basic sense, a mesh refers to a network of interconnected points, lines, or polygons that define the shape and structure of a digital object or surface. In graphic design, meshes are often used to create complex, organic shapes or to apply smooth color gradients across an object. The mesh is created by defining a grid of points, each with its own color and transparency attributes, allowing for precise control over the appearance of the object. In 3D modeling, meshes form the underlying structure of digital objects, defining their geometry through a series of interconnected polygons, typically triangles or quadrilaterals. The density and arrangement of these polygons determine the level of detail and smoothness of the object's surface. Meshes can be created manually by 3D artists or generated automatically through various techniques such as 3D scanning or procedural modeling algorithms. In architectural design, meshes are used to create complex, curved surfaces or structures that would be difficult or impossible to represent using traditional drafting techniques. These meshes can be manipulated and refined to create intricate, organic forms, such as the iconic designs of architects like Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid. The use of meshes in architectural design has been facilitated by the development of advanced computational design tools and digital fabrication techniques, allowing for the realization of these complex forms in the built environment.
3D modeling, architectural design, digital fabrication, graphic design, procedural modeling
CITATION : "John Armstrong. 'Mesh.' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=432546 (Accessed on July 16, 2025)"
Mesh is a versatile term that has been used in various contexts, from networking to design to linguistics. One area where mesh has been gaining popularity is in the field of environmental monitoring. Mesh networks are being used to create a web of interconnected sensors that can monitor various environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and water quality. These sensors can be deployed in remote or hazardous locations and can transmit data wirelessly to a central hub. The use of mesh networks in environmental monitoring has several advantages over traditional monitoring methods. First, it allows for real-time monitoring of environmental conditions, which can help in the early detection of environmental hazards. Second, it reduces the need for manual data collection, which can be time-consuming and expensive. Finally, it enables the creation of a more comprehensive and accurate picture of the environment, which can help in the development of effective environmental policies and strategies.
networking, design, linguistics, environmental monitoring, sensors
In the design industry, Mesh refers to a type of network structure composed of interconnected nodes that contain data or functional units. Mesh architectures typically have multiple connections between nodes or components, creating a redundant and resilient framework. This type of multi-dimensional structure can be applied in a range of areas such as communication networks, supply chains and logistics, smart city design, natural resource management and other industrial design applications. As a result, Mesh is a valuable tool for designers to utilize in order to optimize and develop complex systems that require an interdisciplinary approach.
Networking, Connectivity, Redundancy, Resilience, Interdisciplinary.
In the world of graphic design, a mesh refers to a digital representation of an object or substrate, composed of a series of interconnected nodes and edges. From the perspective of product design, it enables designers to work with a 3D representation of their product, providing the user with maximum flexibility and precision in the creation process. Mesh modeling is also widely used in animation, 3D printing, scientific visualization and medical imaging, among other applications. Its main advantages are a high level of detail and natural visual appeal, even when representing complex shapes. Mesh also makes it easier to produce precise shapes and angles, with minimal effort and time. Additionally, an algorithm can be used to automatically generate meshes for certain objects, enabling designers to generate complex surfaces faster and with greater accuracy. In graphic design, the mesh workflow is a popular choice for creating highly detailed visuals.
Polygonal, subdivision, trimesh, vector, geometry.
The term mesh refers to a structure made from interlaced materials or elements. It is typically used to allow liquids or gases to flow through it or to provide a barrier between two objects or materials. In other languages, mesh is translated as Reticulum, Gewebe, Bengala, Tela, Tissu, Gewirr, Fiada, Tecido, Weave, and Grille. Other translations include Maglia, Doppia Trama, Trama, Tela Metallica, Malla, Meshk, Lurreitz and more.
Reticulum, Gewebe, Bengala, Tela, Tissu, Gewirr, Fiada, Tecido, Weave, Grille, Maglia, Doppia Trama, Trama, Tela Metallica, Malla, Meshk, Lurreitz, Mesh-Struktur, Rejilla, Maschenwerk, Struktur, Maille, Textilie, Meshy, Lienzo, Panno, Maille, Tkanina, Pan
Morphologically, the word Mesh is classified as a noun. Synonymously, it has terms such as net, snare, weave, link and intertwine. Antonymically, it can be expressed as unconnected, fragmented, discontinuous and loose. Cognate terms include the words meshed and meshing. Variants of Mesh include meshing, meshed, meshes, mesher and meshers.
etymological heritage, origins, language, linguistics, history.
The word “Mesh” has a long and complex linguistic evolution, beginning with its Latin root “machedere”, which translates to “to sift” or “to separate”. The term then passed into Old French as “mesche” and, eventually, entered English in the 13th century as ‘mesche’. In its original form, it referred to a fabric or material with a woven, web-like pattern. Since then, the term has expanded, taking on a more abstract definition, referring to a network of interconnected parts or components. Morphologically, “Mesh” can take on both noun and verb forms. Pragmatically, it often appears in the context of technology, where it is used to describe an element of programming or computing, such as in the term “network mesh”.
Etymology, Morphology, Word Origin, Pragmatics, Structure, Network.
Mesh is an interconnecting network of nodes and edges that is used within the context of design. It is widely used in design to allow for the efficient and effective flow of information. Mesh networks are a form of distributed computing, which allows for distributed computing tasks to be accomplished in a more efficient manner than traditional centralized computing models. Mesh networks can be used for both structured and unstructured data, and can be used to represent complex and sophisticated relationships between objects. Mesh networks are also used to represent complex topologies, such as networks or graphs, and to build models of physical systems. Furthermore, Mesh networks can be used to create visualizations of data or to create simulations of physical systems. Mesh networks are also used to create virtual environments, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and mixed reality. Lastly, Mesh networks can be used in the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning applications.
Mesh network, distributed computing, structured data, unstructured data, topology, visualization, simulation, virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, artificial intelligence, machine learning.
Mesh is a type of network topology in which devices are connected with many redundant interconnections between network nodes. It is also referred to as “multi-hop networking” as each node relays data to its immediate neighbors who, in turn, forward it to other nodes. This type of topology is beneficial for applications such as data storage, wireless networks, communication networks and large-scale distributed systems. Mesh ensures that data packets are quickly and reliably delivered by providing multiple paths between two points. It also enables the network to be self-healing in the event of node failure, as the remaining nodes can be used to reroute data.
Mesh network, network topology, distributed systems, redundant interconnections.
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