Eunice Choe – Looking Outwards-03

The Hemi-ellipsoidal Dome (2016/ongoing) is a 3D printed structure that was fabricated using the Digital Construction Platform by Mediated Matter. I admire this architectural structure because it shows that 3D printed technology can be used for large-scale structures as well as small scale structures. I admire Mediated Matter’s ability to solve problems while stretching the bounds of an existing technology. For instance, this structure was created using a Print-in-Place construction technique which prints molds of structures and has the potential to use materials, time, and money more efficiently. Regarding the algorithms used to build the structure, the dome uses the Print-in-Place technique and the Digital Construction Platform, which is a technology that utilizes robotic arms to construct the building. This technology has developed over time to be more sensitive to real time feedback and the mobility of the arms. The designers’ artistic sensibilities are evident in the dome, as seen through their inspiration from the geometry and form of a hemi-ellipsoid. Other structures built from this technology can show glimpses of creative architectural freedom because it can rapidly create non-traditional structures like the dome, which was printed in 13.5 hours.