Category: LookingOutwards-03

“Sombra Verde” is a bamboo pavilion constructed by AIRLAB and Singapore University of Technology and Design utilizing raw bamboo poles, 3D printed connectors, and a transparent polycarbonate roof. Unlike traditional building methods, which utilize natural materials haphazardly and through guess and check estimation to a certain extent, the researchers, designers, and builders for Sombre Verde constructed this canopy with the optimization of each bamboo pole’s position. To do so, they measured and digitized the thickness, height, and bend of each bamboo pole, processed that in their algorithmic machine, which then calculated the optimal capacity and positioning of each pole. In addition, this data was used to design and fabricate the connecting PLA (inexpensive, plant based plastic) that would hold these bamboo poles together. In juxtaposition with the rigid computation of optimal bamboo positioning, the designer’s personal sensibilities shine through with the choice of a bright green, roof, which seem to mimic a large leaf.

I appreciate this architectural piece because of how it incorporates an obviously man-made shelter into nature (bright plastic green roof), without stripping the project of certain natural components (raw bamboo poles) whilst using technology to optimize it’s strength and infrastructure so that it can stand the test of time and nature, rather than become obsolete and broken in a couple years time.

Demonstrative video of the 3D Printed Ceramics

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Engineer Zack Eckel, based in Malibu, California, creates 3D-printed free-form, strong, and temperature resilient ceramics. These ceramics can withstand pressure and heat without breaking, warping, or cracking. By 3D printing these essentially invincible ceramics, Eckel addresses the design problems of both ceramics and of regular 3D printing. Ceramics, such as ceramic plates or mugs, are typically made of clay, easily breakable, despite their strong presence in American households. By designing these flawless, strong, 3D-printed ceramics, Eckel re-envisions and redefines the boundaries of ceramics. In addition, Eckel address the design problem of 3D printing products, as the material that typical 3D printers utilize are not heat resistant or particularly pressure resistant. As a result, Eckel uses stronger, revolutionary 3D-printing materials in order to address this. I found Eckel’s work to be not only aesthetically captivating, but also highly revolutionary in terms of human factors and ergonomics.