studiolav and sandhelden create 3D printed nomadic sand tribe from the future

NOMads by studiolav and sandhelden

For ‘Nomads’, London-based design studio StudioLav collaborates with German manufacturer Sandhelden, to imagine a futuristic scenario in which a small tribe of 3D printed creatures embark on a journey to explore the new world. The project looks at nomadism from a broader perspective of mobility and openness, creating a new sense of community. The new Nomads made of sand, are products of new technology that re-establish and maintain a long-lost connection between beings, mother nature and earth. They are symbolic of an ideal aspiration for a smoother symbiotic relationship between the two. 

all photography by Yannis Bournias

3d printing helps to reconnect beings with earth

Throughout time, people have always held a fascination with discovering new worlds and exploring the unseen, or haved moved around for survival reasons. Traditionally, nomadic migration patterns have been primarily dictated by and attuned to the change of seasons, though now, humans tend to spend their whole lives in one place – a relatively new and atypical concept.

Building upon this inherent human urge to wander, StudioLav and Sandhelden set out to invent ‘new nomads’. Together the design studio and 3D manufacturer question traditional perceptions of mobility, migration, and community. They consider evolution – the study of the origins of life, its development and diversity – to envision the future. They imagine how nomadic creatures in constant motion would look like in the future. How they would adapt to their new environments. What their characteristics, personalities and wits would be like. And how they might evolve over time.

the tribe of nomads are designed to re-establish a connection between earth and beings

imagined nomadic creatures made of sand 

The 3D printed sand forms of Annazah, Tende and Kella, the futuristic tribal creatures, are simple but rich in context. Their design is inspired by ‘ceremonial couture’ such as body scarification rituals, body painting, and elaborate costumes. StudioLav completely strips their forms from color to reflect upon their ability to adapt to the new while respecting the old. Valuing their heritage, their simple decorative elements that were once traditionally used to adorn, seduce, and convey symbolic meanings, now become embedded in their bodies permanently. The nomads’ rough surface maintains the highly tactile character of sand and creates a direct reference to the material’s natural origin. Ornamental, textural patterns combined with natural light are the key elements that give depth and bring the objects to life in the bold form of vessels reminiscent of nomadic water bearers.

the monochrome objects are completely stripped from colour

the rough surface maintains the character of sand and reflects the material’s natural origin

the futuristic nomads are simple but rich in context

simple decorative elements are embedded in their bodies permanently

textural patterns add depth

1/5

 

 

 

 

 

project info:

name: Nomads
designers: StudioLav and Sandhelden

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: ravail khan | designboom