Models and methods for representing and processing shape semantics

The International Journal of Computer Applications in Technology has invited research and case study papers devoted to the definition of innovative 3D modelling approaches aimed at encapsulating knowledge together with the geometric representation of the object, at the different levels of abstraction needed for describing the object's form, structure and meaning. The response of the research community to the call for papers has been very good: high quality papers have been submitted mainly concerning the definition of appropriate tools and methods to extract, formalize and associate semantics to shape in specific context (such as engineering design, styling, virtual reality, manufacturing...). Thanks to the excellent work of many referees, to whom we are very grateful, the following 14 papers, here below briefly summarized have been selected to be published in the Special Issue.