Opx2: A Symbiosis of Nature and Technology

Jonathon Anderson's Award-Winning Optic Installation

Jonathon Anderson's Opx2 is a captivating optic installation that draws inspiration from the patterns, repetition, and rhythm found in both natural formations and computing processes. The installation's reclusive geometry and momentary opacity echo the phenomenon of driving by a cornfield or the binary code in technology. This unique design, which won the Platinum A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2014, is a testament to the power of innovative design.

The uniqueness of Opx2 lies in its construction. Made of 8000 aluminum rods, each 15cm in length and 1.5mm in diameter, the installation's structure is held together by 2000 connections fabricated using 3D printing technology. This modularity allows Opx2 to expand and contract to any size. The structure represented in the photos measures 2m x 2m x 2m and is assembled with a violet gradient of connection parts.

Anderson and his team utilized 3D printing gypsum powder and aluminum welding rods to realize the design. The technical specifications of the design include aluminum rods that are 15cm in length and 1.5mm in diameter, and connections that measure 12mm x12mm x 12mm. The installation was created and installed at the Center for Visual Artists in Greensboro, North Carolina, USA.

Opx2 is designed to be viewed from afar and up close. As viewers move around the structure, they notice the movement and density of the installation, formed by the repeated patterns and scale of materials. Each viewpoint provides a new experience where reclusive geometries begin to emerge. The design explores two relatively simple parts, a 3D printed connection, and an aluminum rod, to build complex geometry which challenges one's perception of volume and space.

Despite the accuracy in geometry, the biggest challenge faced by the design team was assembling the structure. A margin of error made various portions of the installation seem loose fitting while causing others to be in extreme tension. The challenge was overcome by using paperclips with rubber bands, which held the connections together. Once the structure was fully assembled, the rubber bands were removed, leaving the installation structurally sound.

In conclusion, Jonathon Anderson's Opx2 is a remarkable optic installation that beautifully merges nature and technology. Its unique properties, innovative realization technology, and the challenges overcome during its design process make it a worthy recipient of the prestigious Platinum A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2014. Opx2 not only pushes the boundaries of design and technology but also offers a fresh perspective on the symbiotic relationship between nature and technology.