Products

By using roots as packaging and a means of determining form, our printer has certain limitations but also yields very intricate, detailed and beautiful products. Due to the amount of time it takes for mint root to take the shape of a mold, our printer is best suited for smaller electronic products such as mp3 players or cameras. The natural aesthetic inherent to the roots contrasts nicely with electronics and makes for an unexpected yet beautiful product. The roots provide holes for lights to shine through, making the products come alive in the dark.

To determine the shape that the roots will take, our machine will adjust the diameter of the mold at certain increments along its central axis. The movement is very similar to that of a camera aperture. As the machine spins, the diameter increases or decreases. The roots will be bound with an elastic and pliable clear material. With time, the roots are meant to grow into the shape of this elastic material. The density of the root structure within the product can be increased by simply leaving the plant in the mold for a longer period of time.

We intend for the plastic pieces of the machine to form the framework and structure for the product. Much like a vine will grow around a lattice framework, our roots will grow around the plastic pieces, binding the electronic pieces to the product. By placing nutrients at certain points in the water reservoir we can train the roots to grow where we need them to.

So far we have been able to produce a few small electronic products using our theory of growing roots. We have created a small mp3 player and a night light. Our roots are able to compact well around the plastic framework and can make for a very solid product. This can be seen in our mp3 player. In contrast, we also have the ability to make products that are less dense and compacted. While these objects might be more delicate, they offer a very interesting aesthetic when combine with lights. An example of this can be seen in our night light.