PROJECT CHARLIE

Project Analysis: Why we didn’t take on Project Charlie

ABOUT PROJECT CHARLIE

At Pikus, we're all about efficiency and creativity. Our 3D Poly-grout is the perfect example of how we strive for excellence in every aspect of our designs. While our Pikus 3D printer is capable of printing just about anything you can imagine, there are times when our 3D Poly-grout is a better fit for a project. We want to make sure we're maximizing your design efforts and saving you both time and money. We take pride in the quality of our manufacturing processes and will always be upfront about whether or not it's the right fit for your project. In this article, we'll take a closer look at "Project Charlie," which came to us in March of 2023 to identify what made it a poor fit for 3DPG.

The artist-led project aimed to bring the city to life with its larger-than-life 3D printed sculptures. The installation was designed to showcase the infinite possibilities of the human form, with each unique head crafted by the artist to convey individuality and expression.

While 3DPG may seem like the perfect choice for completing projects that require freeform designs, it became clear that there were more efficient and cost-effective methods to execute this particular project. At Pikus, our goal is to help creatives find the most effective ways to complete their projects. With Project Charlie, cheaper alternatives were identified outside of concrete fabrication.

MAKING

3DPG MORE

EFFECTIVE

We decided not to take on this project since the artist was looking for more detailed construction. While 3DPG has many uses, it's not the best for intricate designs. The human figures that were to be sculpted would have required heavily modified internal supports and be printed in multiple pieces to accomodate for the freestanding arms. For us to be able to efficiently print this art installation, the sculptures would have needed to have their arms down by their side. The outcome would have been lower fidelity than the artist had previously imagined.

WHAT IF WE PRINTED IT?

We never shy away from a challenge at Pikus. So, when we were given some initial constraints for Project Charlie, we decided to push the boundaries a little and see what we could come up with. Our design team got creative with new fabrication methods and developed some truly unique pieces, reminiscent of our signature 3DPG sculptures. The amorphous shapes offer endless possibilities for our artists to add their own creative flair, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. The poly-grout structures serve as the foundation for the final sculptures, giving them a solid base to build upon and bring their vision to life.

Although we couldn't take on Project Charlie as the artist's vision didn't align with the constraints of 3DPG, we viewed it as a chance to examine how 3D printing is changing the art world. 3D poly-grout has opened up a whole new level of creativity in architecture and construction. As printing technology advances, we believe that it will soon be possible to bring projects like Project Charlie to life in just a few hours of printing, providing a fresh and innovative perspective on artistic expression.

  • Our History

    Learn about the adventure that led towards the founding and execution of Pikus 3DPG.

    Read It

  • Best Practices

    Learn the best practices for designing in 3DPG. Get a clear overview of limitations, techniques to bypass limits, and more!

    Read It

  • Destruction

    Learn how Pikus tests every product, from rigging connections to final attachments.

    Read It

  • The Pikus Adventure

    Join Pikus on epic adventures, from hands on creation to destructive testing, Pikus always has fun.

    Read It

  • 3DPG vs. CIP

    Take an in-depth journey through the differences between Cast-in-Place construction practices and 3D-printed poly-grout.

    Read It

  • Making Your Statement

    How architects can fabricate their dream creations while making a positive impact on their community.

    Read It

  • Project Charlie

    Why we didn’t take on Project Charlie and what we learned about the incredible possibilities of 3D poly-grout.

    Read it