3D printing | designboom.com https://www.designboom.com/tag/3d-printing/ designboom magazine | your first source for architecture, design & art news Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:34:46 +0000 en-US hourly 1 modular brass grid chair draped in velvet replicates coreless exoskeleton skyscrapers https://www.designboom.com/design/modular-brass-grid-chair-draped-velvet-coreless-exoskeleton-skyscrapers-copia-new-yorkea-massimiliano-malago-09-25-2025/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:01:43 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1155122 brass, velvet, PLA joints, and gold thread define the chair’s material palette.

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Copia New Yorkea Translates High-Rise Structures into Furniture

 

Italian architect and designer Massimiliano Malagò presents Copia New Yorkea, a chair that translates the structural logic of coreless exoskeleton skyscrapers into furniture form. The piece combines brass, velvet, 3D printed PLA joints, and gold thread, situating itself between functional object and critical inquiry.

 

The design employs an isomorphic process, mapping the spatial and structural qualities of high-rise architecture onto a domestic seat. A brass grid frame recalls the column-free curtain wall of corporate towers, within which a suspended fabric cocoon creates the seating surface. Modular 3D printed nodes join the frame, reflecting the parametric connectors typical of high-rise engineering systems. Unlike biomimicry, where natural forms inspire architecture, Copia New Yorkea reverses the process by drawing directly from architectural typologies. By adapting the monumentality and logic of the skyscraper to the intimate scale of the body, the work raises questions about the transfer of design languages across scales and contexts.


all images by Helene Helleu

 

 

Massimiliano Malagò Explores Power & Privilege Through Design

 

The chair’s enclosed form resonates with historical precedents such as the sedan chair, once used to transport elite individuals. Massimiliano Malagò draws a parallel between these vessels of privilege and modern skyscrapers, both of which serve to elevate, conceal, and project authority. ‘Their reflectivity and transparency are curated, not democratic. Nor is any of the scale of them proportional to the merits of those who inhabit them,’ notes the designer. ‘Copia New Yorkea reframes the curtain wall not just as an aesthetic, but as a social and political skin.’ The brass grid and textile cocoon become both structural and symbolic, framing the chair as a reflection on architectural skins and their social dimensions.

 

The project traces its origins to Malagò’s experience at OMA in New York, where questions regarding the narrative strategies used to justify skyscraper design sparked a broader reflection on isomorphic design methodologies. Later, during his time at Bond NY, he experimented with translating texts into architectural forms, a method that informs his current practice. Copia New Yorkea continues this trajectory, positioning isomorphic design not as a stylistic exercise but as a critique of how architectural references are deployed. Through this translation of high-rise engineering into a furniture object, Malagò opens a dialogue on the role of analogy in design, the politics of architectural form, and the legitimacy of transscalar methodologies in contemporary practice.


Copia New Yorkea chair by Massimiliano Malagò translates skyscraper logic into furniture design


brass, velvet, PLA joints, and gold thread define the chair’s material palette

copia-new-yorkea-massimiliano-malago-skyscraper-chair-designboom-1800-3

3D printed nodes connect the brass structural exposed skin


the joints reference parametric connectors in high-rise engineering


a suspended fabric cocoon creates the seating surface

copia-new-yorkea-massimiliano-malago-skyscraper-chair-designboom-1800-2

the enclosed seat recalls the sedan chair of elite transport


dense velvet clouds mirror the views of a skyscraper’s translucent curtain walls


the clouds operate like a bitmap on a planar surface

 

project info:

 

name: Copia New Yorkea
designer: Massimiliano Malagò | @massimilianomariamalago

photographer: Helene Helleu | @helenehelleu

photography coloring: Tom Keelan | @tom_keelan

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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taras yoom’s sculptural backgammon set reflects rhythm of play through colors and patterns https://www.designboom.com/design/sculptural-backgammon-set-taras-yoom-game-structure-colors-patterns-another-kingdom-08-29-2025/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:30:23 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1149968 another kingdom is the first backgammon set in the yoomoota gaming line.

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Taras Yoom designs a sculptural backgammon set

 

Bangkok-based artist Taras Yoom introduces Another Kingdom, the first backgammon set in the Yoomoota gaming line. Expanding on his earlier chess series, the project continues the narrative of two opposing kingdoms, serving as a metaphorical exploration of human history.

 

This edition transforms backgammon into a sculptural object, where checkers and dice represent the interplay of chance and strategy. The collection consists of 21 handcrafted sets, produced through a combination of advanced and traditional processes, including 3D printing with photopolymer plastic, molding, sculpting, polymer casting, manual finishing, and acrylic detailing. Materials range from acrylic and metals to plastics and silicone. Each piece is embedded with an NFC chip that certifies authenticity and records ownership.


all images courtesy of Taras Yoom (Yoomoota)

 

 

Another Kingdom’s pattern reflects the rhythm of play

 

Artist Taras Yoom’s design reflects the structure of the game itself. The backgammon board serves as the focal point, with its inner pattern expressing the rhythm of play, while markings on the lid allude to the influence of randomness. The sculptural checkers are conceived as miniature artworks, following precise paths across the board yet subject to disruption with every roll of the dice.

 

A custom metal stand elevates the work into an independent interior object, balancing its functional role with its role as a collectible design piece. Through this synthesis of materiality, craftsmanship, and game mechanics, Another Kingdom underscores the dualities of order and chance that define both play and lived experience. The project will be available for pre-order online and is set to premiere at PAD London from October 14th to 19th, 2025.


the first backgammon set expands the Yoomoota collectible gaming line


each of the 21 handcrafted sets combines 3D printing, molding, sculpting, and hand-finishing


sculptural checkers act as miniature artworks in motion

another-kingdom-taras-yoom-yoomoota-backgammon-set-designboom-1800-2

the board’s inner pattern expresses the rhythm of play


every roll of the dice reshapes the game, rewriting the player’s destiny

another-kingdom-taras-yoom-yoomoota-backgammon-set-designboom-1800-3

acrylic detailing adds precision and depth


backgammon is reimagined as a sculptural object


production combines 3D printing, molding, and sculpting


a custom metal stand elevates the work into an independent interior object

 

project info:

 

name: Another Kingdom

designer: Taras Yoom (Yoomoota) | @yoomoota

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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miniature metro system by xing’s world carries first feline passengers in cat town https://www.designboom.com/design/miniature-metro-system-xings-world-first-feline-passengers-cat-town-08-28-2025/ Thu, 28 Aug 2025 10:20:54 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1151688 the tiny infrastructure introduces a complete underground station and moving train, adding a new chapter to the youtuber's series of playful designs.

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Xing’s world builds functioning subway system for cats at home

 

After two years of experimenting with small-scale architecture for his pets, Chinese YouTuber Xing’s World unveils his most ambitious miniature project to date: a fully operating subway system for cats. Built over the course of four months, the tiny infrastructure introduces a complete underground station and moving train, adding a new chapter to his long-running series of playful designs for Cat Town.

 

The metro joins a growing portfolio of miniature environments that Xing has created, including a pool for cats, a private island, a parking garage, a pet supermarket, a home, and even a small movie theater. What distinguishes the subway is the engineering detail behind it. To realize the design, the designer relied on both his woodworking skills and 3D printed parts, which allowed him to construct the complex station elements with precision. Xing faced the challenges of synchronizing the opening of train and platform doors, as well as constructing a functioning escalator. Instead of letting those hurdles stall the project, he committed to tackling each problem step by step until the full system came together.


images courtesy of Xing’s World

 

 

mini metro Transit for Furry Commuters

 

The final station includes realistic details that echo urban transit environments, from the train’s arrival sequence to the boarding process. Platform screen doors line the edge, complete with signage and warning strips, while overhead maps and directional boards recreate the look of a real metro concourse. Even escalators, staircases, and waste-sorting bins are carefully crafted to scale. ‘Welcome to Cat Town Station, please give way to alighting passengers before boarding,’ content creator Xing’s World announces in the video tour, where his cats, Mr. Nice and his family, become the first passengers to explore the new underground world. Like his earlier projects, he conceives the subway as a way of reimagining everyday infrastructures on a miniature, pet-friendly scale.

 

While the subway shows intricate craft and engineering, the process also reveals the ongoing interaction between design and daily life in Xing’s home. Training the cats to use the miniature system became part of the process, mixing playfulness with problem-solving. Xing even jokes that the usual headaches of post-construction cleanup were made easier this time thanks to a robot that was part of the project. 


a fully operating subway system for cats


built over the course of four months


the tiny infrastructure introduces a complete underground station and moving train


Xing faced the challenges of synchronizing the opening of train and platform doors

miniature-metro-system-xings-world-first-feline-passengers-cat-town-designboom-large02

the metro joins a growing portfolio of miniature environments that Xing has created in his home


training the cats to navigate the miniature system becomes part of the narrative


blending humor with technical ingenuity


Xing committed to tackling each problem step by step

miniature-metro-system-xings-world-first-feline-passengers-cat-town-designboom-large01

a new chapter to the YouTuber’s long-running series of playful designs for Cat Town


cats become the first passengers to explore the new underground world


the subway was conceived as a way of reimagining everyday infrastructures on a miniature scale

 

 

project info:

 

name: Cat Town Subway

designer: Xing’s World 

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vincent leroy’s optical mobile of floating lenses dances with hot air balloons over cappadocia https://www.designboom.com/art/vincent-leroy-optical-mobile-floating-lenses-hot-air-balloons-cappadocia-08-27-2025/ Wed, 27 Aug 2025 09:40:14 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1151352 wind and light become active elements of the kinetic installation.

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Floating Fresnel Lenses shape a kinetic sculpture by Vincent Leroy

 

In the valleys of Cappadocia, French artist Vincent Leroy has installed Floating Lenses, a kinetic sculpture that interacts with wind, light, and the surrounding landscape.

 

The work is composed of concentric Fresnel lenses mounted on a carbon and 3D printed frame. Activated by natural air currents, the structure shifts gently, refracting and distorting its environment. As the morning balloons rise across the horizon, their forms appear multiplied, dissolved, and reshaped through the lenses, producing layered visual effects that alter the perception of space.


the lenses float between sky and earth | all images by Vincent Leroy Studio

 

 

Wind and light become active elements of the kinetic installation

 

Rather than functioning as a static object, the installation operates as a responsive surface. Each lens reframes fragments of sky and terrain, generating a continuous sequence of visual transformations. The project emphasizes the relationship between movement, optics, and landscape, where technology integrates with natural conditions instead of dominating them.

 

With Floating Lenses, artist Vincent Leroy extends his investigation into optical devices and kinetic structures, reinterpreting the Fresnel lens beyond its utilitarian origins. The installation highlights the potential of material and environmental forces, such as wind, light, and perspective, to create a spatial experience in constant flux.


the lenses capture the first rays of the sun


a silent visual choreography


the mobile echoes the morning dance of hot-air balloons in Cappadocia


a natural kaleidoscope in perpetual transformation

vincent-leroy-floating-lenses-kinetic-sculpture-optical-mobile-cappadocia-designboom-1800-3

the work generates a spatial experience in constant flux


the installation is one with the landscape

vincent-leroy-floating-lenses-kinetic-sculpture-optical-mobile-cappadocia-designboom-1800-2

the sculpture creates a dialogue between movement and optics


hot air balloons ripple and echo through the lenses, like a drifting mirage


close-up of refracted landscapes through a single lens

 

project info:

 

name: Floating Lenses

designer: Vincent Leroy | @vincent_leroy_studio

location: Cappadocia, Turkey

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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3D printed sneakers by daniyar uderbekov adjust to users’ soles with climbing rope lacing https://www.designboom.com/design/3d-printed-sneakers-daniyar-uderbekov-users-soles-climbing-rope-lacing-udrb-08-26-2025/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 10:30:32 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1150720 kazakh designer daniyar uderbekov reimagines traditional footwear using eco-conscious recyclable materials.

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UDRB: a modular sneaker by Kazakh Designer Daniyar Uderbekov

 

Almaty-based designer Daniyar Uderbekov introduces UDRB, a modular sneaker concept that integrates 3D printing with traditional Central Asian footwear references. The project explores sustainability through material reduction, disassemblable construction, and cultural continuity.

 

Unlike conventional glued footwear, UDRB is fully modular and dismantlable. The design allows each component to be repaired, replaced, or recycled, extending the lifespan of the product and simplifying end-of-life management. The sneaker references the makhsi or ichigi, traditional leather boots from Central Asia and the Caucasus, adapting their construction for contemporary use.


all images courtesy of Daniyar Uderbekov

 

 

Eco 3D Printed Sneakers reinterpret traditional leather boots

 

The sneaker is composed of three main elements: a 3D printed TPU sole, a leather inner bootie, and a climbing rope lacing system. The sole is lightweight, flexible, and cushioned, with the potential for customization to match an individual footprint. Because it is produced from a single material, it can be fully recycled. The leather inner bootie draws from the form and function of the makhsi, offering natural breathability and comfort. It can also be worn independently as indoor footwear. The climbing rope lacing, a reference to the mountain landscapes surrounding Almaty, replaces rigid hardware and allows the shoe to be secured in a lightweight, adaptable way. In assembly, the leather bootie is placed into the TPU sole and secured by wrapping the rope, creating a stable yet flexible fit.

 

The design emphasizes glueless construction, reducing environmental impact while enabling repairability and recyclability. Durable natural leather contributes to longevity, and the replaceable rope system further supports circular use. By reinterpreting traditional footwear through modern fabrication methods, designer Daniyar Uderbekov bridges contemporary technology with cultural heritage.


UDRB is a modular sneaker designed by Almaty-based Daniyar Uderbekov

 

 

UDRB sneaker merges sustainability, heritage, and technology

 

UDRB is conceived for consumers who value sustainable and repairable products, adaptable and lightweight travel gear, and design that reflects cultural identity alongside modern innovation. Its hybrid nature, combining low-tech leather craftsmanship with high-tech additive manufacturing, aligns with the principles of the slow fashion movement, presenting an alternative to disposable consumer culture.

 

The project also outlines potential for future development. Variations may include interchangeable soles designed for different terrains, seasonal adaptations such as insulated versions for winter, and broader material and pattern customizations. Collaboration with local artisans would further integrate craft traditions into the system. Through its modular construction, reduced material palette, and cultural grounding, UDRB proposes a design framework where sustainability, heritage, and technology operate together in a single product.


the project combines 3D printing with references to traditional Central Asian footwear


UDRB explores sustainability through material reduction and disassemblable design


UDRB is constructed without glue, enabling full modularity and recyclability


the sneaker is built from three elements: TPU sole, leather bootie, and climbing rope laces


rope laces replace rigid hardware, creating an adaptable fit


assembly places the leather bootie into the TPU sole, secured by wrapping the rope


the 3D printed sole is lightweight, flexible, and fully recyclable


each component can be repaired, replaced, or recycled to extend the product’s lifespan

daniyar-uderbekov-udrb-3d-printed-modular-sneakers-designboom-1800-2

the sneaker reflects slow fashion principles, opposing disposable consumer culture

 

project info:

 

name: UDRB sneakers
designer: Daniyar Uderbekov@danikassel

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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miami reefline to submerge first hybrid reef: leandro erlich’s 3D-printed concrete cars https://www.designboom.com/art/miami-reefline-first-hybrid-reef-leandro-erlich-3d-printed-concrete-cars-08-26-2025/ Tue, 26 Aug 2025 06:45:51 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1151265 the reefline in miami to launch this fall with 22 full-scale 3D-printed cars by leandro erlich that double as coral reef habitat.

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The reefline’s inaugural installation: Concrete Coral

 

This October, The ReefLine will unveil its first installation by Leandro Erlich off Miami Beach, beginning a seven-mile underwater public sculpture park, snorkel trail, and hybrid reef. Conceived by Founder, Ximena Caminos, The ReefLine will restore a section of the Florida Reef Tract while creating a site for public engagement with art and climate resilience. OMA and Shohei Shigematsu were brought on to put together the master plan for the project.

 

The first deployment, Concrete Coral by Leandro Erlich, features twenty-two full-scale cars submerged fifteen to twenty feet underwater at 4th Street. Cast in marine-grade concrete from 3D-printed molds, the sculptures evoke an underwater traffic jam while providing structure for coral growth. Using Coral Lok, a patented attachment system, live corals are seeded onto the cars to accelerate reef development.

reefline leandro erlich
The ReefLine to deploy its first installation by Leandro Erlich this October | visualization courtesy The ReefLine

 

 

leandro erlich Hybridizes infrastructure and fabrication

 

While Leandro Erlich’s ReefLine installation will be sculptural, it will also support biodiversity and act as a breakwater to protect Miami’s shoreline from erosion and rising seas. 2,200 corals are being cultivated at The ReefLine’s Miami Native Coral Lab under marine biologist Colin Foord.

 

Concrete Coral marks the first step in a multi-phase cultural corridor. Upcoming installations include The Miami Reef Star by Carlos Betancourt and Alberto Latorre, and Heart of Okeanos by Petroc Sesti. Each work is designed as both art and reef infrastructure, advancing The ReefLine’s goal of planting one million corals over its lifespan.

the reefline's 'miami reef star' demonstrates future of miami beach's underwater ecosystems
The Reefline’s Miami Reef Star prototype displayed during Miami Art Week 2024 | image © designboom

 

 

project info:

 

name: The ReefLine | @thereefline

artist: Leandro Erlich | @leandroerlichofficial

fabricator: Madco3D | @madco3d

coral cultivation: Miami Native Coral Lab (Colin Foord)

 

artistic director, founder: Ximena Caminos
master planner: OMA / Shohei Shigematsu
curatorial advisors: Brandi Reddick (Cultural Affairs Manager, City of Miami Beach), Jérôme Sanz (Independent Curator)

previous coverage: November 2020, December 2024

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designboom shop’s jewelry treasures from monolith rings to 3D-printed necklaces https://www.designboom.com/design/designboom-shop-jewelry-treasures-monolith-rings-3d-printed-necklaces-08-25-2025/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:33 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1150793 are you a designer or studio with work to share? submit your products today and join a curated platform seen by millions across the global design community!

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hidden gems of the designboom shop

 

The designboom shop keeps growing, fostering more and more connections between designers and our global audience. Lighting design, furniture, room décor and 3D-printed jewelry are just a few of the categories that this online shop curates, offering items for any occasion or style. 

 

Are you a designer or studio with work to share? Submit your products today and join a curated platform seen by millions across the global design community!

 

discover jewelry Highlights below


Fondo marino ring by Maddalena Bearzi

 

Name: Fondo marino ring

Studio: Maddalena Bearzi

Price: $320

 

Inspired by the still unknown world of the abyss, this unique, unisex, and one-of-a-kind handcrafted ring makes a statement on anyone’s hand. Fondo Marino is hammered and forged silver finished with 14k solid gold and a handmade patina. The ring/band comes in size 7 which fits most fingers, and it’s approximately 1″ (2.4 cm) tall in the front and 0.2″ (3.5mm) in the back.


3D printed architects’ Height Model by RADIAN

 

Name: Height Model

Studio: RADIAN

Price: $139

 

The Height Model inspired Pit collection is all about the pieces’ own history. It all starts with extracting metal ores out of the Earth’s crust. This subtractive process forms the strong contrast to further processing of the material. The use of 3D printed stainless steel creates the final shape layer by layer without losing the memory of the collection’s origin. 


Milk Box Ring by Anthony Isaac

 

Name: Milk Box Ring

Design: Anthony Isaac

Price: $145

 

Designed by Anthony Isaac, the Milk Box Ring is cast in solid silver, and pays mirror-polished tribute to a humble classic. Down to the finest detail, this chunky statement ring is an industrial icon at your fingertips.


Gemring by Gesine Doelle

 

Name: Gemring 

Studio: Gesine Doelle

Price: $145

 

Gesine Doelle mixes advanced technology and handcraft to create her own collection of jewelry. The idea was to create a ring made of a material that is usually used for furniture design – this inspired the designer to model the monolith collection.


Flip lenticular square earrings reacts according to wearer’s movements by A.Pair

 

Name: Flip lenticular square earrings reacts according to wearer’s movements

Studio: A.Pair

Price: $38

 

The earrings based on a lenticular multi-view display system where lens are utilized. When it is viewed with the lens from various angles, the viewer can see the reflection of the simple structure and image graphic characteristics. The divided graphic images instantly change with the wearer’s movements.


Knit Necklace by Monocircus

 

Name: Knit necklace

Studio: Monocircus

Price: $167

 

Knit Necklace is an extension to the studio’s signature Knit Series of earrings and bangles which have since been very well-received locally and internationally. The design accentuates the unique ‘knitted’ structure resulting in a fascinating one-of-a-kind necklace. The impression of softness in knitted fabrics, coupled with the strength and unique flexibility of the nylon plastic material, Knit Necklace presents a unique texture and impression. The structure is designed as a hollow tube-like form, making effective use of the tensile strength of the material. It is 3D printed as a whole structure without any joints.


Maze Earrings by Angular Moment

 

Name: Maze Earrings

Studio: Angular Moment

Price: $167

 

Drawing inspiration from the repetition of forms and stepped geometry of the Art Deco era, the Maze earrings and their matching pendant are simple and sleek, and just plain pretty. Maze earrings are available in two sizes, 1.5″ h and 1.25″ h, and two metals, stainless steel and 14K gold plated stainless steel. Model is wearing the 1.5″ size.


VAIN-DICE by Whenwatch

 

Name: VAIN-DICE

Studio: Whenwatch

Price: $20

 

Another designboom shop gem is the VAIN-DICE – a unique hollow frame dice, whose points are cleverly distributed on the cubic frame, presenting a unique visual effect. It adopts an extremely complex mold structure, and is carefully designed and produced. Each dice has to go through more than a dozen fine craftsmanship to ensure that every detail is almost perfect, showing an unparalleled sense of quality.

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modernized 1984 apple macintosh with 3D printed case runs the macOS using raspberry pi https://www.designboom.com/technology/modernized-1984-apple-macintosh-3d-printed-case-macos-raspberry-pi-snazzy-labs-08-21-2025/ Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:50:06 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1150886 a DIY unit that users can build on their own, the device with a larger display faithfully follows the computer’s design.

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Larger display for the modernized 1984 apple macintosh

 

Quinn Nelson, known as Snazzy Labs, modernizes the 1984 Apple Macintosh on his own using a 3D printed case and a Raspberry Pi that runs the MacOS. A DIY unit that users can build, the device faithfully follows the Mac design. It uses a Raspberry Pi 3B+ computer inside the 3D printed case, with the latter housing the 10.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio. It matches the original Macintosh screen shape but with more screen space.

 

The main body of the modernized 1984 Apple Macintosh prints horizontally on a 3D printer bed, since the case measures larger than most printer build areas. The creator used an H2D printer for the full-size construction, slightly tapering the case walls to match the computer’s shape. The display connects through a mini HDMI to a full-size HDMI adapter cable, and a 180-degree adapter bends the cable to fit inside the case. The display receives power from a USB-C cable, with the display mounting on a cantilever system instead of filling the entire internal space.

modernized 1984 apple macintosh
all images courtesy of Snazzy Labs

 

 

Buildable computer that runs macOS using raspberry pi

 

In a Youtube video, the creator Snazzy Labs documents the making of the modernized 1984 Apple Macintosh. He even prints the rainbow-styled Apple logo from that year, ironing its surface using the printer to add some finishing to it. Specs-wise, the Raspberry Pi 3B+ mounts on a custom tray inside the 3D printed case, and the tray prints with a dual-nozzle setup using PLA plastic for structure and TPU rubber for cushioning. The tray includes cutouts for USB ports and Ethernet connection. The system runs the System 7 operating system through Basilisk II emulator software, which recreates the original Macintosh user interface and functions. 

 

Then, the Pi processes the emulation and outputs to the display. Original Apple peripherals connect through adapter cables, allowing the use of vintage keyboards and mice with the modern Pi computer. Even the filament colors match the original Macintosh beige color scheme. Snazzy Labs has uploaded the files for all 3D printed components for those who want to produce and print their own modernized 1984 Apple Macintosh, including the main case body, Pi mounting tray, and Apple logo sections.

modernized 1984 apple macintosh
side profile with opening as vents

modernized 1984 apple macintosh
rear view with the ports

modernized 1984 apple macintosh
the bottom doubles as a multipurpose corkboard

modernized 1984 apple macintosh
the Raspberry Pi 3B+ mounts on a custom tray inside the 3D printed case

modernized 1984 apple macintosh
the 3D printed case houses the 10.5-inch display with a 3:2 aspect ratio

modernized-1984-apple-macintosh-3D-printed-case-macOS-raspberry-pi-snazzy-labs-designboom-ban

view of the 3D printed case and parts

the creator even replicates the rainbow-styled Apple logo
the creator even replicates the rainbow-styled Apple logo

view of a 3D printed part
view of a 3D printed part

modernized-1984-apple-macintosh-3D-printed-case-macOS-raspberry-pi-snazzy-labs-designboom-ban2

users can build the device themselves

 

project info:

 

name: Modern Mac – a Raspberry Pi 1984 Macintosh Homage

channel: Snazzy Labs | @snazzyq

files: here

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modular 3D printed bluetooth speaker allows for personalized color and pattern variations https://www.designboom.com/technology/modular-3d-printed-bluetooth-speaker-personalized-color-pattern-variations-ttd-3000-boombox-maker-hardware-patrick-cronin-08-12-2025/ Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:01:25 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1149619 the design references vintage hi-fi, portable boomboxes, and handcrafted furniture.

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TTD.3000 Boombox Merges 3D Printing, Modularity, and Hi-Fi Design

 

TTD.3000 Boombox by Maker Hardware is a Bluetooth-enabled, 3D printed, hi-fi speaker designed with a focus on visual impact and repairability. Developed as an alternative to disposable consumer electronics, the product combines modular construction with an adaptable aesthetic. The speaker body is produced through FDM 3D printing using industrial-grade PETG, selected for its impact resistance, scratch resistance, and resistance to heat and chemicals. Structural elements incorporate stainless steel and aluminum finishes to prevent rust and wear. Each unit is assembled by hand in New York City by trained electro-mechanical technicians to ensure precision.

 

The design draws on references from vintage hi-fi equipment, portable boombox culture, handcrafted furniture, and contemporary maker spaces. A wide range of body patterns and color variations is made possible through the 3D printing process, allowing new designs to be produced in a matter of days. Color changes can be achieved by substituting filament types, enabling a large catalog of options.


all images courtesy of Maker Hardware

 

 

Maker Hardware’s Modular Boombox is Built for Easy Upgrades

 

Maker Hardware’s designer, Patrick Cronin, sets modularity as a central feature of TTD.3000. All major components, including the front faceplate and battery pack, can be replaced or upgraded using standard hand tools. The rechargeable battery pack is designed for easy access, enabling straightforward replacement when needed. This approach extends the product’s lifespan and facilitates long-term maintenance. By integrating manufacturing, assembly, and servicing in-house, Maker Hardware supports a repair ecosystem in which damaged or worn parts can be replaced efficiently. The combination of precision manufacturing, durable materials, and modular construction positions TTD.3000 Boombox as a long-lasting, adaptable audio device.


TTD.3000 Boombox, a Bluetooth-enabled hi-fi speaker built for longevity


3D printed body produced with industrial-grade PETG for durability


impact, scratch, heat, and chemical resistance built into the material


stainless steel and aluminum finishes protect against rust and wear


3D printing allows rapid production of new designs in days

ttd-3000-boombox-maker-hardware-patrick-cronin-designboom-1800-3

design references vintage hi-fi, portable boomboxes, and handcrafted furniture


front faceplate and battery pack can be replaced with standard tools


modular construction enables easy repairs and upgrades

ttd-3000-boombox-maker-hardware-patrick-cronin-designboom-1800-2

color variations achieved by changing filament types


large catalog of patterns and finishes for personalized selection

 

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Maker Hardware (@maker.hardware)


an adaptable speaker equally suited for home or street use


rechargeable battery pack designed for quick, simple replacement


durable materials support decades of use rather than years


Maker Hardware integrates design, assembly, and repair in-house

 

project info:

 

name: Maker Hardware’s TTD.3000 Boombox
designer: Maker Hardware – Patrick Cronin | @maker.hardware

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

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zellerfeld releases havaianas’ first-ever 3D printed flip-flops with rounded toe cap https://www.designboom.com/design/zellerfeld-havaianas-first-ever-3d-printed-flip-flops-rounded-toe-cap-08-05-2025/ Tue, 05 Aug 2025 19:30:47 +0000 https://www.designboom.com/?p=1148630 set to launch in september 2025, the toe area is covered with a rounded front piece, wrapping over the front of the foot and linking it to the base.

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first-ever 3D printed flip-flops by havaianas and zellerfeld

 

Zellerfeld and Havaianas team up to produce the latter’s first-ever 3D printed flip-flops, complete with a rounded toe cap. Set to launch in September 2025, the footwear’s top still has a Y-shaped strap, a familiar design of the sandals company’s products. It connects between the big and second toe and extends along the sides of the foot. 

 

The brand’s name is printed on the strap, along with a textured pattern, which is a prominent part of the 3D printed design. The toe area is covered with a rounded front piece, wrapping over the front of the foot and linking it to the base. This toe covering helps to hold the foot in place and protect it from being exposed.

zellerfeld havaianas flip-flops
all images courtesy of Zellerfeld and Havaianas

 

 

Textured surface on the footwear to improve grip

 

Zellerfeld’s 3D printing signature comes through the footbed, too. Here, the area has a textured surface, including small raised patterns that can help prevent the wearer from slipping. The footwear’s bed follows the curve of the foot, and it rises at the heel and along the sides to provide structure and support. There are no visible seams, and the whole design appears to be printed in one go. The bottom of the 3D printed Havaianas flip-flops shows a layered circular pattern coming from Zellerfeld’s 3D printing process, which may help with grip when walking.

 

The shape of the 3D printed Havaianas flip-flops with Zellerfeld strays from the typical flat form of regular sandals. The pair has a molded shape that wraps around the foot, likely designed for comfort and stability, and the rounded toe cap and lifted heel suggest the footwear can reduce pressure on the foot. Since the sandals use 3D printing technology, a pair can be made on demand, reducing waste. So far, Zellerfeld and Havaianas plan to launch their first-ever 3D printed flip-flops in September 2025.

zellerfeld havaianas flip-flops
Zellerfeld and Havaianas team up to produce the latter’s first-ever 3D printed flip-flops

zellerfeld havaianas flip-flops
the footwear’s top still has a Y-shaped strap

the bottom  shows a layered circular pattern, which may help with grip when walking
the bottom shows a layered circular pattern, which may help with grip when walking

 

 

project info:

 

name: 3D printed flip-flops

brands: Zellerfeld, Havaianas | @zellerfeld, @havaianas

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