No.1
[Digital Craft]
Reimagining 3D design with a traditional craft mindset
In our work, craft means attention to detail. For this project, celebrating London Craft Week’s tenth anniversary, we set out to bridge digital processes with traditional craft, using advanced printing technology and hands-on material exploration. Our aim was to create a series that celebrates both precision and unpredictability, a modern tribute to classic craft methods.
Parametric Iteration
[Maximising Outputs]
[01] Early sequence test starting with one hero vessel expanding to a wider series by iterating its structure
We were introduced to the HP Indigo 12000 digital printing press early in this project by TM Studio, our design agency partners. To take advantage of its ability to produce unique sequential prints, we looked for ways to automate variation and create editions of forms.
[02] Using Houdini’s TOPs, we set design parameters to automatically generate and wedge iterate master forms
[03] Initial tests produced images and models for further iteration, enabling automation while keeping the design process flexible
Master Form
[Pushing The Vessel]
[04] Cross sections of a typical vase shape were remixed, resulting in unexpected and evolved forms
With our technical approach established, we needed a new master vessel. The standard vase felt too simple for this campaign, so we drew inspiration from pieces at London Craft Week and moved toward a more dynamic, sculptural form.
We then focused on one of our studio’s core pillars: exploring materiality. The digital editions needed to reflect distinct physical craft techniques, so we experimented with resins, glass, fabric, basket weaves and glazed ceramics. Each material gave the vessel a striking and unique character.
[05] Resin, glass, fabric, metals and precious material tests as options for the hero materiality
[06] Simulated surface advection techniques introduced new detail alongside standard shader approaches
Defining the final collection
[07] Gold was chosen to elevate the sculptural vessels, adding prestige and a celebratory tone
Our experimental editioning produced 1,000 unique campaign images from just five master vessels, with 995 wedged variations accepted as they emerged. This approach echoed the beautiful unpredictability found in traditional craft processes like pottery.
[08] Applying our images to the festival campaign and guidebooks showed how unique artwork can elevate everyday items
[Digital Craft]
Creating Vessel recalibrated our approach to design. By embracing the act of making we traded digital perfection for much richer, craft oriented results.
