Start Slideshow
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsWe're big fans of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=cardboard+architecture">cardboard architecture</a>, but in most cases, the material yields structures that are boxy and rather simplistic. That's why we were blown away when we spotted these incredibly intricate cardboard columns by <a href="http://www.michael-hansmeyer.com/">Michael Hansmeyer</a>, which <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663306/the-worlds-most-complex-architecture-cardboard-columns-with-16-million-facets#12">FastcoDesign</a> actually dubbed as the most complex architecture in the world. The dizzying Doric column variations are created on Hansmeyer's computer using a subdivision algorithm that allows them to have between <strong>8 and 16 million facets</strong> (distinct surfaces). They're so insanely detailed that most people - including us - mistake the actual physical prototypes for computer renderings!1
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsSo how does one go about fabricating a form with 16 million facets?2
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsWell, the first method you might think of is <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=3d+printer">3D printing</a>, but according to Hansmeyer, his "computational architecture" is actually so complex that most 3D printers would run away with their tails between their legs at seeing it.3
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsSo Hansmeyer decided to take a different approach - one that might seem elementary, but is actually pretty ingenious when you think about it.4
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsFirst, he sliced his model into thousands of cross sections using a computer program.5
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsOne of the cross sections.6
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsWhile the model as a whole is insanely detailed, each one of the cross sections is actually quite simple, and Hansmeyer realized he could output them on cardboard using laser cutters.7
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsBelieve it or not, it only took about 15 hours for the machines (three in total working in parallel overnight) to cut out all of the slices.8
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns"This would have literally taken months of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/index.php?s=3d+printer">3D printing</a> at considerable expense," Hansmeyer told <a href="http://www.fastcodesign.com/1663306/the-worlds-most-complex-architecture-cardboard-columns-with-16-million-facets#1">FastcoDesign</a>.9
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns"Our method of fabrication also makes the column very easy to transport: just unstack the slices," says Hansmeyer.10
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsOh, and did we mention the materials only cost $1500 - imagine how much 3D printing would have run.11
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsLooking at the prototype, it's hard to believe that it's a real-life physical form. But it is and <a href="http://www.michael-hansmeyer.com/">Hansmeyer</a> even wants to experiment on using his method with more robust materials in order to start building real structures with his "computational architecture."12
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard ColumnsIn terms of eco-friendliness, the cardboard forms would be easy to recycle or be made of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/recycled-materials">recycled materials</a> and according to Hansmeyer, don't even require glue.13
- Micheal Hansmeyer Cardboard Columns"You just slip the slices over the cores and it all holds together," he says.14