Cuboctahedron 7 Position Planter

Transforming an Ordinary Object into an Artistic and Functional Piece of Design

For the Cuboctahedron Planter, designers Maria Paula Rico and Ana Emilia Hernandez aimed to create a unique and visually striking piece that combines art and functionality. By manipulating a polyhedron and employing the technique of stereotomy, they developed a wooden cuboctahedron-shaped planter that can be placed in seven different positions, each offering a distinct view of the object.

The Cuboctahedron Planter stands out for its complex structure and meticulous craftsmanship. Made from 3mm MDF with double-faced natural wood veneer, including Walnut, Okume, and Sapelle, this planter showcases the designers' attention to detail. The materials used, along with the technique of stereotomy, create different visual effects that make it an ideal decorative piece for any interior space.

What sets the Cuboctahedron Planter apart is its ability to be placed in seven different positions. Each angle offers a unique perspective, allowing users to customize the planter's appearance to suit their preferences and the surrounding environment. The precision of the design ensures that each part fits perfectly with the others, resulting in a solid, resistant, and unified configuration.

Manufacturing the Cuboctahedron Planter involves laser cutting 16 pieces, which are then assembled without the need for any adhesive or hardware. This production method ensures high precision and accuracy, essential for achieving the desired geometric proportions and the planter's stability in any position.

Designed with both aesthetics and functionality in mind, the Cuboctahedron Planter is easy to use. Users can effortlessly achieve different positions by simply placing it on its various angles. This versatility allows for endless possibilities in terms of display and arrangement.

The project, initiated in March 2016 in Mexico City, underwent several trials and iterations before reaching its final form. The designers conducted extensive research, employing stereotomy and mathematical calculations to create a perforated volume that is fully assembled. Overcoming the challenge of achieving the perfect assembly between the planter's different parts was crucial in realizing the designers' vision.

The Cuboctahedron Planter has received recognition for its exceptional design. It was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the Furniture Design category in 2017. This prestigious award is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The planter's integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and its contribution to a better world earned it this esteemed accolade.

With its unique shape, meticulous craftsmanship, and versatility, the Cuboctahedron 7 Position Planter by Maria Paula Rico and Ana Emilia Hernandez is a testament to the fusion of art, design, and functionality. Its ability to transform any space into a visually captivating environment makes it a must-have for design enthusiasts and those seeking to elevate their interior decor.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: Hexagón
Image Credits: All photo credits belong to Hexagón.
Project Team Members: Ana Emilia Hernandez Lara Maria Paula Rico Iruretagoyena
Project Name: Cuboctahedron
Project Client: Hexagón


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