Metamorphosis, reactive wearable 3D printed structure study by Paola Tognazzi

Metamorfosis Reactive Wearable3DPrinted structure by paola tognazzi from paola tognazzi on Vimeo.

Metamorphosis from hidden spaces investigates implications of 3D experience of wearable structures in relation to movement, and transformation, to create a symbiotic process of shape transformation between the wearer and the structure. It is an artistic research that explores methodologies to create wearable structures with 3D printer, which react to body movement. This part of the research focuses on the study of mechanics applied to experimental clothing design with 3D pieces.
The opportunity of 3d printing technology has led to innovative forms. However these structures are often architectural and static both through their material and design. This project wants to design from, and for the moving body, applying the dynamics of physical movements to understand structure patterns expressivity in order to inform the 3D design. It’s only when a structure moves that we discover how the elements that compose it, coordinate and interact together, revealing its identity. The patterns and textile materials with which we envelope our bodies not only shape the garments but more importantly, from a dynamic point of view, they can guide and choreograph our movements. Our movements change by what we wear, they are inspired or restricted by the feelings the garments produce on our bodies and by the shape they take. In this process of communication, I question what if our movements would also affect the inner structure of the patterns thus changing their behaviour.
Research Process:
Before starting the hands on part of the research I made a tool: Choreographing with Sheldon. It’s a tool that translates the vocabulary of a performing body into code, extrapolating the parameters of a dance technique, and exploring the law of physics for directions change. I use it to compose generative choreographic patterns visualizing how even small directions changes have a radical impact in the materialization of movement.

For the development methodology I used tools like the 3D printer and modeling programs to create quickly customizable models for testings and explorations during the process, the kinect to analyze simulations of interactive three-dimensional structures with the body, and the exploration of sewing techniques to insert rigid materials and develop mechanisms of movement.

In the previous research I focused on the conection arms-back, here I’m focusing specifically on the movement of the muscular fascia of the dorsal ancho in the back.
The 3D structure is shaped as a chain of vertebras when it moves resemble two little wings visualizing the amplification of the movement around that muscular fascia.

Thanks to the collaboration of Mercedes Morote (fashion designer) Pablo López Jiménez, Daniel Soriano Pérez (Artists) and the support of Diego Díaz, Jesus Nieto, Juan Pedro Martinez Lajara, Lucia Segurajauregui, and Anke Van Wijck, Media Art Futures / Centro de Arte La Conservera de Ceutí.