Mineral Formation ─ Crystallization
Material research 2020
What can industrial design harvest from the geo-process of mineral formation and develop new making methods by mimicking in the plausible future that creates symbiosis with Earth?
Inspired by nature, I am researching materials and trying to create processes by mimicking nature, precisely, geographic mimicking, which could radically change the way we make objects or try to challenge the mainstream manufacturing system, by "growing" things like Earth. While studying geomorphology, I was fascinated by natural processes like dripping by gravity, decomposing by rain, evaporating by the sun, and shaping by the wind; by studying minerals, petrification, crystallization to accretion are the promising processes. The experimental material/process research expands the possibility of future production.
Methodology
I started with seashell, smashed it into powder, dissolved with vinegar. Then, put the solution into petri dishes and wait for 3-5 days. I later realized that it is crystallization of mainly calcium. Therefore, I began to experiment on limescale, limestone and snail shell.
Besides creating on the surface, I tried to put dissolution on some objects. I chose metalwares as they are the archetypes of today's mainstream production system. Meanwhile, I was testing if minerals can be adhesive, a joinery between metalwares.
On aluminum surface
Material research in 2020
@KABK, Master Industrial Design
