Hasta La Ideas

Great Things to People (gt2P) is a Chilean “parametric design and digital fabrication” studio that recently presented the three new projects that comprise their Digital Crafting Collection at the IMM Cologne 2012.

[The concept is] based on the implementation of digital design methodologies and the experience and the know-how of Chilean artisans, who feed and contribute to qualify each “generative algorithms” or DNA. Through this concept gt2P has succeeded in communicating its ability to investigate, explore and experiment with new materials and processes, and integrate technologies CAD/CAM with traditional techniques and knowledge.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen nature-inspired or otherwise organic applications of 3D modeling and fabrication techniques used to created organic forms: Marc Fornes & THEVERYMANY’s “nonLin/Lin Pavilion” comes to mind, as do Nervous Systems’ “Hyphae” lamp and Neri Oxman’s sculptures. However, the Santiago-based studio sets itself apart by incorporating local materials and traditional techniques in these three disparate “digital crafting” exercises, each of which is characterized by gt2P’s highly formal approach.

The “Suple” series is a vaguely biomimetic furniture construction system, centered (literally and figuratively) on a single connector piece that is fabricated with a combination of digital and traditional techniques:

From these molds a cast of silicone is shaped (negatives). Then, the 3D printing is removed from the inside and filled with wax (positives). When removing the silicone mold, the wax is covered with a ceramic shell made of a kind of glue and sand. A casting cone is made to bring the metal into the shell, melting the wax at the same time.

The legs of the occasional table were turned by hand, taking as reference the 3D printing pieces, and its cover was cut by laser. Finally, the wood was treated with varnish effect of “not painted”, so that it retains its natural color, look and texture. This integration of digital and traditional processes made it possible to move from the 3D printing to the craftsmanship, to obtain unique pieces.

The side table itself is “made of steel and wood,” with locally-sourced legs: “Suple is the first Chilean design that uses Raulí with dual FSC and Fairtrade certification in its manufacturing process.”

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