"From oligoptica, sturdy but extremely narrow views of the (connected) whole are made possible, as long as connections hold. Nothing it seems can threaten the absolutist gaze of panoptica, and this is why they are loved so much by those sociologists who dream to occupy the center of Bentham’s prison; the tiniest bug can blind oligoptica." -- Bruno Latour
The Oligopticon is a site in which societal norms and expectations are manufactured for the general consensus. Concepts such as 'culture' and 'gender' are enforced and carried out with expectations for people to follow blindly.
The Oligopticon Luminaire demonstrates a dystopian and imposing aesthetic with its intricate and sharp geometry, and bold size and shape. The luminaire was built to demonstrate the extreme limits and capabilities of FDM 3D printing and materials.
STARTED WITH SHAPES
We developed our concepts through sharp geometry and angles, wanting to showcase the extremities 3D printing can tackle.
Our initial trials focused on light reflections. printer capabilities, and complex intertwined geometry.
From here, we would explore the outside geometry, and begin working on the final product...
OPTIMIZED FOR FDM 3D MANUFACTURING
The structure was modeled for 3D print manufacturers like Innosek, and requires no brim, no supports, no infill, and is to be printed within 24 hours across 3 printers.
We used a generative honeycomb lattice with the software nTOPOLOGY for a clean and efficient texture that would enhance the technological dystopian aesthetic we were aiming for, and truly display the intricate detail FDM printing provides.
nTOPOLOGY work credit of Tony Favorito
Extremities such as sharp angles and extreme overhangs were cut from the model ; they were simulated and test-printed.
The means of assembly was simple: it would require no glue, no cables. The printed pieces would stack and tuck on top of one another with the battery-operated light sources placed inside.
Louis (right) pitching the luminaire concept to Bryce Beamer (front left) and Innosek's John Kappel (back left)
Tony (Left) and Louis (Right) assembling the pieces of the luminaire. Model printed by Innosek.
Participants in Innosek and RIT's luminaire production: Weichu Wang, James Jordan, Valentina Scottini, Olivia Cheng, Ryan Ge, xinyue liu, Tony Favorito, Louis Drum, Nash Sutton, Alex Hafen, Noah Baumgaertel, Jada Graham, Dante Verna, Jasmine Khamphanthirath, Charles Parker, Shengkai Xu, Adrian Stadthagen, and McKayla Wolfe.
This project was made possible through a collaboration with John Kappel from Innosek.
This project was made possible through a collaboration with John Kappel from Innosek.
