Interface /4 | Richard Beckett, Sarat Babu & Vasilis Chlorokostas

Currently displayed in Wates House, Bartlett School of Architecture, the piece is a part of an ongoing research in 3D printing in lieu of design of new material.  The research not only highlights the importance of sophisticated manufacturing technology, but also of easy processing of high volume data flows in design.

Courtesy of © Richard Beckett, Sarat Babu & Vasilis Chlorokostas

The material is made of sintered nylon with over 100 components with 10 different structural geometries yet is almost 1 mm thick.  Created to respond to varying degrees of light transmission it the four basic layers are of primary structure, secondary structure, surface and filter which allow for the localized variation.

Courtesy of © Richard Beckett, Sarat Babu & Vasilis Chlorokostas

The entire prototype was built in a single laser sintering tank in over 4,700 120μm layers over 5 days hence its design exhibits a high range of control over properties ranging from optical and mechanical to thermal and electrical.

Courtesy of © Richard Beckett, Sarat Babu & Vasilis Chlorokostas

The installation is part of an article in a future issue of Architectural Design chronicling multiscale aspects of design.

Courtesy of © Richard Beckett, Sarat Babu & Vasilis Chlorokostas

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