FOLD by Isaac Monté
The FOLD project explored and pushed the boundaries of the use of stone paper for a paper packaging manufacturer in Bulgaria. The artist in the project conceived a series of prototypes ranging from stone paper made lamps, to wallets, and even trench coats. Of this catalogue, the lamp is the first product to be incorporated in the manufacturer’s portfolio, expanding their markets with this material. The artist also developed a proof-of-concept process for stone paper 3D printing, demonstrating the possibilities to turn the paper into printable paste. The consortium continues to develop this technology, currently working towards a prototype 3D printer for stone paper production.The FOLD project led to increased production capacity, an improved existing and a completely new product, for the world’s first stone paper 3D printing system. The project won the I4MS Award.
SMARTHam by Frederik De Wilde
The SMARTHAM project explored ways in which digital technologies can enforce the centuries-old and highly regulated production of hams without conflicting with the rules, as well as enhance its distinguishing taste. The artist in the project focused on developing the idea of taste mapping by measuring and translating brain stimulation activity while tasting Parma ham. Such an algorithm did not exist, and the artist developed a first working prototype of such a mapping tool. Feeding the algorithm with current state of the art knowledge on brain – taste relations, the tool shows highly detailed and specific taste experiences which are captured by the brain, yet not necessarily experienced by the body. The SMARTHAM project led to a set of early stage usages of digital, AI based tools, which could contribute to the future of Parma ham production and consumption while not interfering with the centuries old standards.
WRC by Tomas Libertiny
The WRC project dealt with the topic of robotization within metal welding and the possibilities this would give to rethink the ways in which containers can be produced. The project was set within a Slovakian manufacturing factory of customised containers for anything but shipping.The artist in the project researched and explored welding possibilities, ranging from spot welding to fluid form welding, which could be instructed to the robotic cell. This led to the realization of a metal welded door with the need for less support material, less welds to produce and complete new aesthetic qualities, partly realized as a result of the welding. The RWC project led to increased productivity, lowering the time to weld a singular door from five hours to one hour, less need for support materials (thus less waste) and less need for welds (thus saving energy) by art-driven experimentation of ways in which metal containers can be welded in the age of robotics.
