Dubbed the CRANE WASP, this 3D printer is also known as “the infinity 3D printer”. The impressive printer utilizes locally sourced clay, mud, or cement to 3D-print affordable homes. The printer even uses agricultural waste as aggregate to build homes. Currently, this system is being employed to construct some much-needed housing in Colombia.
Designer: United Nations Development Program (UNDP)
The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) recently purchased a Crane WASP to build affordable and effective homes in Colombia. The homes are built using local soil and resources. The printer is priced at around US$180,000, which is no small amount. Currently, more than a quarter of Columbian households are suffering from a lack of decent housing – an estimated 3.7 million. Two of three families who do have homes aren’t in great condition either, since the dwellings are subpar and need structural improvements. By utilizing locally sourced soil, the UN won’t need to bring in expensive materials from other lands. This tactic is bringing down costs significantly.
The Crane WASP ( World’s Advanced Saving Project) draws inspiration from the Mason Wasp – a little yet hard-working insect that uses mud to make its own nests. The UNDP intends to install the printers in challenging terrains, where it is difficult to set up expensive and conventional equipment. This equipment would have limited access as well. The Crane WASP is complemented by the local soil, and both work excellently to build homes for the impoverished or homeless.
Handheld gaming consoles are rocking the market again, in no small part thanks to the success of the Nintendo Switch nearly eight years ago. But for all the technological marvels these powerful computers bring today, they’re really just rehashing time-tested formulas, at least when it comes to the way we see and interact with games. Just like with much of computing, we’re simply seeing images rendered on a flat screen rather than the way we naturally see and interact with the world in three dimensions. Mixed reality and spatial computing are trying to challenge the status quote when it comes to typical computing scenarios, while this concept for a unique kind of console proposes a literally different perspective when it comes to the video games we play.
Designers: Tatsuya Kato, Shion Ito, Toshikatsu Nakamura, Toshiki Sato
Uplight definitely looks like no other gaming console, not just because of the different controller configuration but primarily for the lack of a screen. The design concept flips the convention of game design, with the experience being designed to conform to the unique traits of the console rather than the other way around. In this case, the unique characteristic is a projector hidden in the base of the console that displays the game on three-dimensional acrylic screens that can take on different object shapes specific to the nature of the game.
Think about those 3D puzzle games that require you to rotate a cube around to see it from different sides to solve the puzzle, except that cube is a literal and physical cube existing in the real world. This cube, made from translucent acrylic, is mounted on top of the Uplight console and displays the game projected into it. Players can use the console’s unusual controls to move the displayed image around or, better yet, use their own hands to actually turn the cube.
The 3D acrylic screen can be any shape, in theory, depending on the game experience being designed. It could, for example, be a giant translucent jellyfish for an aquatic adventure game, or even a tree branch for a game related to planting or vegetation. The possibilities are nearly endless, limited only by the angle that the integrated projector can reach and, of course, the size of the console.
That said, such a unique system will require games specifically designed for it, which also means designing new experiences that involve three-dimensional thinking as well as direct tactile interaction. Very few of today’s games have that, which will definitely challenge the creativity and ingenuity of game designers should Uplight ever become an actual commercial product.
At the prestigious Salone Del Milano 2023 in Milan, Italy, the design lab HONOKA showcased their innovative TATAMI ReFAB PROJECT furniture series. This project, conceived by a team of forward-thinking product designers, leverages advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing to breathe new life into traditional Japanese tatami mats. The result is a fusion of heritage and cutting-edge technology that reintroduces the essence of tatami into contemporary living spaces.
Tatami mats have been a staple of Japanese interiors for centuries, renowned for their aromatic qualities, humidity regulation, and odor reduction capabilities. HONOKA’s project aims to integrate these traditional benefits into modern furniture design. By blending recycled tatami with biodegradable plastic, they have created a sustainable material that is both adaptable and durable. This innovative composite can be 3D printed into a variety of functional and decorative home products, embodying the future of artisanal design while retaining a distinct connection to Japanese culture.
One of the key highlights of this project is its commitment to sustainability. Traditional tatami production often results in significant material waste, with nearly half of the plant-based material discarded. Honoka addresses this issue by recycling tatami waste and combining it with biodegradable plastic, significantly reducing the environmental impact. This material is not only eco-friendly but also versatile, allowing designers to explore new aesthetic possibilities and create unique forms that enhance modern living spaces.
The collection features several distinctive pieces that exemplify the versatility and beauty of the tatami-resin composite:
SORI and MUKURI:
These knitted tatami-resin furniture pieces reinterpret traditional Japanese shapes and textures through 3D printing. The unique structure of these items offers moderate transparency and varying visual expressions depending on the viewing angle. They are sturdy enough to support glass and other heavy materials, making them ideal for dining tables.
CHIGUSA:
Inspired by the traditional Japanese “Sen-suji” pattern, this stool combines multiple 3D-printed parts. The vertical pattern of the elastic and durable tatami-mixed resin provides a resilient and comfortable seating experience.
TABA:
A lighting fixture designed to resemble bundled grass, TABA uses a dripping technique in its 3D printing process. The tatami-mixed resin diffuses light beautifully, with light spilling through the gaps in its branches, creating a soft, natural ambiance.
TACHIWAKI:
This self-standing basin, inspired by the Japanese “Tachiwaki” pattern, features multiple stripes created by varying the purging speed of the 3D printer. Its water-resistant nature makes it suitable for innovative bathroom designs.
YOCELL:
A stool that draws from the traditional Japanese “Asanoha” pattern, it uses the layer marks of the 3D printer to create unique visual effects by aligning them in different directions. The modular shape makes it sustainable even for transportation and packaging.
AMI:
Combining the aesthetics of traditional Japanese 2D weaving with modern 3D printing, the AMI stool and lampshade feature intricate designs created by dripping resin from the air. The resulting pieces change their expression based on the viewing angle.
KOHSHI:
This lattice-like vase is reminiscent of Japanese architecture and allows for flexible plant arrangements, inspired by the art of Ikebana. This design has such a lightweight aesthetic, making any room feel airy. It’s perfect for minimalistic homes.
To celebrate 8 years of cutting-edge devices that have helped the creative community build like never before, Snapmaker announces a Premium version of their flagship Artisan all-in-one making device. The Artisan, which debuted in 2022, is a multipurpose desktop device that laser cuts, 3D prints, and even CNC machines all thanks to a compact form factor and a brilliant modular design that lets you swap out 3D printing, CNC, and laser modules whenever you need. A whopping 400x400x400mm work area means you can create, prototype, or set up a factory line right on your table, and the Artisan Premium now features an upgraded 40W laser module that’s 4x more powerful than the one on its 2022 model. Along with this, the company is also ushering in its 8th anniversary with a 48-hour Makerathon event that fans can watch online, coupled with offers, gifts, and a referral program that gets you rewards!
The Artisan Premium is Snapmaker’s top-of-the-line creating tool. A 3-in-1 device that prints, engraves/etches, and CNC machines, the Artisan Premium offers a large work area and still saves space by offering so many functions in one workstation. An all-metal design ensures factory-grade precision, an enclosure contains the dust and protects your eyes from laser damage, and a control unit with a 7″ touchscreen allows you to easily operate the Artisan with ease. On the inside, a modular interface lets you plug in any of Snapmaker’s variousmodules, giving the Artisan its functions.
3D Printing: Thanks to the optimized transmission system and motion control algorithm, Artisan features a high dimensional accuracy when printing at a high speed.
Laser: Coming with the 10W Laser Module, Artisan is capable of faster and deeper cutting on more materials, and delivering refined laser engraving.
CNC: The high-rigidity linear modules and high-speed spindle empower the CNC module to carve or cut smoothly on various materials with a high dimensional accuracy.
The new 40W laser module is now more powerful than ever, allowing you to cut through thicker and tougher materials faster, giving you mastery over paper, fabric, leather, wood, plastic, metal, brick, glass, and many more materials. The 3D printer features a dual-extruder design that lets you print in multiple colors or add different material supports, and the 200W CNC machine is perfect for subtractive prototyping from wood, or even soft metal and stone. The 400x400x400 working area gives you the ability to build large-scale models, and the inclusion of an air pump in the Premium variant helps clear the working area while the Artisan is doing its job.
Along with the reveal of the Artisan Premium, which goes on sale on May 28th with an MSRP of $2999 USD, or €3299 EUR (vat included) if you’re in Europe, Snapmaker is even holding a 48-hour Makerathon with the theme “Play Well” that reflects the company’s roots in fun and exploration and its ongoing commitment to innovation and creativity. Held on 31st May and 1st June, the Makerathon will see Snapmaker’s entire company divided into 10 teams that will then participate in a series of challenges where they’re required to “Make Something Wonderful”. The event will stream on Snapmaker’s Facebook page, and will also coincide with Snapmaker’s Print & Play Challenge, a video contest that all Snapmaker users can participate in.. All you need to do is print anything you can play with (toys, games, music instruments, etc.) and film a video of yourself playing with it. The first five submissions will be screened at the Makerathon, and the Print & Play Challenge will continue all the way up until the 16th of June or Father’s Day. You can participate in the Print & Play Challenge, or even visit Snapmaker’s website to explore tonnes of new content, including printable 3D models of Snapmaker’s 3-in-1 machines, massive discounts on all products, and a referral program that offers a FREE 1064nm IR Laser Module to anyone whose friend buys an Artisan Premium.
Unless you are Elon Musk and believe chess is “too simple to be useful in real life,” you know, chess is a strategic and competitive game. It requires meticulous planning and clear objectivity. If you don’t have an objective in mind, your moves will be directionless and you will end up wasting time thinking and moving without purpose. Through the gameplay, it instills cognitive thinking, benefits mental well-being, and can now be a source of thoughtful restoration in the war-torn Ukraine.
Cuibiono, a design-first not-for-profit, has been at the forefront of providing aid to the regions where geopolitical conflicts like war have damaged humanity. With the new chess set, it has conceived using recycled biomaterials (PLA) and 3D printing, the NGO is giving everyone a chance to jump onto their journey of creativity, sustainability, and giving back, helping make a difference and restore homes in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
The stackable chess set is inspired by the war-torn and displaced Kharkiv, which has been on the receiving end of the Russian invasion. Called the Kindachess – S, this set 3D-printed from naturally degradable bioplastics – features a board segmented to depict the nation under war. It is designed as fractures on the earth’s crust. But when it’s stacked to be stored, the dividing lines on the board form the Ukrainian flag to depict unity and the satisfaction of returning home.
The idea of a chess set whose profit from sales proceeds would go into restoring homes in Kharkiv is the brainchild of designer Liam Hwang of Cuibiono. The compact, stackable chess set is 3D printed sustainably in Hackney, London. It measures 200mm x 200mm when laid out for playing and fits into a case measuring 290mm x 164mm after use.
This is not Cuibiono’s first such sustainably driven product with the idea of giving back. The NGO states, “we are committed to sustainability.” All the products designed in their facilities are crafted with eco-friendly materials (like recycled PLA in the case of the chess set). The chess set, selling in two color contrasts: wheat and sky, ivory and walnut, is now available at £200 (approximately $250). Buy now, and support the cause becoming a part of the community that cares.
Alors laissez-moi vous présenter Rooms, une application qui va vous permettre de libérer votre imagination en 3D au travers d’un immense bac à sable virtuel, avec des milliers d’éléments à votre disposition, le tout, sans débourser un centime.
Avec Rooms, vous pouvez vous amuser à créer une grande variété de contenus, des petits dioramas mignons aux jeux d’évasion tordus, en passant par des environnements tranquilles pour se détendre. Votre seule limite, c’est votre créativité !
L’application se distingue par sa simplicité d’utilisation. Pas besoin d’être un expert de la 3D, il suffit de faire glisser des éléments depuis l’immense bibliothèque de plus de 6000 modèles 3D fournie, puis de les personnaliser. Et si vous ne trouvez pas votre bonheur, vous pouvez toujours créer vos propres modèles from scratch avec l’éditeur intégré. De quoi faire votre safe place virtuelle.
Cette bibliothèque collaborative est vraiment un des points forts de Rooms. Chacun peut y contribuer et partager ses créations, ouvrant des possibilités infinies de remix et de collaborations entre utilisateurs. Et il y a même des choses un peu plus évoluées comme des jeux ou des Rooms plus complexes.
Mais Rooms, ce n’est pas qu’un simple éditeur 3D. C’est aussi un réseau social créatif où chaque monde que vous créez a sa propre URL unique, facilement partageable. Vous pouvez bien sûr aussi explorer les créations des autres, pour vous inspirer ou simplement vous émerveiller.
Pour vous donner un aperçu du potentiel de Rooms, voici un mini tutoriel pour créer votre premier monde :
Rendez-vous sur rooms.xyz et cliquez sur « Create ». Vous arrivez dans une pièce vide, votre toile blanche !
Cliquez sur « Edit » puis sur l’icône « + » en bas à gauche pour accéder à la bibliothèque de modèles 3D.
Parcourez les catégories et faites glisser les modèles qui vous plaisent dans votre scène.
Une fois vos modèles en place, sélectionnez-les pour ajuster leur position, rotation et échelle grâce aux poignées qui apparaissent.
Pour aller plus loin, vous pouvez également modifier son style et son comportement, y compris à travers du code.
Quand votre création est terminée, y’a plus qu’à sauvegarder et partager fièrement le lien.
Et voilà, c’est aussi simple que ça de devenir un artiste 3D avec Rooms. Il y a plein d’autres fonctionnalités à découvrir, comme le mode caméra pour prendre des photos ou la possibilité de remixer les mondes des autres.
Techniquement, Rooms est construit sur le moteur de jeu Unity et utilise le langage de programmation Lua dans son éditeur de code. L’application fonctionne directement dans le navigateur web, ce qui la rend accessible à la plupart des ordinateurs et elle est aussi disponible en version mobile sur iOS.
Un grand merci à Lorenper pour m’avoir suggéré cette app. Maintenant j’attends de voir ta room 🙂
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