Dec.6, 2013 | By Cynthia
Spanish artist Javier Lloret created a 3D-printed Rubik's cube which was used to bring the experience of solving a Rubik's cube to the urban space of Linz, Austria. In the project Puzzle Façade, Lloret used 3D-printing technology to design and print an interface-cube. This cube contains 'electronic components which allow it to keep track of its orientation and the rotations on each side of the cube'. Data from the cube is sent by Bluetooth to a computer that runs the Puzzle Façade software which changes the lights and colors of the Ars Electronica Center's media façade based on the movement of the 3D-printed Rubik's interface-cube.
Due to the nature of this building and its surroundings, the player is only able to see two sides at the same time. This factor increases the difficulty of solving the puzzle, but as the player is able to rotate and flip the interface-cube, it is not a blocking factor.
This project was part of Lloret's thesis at the University for Art and Industrial Design in Linz, and it is an excellent example of the diverse applications of 3D-printing technology. In the area of fine art, other large-scale light installations such as Impossible Light, which will illuminate San Francisco's Bay Bridge, may also benefit from similar technology. The idea of using 3D-printed bespoke objects to interact with environments seems to be one of great potential in industrial applications as well.
Posted in 3D Printing Applications
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