Parametric Design furniture
August 20, 2023
Michaela Crie Stone lives and works in Rockport, Maine, where she creates pieces that push the parameters of function by blurring the lines between art, craft, and design.
Designed by Platige Image and Bridge, BIOSTAGOG is an interactive sculpture that combines algorithmic design, 3D printing, mapping and interaction. BIOSTAGOG was created to be a living organism in the lobby of Platige that takes an active part in the company’s everyday life. The installation has a complex, algorithmically generated form – integrated with video mapping which reacts to what’s happening in the lobby space.
Multicellular structure dominates and organizes the entrance. The project joins unique know-how of the teams involved. Bridge was responsible for algorithmic design, 3D printing, video mapping and Platige Image for programming interaction with Kinect. Both teams took part in creative direction of the project. Original concept came from Platige Image which acted as a client and as part of the project team.
Designers have developed a custom algorithm with Rhino Grasshopper which allowed them to design complex geometry fulfilling multiple criteria at once. The criteria range from aesthetics through video mapping and 3D printing requirements. They decided to use 3D printing to build the installation because it provides high precision. Direct correspondence between physical realization and digital model was crucial for interactive mapping to work on such complex structure.
Desktop ZMoprh printers based on open-source RepRap project were used to produce the installation. The printers used FDM technology. Biostagog is composed of 3160 cells which were subdivided into over 800 panels to fit into ZMorph priners’ working space. 5 machines where used 24 hours, 7 days a week for 3 months to print it.
The video mapping is designed as a multilayered animated structure reacting to data from installation’s surroundings. It is generated in real time with a custom algorithm feed with Kinect and geometry data.
The installation begins to exhibit multiple behaviors when people are present in the lobby. They become an attractor for the projection which mirrors their silhouettes when they remain in front of it for a while. It warms up with light and color adding a very human touch to the workplace.
