Digital Biology
Connex 4D Printed Biology
The fascination with editing human form in the digital space is a theme enhanced by 3D printing. Drawing from science fiction and special effects inspirations the Digital Skin and Hair project uses a range of techniques which enhance, inspire or replicate the human anatomy.
The fascination with editing human form in the digital space is a theme enhanced by 3D printing. Drawing from science fiction and special effects inspirations the Digital Skin and Hair project uses a range of techniques which enhance, inspire or replicate the human anatomy.
Inspiration
Digitally crafting an object allows for modification and enhancement of anatomy. I drew ideas from science fiction special effects, such as the films Alien and Avatar which modify anatomy for a fantastical context. However, it was Rick Baker’s work on An American Werewolf in London which was a key inspiration. In particular, the footage of the hair growing out of the body during the transition from human to werewolf (achieved by pulling hair through pig skin and then reversing the footage) triggered an idea that the same concept could be done via crafting a 3D object.
Conceptualization
All work was done using Fusion360 which allows a variety of tools to craft and integrate design details; required for the intricacies of the human anatomy. The driving concept was to 3D print hair which could grow and retract into the skin, influencing design features from human anatomy. Starting with the hair, the design aims to create a series of sleek hair strands which use the 4D quality of connex material to add a natural movement to the hair. The skin has to allow the hair to pass through and contain small glands, which allow liquid to pass through the skin; this references sweat leaving the body.
Hair
The hair incorporates a 4D quality, as the hair is designed to be thin enough to move, but thick enough to have a structural memory; meaning after movement the hair will return to a natural state of standing upright.
Hair
The hair incorporates a 4D quality, as the hair is designed to be thin enough to move, but thick enough to have a structural memory; meaning after movement the hair will return to a natural state of standing upright.
Skin
As the hair retracts into the skin, two skins were designed; one for the surface and one beneath the surface which holds the hair in place.
Interaction between Skin and Hair
As the hair tappers to a point, it can slide out of the skin until the hair’s thickness prevents it from falling out; it can also be retracted. Using post-production techniques of reversing film footage, the interaction between skin and hair can portray the hair growing out of the skin, adding a further 4D quality to the print.
Additional Design
After this concept was developed, one edited strand of hair was used as a prop for a local short film
After this concept was developed, one edited strand of hair was used as a prop for a local short film
