The Rootscape Planter
Year: 2023
Project Brief
The RootsCape Planter project aimed to explore the intersection of organic forms and digital fabrication by transforming scanned root structures from the garden into a functional planter. The project used advanced digital tools to bring nature-inspired aesthetics into a designed object, emphasizing biomorphic shaping and modular assembly. The resulting planter was created as a series of interconnected 3D-printed components, which combine into a cohesive structure that echoes the intricate forms found in roots. This project demonstrated how digital fabrication can translate natural elements into innovative, sustainable design objects, expanding the potential of digital modeling and 3D printing in the realm of functional art.
Process
The process began with 3D scanning, capturing root structures that were then refined in Fusion 360 and Meshmixer to adjust details and achieve a natural, biomorphic look. The main planter body and joints were modeled in Fusion 360, while Meshmixer was used to further refine the pot shapes to make them more organic. Each component was 3D-printed separately, and the final planter was assembled by gluing these parts together. This project provided hands-on experience with digital modeling, organic shaping, and assembly, deepening understanding of the entire digital fabrication process, from concept to physical product.
Outcome
The final resolved outcome of the RootsCape Planter project is a uniquely biomorphic planter that merges natural aesthetics with digital precision. Composed of interconnected, 3D-printed modules, the planter showcases the intricate, organic forms of root structures captured from garden specimens. Each component is carefully shaped to fit together seamlessly, resulting in a dynamic, visually compelling object that embodies both nature and design. The planter’s form emphasizes the beauty of irregularity, with an organic flow that complements the plants it holds. The successful assembly and stability of the piece reflect the effectiveness of the digital modeling and fabrication techniques used, achieving the project’s goal of creating a functional yet sculptural object that reimagines how nature can inspire design through advanced digital processes.
