Home Applications & Case Studies 3D-printed ceramic sculptures as a habitat for insects

3D-printed ceramic sculptures as a habitat for insects

Artist Raphaël Emine combines utopian architecture, natural structures and decorative art in a series of ceramic sculptures that serve as habitats for insects and other microorganisms. The works explore the coexistence of nature and the designed environment and highlight the importance of protecting microbiological ecosystems.

The WASP 40100 LDM and Delta WASP 2040 Clay 3D printing systems with a continuous material feed system were used to produce the sculptures. This technology enables the realization of complex designs in various sizes and allows a detailed design with organic shapes and openwork structures.

The works known under the title “Les Utopies Entomologiques” are based on natural constructions such as honeycombs, spider webs or plant fractals. In contrast to conventional sculptures, which appear as monolithic objects, these works are interspersed with corridors, balconies and cavities, making them not only artistically impressive, but also providing functional nesting places for insects. Two installations in this series have already been realized: one in 2023, another in 2024.

A special part of the project is the integration of the “nest” structures in the Parc Maison Blanche in Marseille. There, the ceramic sculptures were inserted into dead palm trunks to create new habitats for insects. Inspired by entomological studies, these works experiment with colors and shapes designed to attract specific insect species.

The combination of traditional ceramic techniques with modern additive manufacturing processes demonstrates the potential of ceramic 3D printing for environmentally friendly and artistic applications. In addition to their ecological function, the sculptures fascinate with their depth of detail and symbolize an innovative interface between art, technology and nature.


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