Plethora-Monument of Mass Customization

Revolutionary 3D Printed Sculpture by LuxMea Studio

Plethora is the first large-scale 3D printed metal sculpture that signifies the evolution of form and ornament. Its unique properties lie in its balance between parametric algorithm and synthetic forms of illustration. The use of digital fabrication tools allows for infinite details without added cost, creating reflective surfaces and complex geometry that catch light from all directions. The monumental scale of Plethora creates an interactive experience with both people and the environment, making it a true manifestation of the Age of Mass Customization.

The realization of Plethora involved a cross-platform method using digital tools to work with subdivision geometries and the penalization of detail components. Parameters were fine-tuned for 3D printing, and LuxMea Studio's patent-pending technology for large-scale metal printing made Plethora possible. The sculpture, made of 314L Stainless Steel, stands at a height of 5.10m with a bottom radius of 1.97m. Its thickness ranges from 7mm to 15mm depending on structural load, and it is polished to a wet sheen finish.

At different scales, Plethora offers unique interactions. At a massing scale, the smaller details may not be fully appreciated, but the interaction with light adds a layer of intricacy and mystery. At a human scale, spectators can observe the sculpture's anatomy, with massing divided by vertical snake-like waves and surfaces tessellated into cells and pixels. At a micro scale, the finest details of Plethora create an intriguing micro dynamics, revealing an aesthetic opportunity that has never been seen before.

The Plethora project started in Toronto in 2016 and was completed in 2017. It is currently being exhibited in Shanghai. Extensive research was conducted on digital modeling and fabrication technologies, and LuxMea Studio developed a flawless cross-platform digital modeling method that made large-scale metal 3D printing feasible for the first time in history. The technical realization of Plethora was the most challenging part of the project, but LuxMea Studio's patent-pending technology solved the problem and paved the way for future innovations.

Plethora has received recognition for its groundbreaking design. It was awarded the Bronze A' Design Award in the Fine Arts and Art Installation Design category in 2017. This award is bestowed upon outstanding and creatively ingenious designs that incorporate best practices in art, science, design, and technology. Plethora's strong technical and creative skills contribute to quality of life improvements, making it a true testament to the possibilities of the Age of Mass Customization.