Functionless

Functionless is an interactive 3D-generation tool exploring how surreal household items can become when users imagine their form separated from their function. 

The project was exhibited in the SVA Chelsea gallery during June of 2024. It later travelled to ARS Electronica in Linz, Austria (4 - 8 September, 2024) and to the Design Weekend at the V&A Museum in London, England (20-22 September, 2024).
Brief: Investigate the relationship between form and function by creating a system that allows users to generate and interact with household objects freed from their intended purpose.

Challenge: Function often dictates form. By removing utility and tangibility as a constraint, familiar objects can be reimagined as expressive, surreal, and unexpected household items.

Outcome: An interactive system combining real-time 3D generation with a custom analog controller, enabling users to intuitively create unique objects. The project extends beyond the digital in an installation consisting of the interactive controller, physical fabricated sculpture and an evolving gallery of user-generated pieces, creating a continuous dialogue between system, user, and outcome.


A project by Andres Salazar and Wenyi Zhang



Sizzle
Gallery


Installation Key ElementsInterective 3D Generation: Generate surreal 3D household items in real-time. Procedural Modeling and effect in Houdini. Real-time rendering in UE5.

Custom Controller: Drive the 3D content with a controller designed for intuitive interaction. Wired with Arduino and custom made with 3D printing and woodworking.

Evolving Gallery: An ever-changing collection of past creations, showcasing the endless possibilities of the tool. Available to see during the exhibitions or in the Gallery Webpage.

Sculpture Fabrication: Physical sculptures created from digital designs, bringing virtual creations into the real world. High density foam routed with a CNC machine.




Technical Direction

Creative Direction

Branding

Sizzle Music

Ambient Music

Instructors

Advisors

Special Thanks
Wenyi Zhang

Andres Salazar

Jimena Martinez


Javier Cruz


Daniel Finn


Anney Bonney, Javier Cruz, India Lombardi-Bello, Adam Meyers

Paul Esteves, Daniel Finn, Ben Forest, Michael Gold

Manuel Casasola, Michael Dondero, Mark Ingle, Christopher Kopic, Luis Navarro, Milos Paripovic, Mortiz Schwind, Jose Vargas, Mike Wang


Andrés Salazar
3D Designer & Art Director