Digital Taihu: 3D Printed Furniture Activating Traditional Chinese Culture

Combining Taihu Stone and Digital Design for Sustainable and Unique Furniture

The Digital Taihu project stands out with its unique approach to furniture design. The designers aimed to activate traditional Chinese culture by utilizing 3D printing and bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization algorithms. The result is furniture that showcases the complexity of virtual birth forms transformed into rational physical forms.

The furniture models were created using a bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization method, which optimized the furniture structure to simulate the natural form of Taihu stone. The furniture was then constructed using integrated 3D printing, utilizing liquid photosensitive resin material. The final construction was carried out using metal 3D printing, ensuring durability and functionality.

The Digital Taihu furniture boasts impressive specifications, with dimensions of 915mm in length, 1125mm in width, and 1052mm in height. These dimensions provide a comfortable and functional design suitable for various living spaces.

One of the key strengths of the Digital Taihu project lies in its sustainable design approach. By incorporating bi-directional evolutionary structural optimization and 3D printing technology, the furniture achieves lightweight designs that reduce material usage and shorten production cycles. This sustainable design philosophy aligns with the goal of living in symbiosis with nature.

The project, which took place in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, spanned two months from July to September 2022. Throughout the project, the designers conducted extensive research on the digital expression of traditional Chinese cultures and the combination of furniture structure optimization and 3D printing technology. The research findings highlighted the potential of 3D printing technology for rapid lightweight design and the cutting-edge nature of furniture structures and materials.

The Digital Taihu project faced several challenges during its development. The topology optimization phase, including the application of mechanics methods and data iterations, proved to be the most difficult. Additionally, verifying the feasibility of the structural materials posed challenges in terms of production difficulties and user acceptance.

The Digital Taihu project has received recognition for its innovative and practical design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the 3D Printed Forms and Products Design category in 2023. This award acknowledges the project's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The project's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world.

With its fusion of traditional Chinese culture and cutting-edge technology, the Digital Taihu project sets a new standard for furniture design. By embracing 3D printing and sustainable design principles, Yang Pu and Ding Wen Nic Bao have created furniture that not only showcases the beauty of traditional Chinese culture but also contributes to a more sustainable future.