Functionless

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

The primary element of this installation is the connection between the interactive software and the custom analog controller that enables users to craft their own personalized designs.

An evolving gallery showcases past creations, inviting and inspiring new users. A real-size stool sculpture (designed in Functionless) was fabricated, blurring the boundaries between the physical and the digital; giving a spotlight to usually forgotten household items.

The project was exhibited in the SVA Chelsea gallery at the beginning of June. It will be shown in ARS Electronica in Linz Austria (4 - 8 September, 2024) and in the Design Weekend at the V&A Museum in London, England (20-22 September, 2024).

A project by Andres Salazar and Wenyi Zhang.

Installation

[Installation Key Elements]

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

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

  • Evolving Online 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.

Promotional Video

During the creation process we developed some effects and shaders that weren’t ideal for real-time rendering. With that in mind, we decided to use them in the creation of a traditionally rendered video that functioned as a promotional piece.

Documentation Video

As one of the deliverables we created a video explaining the project and showing how we created it.

[Credits]

Technical Direction: Wenyi Zhang

Creative Direction: Andres Salazar

Branding: Jimena Martinez

Sizzle Music: Javier Cruz

Ambient Music: Daniel Finn

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

Advisors: Paul Esteves, Daniel Finn, Ben Forest, Michael Gold

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