We present a new method for 3D shape modeling that achieves intuitive
and robust deformations by emulating physically plausible surface
behavior inspired by thin shells and plates. The surface mesh is
embedded in a layer of volumetric prisms, which are coupled through
non-linear, elastic forces. To deform the mesh, prisms are rigidly
transformed to satisfy user constraints while minimizing the elastic
energy. The rigidity of the prisms prevents degenerations even under
extreme deformations, making the method numerically stable. For the
underlying geometric optimization we employ both local and global
shape matching techniques. Our modeling framework allows for the
specification of various geometrically intuitive parameters that
provide control over the physical surface behavior. While
computationally more involved than previous methods, our approach
significantly improves robustness and simplifies user interaction for
large, complex deformations.