interactive installation glowscape emits warm array of light through its 3D-printed shell

glowscape: an interactive display of light and color 

Emulating nature’s vibrant materialization, Glowscape is a 3D-printed installation that continually exudes a warm serene glow in dialogue with its user. The interactive illumination, designed as part of a digital fabrication workshop between Southeast University (SEU) Nanjing and ETH Zurich, invites the audience to sit on its intricately undulating form and engage in its rippling array of light. As people approach Glowscape, a soothing display of cool and warm hues begin to grow from inside and slowly ripples throughout the translucent gradient surface, exposing its rich textures.

Glowscape installation invites visitor interaction | all images courtesy Hao Hua

integrating 3D-printing with programmable electronics

The mountain-like dips and peaks on the outer surface resemble Chinese paintings such as ‘A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains’ from the 12th century. The white-blue color scheme, exuding a cool ambience, alludes to the traditional blue and white porcelain which were popular throughout ancient China and Europe.

Organized by Hao Hua of SEU and Benjamin Dillenburger at ETH Zurich, the installation integrates material ecology and robotic 3D printing. Bio-degradable thermoplastic Ingeo PLA has been used to print the form using a pellet extruder, meanwhile a mixture of thermoplastics fed into a robotic printer gives shape to the gradient surface with varying colors and textures. The integration of advanced technologies of additive manufacturing and programmable electronics further make Glowscape a live, interactive installation engages in a continual loop of motion. ‘Glowscape starts communication with people by invoking collective memory of traditional patterns,’ notes Hao Hua.

Glowscape undulates like mountain peaks from ancient Chinese art

as people approach the installation, a soothing display of light grows from within

the warm white-blue colors allude to the ancient Chinese porcelain

a hollow interior

 3D-printed shell by participants in the workshop

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project info:

name: Glowscape

designer: Hao Hua & Benjamin Dillenburger
institutions: Southeast University & ETH Zurich

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edited by: ravail khan | designboom