Porcelain Planets

A persistent theme we explored within IXL was the difference between digital and analog paradigms. As a response to digital manufacturing versus traditional, time honored techniques, we sought to blend the two in a harmonious manner. Using NASA’s Mars and Lunar topographical data, we converted various features into 3D models to be printed into molds. The molds were then used to form clay bowls and tiles that took the imprint of the Mars and Lunar data. This allowed us to enhance traditional techniques using modern data and manufacturing methods, all the while creating a handmade product.

Why it matters: The ability of digital design tools to augment traditional crafts is a very fertile area. The craftsperson’s ability to tackle complex forms and to imbue an object with the richness of data is somewhat limited, whereas digital fabrication can produce infinitely complex representations of data. Marrying the warmth of the handicrafts with the semantics of data can result in meaningful, beautiful, and intricate objects.

Contribution: Concept, ideation, mold design, production of clay artefacts, conference paper (submitted to RTD ‘18 - Research Through Design).

Team: Eric Faggin, Jiwon Jun.