Nodes

Research

The Setting

Some of us are constantly searching for something new and unintended. Dustin and I are constantly looking at ways to use existing technology in not-so-obvious ways, as well as emerging tech that is ripe for new ideas. Given this, our next project could be born of some historical reference, but the second question will always be about the methods of fabrication it lends itself to.

The Goal

Create a system that is tuned for rapid iteration and prototyping, but could also serve as the structural base for additional materials and concepts.

Enter: The Node

The Node

At its base, the node-based system is not new. Think of a space frame or 3D chemical diagrams. Points and lines in space that form a structure. The idea here was to create a script for a streamlined geometry that would make fabricating this type of structure both faster and more elegant. The result was not only effective but created such intriguing products that some nodes were able to stand on their own and inspire existence beyond the typical structure they were meant to be a part of.

At their core, they’re a wrapping mesh of an intersection of lines. All aspects of its logic are adjustable: the length and depth of the arms, the padding around the point, and the crispness of its edges and transitions.

Its geometric qualities at this point have begun to see the limitations of the software in which it was born. There is an opportunity to see it developed further in this area, however that would require a migration to a more robust platform and restructuring of some of its base logic. In the meantime, we continue to not only explore its existence on its own but in what ways it can create structures that serve other concepts and materials. We are also constantly searching for practical ways of fabricating the nodes at different scales in our current economic and technical landscape.

With 3D printing still far from a practical means of mass production, certain materials like metals are more accessible via casting and milling. The same goes for a few others. We will know soon if the major manufacturing industries still need more time for a system like this to be created on more feasible levels. For now, we remain in the prototyping stages and continue to push the system.