This project was created as a course assignment at the California State University, Long Beach; taught by Behnaz Farahi: DESN 551: Materials, Tools, and Techniques of Prototype.

For this mini project, we had to imagine how oceanic inspirations can evolve into tangible objects that blend art and technology.

Supplies

Google, AI MidJourney, Adobe Illustrator, Rhino, Grasshopper, PolyJet 3D Printing (Stratasys J750)

Step 1: Marine Life Inspiration

I decided to take inspiration from an Angulate Wentletrap shell. This shell is known for its distinct spiral shape and richly-colored bands.

Step 2: Generate Images Using AI MidJourney

After deciding on my inspiration, I went to AI Midjourney to enhance the beauty of the Angulate Wentletrap shell, highlighting the spiral form and intensifying the colors.

Prompt:

"Beautiful Angulate Wentletrap shell with black background."

Step 3: Import Final Image to Adobe Illustrator

I decided to pick this shell because of its vibrant colors in the style of the golden ratio.

Since I wanted to eliminate the black background, I went to adobe illustrator in order to outline the shell.

Step 4: Use Grasshopper to Generate Image to 3D

Import the final image in the Grasshopper definition in order to translate the 2D generated image into a 3D object.

Step 5: Aggregate Final 3D Mesh With Grasshopper

Given the petal-like configuration of my 3D object, I opted to arrange it in a conical spiral formation. The planes are tilted, and their spacing increases as they approach the top edge of the conical spiral.