At the Heimtextil 2026 trade fair in Frankfurt, renowned Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola presented a pioneering installation titled "among-all". This work ingeniously blends sustainability, large-format 3D printing, and artificial intelligence to explore the possibilities of future materials.
The most eye-catching elements of the installation are several massive columns. They are not made from traditional materials but were 3D printed in one go using Caracol's large-format additive manufacturing equipment and recycled nylon waste (ECONYL material). The raw materials come from plastic waste like discarded fishing nets and old carpets, achieving a magnificent transformation from ocean pollutant to artistic structure.
Even more unique is the design philosophy: the artist and engineers deliberately utilized "over-extrusion" – typically considered a printing defect. The natural material drips, layered textures, and irregular forms were all precisely calculated and controlled, elevating the mechanical "error" into an expressive sculptural language. This confirms Urquiola's view: technology should be a catalyst for creativity, not a constraint.
These columns are not merely sculptures; they are pathways guiding visitors into an immersive experience. Passing through them, guests encounter a large AI-driven LED wall. Using motion sensors, the system captures and reinterprets the viewers' images in real-time, transforming them into abstract projections of "hybrid beings," creating a unique digital interactive dialogue.
Beyond the 3D-printed structure, the installation also includes hybrid material sculptures made from "Ohoskin," a leather-like alternative material derived from orange by-products, further emphasizing the themes of the circular economy and material innovation.
Through this exhibition, Urquiola not only showcases a single work but presents a future creative paradigm: leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies to seamlessly connect environmental responsibility, artistic expression, and interactive experience, allowing sustainable design to radiate compelling aesthetic power.
